From 2009 to 2014,White Collarwas one of the best crime procedural TV shows on television. Anchored by the undeniable chemistry between Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay,White Collarwasn’t a typical procedural, as its protagonist, Neal (Bomer), was a thief himself. However, his work with Peter (DeKay) and the FBI quickly proved that his expertise in art, theft, and forgery made him an expert at bringing in the bad guys. While the crime-of-the-week format madeWhite Collareasy to watch,it was the emotional throughlines that made the series so compelling.
Over ten years after the series finale, theWhite Collar Renaissanceupdatesdemonstrate that there’s a clear demand for the show. While some reboots fall short of our expectations as audience members and fans, the original creator and stars ofWhite Collarwill be returning. This is critical, asPeter and Neal’s dynamic is what madeWhite Collarwork in the first place.Though I’m still nervous about the reboot’s future, rewatching some of the series' best episodes is a reminder that if the new show’s writing is this good, it’s going to be a hit.
8Pilot
Season 1, Episode 1
The episode that started it all, the pilot, played a critical role in introducingWhite Collarto audiences and keeping us interested in watching the show. While the pilot is important for every show,White Collarwent above and beyond in crafting an episode of television that was incredibly entertaining and dynamic while delivering the necessary exposition. From the first moments of the episode, it’s abundantly clear thatPeter and Neal are a match made in heaven, and their partnership is destined to be.
Though the pair have some animosity based on past dealings, it’s impossible for them to hide the fact that they like and respect each other.
Though the pair have some animosity based on past dealings, it’s impossible for them to hide the fact that they like and respect each other. All the elements that make a great team and an enduring friendship are more than clear throughout the pilot. The pilot covers a lot of ground as we see Neal escape from prison and strike a deal with Peter before the two of them start working on the case. By the final moments of the pilot, there’s no going back to their lives before, as the men have met their match.
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7Au Revoir
Season 6, Episode 6
It would be impossible to talk aboutWhite Collar’s best episode without discussing the series finale, “Au Revoir.” The events of this episode will play a huge role in the reboot’s story arc. The finality of the goodbyes in “Au Revoir” was thrown into chaos when it was revealed in the final moments thatNeal didn’t die and that Peter had no intention of going after him.It was a touching note to end on, as the friends were just happy knowing the other was out there somewhere. However, we’re going to see fate reunite them.
Wrapping up huge series-long arcs and rivalries, like the animosity between Keller (Ross McCall) and Neal, as well as the exciting conclusion of the Pink Panthers storyline. Though season 6 only had six episodes,White Collarmade the most of each one, building a complex and compelling season with this limited time.“Au Revoir” was the perfect note to end on, as it kept the story open enough to justify a reboot,but it was satisfying enough to stand on its own and give the characters the endings they deserved.
6Under The Radar
Season 2, Episode 16
The infamous U-Boat treasure inWhite Collarcauses major problems for all the characters inWhite Collar. However, in “Under The Radar,” no one knows how much this boat will throw everyone’s life off course. Having Neal’s investigations into Kate’s (Alexandra Daddario) death lead him to this unimaginable loot was an incredible payoff after two seasons of Neal searching for answers about why Kate left him and then ended up dead. Some moments throughout “Under The Radar” are a little too convenient. However, watching Neal and Peter work together to crack the code in the boat is a pivotal moment.
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The partners' easy dynamic and nonverbal communication they’ve been building for two seasons pays off during the terrifying tension of “Under The Radar.” Additionally, the budding relationship between Sara (Hilarie Burton) and Neal and the end of the complicated fling between Alex (Gloria Votsis) and Neal come to a head. “Under The Radar” concludes with another explosion that parallels the season 1 finale, but fans ofWhite Collarknow the show had much more in store for the treasure.Using this episode to pave the way for the unforgettable arc of season 3was a stroke of genius.
5Unfinished Business
Season 2, Episode 5
Neal’s charm and likable nature make him a compelling love interest throughoutWhite Collar, and his best relationship is doubtless with Sara Ellis. Even thoughHilarie Burton might not return for theWhite Collarreboot, this doesn’t change the fact thatWhite Collarnailed the enemies-to-lovers arc of the characters, which begins in “Unfinished Business.“Sara first appears on the show at odds with Neal because of their past dealings, but this makes for some fun banter right off the bat in “Unfinished Business.”
