Homing pigeons, priceless art, undercover disguises, and one big heist, all of these things in one television show could mean only one thing. White Collar is back and last night’s mid-season premiere, “Checkmate” had all the ingredients of a classic episode with the addition of one standout thing: real, honest and raw emotion.
Before the hiatus, we were left with the cliffhanger that Matthew Keller (Ross McCall) kidnapped Peter’s wife, Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen). In exchange for her safety, Keller wanted Peter to get the priceless Nazi art haul that Neal (Matt Bomer) and Mozzie (Willie Garson) had been stowing away for most of this third season. Only Mozzie left town with the art and after a falling out with Neal, was nowhere to be found.
Rage Against The Thieves
Bring in a seething Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) and the most truthful portrayal and treatment of his character in this specific situation. His rage and screams were heard all the way in the Royal Palace in England. This was not overacting. DeKay’s style of acting connects with the audience and I thought it was so unique to have him share those emotions with the camera. I want to thank Jeff Eastin and the writers (Joe Henderson and Alexandra McNally) for making me feel that with a USA show.
That’s not to say that seeing Fiona turn herself in at the last episode of Burn Notice didn’t tear me up too. But the type of anger, betrayal, humiliation, and the desperation of Peter displayed was incredibly, and genuinely performed by Tim DeKay. That was rare for the USA Network.
We’ve seen DeKay earlier this season where Peter got to renew his vows with Elizabeth–the one that Mozzie stood before as an ordained minister–and DeKay got down on his knee and looked like it was actually him proposing instead of Peter Burke. That’s because he channeled the feelings he felt when he truly proposed to his real life wife. I would’ve hated to been the guy opposite DeKay was channeling this display of anger towards Neal. Consider how Neal looked in this episode as compared the cool, suave operator skydiving off a New York skyscraper.
For the very first time, as a long time viewer of White Collar something truly felt like something could be lost. Not Elizabeth but the friendship between Peter and Neal. Season three was all about resetting the relationships but this is the second time Neal has to prove his character and worth. I have accepted that there will always be the matter of trust that is lost and found, and as I’ll discuss below, the argument between Neal and Mozzie couldn’t last even though Mozzie’s tone when he walked out that door in the last episode made you think we wouldn’t see him for awhile. This bromance that so many fans find entertaining seemed very fragile, especially if Elizabeth was hurt.
The Soft Spot
Keller picked the wrong guy to threaten because no marriage is as perfect on cable television, no fictional love ever felt as real as theirs, no one meant more to Peter than Elizabeth.
Everyone’s soft point was Elizabeth. It just took Keller a little bit of time figuring that out. Only Elizabeth in danger could have brought Mozzie back from the wilderness. Only Elizabeth in danger forced Neal to come clean about the stolen goods. Only Elizabeth can get Peter to care that much to go off on Neal as if he was the kidnapper. It was a bold risk that produced a stellar return to TV. The funny thing is that all of the trouble of storing and getting the art, by the end, it was the least interesting thing about the finale. That’s a testament to the characters and relationships.
Burning Bridges on the River Hudson?
While I think it would have been another brave choice to keep Mozzie off the show up until Season 4, White Collar has never been a show to draw out its cliffhanger material for very long. Last year’s near kill shot to Mozzie left us breathless for the fall break, but not only was he still alive, but also made a miraculous return on his feet within two episodes. I can respect the choice to move the story forward and it’s not right to expect a different approach, but let’s just say it would be a nice surprise if they had drawn the feud out longer. The reason why is that in any future cliffhangers, how angry can characters be with one another when it’s all is forgiven by the next episode?
We’ll find out moving forward. Neal was going to turn himself in, knowing that he would have been thrown in jail. At this point, only Peter knew that. Has Neal destroyed the friendship he formed with Jones (Sharif Atkins) and Barrigan (Marsha Thomason)? Will Elizabeth be able to forgive Neal? Will this open a new door to Sara?
Neal has been given a ripe opportunity to use the next three months to be on his best behavior to earn his freedom. No anklet, and I assume no obligation to the FBI. Will the White Collar division (and Peter included) resent him for getting this chance even though he was seen in the office as being untruthful to them about the art.
This is an obvious carrot being dangled in front of the viewers. What a glorious reward and finish line for Neal! It just happens to be conveniently timed right around time for the break before Season 4. So it reeks of a rug that’s ready to be pulled.
Which leads me to believe that something will threaten that reward. What criminal act could put him in the position to blow this opportunity? Could we see him lured into another heist of a lifetime with Alex (Gloria Votsis)? I doubt it, how much bigger could one get to the mother of all heists than the Nazi art haul? Could he be blackmailed into breaking bad with one of his lady friends threatened or in need (Sara, June, or Raquel)? It’s possible. Ladies have always been Neal weakness. Or will Peter recommend the order be withdrawn? Wouldn’t that give the bromance a shot to the arm?
Catch new episodes of White Collar on USA Tuesday nights at 10pm ET/PT.
9.5 / 10
