TV Show Review: White Collar - Season 6

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Writing, characters, story, acting

Cons: Only Neal (you know, the conman)

The Bottom Line:

Back for one last con

Wraps things up for characters

Will leave fans happy

“Spend Your Time Well, Neal.  Before You Know It, It Will be Gone.”

At the end of the fifth season of White Collar, the show’s creator and the USA Network decided to bring the show back for a final season of just six episodes.  While it was time for the show to end, I was sorry since I have loved it from day one.  Fortunately, with everyone agreeing this was the final season, they were able to go out with the incredibly fun season six.

Plus they were able to resolve that cliffhanger.  After all, we had to know just who it was who kidnapped former con man turned FBI asset Neal Cafferty (Matt Bomer).  Meanwhile, his FBI handler Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) is doing everything he can to find Neal with the help of Neal’s non-fed trusting friend Mozzie (Willie Garson).  When they do find him, Neal unfolds a very risky plan to take down the most notorious criminal organization – in exchange for his freedom.  Will Neal finally earn his freedom?  Or will the plan backfire?

If you aren’t familiar with the show, you really don’t want to jump in here.  There are connections, comments, and relationships that won’t mean much to you.  But really, would you want to jump in to the end of any story?  I wouldn’t.

However, fans of the show will love the way they tie up six years of such a great show.  The ending wasn’t the one I had hoped for, but it works perfectly for the characters, so I really don’t mind.  Along the way, we get twists, turns, and suspense that will keep you glued to the TV for every second.  In other words, it’s just like always.

What isn’t like always is the lack of standalone episodes.  With only six episodes to wrap things up, five of them tie directly into this final story arc.  The only exception focuses on fan favorite Mozzie, and it is the most fun episode of the season.  The rest have their fun moments but are mostly compelling and suspenseful.

While Jones (Sharif Atkins) and Diana (Marsha Thomason) pretty much are involved in the main story and nothing else, Peter’s wife Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) does get her own sub-plot, one that brings her back to New York City.  Again, it will please fans, but that’s all I’m saying.

The acting and writing on this show have always been spectacular, and this final season doesn’t drop the ball at all.  It’s smart, fast moving, and laced with humor at all the right places brought to life by a talented and amazing cast.  You won’t be disappointed in the slightest.

The six episodes from season six are included in this two disc set.  They originally aired in widescreen and full surround, and that’s how they are presented here.  The bonus features include a retrospective from the cast and crew, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and two audio commentaries on the series finale, both featuring creator Jeff Eastin who is joined on one by stars Tim DeKay and Willie Garson and the other by Matt Bomer.

It’s always sad to see a favorite show end, but that’s why TV on DVD sets were invented.  I look forward to spending time reliving Neal and Peter’s cases again, and White Collar season six is the perfect end to their story.

Season 6 Episodes:

1. Borrowed Time

2. Return to Sender

3. Uncontrolled Variables

4. All’s Fair

5. Whack-A-Mole

6. Au Revoir