This is the second
Like a lot of the shows I watch, this one was too recommended to me by a friend. At first it didn't sound so appealing, a "Case-of-the-week white collars crime show". But after I got some more recommendations, I decided to give it a shot. If it's on the same network as Psych, maybe it'll also have the same charm. And it sure does.
For those unfamiliar with the show, in a nutshell it's about Neal Caffrey, a man imprisoned for forgery and theft, who cuts a deal with FBI agent Peter Burke – He will be released from prison, but will work for Burke at the white collar crime unit as a consultant. He is also using his limited freedom (He wears a radius-limited tracking anklet) to try and track down his ex-girlfriend, Kate.
Neal and Peter mostly get help with their cases from Neal's con-man friend Mozzie and Peter's wife, Elizabeth. We also see the other main two agents of the white collar unit – Clinton Jones and Diana Berrigan.
First things first – the opening credits. I didn't really like the ones at the first half of season 1. They felt too CSI-ish for a show like this. At episode 9 it improved when they changed it to the moving clips, but the music was a bit off. And then, at episode 11,
And then came season 3. Why, oh why, season 3? Why couldn't you keep the normal opening? And even if you have to refresh it, this is not what you put. The current opening feels like an opening for Desperate Housewives or something. It doesn't have the tempo, the rhythm, the…I dunno, it's just not it. The last ones fitted the show like a glove, but this…
Anyway, the show became just as addicting as Psych. I borrowed the season 1 & 2 DVDs from a friend, and finished them within days. And you don't have to be an art major or a stockbroker to understand what's happening, they always simplify it for you. And although it sounds there can only be few types of white collar crimes, every episode of the 35 I've seen so far is original and creative.
One thing I'm grateful for is that I didn't hear or read any spoilers before or while I was watching. For example, I started watching Dexter when I already knew about the season 4 cliffhanger shocker (Which obviously I won't reveal, in case there are any Dexter-strangers reading this. And if there are, close this window and start watching that show!) so the effect was kinda lost on me when I reached it. This time, I was genuinely surprised at every twist and turn.
Now the actors, starting, of course, with Matt Bomer. Just like Psych's James Roday (What? They're on the same network. Comparison is inevitable) he's got good looks, amazing hair and loads of charisma. But while Roday's Shawn is a childish goofball, Bomer's Neal is a womanizing playboy with a silver tongue. You see this guy talk his way out of hairy situations in some scenes and you go like "Damn, he could've probably done it in real life too".
And like I said, the guy's charismatic. Not long a go, my friend and I were thinking if he would've made a good Clark
Now about Tim DeKay. First of all, physically he reminds me a combination of Heroes' Jack Coleman and Adrian Pasdar. When I started watching I thought he was a bit too old, but he got to me over time. His chemistry with Bomer is fantastic, and just as good as the chemistry he has with Tiffani Thiessen (Playing Elizabeth). I would believe them to be a married couple.
Speaking of witch, Thiessen does an amazing job as Peter's event-planner wife. I was so annoyed that she had maybe a minute or two of screen time in a lot of episodes in season 2.
The last part of this main characters square is Mozzie, played terrifically by Willie Garson. Now, don't get me wrong, he's doing a great job, but I don't agree with the pretty common opinion that he "steals every scene". Yes, Mozzie is funny sometimes and has some good lines, but now and then his jokes don't really land and I'm more interested in other things in the episode than him. Though I really enjoyed the previous-to-last episode that explored his childhood. Touching stuff.
Overall, the show has an amazing cast, interesting cases and great guest stars (When Mark Sheppard is in the pilot, you know it has to be good). If you love Psych, or just want a case-of-the-week show with some good humor, you should really tune into this one.
P.S – I'm thinking of recommending it to my dad. He's a recently-retired lawyer (seriously, he left his office about a week ago), so I think he'll really love this stuff. Worth a shot…
Thanks for reading! My job here is done if I got even a single person to start watching it. Those who are already watching, let's hope the rest of season 3 will be as good as it is so far.
Good night, everyone! (It's 3 AM here. Who writes show reviews at 3 Am, seriously? I'm off to bed…)
