I have to admit that I am completely biased about this episode. Mozzie is my favorite character on White Collar and my favorite partner for him is Elizabeth. Therefore, I went into this episode expecting great things and I wasn't disappointed. Neighborhood Watch starts with Peter geeking out about surveillance equipment. He accidentally leaves one of the pieces on when he heads to work and Elizabeth overhears a neighbor talking to someone else about a big pay day and avoiding more jail time. She tells Peter what she overheard but unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a crime at the time and place she tells him. Peter, Neal, Jones, and Diana dismiss it as nerves after being kidnapped by Keller. El is not as sure and elicits Mozzie's help to dig deeper. When they track the voice to a handsome new neighbor (Joe Manganiello of True Blood fame), they see a gun and a duffle bag and decide they are on the right track. They eventually elicit Neal's skills, with Peter the last to know to his great displeasure.
What really worked for me in this episode was Mozzie and Elizabeth playing off each other. It's obvious that Mozzie wants to be in El's good graces after the Keller debacle. "I'd normally let aspiring criminals do their thing, but for you I'll make an exception." However, I never expected a sort of role reversal that has Mozzie playing the more cautious one. El on a mission is quite determined and watching Mozzie try to keep up is fun. They also get the best lines. "It's definitely a Sig Sauer P227…or a Tony Award." Bwah! And no White Collar episodes would be complete without my learning something new. This episode - how to use a lock pick, stakeouts aren't just for deviled ham, Peter has serious tool issues, spousal immunity, and sex not only sells, it is handy in a getaway. Too bad the criminals never watched White Collar though. They are incredibly stupid. One other interesting note: This episode had a scene where I was genuinely nervous about a character's welfare. I love White Collar and think it has great plot arcs, but I rarely get my blood pressure up because I am worried about what will happen next on screen. This episode I did.
Highlights:
Best use of a pot - EVER!
Dr. Seuss - White Collar style
Elizabeth and Mozzie impersonate Peter and Neal
Good neighbor guerilla warfare
Neal gets nostalgic
Neal goes casual
Nick Halden returns
Operation Dinner Roll
The ending scene
Great lines:
"Are you going to bow to the will of the establishment?" - tied for my favorite line of the night
"Careful, this neighborhood's ripe with tetanus."
"Elizabeth is like a terrifying amalgamation of Danica Patrick and the Man from U.N.C.L.E."
"Even when Neal's not around, I end up eating dinner with grand larcenists."
"It's all good in my hood."
"Seriously? You are a bad influence." -tied for my favorite line of the night
"Stay here Moz. I need to save Elizabeth."
"That's the worst plan I've ever heard. Literally ever."
"They don't call me Mrs. Suit for nothing."
"Two dates a week? I'll have to take you ring shopping."
"When you make a rubbing at a strip club, your options are limited."
"You and your eye shadow may have cracked the case."
"You look like Wonder Woman."
Don't forget to watch this episode of White Collar at 10/9 C on USA Network this Tuesday.
Screencap by USA Network
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