"Au Revoir" WHITE COLLAR

Article first published as TV Review: 'White Collar' - 'Au Revoir' (Series Finale) on Blogcritics.

To me, White Collar represents a turning point for USA. It straddles the line between light-hearted procedural, which is the old style of show USA used to make a la Monk and Psych, and the character-driven, higher-concept stuff currently ruling the network, like Suits and Graceland. I almost gave up on it in its early days, but was hooked just enough to give it a chance to grow, and was rewarded for my effort. The sixth and final season, which consisted of a mere six episodes, ended this week with “Au Revoir” and, unfortunately, White Collar did not sprint through to the end.

In the past, the show has developed some really cool arcs, such as pitting Neal (Matt Bomer) against Peter (Tim DeKay) as the former considered returning to his criminal lifestyle. In the final year, the show returns to case-of-the week installments, mostly, with the final story, which spanned a few episodes, feeling like a longer version of the same. Neal and Peter go undercover to take down what is supposed to be one of the best illegal groups of all time, the Pink Panthers, but instead of this being a huge capper to their career together, the case unfolds the same as always and the good guys win as easily as ever.

There are signs that White Collar could go in a better direction. Long-time foe Keller (Ross McCall) gets involved. Instead of seeing Neal and Peter wrestle with what he’s done to them in the past, though, his part is glossed over and he’s just someone they work with. Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) worries about Peter staying in the field now that they are expecting a baby, leading one to believe a major life decision will be made. But instead, Peter just jumps into danger as willingly as ever, and there’s never even a chance for Neal to save him, as I expected to happen.

As “Au Revoir” draws to a close, the script gets really messy. Neal faking his own death, I sort of get, especially because he does let Peter know he’s OK. But Neal built a family here, so why would he abandon them? Why does White Collar hint Neal may have (or may not have) gone back to being a criminal without letting us know if his growth has paid off? Why doesn’t Peter try to arrest Mozzie (Willie Garson), whom he knows stole money? There is a bond of mutual respect between Neal, Peter, and Mozzie that allows them to work together, but Peter would never sit idly by and let the other two get away with anything as he appears to do here, nor would Neal be so heartless as to abandon everyone he cares about and wait an entire year to clue them in.

It’s just not good storytelling. One expects a show, in its final episode, to give some sort of pay-off to what’s come before it. Tiny bits of the epilogue do this for some of the supporting characters, but not in any way that matters so much. The core players, though, aren’t well served at all. Instead, they appear inconsistent and shy away from the personalities they’ve developed. Though I do admit that DeKay and Garson do get some juicy emotional bits to prove their range.

I mention supporting players, and “Au Revoir” does make time for Jones (Sharif Atkins), Diana (Marsha Thomason), and June (Diahann Carroll), as it should. Unfortunately, June’s role is basically a cameo, and the other two get happy endings without being shown to do anything special at the end to earn them, made even less satisfying by the time jump.

White Collar was very good at times. Sadly, its finale was not one of them. It will be missed, but if this is the direction the show was heading in anyway, I’m glad it’s gone before it completely tarnishes what it did when it was at its best.

WHITE COLLAR Doesn't Quite Sparkle Like a "Diamond"

Article first published as WHITE COLLAR Doesn't Quite Sparkle Like a "Diamond" on TheTVKing.

USA's White Collar's season finale, which aired this week, is called "Diamond Exchange." Rebecca / Rachel (Bridget Regan) poisons Mozzie (Willie Garson). She offers the antidote that can save his life in exchange for the diamond she came to town for. Peter (Tim DeKay) is determined to catch Rebecca before she gets away, but Neal (Matt Bomer) is more worried about his friend than his ex-lover.

The plot of the week, in which an ailing Mozzie helps Peter and Neal find the jewel, then Neal faces off against the woman who fooled him, is very good. It's got plenty of excitement, with guns and double-crosses and twists, as well as some emotional moments, with Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) demanding care for Moz and Neal having to face Rebecca again. Plus, there's the mystery tied into the Masons, and this is really the culmination of a season-long arc.

At times, White Collar has veered way too far into the procedural realm. However, this story involving Rebecca and the diamond seems to strike a nice balance. Many of the installments do contain an immediate crisis that is tied up within the hour, but there is also a compelling serial narrative that forces character development for the series leads, and so "Diamond Exchange" is a satisfying way to finish up a good run.

This season finale also serves the supporting characters better than many other episodes. Elizabeth gets terrific moments with both Mozzie and Peter. Jones (Sharif Atkins) and Diana (Marsha Thomason) are instrumental in saving Mozzie's life on their own volition, demonstrating the dysfunctional family that has been built. Working more of this type of thing in more often, as this season seemed to do better than the last one, will only benefit the series as a whole.

Neal's love life is fraught with drama. Since Peter is happily married, I guess it makes sense for the other main character to go through a few trials over the course of the series. It's still heartbreaking, though, to see Neal lose woman after woman that he cares about, Neal being a soulful man that deserves someone who will treat him right. Rebecca's betrayal, fooling Neal about who she really is, is something he can't forgive, and the latest pain he will have trouble getting over.

When will Neal give up? He keeps getting together with the wrong girls. Some of them are nice, but none of them are right for him, and always end up costing him. Might he stop trying altogether, or will the right person finally come alone?

