I'm not sure how this will be received! It's not the most mature of writings... ;) I don't own any Mentalist-related stuff.
An Interview with... the Pigeon
Best recognised for his break-out role on CBS's crime-fighting drama series The Mentalist, we talk to pigeon-turned-actor The Pigeon about his appearance in one of the most hotly anticipated showdowns in TV history.
Interviewer: You make your acting debut in "Red John", the episode in which Patrick Jane finally meets his nemesis Red John. I mean, that had to be something.
Pigeon: Oh, definitely. I still can't believe it! It was such an amazing privilege to be part of such a crucial and pivotal scene, especially for a novice pigeon such as myself. Sometimes I have to pinch myself! [Pecks at self]
Interviewer: Tell us about the creative difficulties you faced in bringing your scenes to life.
Pigeon: Well, you know, it was actually pretty hard. First there was the challenge of remaining still and quiet whilst inside Simon's jacket pocket. To start with, I really had to fight the urge to coo at him [lovingly]. However, the darkness and quietude of his pocket was very alluring – I mean, it's a technique used to make parrots shut their beaks – so I am embarrassed to tell you that I fell asleep on the first take!
Interviewer: No!
Pigeon: [covers face with wing] Yes! It was mortifying. When my cue came [Simon throwing him into Xander's face], I was so dazed I made straight for the nearest roof and, er, had a small accident on the way. But, you know, Simon and Xander were amazing about it.
Interviewer: Well, we thought you were great. You really brought the role of 'magician's pigeon' to life. We sensed that you invested a great deal of emotion into the part.
Pigeon: [shuffles feet] Oh, thank you so much. Yes, when I flew into Xander's face, the whole time I was thinking: "Am I going in the right direction?", "Am I projecting enough 'shock' here?" "Am I making it believable enough?"
Interviewer: You certainly did that. How did you get the part?
Pigeon: Well, I'd been an extra in some previous episodes [alarming Xander in "Wedding in Red"] and, I don't know, it just all went from there. I guess the director liked my work! [Coos]
Interviewer: You've gained a whole new following in the fandom now. How does that feel?
Pigeon: To be serious for a second, I really feel like I've helped to pave the way for pigeons in movies. When you are consistently regarded as rats with wings, despised as vermin, have to struggle for each mouthful, and generally get kicked and flapped at all day long, particularly by children, you kind of develop self-esteem issues. You feel like you're never going to get anywhere in life. I always say that I did this for my cousin Reginald. He lost his toes in a ledge accident in 2004 and he's my hero. I got him on as an extra in that episode, and he had an absolute blast. [Reginald is one of the pigeons being fed by Jane in the park] I'm a strong advocate of Pigeons' Rights and I hope to use whatever influence I've gained to work more closely with disadvantaged pigeons in the future.
Interviewer: Good luck! And finally, how was it working with Simon, Robin and Xander?
Pigeon: Oh, acting with Simon has been a dream. He fed me some seeds at the end. I loved every moment of it.
Interviewer: Pigeon, it's been a pleasure. Thanks for talking with us.
Pigeon: [Coos]
Thank you for reading!