<P> Not much is known about Rigsby's childhood, aside from the fact that his father was a motorcyclist and was in a motorcycle gang . His father was in and out of jail for numerous crimes, including manslaughter; it is strongly implied Rigsby was the victim of child abuse . Rigsby worked as an arson specialist in San Diego before becoming a CBI agent . Rigsby seems to be good friends with Cho and Jane . </P> <P> He is frequently trying to imitate Jane in his antics and way of life, such as trying to hypnotize a suspect and failing . He also seems to be more daring than Cho in some ways, such as when he runs into a burning house to save someone and in the process receives second degree burns on his arm . </P> <P> It starts in season 2, a recurring subplot is Rigsby's infatuation with Grace Van Pelt . It began in "Pilot", when Jane made an off - the - cuff comment about Rigsby wanting to invite Van Pelt back to his hotel room for sex, suggesting she accept . Rigsby kisses Van Pelt under hypnosis in "Russet Potatoes", when Jane said he could have his heart's desire . During the first several episodes of season 2, Rigsby repeatedly tries to work up the courage to tell her his true feelings but loses his gumption, leading to Cho to deadpan "You're gonna die alone". She returns his feelings in "Red Scare", after Rigsby says he doesn't care about the CBI and that he just wants to be with her . Near the end of the episode, they share their first real kiss . </P> <P> In "Black Gold and Red Blood", Van Pelt and Rigsby seem to be dating and greet each other happily at a crime scene . However, Rigsby tells Van Pelt he thinks Jane may know about their relationship . In the following episode, "Red Bulls", Van Pelt and Rigsby argue about him not wearing a bulletproof vest to canvass an apartment building . Van Pelt is shot multiple times in the chest while questioning a young woman, but survives with a bulletproof vest on . When Van Pelt is taken to an ambulance, Rigsby says he loves her . Van Pelt slaps Rigsby and tells him next time, he has to wear a bulletproof vest . </P>

The mentalist rigsby and van pelt get back together