When considering the proper gal, it must be someone who respects Neal's talents, but encourages him to stay on the just side of the law, unlike, say, Mozzie. In order for White Collar to have any type of happy ending, Neal must not fall back into his criminal ways. He has to escape his past and become the man viewers and Peter know he can be.

Neal's resolution to stay on the straight and narrow wavers during this season, but he seems fully committed to it in "Diamond Exchange," at least until the FBI screws him over by deciding he's too valuable an asset to grant him the release he has earned. First of all, why can't they just make his release conditional upon him staying on for awhile, sort of a probationary period? Secondly, why isn't the writing consistent with Neal in whether he'll do good or not?

I understand that Neal is a criminal, but Peter, who knows him better than anyone and is a great judge of character, thinks Neal can be a contributing member of society. This, despite Neal's flirting with going back to the dark side. What this means to me is that Neal may not really have wanted to be on the lamb again, no matter what he may have told Moz in earlier episodes. But it's the inconsistency surrounding Neal's conscience that has made this season a touch weaker than previous ones.

It's hard to deny the ending of "Diamond Exchange" is powerful. Neal is kidnapped by unknown assailants, presumably to help them do illegal things, and a time where some in the FBI suspect Neal has escaped for his own purposes. In this way, we get to see Neal use his talents again, but without having to blame him for screwing up, and Peter's faith in him will be tested. If White Collar is smart, though, we'll see Neal genuinely considering siding with the villains, even if he's being held against his will, which he'll surely balk at, so this part of his growth can be settled.

Also, ignorant of Neal's disappearance, Peter decides to stay in New York for Neal, despite the fact that Elizabeth is taking a job in D.C. It's understandable that Peter wants to help Neal, but he should understand that the National Gallery is Elizabeth's dream job and spouse always comes before buddy. It helps the premise for Peter to stay, especially as he can more easily stage a rescue of Neal, but this has got to have lasting consequences for his marriage.

I enjoy White Collar quite a bit, even if it one of USA's fluffier works. I do think it should end before it grows stale, though. Given the precarious positions Neal and Peter are both in, professionally, morally, and in their loves lives, it may be time to start to wrap things up. We can only have them at odds so many times before either their partnership or their betrayal start to seem false. It hasn't reached that point yet, but tying it up in the next year or two may be a wise move.

White Collar has been yet been renewed, but will likely return to USA in late 2014.

WHITE COLLAR finds a way to go on, but "At What Price"?

Article first published as WHITE COLLAR finds a way to go on, but "At What Price"? on TheTVKing.

The fifth season premiere episode of USA's White Collar asks "At What Price" is it OK to break the law. Basically, Peter (Tim DeKay) is in jail and Neal (Matt Bomer) gets him out of trouble. But to do so, Neal has to reach out to an old rival, who demands a high price in return. Peter suspects something fishy, but can't prove it, eroding the truth between the guys.

Not that things between Peter and Neal have been great for awhile. They did get to the point where their friendship seemed solid a couple of years ago, prior to the Nazi treasure incident, but ever since then, they haven't been able to find stable ground. Neal tries very hard to be a good man, but does cross the line from time to time. And Peter, as much as he is personally fond of Neal, has a high moral standard he must uphold, which Neal does not live up to, so they just can't get in sync.

Peter does not uncover Neal's wrongdoing in "At What Price," but strongly suspects the truth - that Neal has found a way off of his anklet, and stole gold coins. Now, Peter is at the point where he does believe Neal would only do this with a good reason, and so doesn't dig hard to find out the truth, knowing it would spell the end of them working together. But he does take measures to make sure it can't happen again.

Neal, for his part, is being sneaky. I'm not saying he shouldn't have saved Peter, being the only one in the position to do so. Yet, Neal has to know he can't be honest with Peter about this, and every lie between them, no matter how well intentioned, further erodes their connection. It's a bit depressing and frustrating.

Peter's solution to their fragile arrangement is to assign Neal a new handler. Who that will be, we do not know yet. However, this will shake up the dynamics of the cast. Will this new person be someone who catches Neal in his tricks, thus ending the premise of the series? Unlikely. That means they will seem dumb compared to Neal, a near-certainty since Peter is the only equal Neal has, the one man who could catch him. This makes for an uneven partnership that cannot last.

The other option is that Neal's new partner will be a bad guy whom Peter and Neal must team up to fight. But this has been done so many times, it would be disappointing to see White Collar go there again.

That leaves no obvious good options. Whether Neal's new partner is smart, dumb, or evil, none of these scenarios will make for a good story. Peter could assign Neal to Jones (Sharif Atkins) or Diana (Marsha Thomason), but that seems like it would defeat the purpose of putting emotional distance between Neal and his handler, since they know Neal, too, even if they don't have the friendship Peter has with the criminal. I must say, despite the new direction this could provide, it's hard to get enthused about the turn.

I do want to see what happens when Peter begins to uncover more of Neal's secrets. Generally, this finding out Neal did wrong sparks disappointment from Peter. Because Neal saved Peter's career, though, he will have earned even greater affection from Peter's wife, Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen), and that could put a strain on Peter's marriage if Peter seeks to punish Neal for actions that led to Peter's freedom. The alternative, the Peter stays in the dark, is even worse, as Peter would begin to lose credibility. "At What Price" walks that fine line of Peter not quite catching Neal, but leaving viewers suspecting that he could. This is the balance White Collar needs to maintain.

