This show is insanely formulaic. It masquerades as something more than it is, yet in the end it's just another chirpy USA action-comedy. Since it's NY they just don't need sunglasses or shiny open collared shirts. They mix it up with white collars that have ties, but accessorize with trendy jackets and hats!
My problem, aside from this tired and overdone recreation, is that it's all too convenient. Much like an episode of Law & Order, the dominoes always fall for these guys. This is very frustrating, especially because this show presents a very interesting premise and has two excellent leads. Neil is amazing suave, possessing more charm than Michael Westin, and the cop guy has a bit of a dark side to him. Unfortunately we get it like Campbell's chicken noodle soup, condensed, and it ends up lacking flavor.
That is except in the finale. In the finale Neil is offered a chance at everything he's wanted since leaving prison, which is his ex-gf and his freedom. This in itself isn't compelling, but the role Alex plays in aiding his cause is extremely watchable.
Alex is a morally corrupt lady who is smart, sexy and sinister. She may be in a man's world, but she writes her own rules (What a corny and terrible tagline I just wrote). It's true, though, as played by Gloria Votsis we get to see some of the grey area that belongs on cable television. Votsis plays Alex by constantly teasing Neal (I changed his spelling because he's a con man, and this is indicative of how he'd use an alias) and the audience with her full potential.
What i mean is that she always appears to be holding back, like she knows something we don't know and we think we need to know it. Plus, she's easy on the eyes, and we're left hoping she won't hold back there either. In particular her flirting with Kneel (there it is again! Sneaky) is well written, but only possible by the chemistry that Alex initiates. She is the flame that sets all the dormant agents on this show ablaze. And it's fun to watch it burn.
(spoiler alert) Speaking of burning, it was fun to watch Kate die. Kate is Gneil's ex and she is the bane of my existence. I can't stand her and find her extremely annoying. Not a problem anymore, as she was in a plane that blew up. An impressive move by the show, which showed that it may actually have some guts.
I like where the show is now heading, with the possibility of a larger conspiracy and a void in the love life that could be filled by Alex.
For now I'd say i'm cautiously optimistic about White Collar's future.
No comments:
Post a Comment