Though Sara wants to hate Neal for his dishonest ways, she ends up under the care of the FBI in “Unfinished Business” when an assassin begins targeting her. While Neal and Sara both have their guards up, they realize they’ve both been hurt and don’t open up to others easily. Throughout the episode, Neal is still reeling from the loss of Kate, andinvestigating her death while grappling with his grief is a weighty topic, butWhite Collarhandles it well.At this point, the audience is ready for Neal to have a new love interest.
4Burke’s Seven
Season 2, Episode 10
Throughout the show,White Collarhad a lot of fun playing with different tropes and plot points from various crime moviesand TV shows. While “Burke’s Seven” is a clear allusion to theOcean’s Elevenmovies, and the writers tap into this connection, the heart of the episode is the search for Mozzie’s (Willie Garson) shooter. Seeing Mozzie come out of his shell and start connecting with the Burkes and other FBI agents, despite his anxieties, is an amazing part of the show, and seeing Peter and Neal work tirelessly on his behalf is touching.
“Burke’s Seven” is the perfect blend of the episodic adventures everyone loves to watch and the overarching story that builds character development and relationships.
“Burke’s Seven” is a fun subversion ofWhite Collar’s formula, as it puts Peter in the hot seat as a supposed criminal, leaving it up to Neal to save the day by the book. Fans of Sara and Neal’s relationship were happy to see that the couple got plenty of tension-packed moments, even in the midst of all the crime-fighting chaos. “Burke’s Seven” is the perfect blend of the episodic adventures everyone loves to watch and the overarching story that builds character development and relationships.
3Checkmate
Season 3, Episode 11
Whileevery season ofWhite Collarhas something amazing to offer, season 3 is arguably the best of the show. InWhite Collarseason 3, the series hit its stride and delved into the complexities of the trust and friendship building in Peter and Neal’s relationship.“Checkmate” begins after the intense cliffhanger of Peter discovering that Keller kidnapped Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiesen),and the scale of Peter’s rage and determination to find her packs an emotional punch throughout the story. Their love is a huge part of the episode, but so is Neal’s decision to put them first.
The tension of Neal having the treasure and Peter suspecting him throughout most of season 3 was the driving force behind this episode, as their game of cat-and-mouse finally came to a head. When the chips were down, Neal showed Peter that he was more concerned with Elizabeth’s safety and Keller being put away for good than his own selfish motivations. While this trustworthy behavior had been in the background ofWhite Collarfor some time,it’s in “Checkmate” that we understand Neal has turned a corner and loves the Burkes.
2Judgment Day
Season 3, Episode 16
“Judgment Day” is a rude awakening for the audience and characters alike. Though the thought of Neal being set free, or taken away for good, has been hanging over every episode of the series up to this point,“Judgment Day” shakes up the formula of the series and forces Neal and Peter to face the fact that their adventures might be coming to an endsoon. While for most of the episode, it seems as if the decision to commute Neal’s sentence will come down to Peter, Agent Kramer (Beau Bridges) has other plans.
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Though Peter and Neal have bent the law before, at this point, their bond is too strong for Peter to stand by and witness Neal being taken to D.C. to be on Kramer’s leash. Like most season finales, “Judgment Day” includes many goodbyes and heartfelt moments, but Neal doesn’t realize just how final these farewells are going to be. Possibly the best season finale of the series,“Judgment Day,” leaves the audience on an unbelievable cliffhanger and further cements how much Neal means to Peter.
1Out Of The Box
Season 1, Episode 14
The music box arc inWhite Collardefines the first few seasons, and in “Out of the Box,” Neal realizes just how powerful and impactful this piece of history will be in his life. Though it’s the shocking final moments of the episode that leave an impact on the audience, what’s most notable about “Out of the Box” is how much Neal has evolved. Though he hasn’t reached the peak of his character development,the Neal we see here is a far cry from the single-minded thief from the pilot,which is a testament to the series' writing.
Though it’s tragic and unforgettable to see Kate die in “Out of the Box,” it was the right move for the show and demonstrated to audiences that this dramedy could get serious. Characters weren’t immune to dying, and the stakes of these episodes were going to be high. It was an important tone forWhite Collarto set with the season 1 finale, and Kate’s loss ended up ultimately helping Neal develop as a character, as he learned to open himself up to others after she was gone.
White Collar
Cast
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.
