“If you were one step away from your biggest score, would you turn it down?” When Peter asked Neal this very question in last night’s premiere, it become clear that this concept will shape the upcoming season.
And it seems as though no one knows the answer. Sometimes we’re led to believe Neal would turn it down and other times he couldn’t be running quick enough to it. Neal doesn’t know, Peter doesn’t know, and the audience certainly doesn’t know. Time and time again I found myself shouting at the screen, “Neal, don’t do it!” only to have a twist in their plans appear and their motives be called into question. But that’s what made this premiere spectacular. We’re led to believe we got some great insight onto what the characters are really thinking only to be blindsided by the realization that we have no clue what tricks they have up their sleeves. Sometimes we can’t believe what they’re doing and a moment later they are our favorite character.
But this wasn’t all the show had going for it. All the elements that have made White Collar a beloved series were back in full effect. From the banter between Neal and Peter to the constant comic relief of Mozzie, it was a joy to see familiar faces light up the small screen again. The added tension between Neal and Peter and the lingering question of trust only elevated the inherent drama of the series.
On top of all of this, there was the twist at the end! What we were led to believe at the onset of the episode was shattered by the end, while still leaving the ideas to linger. This episode did everything a good premiere should. It set up what we can expect from the season perfectly, nearly allowing us to get conned along the way by Neal, too.
As Peter said at the end of the episode, “Patience is our best asset.” We’re just going to have to keep tuning in each week (and after this premiere, I certainly will be! And you should too!) to see if Neal will prove true the statement once a con, always a con.
Oh sweet Elvis Costello, we’re hoping he doesn’t!
White Collar airs on Tuesdays at 9/8C on USA Network.