There are some really fun bits for Mozzie (Willie Garson) in "At What Price." He is sometimes wasted on the show, but watching him load gold into a baby carriage or try very, very hard to bite his tongue about conspiracy theories being real, is hilarious. I wish he were used this well every week.

It's also pleasing that the foe from Neal's past whom Neal works with Curtis Hagen, a.k.a. The Dutchman (Mark Sheppard). Sheppard is a terrific character actor who is welcome on any show, and because he was in the "Pilot" of White Collar, it nicely ties back to the series' roots. I hope his arc is longer than a couple of episodes, even if it causes a lot of trouble for the plot.

I am not sure why I am so unsatisfied with White Collar at present. "At What Price" is a fun and intriguing episode. Yet, I can't help put feel that they traded one easy escape for situations where more will be needed. I hope I am surprised and the show manages to deftly be brilliant, but there are so few signs that it can be right now. It's like the premise is almost played out, and any way to go from here will be forced. I feel bad having these doubts, since I like the series, but can't shake them after watching this premiere.

White Collar airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on USA.

White Collar is most definitely "Wanted"

GRADE: 79%

USA’s WHITE COLLAR is back! In the season premiere, “Wanted,” Agent Collins (Mekhi Phifer, Torchwood, ER), a ruthless man who doesn’t care if Neal (Matt Bomer) is caught dead or alive, begins the hunt. Collins’ big break, of course, comes when he searches Peter’s (Tim DeKay) house, as Peter has already found where Neal is hiding out. Collins flies to the island hideaway with Peter on his heels. Will Peter be too late?

“Wanted” begins a little slow for Neal. He is comfortably ensconced in his new home, hanging out on the beach with best friend, Mozzie (Willie Garson), and wooing a beautiful coffee house proprietor (Mia Maestro, Alias). He struggles with being honest towards the new people in his life, a lesson he learned he must do to make real connections during these past couple of years in New York, while maintaining the secrecy that will keep him a free man. There isn’t a lot of action, but I think that’s kind of the point, showing Neal finally relaxing in a peaceful environment.

In fact, even after Neal gets the call from Peter that Collins is on his tail, Neal doesn’t seem particularly worried or upset. Why should he be? Peter is the only man who has managed to catch Neal before, Peter isn’t actively looking for him now, as far as Neal knows, and his tracks are well covered. There is no reason for Neal to think that he can’t just enjoy his new existence.

In the meantime, Peter is anything but at ease. While he’d like to bring Neal back legally, resuming their partnership, the more immediate concern is Collins, whom Peter believes will hurt Neal. This is something Peter can’t allow to happen. So, with the help of Jones (Sharif Atkins) and Diana (Marsha Thomason), Peter begins yet another hunt for Neal, this time with the goal of protection, rather than capture.

Neal’s fatal flaw is making the call to Peter. This would not have been a mistake he would have made in the past. But then again, Peter was the threat in the past, so Neal wouldn’t have let anything slip to him. Believing he can trust Peter, Neal doesn’t disguise anything on the call, not perceiving a threat. This makes it easy for Peter and company to find him, but that’s not a concern for Neal.

Neal is partially right, as Peter has no intention of capturing his ex-partner to send him back to jail. However, Peter also makes a mistake by leaving evidence in his home, making it easy for Collins to gets his hands on Peter’s findings. Was there any way that Peter could, or should, have predicted this turn of events? Not really, even if viewers can see it coming from a mile away.

Thus, Peter and Neal are both too trusting in their relationship. It may be what makes them strong when the goal is to catch criminals, but it weakens them when they are trying to avoid other law enforcement. This isn’t a bad thing, per se, as Collins is working for the good guys, as bad as he might be. The problem is, there are other bad guys besides Collins corrupting the powers that be, and trusting the system may not work in the name of justice this time.

“Wanted” ends on a heck of a cliffhanger! Again, it’s something that isn’t hard to see coming as a fan, but might be understandable that the characters don’t think about or plan for it. The twist keeps this story from being a one episode adventure before reverting back to formula, so that’s always a welcome development, no matter how sad the situation is left.

USA shows have been getting braver and braver in recent years, no longer confined with cases of the week. “Wanted” is a good episode that isn’t forced to follow the typical path. Based on the ending of “Wanted,” it appears that next week’s episode will be the same. The longer WHITE COLLAR avoids going back to the status quo, the more respect it will earn as a drama series. Not that the earlier seasons of WHITE COLLAR are not good television, because they definitely are. This is just the natural next step, showing a welcome evolution of story and characters.

Besides Maestro and Phifer, “Wanted” features Gregg Henry (Hung, Bunheads) as the man protecting Neal and Mozzie on the island. It’s an exciting premiere, and one fans will not want to miss.

