It's classic buddy cop stuff, with a twist, as both men may be opposite sides of the same coin but there's no 48 Hours-style animosity between the pair -- even thought one's esponsible for the other's incarceration. Instead, Stokes and Caffrey feel more like half-brothers whose lives drifted in opposite directions, and the only real antagonism is by-the-book Stokes' jealousy that Caffrey's self-assurance can blag him a $700 per month residence with a munificent millionairess and her sizzling 22-year-old granddaughter.
The "Pilot" did a brilliant job of laying out its premise and making you like the characters, while the storyline about an art thief known as "The Dutchman" was actually more sophisticated than you'd expect from a show with a knockabout tone. There were some fun moments and interesting twists to the case, and writer Jeff Eastin managed to weave in some clever touches while imparting some fun insider knowledge about the art of forgery.
But its greatest assets are its leads, with both actors playing to their strengths. Tim DeKay always makes for a likeable everyman (see: Carnivale), but he's also believable as a Federal agent of skill and moral decency. Matthew Bomer is also very good as the handsome, rebellious swindler, channeling the roguish charm he brought to his role as Bryce Larkin in a few episodes of Chuck. Most promisingly, there's a fun dynamic between the two actors and their partnership is undoubtedly the main reason to stick around for more.
Overall, there were only three minor concerns about this pilot for me: one, it felt too long at an hour (without adverts), and would have been much snappier as a traditional 43-minutes; two, lesbian FBI agent Diana Lancing (Marsha Thomason) didn't really click with me, so I'm pleased to hear Thomason's been replaced by The Middleman's Natalie Morales post-pilot; and three, for me it was obvious who would be the villain once I noticed Mark Sheppard's name in the credits!
White Collar doesn't really beg to be watched, but this was an enjoyable start and I really enjoyed watching DeKay and Bomer together. They reminded me of the Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio characters in a Catch Me If You Can sequel set in modern times. Bomer's character even chose to wear a Brat Pack-styled suit straight from the swinging '60s. And if any of that sounds appealing you should grab this show by its collar.
23 October 2009
USA Network, 10/9c
written by: Jeff Eastin directed by: Bronwen Hughes starring: Tim DeKay (Peter Stokes), Matthew Bomer (Neil Caffrey), Tiffani Thiessen (Elizabeth Burke), Marsha Thomason (Diana Lancing), James Biberi (Gaines), Anthony Bradford (FBI Rookie), Diahann Carroll (June), Alexandra Daddario (Kate), Tony Devon (Calabrese), Michael Gaston (Thompson), Billy Griffith (Prison Guard), Mike Houston (Customs Official), Derek Milman (FBI Technician), Christopher Moser (Customs Agent), Norman Outlaw (Prisoner), Kim Shaw (Juliana), Mark Sheppard (Curtis Hagen), Stephen Singer (Vincent), Antwon Temoney (Prisoner), Rob Tode (FBI Audio Tech #2), Denise Vasi (Cindy) & Mark Vincent (Spanish Guard)
