Monday, July 9, 2012

What's Bertie Watching? USA’s White Collar




The USA Network’s White Collar remains one of the best shows on television due in large part to the excellent cast, brilliant writing and slick production. I’ve always contended that the pairing of the show’s leads Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay is among the finest moments in casting in television history.

Bomer as the charming con-man “Neal Caffrey” brings both danger and sensitivity to the role. Bomer’s “Neal” is more than the typical gorgeous bad boy. He’s a complicated young man who is conflicted. Is he simply greedy? No. The writers and producers of the show have cleverly revealed bits of Neal’s past, giving us a nod that he acts as he does in response to some deep disappointment. Neal is constantly searching for something, trying to fill his emptiness with each new conquest. Still, such back-story would be moot without the right actor. Bomer—with each sly smile, each fleeting pained look, each shrug of his shoulders conveys more in one glance than most actors do with a whole monologue.

Similarly, Tim DeKay as FBI Agent Peter Burke is not the usual one-note fed. Peter is both on the side of the law and loyal to Neal with whom he has developed a reluctant friendship. Peter’s affection for Neal is palpable. He wants Neal to be reformed, to be successful and happy. He wants to believe in Neal, but Neal—at every turn—makes this a difficult task. Again, in the hands of a lesser actor, the relationship could seem flat and forced. But, DeKay brings a heart to Peter which is believable and natural.

Rounding out the cast are Willie Garson, Tiffani Thiessen and Marsha Thomason. The program is elegant, sharp and sumptusouly shot. In many ways, it’s a love-letter to Manhattan with long, luxurious shots of the city.

White Collar returns to USA tomorrow, Tuesday, July 10 at 9/8 Central.



4 comments:

Bertie fan said...

Thanks for the reminder Bertie. I'll be watching . This is one of my favorite shows.
By the way you look great dressed has Neal! If they ever need a body double I think you should try out for the part.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Bertie has always taken great pride in the fact that he thinks he resembles Matt Bomer's Neal Caffrey. Actually, very early this morning, before the sun rose, we had a very long, grueling hour of putting one of my fedoras on Bertie and trying to get him to pose. My time on Wishbone falsely made me believe I could get Bertie to eagerly wear a hat. I was quite mistaken. So, when Bertie gets the job, it'll have to be Neal sans hat.

Dashwood said...

Your Bertie also seems to insinuate himself into almost as much classical art forgeries as Neal Caffrey. Evidently they're related.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Yes, this is true. We must also remember that Neal has been known to leap from a building in pursuit of treasure and Bertie has been known to leap from the high back porch in pursuit of a squirrel. The difference is that Neal is much more graceful...and has stunt doubles.