White Collar - TV Series Review

James McCaffrey in White Collar (2009)

Exploring the Intriguing Charm and Thrill of "White Collar"

  • 7

White Collar gets into an interesting storyline on crime drama with a bit of mystery. This series is based on the relationship of a likable crook Neal Caffrey, enacted by Matt Bomer, and a strict FBI officer, Peter Burke, played by Tim DeKay. Caffrey who is a master mind white collar criminal who specialises in art theft and forgery helps the FBI to solve similar crimes in order to be freed. This unique premise provides the backdrop to dynamic investigations imbued with awesome mysteries and unique cons.

The main motifs of White Collar are the issues of trust and betrayal as well as attempts to define who is good and who is bad. Fundamentally, the series asks the viewer what is considered legal and ethical and Neal is shown to be a man always on the margins of the law. The tone involves suspense, humor and drama to keep the spectators interested and engaged with the performance by appearing and making witty comments in unexpected moments of the play . The crime thriller element is built masterfully into the show while it is filled with numerous funny scenes, which are set rather frequently even in dangerous circumstances.

The characters in the original show ‘White Collar’ have been portrayed with an exemplary performance by the whole cast of the series. Neal Caffrey is Joseph Bonus’s charmer, enigma incarnate, brought to life with varying abilities by Matt Bomer. Tim DeKay is a perfect match for Bomer’s charm as the intellectual and principled FBI agent Peter Burke. There is so much chemistry between Bomer and DeKay that the two really do for each other what is at the forefront of this series. Portraying Mozzie, Willie Garson brings non-stop quirkiness to the show and Tiffani Thiessen as Elizabeth Burke adds the right amount of humor and support to the story The use of supporting actors can also be called enjoyable and organic, because they do not merely repeat the story, but contribute to it.

Show’s direction by John T. Kretchmer and Russell Lee Fine can be called polished and energetic; they successfully While managing all the components of the series, the directors do a good job considering the unity of the narration, making it interesting and bringing character development and complex plotlines together. Sophisticated approach to the play of suspens and light comedy tones up the audience’s enjoying.

The unique music performed by Jon Ehrlich and Jason Derlatka for White Collar enhances the series’ overall style. The sound track matches perfectly well with the show’s feel, providing that extra intensity especially during stakes cases and, the jazzy feel during comic relief or moments of reflection. The musical score as a major component of the show is a perfect fit for the show setting the mood for each scene aptly.

The use of the cameras and lights in White Collar reflects proper etiquette of the New York ambiance. The direction and some of the compositions are very indicative of NYC, and serve well to root the show and give it some visual flavor. The aesthetics of the show are evident in the good selection done by the cinematographers in blending classy and elegant lifestyle plus the dark side of the high-profiled criminals.

In White Collar, the production design is well done such that it emulates real life and give the audiences a real feel of what they portray. From the FBI, offices to Neal Caffrey’s elaborate urban apartment, each background epitomizes the characters’ lives and their show whose niche is crime but with much style. Just like with White Collar, the set design also aids in storytelling and even adds other values which are a feast for the eyes.

Similarly to the primary show that is mainly dedicated to the storytelling and relations between characters, special effects are used sparingly yet, effectively. The series does not overuse the visual effects as the art of trickery cons executed by Neal and Mozzie in this series would look convincing enough,)

The element of ‘editing’ also keeps the series fast-paced and entertaining. Stylistically, there is smooth continuity, and timely changes of scenes retain interest in solutions to the disclosed mysteries. The editors try to keep a focus on the more plot-based arcs while always keeping a strong focus on character work within each episode, and where each episode only has about a half-hour run time, it’s impressive how well things never seem to drag or wobble in the pacing.

It is important for every episode to balance story and character arcs, and here, the series does a good job telling the story at a nice pace. A pace is set for both of the storylines that keeps the viewers hooked, minutes turning into hours as the information and tricks are produced in measured dosages. Another benefit of structured and well-balanced episodes, or timing is that the show is watchable in ‘binge-sessions’, with episodes 2, 3, or 4 being easily adjustable.

The use of language in White Collar is crisp, intelligent, and quite often comical, giving dimension to the characters in the show. While still providing viewers with the exposition-heavy dialogue that is often so important in understanding the series’ various twists and turns, the writers Jeff Eastin and the rest have managed to incorporate a much more personal dialog into the show, as well as layer the events occurring in the storyline with mystery. This way, the humor ist maintained, and the intelligence is rised in every conversation, thus making the story even richer.

Even with its rather appealing storyline, well-developed characters, and the chemistry between main actors, ‘White Collar.’ does not shy away from cliches usual for procedural dramas. This may make some of the plotlines appear cliched, and while some episodes have a very clear cut case of the week format, this does prevent extensive character development. However, these shortcomings are pervious because the main cast has extraordinary charm, and the general concept it is based is rather well-implemented to compensate these flaws. The play and book revolves mainly around Neal and Peter, they pose a captivating charm and elicits the audience’s or reader’s full emotional package. Smartly written and characterised by great visuals and personality portrayals, the series provides an adrenaline-fueled, unforgettable experience. What it is, is a good examination of the thematic composition of crime and the relationship between criminals and the police.