Catch the WHITE COLLAR season premiere, “Wanted,” tonight at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

White Collar faces "Judgment Day"

USA's White Collar completes its third season with "Judgment Day." A wrench is thrown into Neal's (Matthew Bomer) commutation hearing when Agent Kramer (Beau Bridges) begins a campaign to ruin Neal. The goal is to get Neal's sentence extended, and transfer him to Kramer's supervision in DC. That way, Kramer gets to use Neal for his own purposes, indefinitely. Peter (Tim DeKay) and Neal's other friends help him try to outwit Kramer, but to no avail. In the end, Peter gives Neal a signal, and Neal flees the country with Mozzie (Willie Garson).

"Judgment Day" represents a major game change for White Collar. With Neal cutting his ankle monitor and running, what will season four be about? Now Neal is a wanted man, having to stay out of the eyes of the law. His partnership with Peter is effectively over. Neal abandons his life in New York City. The other option would have been to get in more trouble and be stuck with Kramer. But it's still not a decision Neal should make lightly.

Nor should Peter. Peter sticks his neck out for Neal repeatedly. Peter does everything he can to help and reform Neal. More than that, Peter is his friend. What's more, until Kramer interferes, it works. Neal is changed. It puts Peter's own reputation and career at risk to stand up for Neal, and allow him to escape. There will surely be negative consequences for Peter that stem from these events. But Peter gives Neal a signal to run anyway, because it's what it best for Neal at present. That's real friendship.

And Peter is not Neal's only friend. Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) gets him two cakes, one for each expected outcome. Mozzie and Sarah (Hilarie Burton) help Neal go around Kramer's back. Diana (Marsha Thomason) assists Neal in escaping Kramer's agents. June (Diahann Carroll) gives testimony in Neal's favor. Even Jones (Sharif Atkins), despite recommending Neal stay in custody, cares about him, and shows it. Neal has to give up this entire life, and the family he has built around him, to flee.

In fact, this might be a repeat for Neal. Not a lot is known about Neal's past, but in "Judgment Day," Neal visits a woman (Judith Ivey) he knew long ago. This woman talks about the day that a teenage Neal ran away, and the lack of contact both have had with Neal's parents. So it seems Neal has faced giving up everything before. Last time, it led him to a life of crime. This time, with Mozzie by his side, it would not be surprising if that happens again.

How can Peter bring Neal in from the cold and restore some balance to his life? That will surely be the focus of the beginning of season four, likely for only one episode, though hopefully for several. White Collar will surely figure out some way to accomplish a restoration of its format during the break. The series takes chances, but throwing out their entire plot structure is unlikely to happen. That's too bad, because this is a heck of a story that could be played out for some time before going back to the regular formula. In fact, White Collar would make an excellent serial, if the network would only consider changing direction.

Awesome season finale, White Collar! The series will return this summer to USA.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to buy streaming episodes and DVDs of White Collar.

White Collar refuses to accept "Checkmate"

    USA's White Collar returns with "Checkmate." Picking up where "Countdown," the mid-season finale, leaves off, Keller (Ross McCall) has Elizabeth Burke (Tiffani Thiessen). Peter (Tim DeKay) demands that Neal (Matt Bomer) hand over the Nazi treasure to Keller, and Neil is willing, but Mozzie (Willie Garson) has already moved it. Neal and Peter locate the in-hiding Mozzie, and try to stall Keller by giving him the treasure, but making sure that police are nearby. Keller, in turn, forces them to help him steal it again, right out from under the cops' noses. All the while, Jones (Sharif Atkins) and Diana (Marsha Thomason) search for Elizabeth.

     So the theft of the treasure, a secret that hangs over Neal and Peter's partnership for the entire summer run of the third season, is now resolved, the items returned to the government. And Peter knows everything. As predicted, he is initially angry at Neal for keeping the secret. But Peter is able to understand the truth as the episode goes on; namely that Neal didn't steal anything, and that he chooses to stay instead of fleeing with the loot. In fact, Neal bluntly tells Peter that Peter is the reason that he doesn't run. That, combined with Neal's efforts to get Peter's wife safely back, and his offer to confess to everything to make sure that Keller goes away and Elizabeth stays safe, seems to allow Peter to forgive Neal by the end of "Checkmate."

     As disappointing as it is that this wonderful story arc comes to an end so neatly, the relationship between Neal and Peter is masterful. DeKay and Bomer really sell these characters, and the affection between them feels anything but forced. Neal shows that he can be a good guy, and Peter relents that sometimes laws must be broken in White Collar. With the status quo restored, and the suspicion, fun as it has been, removed, the duo can now move on.

      What's more, "Checkmate" offers the tantalizing prospect of Neal's freedom. With Keller in custody, the villain tries to salvage some of his reputation by claiming to have been the thief the entire time, making Neal and Mozzie seem innocent. Perhaps Keller also thinks that this will be something that he can hold over Neal. And eventually, it might be. But for now, Neal isn't in any immediate danger of going back to prison. What's more, because of Neal's seemingly heroic actions, and his help in bringing Keller down, the feds are considering commuting his sentence, making him a free man once more. Assumedly, he will get to continue in his current job, since he's been so helpful, possibly even with a real, for the government, salary. But that likely won't happen until at least the end of season three. Still, it would be nice if Neal could stop being seen as a criminal all of the time.

