S7·E1 Nothing But Blue Skies

Episode recap

Task: Write a 280-380 word episode recap for The Mentalist S7E1 (Nothing But Blue Skies).
Constraints:
Use ONLY verifiable facts from the provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
No invented titles, names, dates, etc.
No guessing or inventing plot points.
Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose.
Plain text ONLY (no markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points).
Word count: 280-380 words.
TMDB Synopsis: Jane and Lisbon decide to keep their new relationship a secret from their colleagues as they investigate the murder of an undercover agent. Young, ambitious agent Michelle Vega joins the team.
Source [1]: The Mentalist (2008). Patrick Jane is a former celebrity psychic medium.
Source [2]: Show revolves around Patrick Jane, a mentalist.
Source [3]: Directed by Chris Long. Starring: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Joe Adler. Patrick Jane uses observation and expertise at "reading" people to solve crimes with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Source [4]: Jane and Lisbon are together in the final season premiere. Lisbon goes undercover in prison to bust a car theft ring.
Source [5]: Cast includes Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman.
Episode: S7E1 (Nothing But Blue Skies).
Characters: Patrick Jane (Simon Baker), Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney), Michelle Vega (young, ambitious agent), Tim Kang, Joe Adler, Owain Yeoman.
Plot points:
Jane and Lisbon are in a relationship.
They decide to keep this relationship a secret from their colleagues.
They investigate the murder of an undercover agent.
Lisbon goes undercover in prison to bust a car theft ring.
Michelle Vega joins the team.
Context: Patrick Jane is a former celebrity psychic medium and a mentalist who uses observation and reading people to solve crimes with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Drafting attempt 1:
In the final season premiere of The Mentalist, titled Nothing But Blue Skies, Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon are together. As they navigate their new relationship, they make the decision to keep their status a secret from their colleagues. The episode involves the investigation of the murder of an undercover agent. During the course of these events, a young and ambitious agent named Michelle Vega joins the team.

The series follows Patrick Jane, a former celebrity psychic medium and mentalist. Jane utilizes his skills in observation and his expertise in reading people to assist the California Bureau of Investigation in solving serious crimes. The cast of the series includes Simon Baker as Patrick Jane and Robin Tunney as