Rabid Squee - Ancient History

Anyone but me notice that Neal
was the fox among this band
of art thieves?

So this was not my favorite episode of the season – and more’s the pity, because I typically rejoice when we I see Alex in the picture – but there was still much to squee about.

Shall we get to it?

 

Nealin’ it up! This show is never better than when Neal is doing the things he does best, showing his conman’s craft so well. Not only was he able to slip those cuffs in the NYPD squad car with gloves on, he did a terrific spoiled-artist impression at the art gallery later on. And did a pretty fair approximation of an actual Banksy work to boot – great job.

At least Neal didn't leave them completely empty-handed.

Though I think credit for that is owed to the ep’s director, Russell Lee Fine, the most excellent cinematographer for the series who has directed a few eps in the past, most notably the gorgeously-shot Season 3 finale, Judgment Day.

I won’t nitpick on Neal's lack of accent, because, like, I think Matt Bomer attempting a British accent would have been funny, but not in the good way.

Speaking of Mr. Fine: This episode was beautifully shot, I must say. Because:

 

And:

I want to go to there.

And:

 

This man’s eye for exteriors is STUNNING. But look what he does with interiors as well:

 I just love this angle on the office. Wow! Just, wow.

“Don’t THINK I won’t turn this car around, you two!”  I love when the tables are turned, which of course was done in such a terrific way in Power Play and again in this ep. Neal rolling his eyes and bailing Peter and Moz out of a tough situation in Alex’s bathroom was hysterical, and Matt Bomer played the character’s frustration perfectly.

 

But later, when he learns the two are working behind his back to learn more about Sam, Neal's pain at their lack of faith that he can handle it on his own is palpable. Do I think Neal would be better off relying on his friends in this? Absolutely, but he’s a grown man and entitled to make those mistakes. The fact he comes around in the end ought to be proof enough to Moz and Peter, and they should give him a little space. At least Peter apologized for going behind Neal's back – I’ll take that as progress.

Neal: "Dammit, stop smothering me!"

We’ll see how long it lasts, given what was shown of the trailer for next week. Though I now have a good feeling about the drama about what will happen, and can’t wait to see it played out. I predict further estrangement of Neal from his friends, and perhaps he unwisely puts too much trust in Sam. What happens when Neal's completely cut himself loose in this way? This is my prediction for the mid-season finale. But I’m usually wrong, so don’t quote me! It would be interesting though, no?

Non-Squee of the Week

 

I’m really getting sick of seeing these lapses in character and/or what I’d think would be SOP for a lawman like Peter. Why wouldn’t he have alerted the NYPD that his team was in the midst of an operation, especially considering how the first one went that week? And while it was flippin’ high-larious to watch him and Moz running around Alex’s hotel suite like they’d been cast in some kind of French farce, Mr. “You Guys Need to Stop Looking at Exigent Circumstances as a Loophole” needs to maybe brush up on the 4^th Amendment to the US Constitution himself. Just sayin’.

Quote of the Week

Neal: “Your natural life is constituted primarily of hiding.”

Moz: “Exactly. I don’t need any supplemental hiding.”

I don’t know why, but this tickled the hell out of my funny bone.

 

Moz: “Sam is Samantha! He is a she.”

Peter: “He is definitely not a she.”

Moz: “Well, he’s curious.”

Get thee to the kink meme, Moz.  

 

Neal: “I get it. Why go to Pottery Barn when you can accent with a 6,000-year old amphora?”

I say this ALL the time.

 

So what were you squeeing over this week, Collars? And how about that next ep – I really am looking forward to the drama there. Also: shirtlessness! It’s like Christmas came early. Thanks, Uncle Jeff!