     In the interest of status quo, Mozzie also softens towards Neal, whom he is furious at, in "Checkmate." White Collar has cultivated a fun friendship between Mozzie and Elizabeth, a.k.a. Mrs. Suit. With her life on the line, Mozzie drops everything, hands over his fortune, and goes out of his way to assist in her safe recovery. As I theorized in my previous review, Mozzie has formed an attachment to Mrs. Suit and Peter, as well as Neal. While he is the black sheep at the fringes of the little White Collar family, he is still in that bubble of love. Perhaps, with a little clarity from the crisis, Mozzie will stop bugging Neal about leaving, and settle in more comfortably with the others. And he can thank Neal for that, which could be why Mozzie's anger ebbs.

     Peter is less disappointed and angry at Mozzie, likely because Mozzie's falsehoods aren't a betrayal towards Peter, as Neal's are. Peter knows Mozzie is a criminal, and there is never any trust to lose between them. Peter doesn't mind Mozzie's help when he's useful, but they don't share the same bond that Peter and Neal do. Or that Mozzie and Elizabeth have, for that matter. However, again, because Mozzie helps rescue Elizabeth, Peter forgives him, too.

     Elizabeth, in her own right, rarely gets much to do on White Collar. In "Checkmate," she gets more screen time than usual, and makes many efforts to break away from her captor. She even eventually succeeds, partially, and that allows Jones and Diana to find her. So she's more than a damsel in distress. If only they would allow her to show it a bit more often.

     Watch White Collar Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

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     Click here to buy streaming episodes and DVDs of White Collar.

Pie in the Sky: Complete Collection on DVD

     Pie in the Sky will finally be available as a Complete Collection this Tuesday, November 1st from Acorn Media. Previously released as five separate sets, the series follows Detective Henry Crabbe (Richard Griffiths, The History Boys, Harry Potter), who is nearly at retirement. Looking forward to opening his own restaurant, Crabbe is deeply disappointed when he is investigated for taking a bribe. Though Crabbe is completely innocent, his superior, Assistant Chief Constable Freddie Fisher (Malcolm Sinclair, Casino Royale, V for Vendetta), uses the incident to force Crabbe to take occasional cases. Thus, Pie in the Sky follows Crabbe as he simultaneously serves as a police detective and a chef in a restaurant that shares the series title.

     Crabbe just wants some peace, but it seems he will never have it. Fisher puts him on a number of cases over forty episodes, constantly pulling him out of the kitchen. Thankfully, he has some help on the force. Sophia Cambridge (Bella Enahoro, Mister Johnson) is his partner for much of the run, while Ed Guthrie (Derren Litten, The Catherine Tate Show) and Jane Morton (Mary Woodvine, Doctors) help out in Series 5. Crabbe is obviously the brains of any partnership, seeing that the police force will not allow him to retire. But the trio aren't completely incompetent, and are enough help that Crabbe can get back to his restaurant periodically.

     Not that things are much calmer there. For one thing, his cheap wife, Margaret (Maggie Steed, Clatterford, Born and Bred), who has no palette to speak of, actually owns Pie in the Sky, so Henry is often beholden to her. Not to mention, there are plenty of other employees on staff, including chefs Steve Turner (Joe Duttine, Coronation Street) and Gary Palmer (Nicholas Lamont, Going Off Big Time), both around for about half the show each. Leon Henderson (Nick Raggett, The Sins, Arcadia) supplies the produce and helps clean up. Plus, there's John the waiter (Ashley Russell, Jupiter Moon), and a rotating number of waitresses, including Sally (Marsha Thomason, White Collar, Lost). Not that Henry hates any of these people, as he is a gentle, kind soul — but there is certainly no rest for the weary.

     Pie in the Sky is a light-hearted romp, never taking itself too darkly. Yes, there are crimes that need solving, and dishes that need cooking, but Henry takes both just about as equally serious. That, in of itself, lends a sense of fun that won't be found in the hard boiled dramas that dominate networks today. This distinction is a nostalgic hook, sure to entice many new viewers looking for something different.

     Henry is a great character, whose pain viewers will feel, as he just wants to be left alone to explore his culinary passion. Who cannot sympathize with such longing? Griffiths is a brilliant actor, that handles nuance well, but that's well-known by 2011. It is immediately apparent that Crabbe, this multi-talented man — like the actor who plays him — will be in demand no matter what he is doing. It's a curse as well as a blessing.

     Over the course of five series, Pie in the Sky wracks up its share of notable guest stars. Among them are Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings), Keeley Hawes (Upstairs Downstairs), Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes), and Jane Wymark (Midsomer Muders). Do they take these parts just to keep working, or because who wouldn't want to be involved with Griffiths and his charming series? The biggest take away from Pie in the Sky is that it must be delightfully fun to perform on the show, or so it seems by the way the actors devour their roles with relish, excuse the puns.

     At thirteen discs, Pie in the Sky: Complete Collection is a hefty set, value priced, and providing hours of enjoyment. About thirty-two and a half hours, to be more precise. The series is presented in 4:3 full screen format, as it aired, but there are 16:9 widescreen bonus features, in case anyone is worried that corners are being cut. Not all of the original broadcast music survives, but that's common among DVD sets, especially when the series predates such releases, as this one from the mid-1990s does. Still, well worth the price.

