castalie: If you know who made this icon, please tell me so that I can properly credit? Tia (Kinky OT3 / shadowhuntress)
Mouse ([personal profile] castalie) wrote2012-01-18 09:42 pm
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I haven't done an episode review in approximately forever but I'm so happy to have White Collar back that I felt the urge to do one. Let's see if I remember how it's done ;-)

That was a lot of fun! Yes, I might have wished for something angstier, or more intense somehow, but I honestly didn't mind that the angst was kept to a minimum and I really enjoyed the episode, from start to finish.

Though when I say the angst was kept at a minimum, I absolutely adored Peter's anguish at the beginning and quite enjoyed the unsure and cautious way Neal behaved towards him as if he knew Peter's temper truly was hanging by a thread. I honestly thought he was going to punch Neal (omg I actually wrote "wished he was going to punch Neal" instead of "thought" lol What can I say, angst is my friend!) But I should have trusted Peter more... the man is so fair, even when he's scared and hurting and positively mad. His telling Moz and Neal that they needed to remember that Keller had kidnapped El, not them, to try and alleviate their guilt, made me love him even more than usual because I'm not sure I could have been as gracious and fair as he was to them considering the situation. Not everyone would have been able to really separate Neal and Mozzie's actions to Keller's, imho.

Another moment I tremendously enjoyed was when Peter and Neal arrived in the warehouse and found it empty and the way Peter reacted to it - talk about great delivery!

Elizabeth! Clever, clever woman! And so strong, too. Not that it's anything new but it's always a joy to see. You didn't really need anyone, did you, El? Of course not, you can take care of yourself just fine ♥

Twas also lovely to see Diana and Jones be clever and kickass and do their things on their own. They are both smart and efficient and it's been shown again and again in the show but it's always delightful to see them work with no supervision... They really do have Peter's back.

I'm so glad Neal and Mozzie found their way back to each other! Seeing them at odds most of the season really hurt and there were even times when I just thought Mozzie was being a bad friend! Which, it's Mozzie, I hated thinking like that! Just like it hurt to see Neal lie to Peter or to see him so torn and lost. I love me some Mozzie-Neal and it filled me with glee that they're back to where they were. Loved that scene between the two of them at the end, at the Burkes'. Neal still has Mozzie's back. Aw, those two!

Oh, and what about that gorgeous scene between Peter and Neal when he revealed to Peter the reason behind his fall-out with Mozzie. Peter is the reason Neal didn't want to leave! That's the first reason, the one that comes before all others, be still my heart! So we all knew, admittedly, but I was relieved that Peter got to hear it as well. And I was also relieved for Neal's sake - that he had the opportunity to tell Peter.

Keller is one of those characters I love to hate. I do hope we haven't seen the last of him because he's a great antagonist and the way he interacts with Neal is always a lot of fun. Speaking of, I'm more curious about the past those two shared than ever! That scene when they were both hiding in the truck and reminiscing was quite interesting, especially the "what happened to you?" part, as if Keller himself had some regrets about how things had turned out. I confess that I'd love to read more Keller/Neal now.

That fight at the end. I couldn't help but think "only Neal", dude. An antique shield. Of course! And Neal's kryptonite is, once and for all, priceless piece of art. "Not a Raphael", indeed. That part actually made me squee out loud because I've read a fic not that long ago where Keller used the same ploy; grab a painting to distract Neal long enough that he would be able to get the better of him before beating him with said painting. Most writers who wrote a follow-up to last episode has been jossed by now but for that one author whose idea actually got validated in canon. That must have been lovely to see ;-)

Oh, and it's the second time (if I'm not mistaken) that Neal used a gun and showed perfect marksmanship... I'm really curious as to where he learnt to shoot. "Long story"? Please, do tell! I'll admit to being curious about every single detail of his past, anyway, so that's just one more detail I'm curious about.

The ending now. On the one hand, I don't know, maybe if it was too "easy" and maybe it doesn't really teach the lesson Neal should have learnt, ie that every action has consequences and that you must assume your mistakes and/or your bad doing and pay for it - though I'd argue that El's kidnapping did help deal with the first and second part, at least. Basically, Neal is reaping the "benefits" of all his lies. Guess it's not how you want to teach people to do the right thing...

On the other hand, omg I was so relieved! lol Because I just didn't see how they'd solve this whole mess without Peter hating Neal forever and having no other solution but to send him behind bars again so, I'll admit, I'm ok with the whole thing. And, after all, Neal was ready to give a full confession, knowing he'd lose it all.

Alrighty, guess I still know how those reviews works, after all lol To make a long story short, WELCOME BACK, SHOW! I really missed you and it fills me with glee that you're back on my telly ♥

I think I'll go and cruise some WhiCo comms to find other reviews to read. I haven't done that in awhile either but guess today is the day.
ext_1770: @ _jems_ (fandom: wc a blue ribbon on my brain)

[identity profile] oxoniensis.livejournal.com 2012-01-19 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
Everyone was awesome, which is what I love about this show! But the best moment was most definitely Neal telling Peter that he couldn't leave because of him. ♥

[identity profile] castalie.livejournal.com 2012-01-19 05:27 pm (UTC)(link)
I know, I love how everyone in the show is clever and efficient and self-relient. No-one has to be stupid so that someone else has to look smart, which is something I dislike in some shows.

That Peter-Neal (or Peter/Neal depending on the angle) moment was a joy to see ♥

Oh and I forgot to mention they pushed another button of mine with Keller calling Neal 'kid'. I love it when people do that! I'm not sure it happens a lot - I remember at least two other times - but it always makes me squee :-)