This Collar Looks Good.

I am not an easy judge of any media I consume. Frankly, I'm a bit of a downer when it comes to tv shows and movies that have mass appeal. I probably nit pick and denigrate more than I should.
Maybe this was the case with season one of White Collar. Regardless, I can authoritatively say (because I have my own blog) that season two is a refreshing breath of air and a quality summer dalliance.
The show revolves around a con man who has turned his skills into an asset of the FBI. This is still the essential plot in the second season, except the running theme isn't a chase for an annoying ex-gf, but rather exploring who killed her. This is a plus for two reasons: 1, Our hero is better as a swinging single and 2, It has introduced a mysterious bad guy who actually has some balls. (Even if we don't know who this is, at least we know he or she likes killing.)
Additionally, it has allowed one of my favorite characters, Alex (Gloria Votsis with plenty of time since GATES was canceled) to enjoy an expanded role. She was the girl Neal kept at an arms length before, but now seems poised to enter his life in a closer way.
The other fun piece of the puzzle is Marsha Thomason as the hot/sexy FBI agent working under Peter. She helps even things out in terms of pressence against the overwhelming persona that is Neal. She also benefits from an off the books endeavor with Peter, which has them running a parallel investigation to Neal's snooping.
All in all, the show is fun and good. Some might even say good fun. It still utilizes the episodic format, but with a good amount of running stories and a reduction of Kelly from saved by the bell.
The best part is, you can't get involved now on PRIMETIME ON DEMAND and skip out on the waste that was season one.