White Collar - Fascino criminale

With White Collar popping back up and doing well with streaming these days I thought I'd give it a try again. I'm glad I did. I watched the first few seasons when this was on 10-15 years ago and then just forgot about it. This was on USA network at a time where they had a bunch of good shows (Psych, Suits, Burn Notice, Covert Affairs, Royal Pains, etc) so it got caught in the shuffle back them. Looking g back USA had a lot of good shows, it's too bad they changed their formula. It's about a White Collar felon named Neal Caffrey, he's wanted for years before being caught by FBI agent Peter Burke. After a few years in prison they make Neal an offer. In exchange for freedom he'll help them catch sought after white collar criminals. Neal and Peter work together and have a fun bro-mance thing going on, they start off not trusting of each other but that grows into a real friendship.

If you are a fan of the buddy cop genre (if not, start with French Connection and work forwards), you'll know the basic rules:

1 - One 'straight' cop, one 'rogue' cop

2 - The two have a love/hate relationship, although deep down, it's love

3 - The pair learn about themselves and each other while solving wacky crimes

4 - Hilarity ensues

Since the genre itself starts off very close to satire, it's easy for a show to devolve into parody and idiocy - remember when David Addison turned into a freaking frog on Moonlighting? Luckily, White Collar hasn't gone in that direction.

In fact, it is funny, clever, well written, the cast is great, and they have obviously made a clear choice to focus on character relationships and not to obsess over getting all the real-life details exactingly accurate.

If you want heavy, serious drama you should watch The Wire; if you want silly comedy, watch Chuck; but if you want something smart and funny, but light, try White Collar. You can think of it as Burn Notice's older, more mature, brother.

(For the record, I like and enjoy every show mentioned in this review - except for maybe that frog episode.)

White Collar is one of the shows I watch on repeat, and it still holds up. It's a procedural in the best sense-most episodes are new cases, with a few overarching mysteries tying a given season together-but it isn't rote or predictable like procedurals can sometimes be. Tim DeKay and Matt Bomer have *fantastic* chemistry, and watching them both work together and try to outsmart one another is a joy. There's some excellent supporting cast members as well (and since it's a procedural a lot of different actors come through for single episodes, some of which are big talents that I know from shows like The Americans). I appreciate that, unlike most crime shows, there's less violence. Still some violence, mind, but it's not a central theme, this isn't a murder mystery kinda show. A lot of the cases are really interesting, at least if you're compelled by forgery and heists.

The show ended where it needed to buy goodness I wish we could get another round!

White Collar is a captivating and stylish crime drama that follows the partnership between the charming con artist Neal Caffrey and the FBI agent Peter Burke. The series kicks off with Neal's escape from a maximum-security prison, only to be captured by Peter Burke, who offers him a deal to assist the FBI in solving white-collar crimes.

As the unlikely duo teams up to crack cases involving art thefts, forgeries, and other sophisticated crimes, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride filled with clever twists, witty banter, and engaging character dynamics. Neal's charisma and expertise in the world of high-end crime perfectly complement Peter's by-the-book approach, leading to a dynamic partnership that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

One of the standout features of White Collar is its attention to detail when it comes to the intricate schemes and puzzles that Neal and Peter must unravel. The show's clever writing, combined with the chemistry between the lead actors Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay, creates a compelling narrative that keeps viewers invested in the characters' journeys.

Beyond its thrilling crime-solving plots, White Collar also delves into themes of loyalty, trust, and redemption, adding depth and emotional resonance to the series. The show strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted moments and intense drama, making it a must-watch for fans of crime procedurals and character-driven storytelling.

Overall, White Collar is a sophisticated and entertaining TV show that offers a unique blend of crime, humor, and heart. With its charismatic leads, intricate plots, and stylish presentation, the series stands out as a must-see for anyone looking for a smart and engaging television experience.

Think of White Collar as a little bit "48 Hours" (the Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte classic) and a little bit "Catch Me If You Can" (the DiCaprio & Hanks rollick). "Law & Order" this ain't. Call it "fun TV".

The premise: What do you do with an amazing criminal mind (white collar, of course) frittering away in a super-max prison, that he can apparently escape from at will? The answer soon comes when said genius criminal Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) offers to help the FBI agent who originally caught him solve a case that's been frustrating him for years. Agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) while wary, realizes this "may"...repeat "may" be a way to finally catch the bad guy.. White Collar is another USA "Characters welcome" offering, and it's a great one.

Tim DeKay is pitch perfect as the agent who lives his job. He has a kind of "Tom Hanks meets young Jack Lemmon" quality that is spot on for the tone of the show. He's written as real guy in a tough spot. He truly loves his wife, but tireless dedication to "the job" causes him to forget anniversaries, and regularly arrive home after his wife is long 'a bed. His wife Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) often eats dinners alone... well, sort of.

Matt Bomer, soon to be a household name, vaults from his supporting role of Bryce on "Chuck" straight into a major lead role that fits him like a glove... like he was born to do this. Along with class A hunky good looks, Bomer also has a vulnerable quality that is quite touching. Ladies, he's Oooo so cute, slick, smart and gosh darn lovable, that your significant other may actually allow you to gaze... This show has something for everyone. The story line is not at all predictable. You want to watch how this might end.

Tiffani Thiessen is actually a lovely surprise, having matured nicely as an actress from her 90210 days. Amazing for a pilot, there is sweet gentle chemistry with her FBI hubby.

This FBI version of the "truly odd couple" takes straight off on a smart, well written, snappy crime-solving adventure. The dialog is zippy, and once the obligatory plot setup is laid down, the laughs come early and often. This too makes White Collar good family entertainment.

If the series follows the pilot's lead, there will be ZERO gratuitous violence, another reason to appreciate the show. Caffrey charms and disarms all creatures great and small, while using his near savant abilities to see what the FBI cannot. The lead characters are perfectly complementary. The casting is sublime. Even the score is hip, something that USA recently seems to have cornered the market on.

Personally I can't wait for the next installment of what promises to be a seriously entertaining and original show.