White Collarfeatured several episodes that helped to define and redefine the world of the series. Throughout the series run, White Collar explored the complex relationship between Neal Caffrey and special agent Peter Burke. This highly skilled criminal con man and the highly decorated FBI agent found themselves thrust into a partnership, after years of working against each other, but it led to a surprisingly effective partnership, and a genuine friendship for both.
While every episode is important, and they build the bigger picture of the show, pushing the narratives forward, and developing the characters in the series, there were some episodes that wer more notable than others. From the pilot episode, that set the tone for the series, to the show’s eventual conclusion, there were key moments that changed the course of the series forever, and did the most to push Neal and Peter closer together on their journey towards accepting, and even praising one another despite their earlier differences.
7 “Pilot”
White Collar Season 1, Episode 1
As with any new show, the pilot episode is a pivotal moment that introduces the characters, sets the stage for the show to develop, and sets the tone. For White Collar, it did just that, as fans met Neal Caffrey, a renowned art thief, forger, and con man, who was serving a four-year prison sentence. However, he inexplicably breaks free of the prison, just months before he is due to walk out the doors as a free man. It isn’t long before he is recaptured by his old rival, Peter Burke, and then Neal is offered a special deal to work down his new extended sentence.
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This episode is among the greats for TV series pilots. It does a tremendous job establishing the characters, the set-up, and the dynamics at play. Neal’s extraordinary intelligence is on full display, as he finds a way out of the prison at a remarkably fast pace, but his complex motives are introduced but left ambiguous. Peter’s excellent detective skills, and his talent for knowing how to deal with Caffrey are also explored. This is a great episode of the series, and one that helps create an air of mystery, fun, criminal drama, and high stakes that continues to define the show throughout its run.
6 “Out of the Box”
White Collar Season 1, Episode 14
At the end of White Collar season 1, Neal remains a criminal at heart, but he has had a lot of fun working alongside his former rival. Despite this, Neal makes plans with his beloved Kate to escape and restart his life as a free man. While Neal makes his goodbyes and plans his next big move, Peter is left without answers, but he manages to catch up just in time to try and persuade Neal to stay, do some good, and be a better man. Neal confesses the influence that Peter holds over him, but continues walking away, before a massive explosion destroys the plane he was meant to flee on, with Kate still inside.
This shocking ending made for one of the most compelling and intense season finales of the entire show, and it immediately changed the course of where these characters were heading to next. Neal almost died, but he was even more affected by the tragic loss of his beloved Kate. This results in Neal pulling away from Peter emotionally, but he depends more than ever on Peter and the FBI to try and get to the bottom of what happened, and who was behind the fiery explosion that killed Kate.
5 “Burke’s Seven”
White Collar Season 2, Episode 10
After Mozzie is shot in the previous episode, he is rushed into hospital. Meanwhile, things get more complicated for Peter, who is becoming the primary suspect in a string of murders. While Peter’s job and future are potentially set to be turned upside down, he continues to push and guide his friend Neal to follow the FBI’s orders, and continues to abide by the rules in order to get the answers he needs. This begins a role reversal for the characters that hasn’t been explored in depth up to this point.
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While Peter has always been the lawman, abiding by the rules, and attempting to work by the book, this episode sees Peter become the subject of suspicion. Nothing drastic happens in this regard early on, but it does provide Peter with a better insight into what it’s like to be viewed as a potential criminal, and it builds the relationship between Neal and Peter in a stronger and more expansive way. The pair go from being reluctant partners, to people who have a mutual respect and appreciation for each other, and that changes the dynamic of the show going forward.
4 “Judgement Day”
White Collar Season 3, Episode 16
In the White Collar season 3 finale, Neal Caffrey is finally set to go through his commutation hearing. Having worked closely with Peter Burke for years at this point, Caffrey is eligible to become a free man, finish his sentence, and finally get the opportunity to choose his own destiny. At this point, Peter and Neal have gone through a lot together, and Neal feels a genuine appreciation and satisfaction for the work he does. However, after all is said and done, Neal overhears a higher up speaking about his plans to force Neal into a longer sentence, and a continued tenure as a criminal consultant.
Despite getting so far in his reformation, this is enough to knock Neal off course, and he cuts off his ankle bracelet and makes his escape. While this would have frustrated Peter earlier on, Peter has become sympathetic toward his friend, and the seemingly powerless position he was in while being forced to work for the FBI. Neal’s actions are obviously criminal, and it means that he is now at the mercy of the FBI if he gets captured again, but Neal is smart enough to make his escape, and buy some time as a free man.
