White Collar Review: Crossfire
Despite the intense drama surrounding Keller's reappearance, this week's White Collar had me "On the Fence" as to whether or not it underused the ever talented Eliza Dushku.
White Collar is no stranger to high profile guest stars, but Dushku than we saw here, which made her single-episode spot leaving me wanting more. A lot more.
However, as the plot thickens in its trajectory towards the summer finale, the outing pulled the full weight of every episode before it forward, causing some compelling and complicated conflicts to come to a head.
Neal's solo journey to determine his own destiny in exerting control over the U-boat treasure has now led to a breakup with Sara, and emerging fallouts with both Peter an Mozzie. Not to mention that Neal was almost shot dead by Keller.
Furthermore, Neal withholding from Mozzie his findings from the Burke household had them both in a tizzy in the episode's final minutes.
Neal failed to calculate for the factors beyond his control. He can only con so many people at once, and when each one is a moving piece, it's hard to control one at any given time. I think if Neal learns that there are circumstances beyond his control, and it impacts him in a big way, he may finally get some clarity.
Sara is a good example. Not only is she a strong-minded woman who can hold her own, she is also vulnerable in that she had no idea Keller was posing as INTERPOL. Keller could have easily shot her dead right there. Neal had never shared anything about him with her.
Then, there was the back and forth between Neal and Sara, both at the beginning and the end of the hour. It's clear that Sara and Neal have something neither one is sure they want to give up, nor do they have the ability to confront and get a handle on.
With Neal unsure of what he wants in life, it's hard to see anyone being able to find a way to fit into a life that essentially doesn't exist.
Perhaps the most shocking part of this episode for me was Mozzie's plea to the priest to find a hitman to carry out his hit on Keller. I had never seen Mozzie more sober and almost... evil. It was kind of scary. His grief was understandable, but the way he fenced the painting without consulting Neal (like it would have really made a difference to consult Neal anyway) made for an intense moment.
I can't believe Keller managed to get away. At least he got shot, but the fact they almost had him in custody was heartbreaking in a sense that's he's in the wind once more. Who knows how long it will be before he shows up again - and how long before they catch him for real?
As for Dushku's performance, I was expecting more action and from her involvement. She's a bit of an action star, so I looked forward a fight scene or something. Alas, no fisticuffs. She still gets major props for being the beautiful temptress and for acting what was given her to the best of her ability.
I'm starting to wonder how I feel about all the lying that's going on. Peter doesn't lie to Elizabeth, yet he blatantly refused to tell her that Keller was back in town. It seems some of Neal's skills have rubbed off on Peter in ways he may not even realize.
Either way, with the Degas in the hands of a fence and new owner, how can Neal and Mozzie get it back, or can they? Is their relationship on the brink as well? How much farther does Neal have to fall?
With next week's episode being the summer finale, who knows if any of these questions will even be answered. What did you think of this week's episode?
C. Charles is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.
More White Collar News
White Collar Season Finale: The Blue in My Eyes
White Collar Review: Forging Bonds
White Collar Review: Kidnapped
POLL: Who Needs Cupid's Arrow on Valentine's Day?
August 6th, 2011 5:35 AM
Agreed with nearly everything VentusAstrum said (I don't mind Keller - I think he actually does make a good villain). I know Mozzie and Neal are criminals and they've always been criminals but seriously - the premise of the show was Neal being out on a work release so he could help Peter catch other criminals. I liked the first season when Neal was working with Peter but there was still a question of "will he run when the anklet comes off?" / "will he do something stupid that will land him back in jail?"
This season seems to have taken that to a whole new level with turning Mozzie into this creepy evil person who needs to be kept away from Neal so Neal has a chance at having a better life. EVERYTHING that's happened is now Mozzie's fault because Mozzie thought it was a great idea to steal the treasure and thereby screwed everything up for Neal. And because apparently Neal is an idiot who doesn't realize how bad of an influence Mozzie is he hasn't turned Mozzie in to the feds like s
Rank: Regular Character
August 4th, 2011 1:43 AM
Dushku: bland
The finale is shaping up well.