     The bonus features are predictably few, with little intention of making such extras as the series is in production. There is a biography of star Richard Griffiths, and filmographies for the rest of the cast. Production notes are interesting. The best part is a nearly twenty minute interview with Griffiths's on-screen wife, Maggie Steed. She is amusing and charming, much like the series, and it's the only feature that actually delves into what making the series was like. It's great that it is included.

     Pie in the Sky: Complete Collection will go on sale this Tuesday, November 1st. Be sure to get yourself a copy. And it would make an excellent Christmas present if you have relations that enjoy older, whimsical, British mystery.

     Click here to order Pie in the Sky: Complete Collection on DVD.

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Article first published as DVD Review: Pie in the Sky - Complete Collection on Blogcritics.

White Collar is "On Guard"

     USA's White Collar begins season three this week with "On Guard." As season two ends, Peter (Tim DeKay) is certain that Neal (Matt Bomer) steals the art off the German sub, then after putting his own paintings in place, blows up the warehouse. "On Guard" starts with Neal and Mozzie (Willie Garson) making their escape from Peter on a plane. Then the episode flashes back four days. Neal passes Peter's lie detector test, claiming he doesn't know who, if anyone, stole the art collection. Neal soon learns Mozzie is behind it, and is preparing for the two of them to leave the country with their bounty, despite this being a betrayal of Peter's trust, which seems to evaporate anyway.

     While Mozzie is getting ready, Peter puts Neal on an assignment, where Neal will help a criminal smuggle stolen money, and Peter will show up and arrest the perp. The plan falters when Jones (Sharif Atkins) is captured by the bad guy. Neal covers by providing Mozzie's plane as a backup getaway plan. Mozzie is upset, but goes along with it so that Neal can save Jones's life. Peter arrests the villain. Mozzie tells Neal that they must now sell a piece from their theft to pay for their next escape attempt. What they don't know is that Diana (Marsha Thomason) has found a manifest, and Peter instructs her to look for anyone selling an item from the collection.

     During all this, Peter has Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) test the scrap of painting he finds near the burning warehouse. Mozzie and Neal get wind of this, and plot an elaborate scheme to get a hold of Peter's sample before it goes to the lab. Neal recreates the same picture with period paint that Mozzie scrapes from their stolen artwork. Neal also repaints his own picture, the piece of which Peter finds, and is suspicious because of. With the test "confirming authenticity" of the burnt painting scrap, Peter appears to apologize and give Neal a break. Or does he?

     Normally, an episode synopsis can be written in a single paragraph. In "On Guard," that seems impossible, as so many important things happen. Which is appropriate for a season premiere such as this one. White Collar has gotten deeper and more exciting with each season, as it begins to unfold longer arcs, mysteries, and machinations in the struggle between the two main characters. One can be forgiven for believing Peter and Neal are almost best friends, until this episode. Now they are more suspicious of each other than ever.

     Which sets up a really nice cat and mouse game that will likely go at least through the summer. Peter has caught and arrested Neal twice, the second time at the very beginning of the series. Thus far, White Collar has only shown them working together. Viewers will now be privy to what Peter is like when hunting Neal, and how Neal manages to evade him... until he doesn't.

     Has Neal fundamentally changed as a person over the first two seasons? It's a debatable question. Perhaps the old Neal, who is strictly criminal, would never sacrifice a getaway with a huge treasure load for an FBI agent's life. Or maybe because Neal is working with Jones, and they have a bond of a sort, Neal cannot let him die. It may be a different story if Jones was a stranger. Or maybe Neal is enjoying working with the FBI so much, being part of a team, having friends he can trust, he is looking for any excuse to call off Mozzie's escape attempt. Only time will tell where Neal's heart really lies, which keeps the series and the character interesting.

     Will Mozzie leave Neal behind if Neal chooses to stay with Peter and the others? Mozzie engages in far more criminal activities than Neal currently does. While Neal mostly leaves his previous profession behind, or generally uses it to help the feds, Mozzie still routinely breaks laws, or so it can be assumed. How else would he maintain his network of contacts? Neal may be ready to settle down, but Mozzie is definitely not as season three begins. If Neal chooses to stay, he has a big project in convincing Mozzie to do so, too. Otherwise, Mozzie may leave the series before long.

     Peter is more devious in "On Guard" then in virtually any other episode of White Collar to date. Not only does he suspect Neal and blatantly confront him, but Peter also makes secret backup plans with Diana. Peter makes nice with Neal after the painting scrap passes the test. But Peter knows Neal well enough to figure Neal could pull off a switch if he wants to, and Peter may be none the wiser. It's a healthy degree of suspicion, and one not undeserved by Neal. However, it's also a darker side of Peter than usually exhibited. Peter has fun toeing the line with Neal occasionally, but seeing him acting so two faced is relatively new.

     The stakes in the game between Neal and Peter, as well as all the people they care about, have certainly never been higher. With these behind the scenes maneuvers coloring every word they say or decision they make, this season will surely be the most exciting yet!

     The plot device of beginning a story at the end, and then working back up to those events has become cliche and tired. It often spoils a twist, or is just plain unnecessary. Yet, in "On Guard," it is brilliant, and builds fantastic suspense. It is hard to believe what is being seen as the new season of White Collar begins and it seems like Mozzie and Neal are fleeing Peter. Yet, there is no other ready explanation of the scene. As the events of the episode unfold, all hints point to initial judgements being correct. It is very late in the hour before it's clear that the beginning is a fake out. As such, this is the best example of the hook that comes to mind, and it is welcome when used to such good effect.

