USA Network has a reliable track record when it comes to light-hearted procedurals. Since they are also the most watched cable network (for original scripted programming especially), one might think of it as the cable version of CBS. However, by combining reliable formats with original stories, solid acting, and clever humor in shows such as White Collar, USA truly sets itself apart.
White Collar follows convicted con artist Neal Caffrey (Matthew Bomer) as he works white collar cases with the FBI investigator who caught him, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay, formerly Bizarro Jerry on Seinfeld), in order to make up for breaking out of prison. In addition to the increasingly interesting and well-written weekly cases the two pursue, the series also tracks a serialized storyline, a little but each episode, similar to other USA shows. This storyline begins simply (a search for Neal's former flame Kate) and slowly reveals itself to be a deeper conspiracy, perhaps involving the government agencies Neal now works for. What helps make all these stories so gripping is the excellent writing, particularly for the finales preceding the show's hiatuses. The writers really do have a talent for conning the viewers themselves so they can't figure out exactly where the plots are heading, right up until their shocking conclusions (or in the case of the serialized story, cliffhangers).
Of course what really pulls you in (especially for the earlier episodes of season 1, where the cases were lackluster) is the acting and characters. Central is the relationship of Neal and Peter, who, despite being on opposing sides for so many years, still respect one another enough to allow their partnership to become a friendship (and eventually begin to trust each other). The two share a classic opposing comedy dynamic as Neal appreciates the finer things, like wine and fancy suits, while Peter prefers to watch the game and relax with a beer. Additionally, Neal's former partner as a con artist, Mozzie (played to neurotic perfection by Willie Garson), is a delight to watch as he plays off his costars with an exceptional comic flair. Tiffani (Amber) Thiessen (Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell) rounds out the cast as Peter's supportive wife, though she's not always as interesting as the various women that enter and exit Neal's life as if through a revolving door.
Bottom Line: Great casting and phenomenal writing help White Collar stand out as quality entertainment, despite its old fashioned premise and tropes..
White Collar is currently airing the second half of its second season Tuesdays at 10 on USA.
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