White Collar Review: Forging Bonds

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White Collar is ever "The Original," but this week it got to head back to its roots a little bit when Neal and Peter investigated a sculpture forgery.

The Evidence Boxq

Jeff Blatchnik (or should we call him Bellamier?) was no match for Neal Caffrey. Although we Collars know there are very few people who are. It always amazes me that Neal's talents span across multiple artistic disciplines, and I never tire of being reminded of that face, especially when said reminder entails a white wife beater!

But I think the real focal point of the episode was the introduction of Amanda Calloway, who came in to replace Hughes, who was sent into premature retirement after Neal and Peter couldn't successfully charge a certain Senator of any wrongdoing in "Brass Tacks."

This chick was shady... to say the least. Now our suspicions have only been confirmed: if that call Calloway made at the end of the episode is any indication, she clearly has ties to Pratt.

Of course this means there's now a second team in the race for Ellen's box. But I have to wonder what Calloway is going to get out of the whole thing. How is she wrapped up in all of this? Maybe it's not even important, but when you insert a character almost out of nowhere with questionable ties, one has to wonder what their motives might be. I mean, she was transferred all the way from Atlanta. How random is that?

Aside from the case and conning new power figure, we got a further glimpse into the developing relationship between Neal and his father, portrayed by the ever fabulous at Treat Williams. Note to the writers: please consider adding him as a series regular. If he survives next week's season finale, that is.

Now that I've said my peace, it's important to reflect on the well-revealed insights into Neal's internal feelings that we don't normally get to witness. For him to declare that he lacks original art because he believes an artist can only produce when he truly knows himself, that exposes a great deal about this con man.

I forget that he's more comfortable in other people's skin more because he's had to be so many different people throughout his life. Almost makes you wonder if we've ever really seen the real Neal...

The Neal I've seen has been particularly emotional lately, tears ever so threatening to be shed from those gorgeous blue eyes. But wasn't it a great moment when Neal declared that Peter had been more of a father to him that James had ever been? I have been harping on that relationship between Neal and Peter for seasons and it's good to hear Neal verbally acknowledge it.

That said, did anyone else think James was a little too eager to head in and get Ellen's box without Peter, Neal or Mozzie? Very suspicious.

So, the season finale is finally upon us, Collars. What do you think Jeff Eastin and company have in store next Tuesday?

The Original Review

Editor Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 (806 Votes)

C. Charles is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.

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White Collar Season 4 Episode 16 Quotes

He has been more of a father to me than you ever were.

Neal

Neal: To be an artist, you have to know who you are.
James: You're my son, and I'm very proud of that.