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Review – “White Collar” Season Finale, “Under the Radar,” S02, Ep 16

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  • March 9, 2011

  • 7 mins to read

Review – White Collar Season Finale – Under the Radar, Season 2, Ep 16
Rating: ★★★★★★

Peter questioning Neal

While being a long-time fan of White Collar and its interesting and fascinating weekly escapades, I have to say I was a bit let down by the Season 2 finale, “Under the Radar.” I was expecting more excitement, more intrigue, more something—but it didn’t happen. The episode fell flat for me in large part, despite getting answers to questions that have existed since the beginning.

Neal and Alex kissing after being saved from the flooding storm drain

I enjoyed some parts though, like the adorable relationship that seems to be growing between Neal (Matt Bomer) and Sara (Hilarie Burton). They’re so cute together. Plus, she’s quite a knockout in the red silk teddy with black lace trim she wears when she goes to Mozzie’s (Willie Garson) to meet Neal. Of course things transpire that leave Sara questioning Neal’s relationship with Alex (Gloria Votsis).

I also like that the episode is all about tracking down Vincent Adler (Andrew McCarthy) and giving the fans the answers they need about the music box. I wasn’t happy with the way the writers handled it though. First, Adler gets Neal, followed by Peter, into his limo where he forces them to drink a cocktail designed to knock them out. Of course, that’s after Adler makes Peter cut Neal’s ankle bracelet off so they can’t be traced. Then, when they wake, they’re at the U-boat the Feds have been searching for. Why? To have Neal break the lock to get inside, of course! I thought it was just too predictable having a timer set to blow under the lock, and the way Neal disarms it is less than thrilling. What could have been an exhilarating moment fails to satisfy. They get inside and discover a treasure trove of Old World paintings surrounded by tons of unstable nitro, along with Alex standing next to Adler.

Neal and Alex lying in the empty storm drain

So this is what they’ve been after all this time! Fortunately, Alex turns out to be the granddaughter of the radio operator who intercepted the SOS signal when the U-boat was in danger way back when and she’s able to give Neal the code word (Midas) to stop the explosives from blowing them to bits.

Jones, Diana and Peter as they hear the warehouse explode.

Another scene that fails to satisfy is when Neal, Peter and Alex wake up, hands bound behind them in handcuffs, in an empty storm drain just as Adler’s goons turn the water on in an attempt to drown them. I know Mozzie, Sara, Diana (Marsha Thomason) and Jones (Sharif Atkins) were looking for them, but I was very disappointed in how quickly they found them. What could have been an excellent sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat moment, with water gushing into the storm drain as they struggle fearfully to get out of their bonds, was reduced to nothing more than an extremely anti-climatic scene for all involved. It is obvious Alex still has feelings for Neal though due to the pissed-off look on her face as Sara and Neal kiss after being rescued.

Sara (Hilarie Burton) and Mozzie (Willie Garson)

Of course, they now have to locate Adler who still has the sub and the treasure and predictably Neal, finds the right warehouse, with Adler and his men outside. Adler tries to bribe Neal to help him get past the FBI by offering Neal half of the treasure. Before Neal agrees, he asks for an explanation of why Adler blew up Kate’s plane and he obliges, but before anything else can happen, the warehouse goes up in flames. Adler is furious, and blames Neal. As he stands there, pointing a gun at Neal, Peter comes running up and shoots Adler, but not before hearing Adler say to Neal, “You won’t get away with this.” Huh? What the hell does that mean!? Of course, Neal denies knowing what Adler meant, but Peter doesn’t believe him.

Later, Alex explains her grandfather’s involvement with the U-boat. “He received the SOS signal. He encoded the SOS antenna design into the music box. He figured he’d come to America, he’d build a receiver and he’d find the sub. But, he fled Germany after the war and the box was lost.” On his death bed, Alex continues to explain, he gave her the key to the music box so she could uncover the code he’d put inside. As to Alex’s feelings for Neal, she tells him, “You remind me of this treasure – it’s a wonderful fantasy that’s just out of reach.” And with that, she walks away, telling him to take care of himself. Are we now supposed to believe Neal and Alex’s relationship is over? I’m not sure about that.

One of the cuter scenes takes place at Peter and Elizabeth’s (Tiffani Thiessen) home where Neal and Sara go for dinner at Peter’s insistence. At first, the conversation between Neal and Sara is rather stilted – actually, it’s non-existent. Then when Peter and Elizabeth totally flaunt their awesome relationship, as if to encourage Neal and Sara to take the next step, it seems to work as Sara finally lets her guard down and she and Neal kiss. Aww…

Upon returning home, Neal finds a key and a note, saying “YOU’LL THANK ME” on his table, along with the address to a storage unit. Seemingly, he is shocked to find all of the treasure from the sub in it. Are we supposed to believe, like Peter, that Neal really did steal the treasure? I don’t think so! To me, it’s obvious that Alex is responsible. She is the only one who had the time to pull that off, so for the writers to have insinuated that Neal was responsible is just plain lazy on their part. They totally took the easy way out. Sorry guys, no dice!

So, with the season winding down and Peter thinking he can trust Neal, now he questions his honesty, trustworthiness and their relationship. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until this summer to find out what’s next for these two. The title of the June, 2011 episode is “On Guard,” which could have many meanings, one of which I assume has to do with Peter keeping his guard up around Neal. Something tells me though, there’s more to it than that.

For more information on White Collar, and to watch full episodes online, go to http://www.usanetwork.com/series/whitecollar.

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!