     The case of the week story seamlessly lends itself to the larger arcs, which makes it feel a part of the larger episode, not forced in just to fit a formula. Take note, procedurals and other USA dramas. This is how it's done.


     White Collar continues its third season Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET on USA.

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     Click here to buy streaming episodes and DVDs of White Collar.

Article first published as TV Review: White Collar - "On Guard" on Blogcritics.

White Collar goes "Under the Radar"

     The season finale of USA's White Collar this week was as frustrating as just about anything I've ever watched. USA is known for a certain type of show: procedurals that are a bit better on character development than the average network offering of the genre. I admit, I find about half of USA's shows unwatchable because of how strong the procedural elements are, but White Collar is one of the better ones. Or it usually is. The season finale left me confused and annoyed.

     First, let's hit the strong points of the episode. Neal's (Matthew Bomer) growing relationship with Sara (Hilarie Burton, who will be a series regular next year) is sweet. The double date dinner party the two of them have with Peter (Tim DeKay) and Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) feels right, and appears to open up the possibility of a more domesticated Neal. I would say that's a great example of Peter rubbing off on Neal, except we have seen that Neal is no stranger to the love of one woman before. Elizabeth calming Sara's nerves about jumping into something with a former con man was a high point of the episode.

     Neal and Peter's relationship, really the central linchpin of the show, has blossomed into wonderful understanding. While captured by baddie Adler (Andrew McCarthy), the two of them have great banter, and complete faith in each other. They break into an old German sub loaded with massive amounts of treasure. It's the ultimate find that the music box mystery of the past two seasons has been leading them to. Yet, all I can think about is how much I enjoy watching Neal and Peter work together. I could care less about the treasure. It is a mark of how well the characters are written.

     Lastly, the team has come together in surprising and wonderful ways. Mozzie (Willie Garson) still hates the 'suits', but has a respect for Peter. Diana (Marsha Thomason) hates Mozzie, but finds Neal likable enough. The two elements of cops and robbers are meshing nicely and naturally. It's a slow process, far from complete, just as it should be. And with Jones (Sharif Atkins, still not a series regular, but should be!) finally being included in the off-the-book operations, it feels like a family has formed on the series. Funniest line in this vein? Mozzie not-even-close-to-convincingly saying "Nuts!" as he flees from Jones during a contrived set-up. Which by the way, despite the funny line, that scene is completely awkward and not at all believable, for the audience or the mark.

     Unfortunately, the finale contains massive plot holes that make the whole experience a mixed bag, at best. The most glaring is how Peter has concluded that Neal has gone bad. After everything they have gone through, and the massive effort Neal has taken to putting his trust in Peter, how can Peter abandon him so quickly? Yes, the evidence of the exploding building and fragment of Neal's painting look bad, but that should not change core emotions. Neal and Peter are best friends. It does not make sense that Peter will not give Neal the benefit of the doubt for at least a little while.

     Secondly, Adler just behaves completely erratic. He loses contact with Neal and Peter in the German boat, but doesn't run in with guns blazing. It's more a calm saunter, with Adler out in front, unprotected from a sudden attack that Neal and Peter could have been ready to stage. And why didn't they? There are only a couple of guards in the facility. There are plenty of potential weapons in the treasure trove. I just don't get it.

     Adler's biggest mistake is not killing his prisoners outright. A few bullets in the head, and it would have all been over. Instead, he sends his goons to leave them tied up in a shipyard, then wait til they wake up from the drugs, and leave them unobserved as the hollow fills with water. Even if Adler has a penchant for theatrics, as Neal says he does, that would mean he would have wanted to watch them die. He is nowhere nearby. The guards don't even stick around to watch. That may have worked for old, James Bond-style knockoffs, but it's implausible and stupid here. The writers ought to know better.

     And seriously, the kiss between Neal and Alex (Gloria Votsis)? I get the emotions involved in the moment. I don't get why Sara wasn't immediately out of the van and up to Neal before it could happen. I don't get why Neal actually was into it, when he had something really nice brewing with Sara. He's always been shown as a monogamous guy. This was out of character.

     The mystery left is, who delivers the treasure to Neal with that note and key? I'm thinking it's obviously Alex, though why didn't she keep it for herself? Or at least half? I just want to see how Neal clears his name. At least Peter didn't come bursting in, gun drawn, while Neal is surrounded by the treasure, as I expected him to do after the rest of the shoddy story.
   
     White Collar will return in the summer on USA.


Article first published as TV Review: White Collar - "Under the Radar" on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Click here for all of Jerome's Current Season Reviews.

White Collar's Maturation

     I wish I had been more up on USA's White Collar return. Two weeks ago, in the mid-season finale, Peter (Tim DeKay) was framed for a crime, and had to get all of his friends to help him clear his good name in an Ocean's Eleven inspired way. The team included returning guest star Hilarie Burton as Sara. Then, last week, Peter probed Neal (Matthew Bomer) for information on new villain Adler (Andrew McCarthy), and as Neal told his story, we were treated to flashbacks of all the main characters in their younger days. Alas, having just watched both a couple of days ago, it felt too late to review them.