August 3rd, 2011 12:59 PM
This episode was tolerable, much like most of the episodes this season and that's the best response I can give.
Jeff E. had made a comment somewhere awhile back that the bromance wasn't going to be broken for long; that he was going to get it back on track and it would still be there. Well, I've seen glimpses of the relationship here and there that used to exist between Neal & Peter, but it definitely has not returned, not in a way that is reflective of the WhiCo that I used to know & love in S1 & S2. There is still loads of tension, lying, betrayal between the two and I'm not seeing things getting any better at all for the rest of this season.
I have no sympathy for Mozzie at all. And that can be blamed on the way he's being written this season. Everyone keeps saying well you knew he was a criminal, what'd you expect. Mozzie was never written as being anything more than a whipsmart, quirky, con-man conspiracy theorist who had shady non-violent past dealings. If they
August 3rd, 2011 11:11 AM
I also loved last nights ep. The end was the best! How Neal and Moz were fighting and yelling. Also I loved how Sara was mad at Neal at first but when Keller showed up she instantly took Neals side. though i disagree with she not being able to act. I thinks she plays her part perfectly and also i really like to have a stronger female character on the show and yet she showed loyalty. Also shes not too skinny, shes beautiful. Eliza dushku didnt make an impression though, Ive never really been a fan of her as an actress, yet yesterday i think she just didnt get a chance to prove herself. Her part was pointless. Keller on the other hand made a great impression, once again. He was charming and cruel, true criminal! As for Moz, the fact that he ordered a hit on Keller did surprise me, but didnt change the way i see this character. Still think hes awesome!! Cant wait for next weeks ep.!
August 3rd, 2011 10:52 AM
@ LindaLovesTV - this is a difficult show to just come into in order to watch one partictular actress/actor and get what's going on. It's not one of those shows where each episode stands on it's own - each episode builds on the last, and those in the last season even. But to each his/her own - those of us who have watched from the beginning love it - and loved this episode as well.
August 3rd, 2011 10:40 AM
I don't really watch this show, but had to check out this episode just to see Eliza Dushku. I wish she had been in it more. As for the actress who plays Sara, I am sorry, but that girl cannot act! I was practically cringing each time she was on the screen. I love the actor who plays Mozzie -- loved him in Sex and the City! Anyway, this one episode was definitely not enough to make me want to watch any others. Unless, of course, Eliza Dushku becomes a permanent cast member.
Rank: New User
August 3rd, 2011 9:42 AM
WOW!! How amazing an episode was that? Gasps and shocks were numerous throughout! Why did Hale get shot? Just because. Keller is so evil; he makes the show!! Ross McCall does not get enough credit in portraying this thoroughly cruel psychopath with conviction. He can never get caught; his appearances are too exciting to end.
My heart went out to Mozzie over and over. First Hale's death, then Keller's involvement; next his decision to put out the hit, and the final betrayal of Neal lying to Mozzie about finding the manifest. He was excellent throughout.
Eliza's role was quite small compared to all the hype that was given for her being on the show, and I'm hoping she comes back for a larger role. Sara surprised me with her thoughts about the treasure, although I still do not care for her. She is too thin; she doesn't look healthy, and her performances are bland. She did give a better performance last night, but I'm still not convinced she should be on the show full time.
I love
August 3rd, 2011 8:40 AM
WOW!! thats all i could say after watching this ep.. i gotta admit i kinda feel bad for Neal but at the same time i'd say he deserves all this trouble..he's not being honest to anyone.. i'm really looking forward to see what happens in the next episode
Rank: Extra
August 3rd, 2011 7:41 AM
Have loved White Collar all season!
I think this season will end with Peter on the brink of realizing Neal has the treasure. And Neal and Mozzie about to get that painting back. And I'm betting Keller shows back up.......
I'm also thinking the show will return in January........but not sure.
Rank: New User
August 3rd, 2011 4:35 AM
I enjoyed this one. It had a little of everything! Eliza and Ross rocked it hard. Hope both come back.