3 “At What Price”
White Collar Season 5, Episode 1
Skipping ahead to the season 5 premiere, a lot plays out between these episodes, but the opening of season 5 sees Peter about to be convicted of murder. The earlier suspicions have come to fruition, and things are set to change for both if they can’t find a way to acquit Peter of the charges and clear his name. Peter’s wife, Elizabeth, begs Neal to help at any cost, and he does so, going to great lengths to clear Peter’s name, while also endangering his own future and freedoms in the process.
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This episode is a great example of how close Peter and Neal have grown, and the fact that Neal is now kind of like a brother to Peter. While the cost to free his friend is a high one, Neal pays it willingly, ready to put himself in a dangerous position to help the person who has forever changed the course of his life, and always displaying a strong belief in Neal’s own potential. This episode also sees Peter cleared of charges that hung over his head for a long time, and after being acquitted, Peter is promoted for his diligent service, which gives him more flexibility when it comes to monitoring and supporting Neal.
2 “Live Feed”
White Collar Season 5, Episode 10
In the middle of trying to juggle the manipulative criminal mastermind, Hagen, Neal has been getting close to Rebecca Lowe. After healing from his wounds with Kate, Neal Caffrey is ready to explore love again, and he hopes to find it with Rebecca. However, in this episode, it is revealed that Rebecca is actually the mastermind who has been pulling the strings and working with Hagen the entire time. Despite thinking, she has been kidnapped, Neal learns that Rebecca’s apartment has a live feed to the room where the victims were being held, which leads them to uncover her true identity.
Rebecca was an important figure to Neal, but this betrayal is a huge turning point for the rest of the series. Many of the biggest complications earlier in the show were a result of this person’s influence, and she managed to play Neal and Peter perfectly. This pushes Neal and Peter closer together, and causes Neal to have another significant heartbreak due to learning that the person he was falling for was a lie. The remainder of the series explores the fallout from this revelation, and it creates a ripple effect for the series.
1 “Au Revoir”
White Collar Season 6, Episode 6
In a spectacular series finale, Neal and Peter work together to con a dangerous collective of criminals, the Pink Panthers. Neal had been working alongside Peter for years at that point, with much of that time spent in a state of constant surveillance. Meanwhile, Peter and his wife have just had a baby, and Peter wants to ensure his family’s safety. In order to ensure Peter and his family are safe, Neal implements a genius plan to fake his death, trap the Pink Panthers, and walk away with a hefty sum of money.
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This episode reveals a tremendous amount of growth for both characters. Early on, Peter was obsessive with his work, and often spent late nights missing meals with his wife to keep on top of his workload. Neal was also a self-obsessed criminal mastermind who had nothing but himself to worry about. Over the course of their partnership, the pair became incredibly close, and their work together made a huge impact on the FBI. However, Neal needed to escape this prolonged imprisonment, and he did so in the best and only way he knew how. When he reveals his survival to Peter a year later, it’s a beautiful nod to their connection, and the perfect end for White Collar.
White Collar is a crime drama television series featuring Neal Caffrey, a skilled con artist and art thief, portrayed by Matt Bomer. After being captured by FBI agent Peter Burke, Neal agrees to help the FBI catch elusive white-collar criminals as a consultant, leveraging his unique skills. The series explores the evolving partnership and mutual trust between Neal and Peter, blending elements of crime-solving and personal redemption.
- Cast
- Matt Bomer , Tim Dekay , Willie Garson , Tiffani Thiessen , Sharif Atkins , Marsha Thomason , Hilarie Burton , Diahann Carroll , Natalie Morales , Bridget Regan , Ross McCall , Gloria Votsis , Sheena Colette , Alexandra Daddario , Alex Kruz , Christopher Stadulis , Treat Williams , Mark Sheppard , Brian James Pepe , Judith Ivey , Gavin Lee , Noah Emmerich , Kelly McCreary , Piper Kenny , Steven Weisz , James Schram , Jayce Bartok , Charlie Hewson , Daralina Komar , Ryan James Nolan , Beau Bridges , Michael Crowe , Sprague Grayden , Eyas Younis , Isaach De Bankole
- Character(s)
- Neal Caffrey , Peter Burke , Mozzie , Elizabeth Burke , Clinton Jones , Diana Berrigan , Sara Ellis , June , Lauren Cruz , Rebecca , Matthew Keller , Alex Hunter , FBI Agent , Kate , Paramedic , Sam Phelps , Curtis Hagen , Ellen Parker , Alan Woodford , Garrett Fowler , Yvonne , OPR Agent , Devlin , Blake , Office Receptionist , Agent Westley , Agent Kramer , Younger Ellen , Aubrey , Luc Renaud
- Release Date
- October 23, 2009
- Seasons
- 6
- Network
- USA
- Creator(s)
- Jeff Eastin
