With only three months left on his four year sentence, renowned con artist, forger, and art thief Neal Caffrey escapes prison to look for his beloved girlfriend. Foiled and caught, however, by the same FBI agent that put him away all those years ago, Caffrey is thrown back in prison to serve all four years over again.
However, after helping Peter Burke (the FBI agent) solve a case the man had been puzzling over for ages, the young, charming con artist convinced Burke to make him a deal: serve the rest of his four year sentence by working with the FBI to catch other wanted, white collar criminals.
After some hesitation, Burke agreed, and Caffrey was released early from prison to work as an FBI consultant and Burke’s criminal informant. The two begin an unconventional and testy relationship as they set out to capture elusive and dangerous white collar criminals in New York City.
“White Collar” is a perfect show for any interested in charming, charismatic main characters full of intelligence and cunning. An incredibly attractive young man, Neal is full of wit and charisma, constantly using his personality and good looks to charm his way through sticky situations.
With expert forgery skills, ranging from paintings to money bonds to flawless fake identities, Neal’s array of many talents make the show fascinating to watch. “White Collar” is full of fun heist scenes, playful flirtations, and entertaining dialogue. Neal’s magnetizing personality draws in both his intended marks, and the audience.
In addition to Neal’s captivating character, his partner Peter Burke is a dangerously intelligent agent. Burke and Caffrey have a complex but beautiful relationship; they’re almost friends, but constantly limited by their moral dynamic. Burke has a very strong sense of morals, and though he allows Caffrey to occasionally operate in the gray, the young con artist’s habit of lies and trickery make their relationship a little rocky at times. Even so, it is undeniable that they both care for each other greatly; “White Collar” truly gives such a beautiful found family dynamic between all the characters. The familial bond Caffrey forms with Burke’s beautiful wife, Elizabeth, is truly adorable and heartwarming to see. The relationship between Neal and the rest of the FBI characters as well truly encompasses a family-like dynamic, complete with teasing and petty bickering.
Furthermore, while Peter and Elizabth’s charming relationship remains steadfast and loyal throughout the entire show, Neal’s romantic life is much more complex. From a fellow con artist and old heist partner, to the insurance investigator who testified against him at his trial, and the beloved woman he escaped prison for, Neal’s romantic life meets new challenges each season.
If you enjoy shows about government agencies / law enforcement catching criminals, love found family relationships, and enjoy intelligent, cunning, charming and charismatic characters, “White Collar” is the show for you.