Rabid Squee - Compromising Positions

Neal thought this was a tasty ep too!

Was this not one of the more entertaining episodes of the entire series, Collars? I will allow for the weak A-plot of the trial and the relatively bland AUSA involved because there were so many tasty goodies to be had here.

Shall we begin? 

The Neal facts fly fast and furious. Neal’s real last name – Bennett. “Back in DC” he said to Sam, does that mean that’s where he was born (since he was in WITSEC in St. Louis)? Explains Sam’s paranoia about the FBI extra-well. Ellen’s real name: Katherine Hill. Neal's dad played darts (rushes back to watch Judgment Day to see if there’s a dart board in Ellen’s apartment).

Mrs. Ari! Nick Turturro! Treat Williams! The guest stars, as always were top notch. I’ll confess a minor squee at just SEEING Perrey Reeves’ name in the credits at the beginning. Those in the know are familiar with her work as “Mrs. Ari” on Entourage, a woman so formidable even the odious Ari Gold didn’t have the balls to CONSIDER cheating on her or, for that matter, even pissing her off. Her turn as Landon Sheppard gave us another great character in the White Collar universe, and I’d personally love to see her observational skills pitted against a certain “consulting detective” in London…

The terrific Perrey Reeves as Landon Sheppard

I have always loved Nick Turturro, ever since he played the adorable Det. James Martinez on NYPD Blue all those years. He warms my heart every time he shows up on Blue Bloods as well as Sgt. Renzulli (and it is his fault I now pronounce the word “forthwith” as “Fort Wit”).

Treat Williams – ah, I confess a looong standing crush. His appearance on the show is squee-worthy enough, though he hasn’t done much yet. Can’t wait to see him bring his usual brand of intensity to the role.  

Everyone was looking beautiful. I swear, everyone was so pretty – I love my HD TV sometimes, honestly.  I absolutely loved the navy dress Hilarie was wearing in what I will forever refer to as the “Foursome Scene,” and the suit Tiffani was wearing made her even more beautiful than usual. (A slight quibble – I will say I like Hilarie’s hair better when it is a darker shade; we gingers have to stick together.)

"Foursome? Didn't I suggest that MONTHS ago?"

More Mozzie Hijinks!  From rubber baby buggy bumpers to the setup of the water leak at the storage facility, Moz was almost the best thing about the episode. It is always fun to see him yanking Peter’s chain so the Suit won’t see what he’s up to (reminding me of a similar terrific scene in Need to Know back in S2), and I love the manner he has when he’s ticking off phone numbers on Landon’s phone records.

Peter: “Where did you come from?”

Moz: “45 years ago, an enigma gave a paradox a Very Special Hug.”

SPORFLE!

Moz and his Mini-Me, "Bartholomew."

The photo shoot scene, AKA The Foursome! – Was this not fan service at its finest, fellow slashers and ‘shippers alike? Thanks, Mr. Eastin!  

But it was also one of the best scenes of the series, hands-down. From Peter and Neal’s childish, “You tell her!” “No, YOU tell her!” before they lay down their plan to Elizabeth and Sara to El’s adorable cluelessness (which, FTR, I am not buying – El is a kinky minx, and we now have proof), this scene was a satisfying amuse-bouche to the main course in the next scene.

Neal: "That's SO not the way to bring this up, Peter."

I don’t know who gets the biggest prize for the Peter-and-Sara-faking-it scene, I really don’t. My money’s split between Matt Bomer, who if I’m not mistaken is playing it as if Neal’s almost painfully turned on, and Tiffani Thiessen, whose cool control (and that white suit – DAYUM) speaks to the not-so-suppressed dominatrix in Elizabeth’s character. I call it a push.

But seriously, I want outtakes from this in the DVD extras – ALL OF THEM. They had to be improv-ing most of it, yes? It sure does look like the four actors are having a great time.

Tim Dekay, looking about to burst out laughing. Bring on the outtakes!

And let’s not forget the writer who brought us this smorgasbord: Matt Negrete, take a bow, sir! You gave us two of my favorite episodes from S3 (As You Were and Dentist of Detroit), and you are now officially my favorite WC writer.

Geeky!Neal is aDORKable! The crooked glasses! The Members Only jacket! The Walmart manager slacks! Srsly, we need to see this again, and soon:



Neal, if this FBI gig doesn't work out, there's a Walgreens that's hiring in my town. Just sayin'.

 

Non-Squee of the Week

The vast conspiracy within the US government angle? Again? Weren’t we disappointed enough last time, with Project Mentor’s loose ends left dangling uselessly, and the not-at-all-Phantom Menace that was Vincent Adler? This had better be good, that’s all I’ma say.

Quotes of the Week

Neal: “Testifying is a two-man con!”

Peter: “Go sharpen your pencils.”

I love when the line between the con game and law enforcement is muddied, and this ep highlights it better than any other (because really, aren’t the undercover operations the team pulls off each week, with or without Neal, government-sanctioned cons?).

Neal: “She is dedicated to her man.”

Diana: “And limber!”

Is Diana trolling for new girlfriends already?

Landon: “No Clinton Jones today? Don’t tell me – he’s off seeking Daddy’s approval through over-achievement.”

Ouch! Also: OUCH! Aw, Clinton, baby, you should seek solace and comfort in Neal’s loving arms…

Peter: “Right now, I’m in no position to be breaking into another U-boat.”

Neal: “I doubt he’s got a submarine.”

Peter: “Maybe he’s got a blimp.”

Heh.

Neal: “Romance novel cover right there.”

Heh. Heh-heh-heh.

So how’d you like this week ‘s ep, Collars? Head to the comments.