     Instead, this week I'm left covering a standard, stand-alone episode. But I can't say that's necessarily a bad thing. I prefer the episodes that play more to the series' mythology, but a stand alone is sometimes a better representation of the show as a whole. Plus, last night's entry, titled "What Happens in Burma", was a fine representation of where the show currently is and where the growth has occurred, as well as an enjoyable hour.

     For most of season one, I got the feeling that Peter Burke never really trusted Neal Caffrey. This feeling continued into the first part of season two, but has been slowly changing from a partnership forged in necessity to something more. Best friends, even. Bromance. Peter's willingness to help Neal engage in not-quite-legal activities to allow justice to be served shows how deep their friendship has become. And Peter actually trusts Neal, allowing him to go down that road, but not worrying that Neal is turning back to his life of crime. To the same extent, Neal has recently been showing a willingness to go to Peter first, rather than trust his illegitimate instincts. Neal doesn't cross that line any more unless he has a very good reason.

     Similarly, Diana's (Marsha Thomason) bond with Peter has begun to feel more authentic. Diana was not part of the original cast, but was added as a main character later. It seemed to me that Diana and Peter seemed too chummy too quickly, though it was explained that there was a back story that we the audience hadn't witnessed. Stepping outside the fourth wall, it felt like a forced way to add a new character. Now, having seen them work together over time, I have begun to like and appreciate Diana, and the role she plays in Peter's life and job.

     Did anyone really feel any suspense when Mozzie (Willie Garson) was shot last fall? I didn't think for one second that the former Sex and the City pal wasn't coming back. But I love him on White Collar, so I'm not too upset. I just wish the writers hadn't made such an obviously false ploy.

     Mozzie, like Neal, is starting to trust and befriend Burke, as we saw in the mid-season finale, when Mozzie betrayed Neal for his own good to Burke. Neal later thanked him for the betrayal, and I think that allowed Mozzie to finally feel OK with accepting Peter. Clearly, there were feelings of guilt before the thanks came. I yearn for more Peter - Mozzie scenes, as those two play off of each other very well.

     If I could change something, I do wish that the status of two characters in the cast were switched. I like Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen), but she sits plenty of episodes out, and when she does appear, she's rarely relevant, or seen for more than a few moments. I love her friendship with Mozzie, but it doesn't get that much attention. Why is she a main character? I'd rather her part be beefed up than she be dropped, but right now it feels like a very important spot is being wasted in the lineup.

     I say wasted, because Jones (Sharif Atkins) is always around, frequently involved in the action, and has even made a point of recently complaining at being left out of the loop. Jones is still not a main character, despite the fact that he has been in almost every single episode. I was upset when Diana was added, because it felt like Jones was skipped over. I would very much like Jones to get that promotion, as I see some really good potential there, if nothing else, as comedic relief. He isn't usually used for that, but the prospect is ripe with opportunity.

     I watch plenty of USA shows, but the quality just never reaches that of other stations. On a network whose every series has a slight corniness and mediocrity to it, fueled by often similar tones, White Collar is definitely one of the better offerings. It was the first USA show (of three now) to try moving away a bit from the standard USA formula of the last decade. New episodes air Tuesday night at 10 p.m.


Article first published as TV Review: White Collar's Maturation on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

White Collar returns for summer heists

     Last week, USA's White Collar returned for a second season.  Considering it premiered last fall, then aired again this winter, it's gotten more episodes in the last twelve months than most USA shows.  But I'm not complaining.  The series about the partnership of an F.B.I. agent and a con-man with an electric ankle bracelet is good escapism, and the first episode back was no exception.  Called "Withdrawal", the team tried to stop a cocky bank robber who sent his business cards ahead to the banks he was thinking about robbing.  It provided plenty of action, a bit of a humor, and a few plot twists.  Plus, the villain was played by the wonderful Tim Matheson, who also directed the episode.

     But that's not what the series is really about, and the case of the week is not what sets White Collar aside from some of the other dramas on television.  No, the heart and ongoing plot is what makes the show special and worth watching.  The con-man, Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) is still stinging from the apparent death of his love two months ago when her jet blew up right in front of him.  The agent, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) is meeting secretly with Neal's criminal friend Mozzie (Willie Garson) to make sure that Neal isn't going to snap.  Not only that, but Peter is in very hot water after the jet's explosion, and the other mishaps that went along with it, and Neal doesn't realize just how precarious and scrutinized their continued agreement is right now.  Which makes it all the more cringe-inducing when Neal uses less than proper means to get the information needed to catch the bad guys.

     Mystery was further deepened when it was revealed that Agent Diana Lancing (Marsha Thomason) stole the music box that the whole finale centered on.  What is she doing with it?  Is she keeping it hidden from bad elements, or intending to use it for herself?  Does the Bureau or Peter know that she has it?  And soon (presumably next week) Peter is going after shifty Fowler (Noah Emmerich), who seems to have disappeared.  I don't like or trust Fowler, and I understand why Peter has kept Neal out of the loop on that investigation aspect, but there's still so much unknown going on there as well.  Plenty to keep checking back with the show on as the summer plays out.

     White Collar airs on USA Tuesday nights at 9pm, including tomorrow.