‘White Collar’ series finale review: Did Neal Caffrey survive, or die, in final mission?
We have to say here that going in the “White Collar” series finale, those involved with the show made an interesting move in trying to make us temper expectations that this show was going to end with something that everyone would love. Maybe it was an awareness on their part for what the current social-media landscape is like.
Here is the irony in this: We feel like “White Collar” really delivered what was a mostly-perfect hour of TV here. It was almost everything that we would want in the conclusion of the show, and it shows that creator Jeff Eastin handled this perfectly. He left his ego at the door, and decided to communicate with his actors about what would be the best way to conclude this story.
First of all, having the final showdown with Neal be with Keller felt almost pitch-perfect, and having Peter take him out was a strong way to get rid of this adversary once and for all. Peter became a tortured soul, especially in seeing Neal seemingly die at Keller’s hand. He made it so far and executed so much, but he was gone. He and Mozzie even saw the body.
With that being said, is he really gone? Did you really think that the show was going to end in any other way than with Neil finding his way out of this alive? He, as it turns out, escaped to France, and orchestrated his greatest con to date. To were many lovely nods to the pilot in here, some great writing, and a few “aw” moments. Peter naming his kid Neal? Wonderful.
While we could nitpick here and there (we almost didn’t need to see Neal at the end to know he was alive), this was almost exactly what a series finale should be. It was true to the show’s vision, entertaining, and above all, it made sure that Neal’s journey was not necessarily over. Maybe there will be more some day, and if there isn’t, we won’t mind. We really got what we wanted. Grade: A.
What did you think about the “White Collar” series finale? Share your thoughts with a comment.
Meg Primiano
January 4, 2015 @ 6:44 am
Mozzie and Neal would have to stay off the FBI radar and to do that in Paris, they would have to change their looks and their con ways. Neal knows who he is so should start being the artist that is in his soul. He gets married to an art student, they have kids. Neal Burke will probably run into them hid junior year abroad at the Jeu de Paume. What if Neal’s mom married while in WITSEK. Neal could run into half siblings and nieces and nephews who might have a little con in them. He might have to become Peter Burke-like for the next generation. Keeping them on the straight and narrow would be a good life lesson. This way, Jeff Eastin you could have your sequel with a twist.
Just Somebody
December 31, 2014 @ 4:33 am
Loved this finale.. will really miss White Collar.
Marni Graff
December 19, 2014 @ 2:33 pm
Totally agree. The clues were all there when viewers gave it thought. And Mozzie playing card cons on the streets of NY with $23 million in his shopping cart? He needed that year to slowly send the funds to Paris. The way he jumped on going to see baby Neal that same night and leaving the French wine was his own farewell to Suit and his wife. Perfect series finale, true to the series. Well done!