What I’m Watching: White Collar

White Collar: Season 1, Episode 6 “All In” (B+)

This show just keeps getting better and better. This may well be the strongest actual case the dynamic duo has attempted to crack yet, and it makes for a superb episode. The levels of duplicity being practiced by Neal alone are staggering, and he does a stunning job of keeping it all straight. Mozzie’s distracted attempt to teach him how to play this game of dominoes was fun, and June’s desire to join him in watching the terrible movie with the death tile was truly amusing. Setting the game on Mott Street was cool, and there’s nothing quite as hilarious as Peter’s interaction with the CI’s daughter who is fluent in English and likes taking his animal sock. Peter’s heart-to-heart speeches about his relationship with Neal, the first to the girl he thinks doesn’t understand him and then later to Neal himself, were moving and extremely significant for the definition of this show. His characterization of them as partners was fun and fitting, and hopefully that’s how they’ll continue to see each other. The fact that Peter brings his wife in on his business with Neal means they clearly have a bond unlike any other cop and criminal. The presence of the Interpol agent and Neal’s attempt to make a side deal with her to information on Kate was entertaining, but the important reveal that came out of it was the fact that it’s an FBI agent who’s holding Kate hostage. I’m sure it can’t be do-gooder nice guy Peter, but I wouldn’t be so sure about boss Reese Hughes (James Rebhorn). That guy looks mighty suspicious. In any case, “White Collar” airs its mid-season finale this Friday following the series finale of “Monk,” and it’s slated to return on January 19th in its new time slot on Tuesdays at 10pm for its remaining seven episodes of the season.