Post Ep DIsh - 3.06 - Scott Free

[elrhiarhodan]

Cannot believe we are six weeks into a sixteen week season. Time flies. Now over halfway through the first half. Grumble.

I’m wondering how Scott Free is going to top either Dentist of Detroit or Veiled Threat. But it’s a Neal-focused episode - that makes me happy.

Here we go, folks. See you on the other side.



Mmmm, Neal’s cooking breakfast for Sara.

Awww, the hat.

Casual exhibitionism. Shades of Neal/Kate.

And Neal’s finally gotten a lock on his door

And she’s so cute - trying to explain the handcuffs and their “relationship”

He’s a hacker - and Neal doesn’t hack

And Diana gets to break down the door.

Peter is waaaay to impressed with this punk.

And I’m kripke'd again - the birth certificate of a dead baby.

Robbin’ Hoodie

Neal is way too uncomfortable - and very jealouse

High score on Angry Birds - and they are working at the Burke house. Guess that new kitchen is paying off

Awww - the marital fist bump. Adorable

Have you ever had a hundred grade between your legs? Umm yes?

Awww - Neal can’t go with Peter in the van.

And was that a little bit of the Texas accent?

New interrogation room

Peter looks a little too satisfied

The con is a rush - an addiction

“So to speak, the speak”

“Victor Moreau” - OUCH

“Bob - I never liked you.” I prefer “Mozzie.”

So you work for him - No, I work with him

(Intermission - I am not loving this episode at all. It’s a real downer after Dentist of Detroit and Veiled Threat)

Ummm - So Neal never stole from anyone who didn’t deserve it?

And another Star Wars reference!

Aww - Peter’s given his seal of approval and he’s worried about Sara.

That is the ugliest piece of lingerie

No - Sara. Don’t do it!

(jrosemary has just pointed out what’s wrong here. Neal isn’t having a good time, and by extension, neither are we).

Peter is devious - good. Smart Peter is SMART.

And again with the visual aids.

And the Barbie reference. Come on guys - it’s getting a little demeaning.

And so is having the WC women playing prostitutes (ugh)

GO SARA GO SARA GO SARA

Love righteously angry Peter - he handled Neal perfectly - hit all the marks

On second thought - go ahead and rush!

Love Peter’s complicity in this.

Jones to the rescue!

And the lecture Neal gives to Scot is the one he needs to give himself. He is giving himself.

“Give him some time, people don’t change over night.”
King Richard the Lionheart…TDK’s role in Lion in Winter.

Victor Moreau - Vic Moreau. Wait - wasn’t that the name in the wonderful epistolary fic by neifile? Another kripke?

AND NIPPLES!!!!!!!!!

In her heels, she’s taller than him. So damn hot.

Sneaky Sara is sneaky. And she found it. Ouch.

Ouch

Ouch.

And we're done.



You know the drill, peeps. Thinky thoughts. Not so thinky thoughts. No bashing. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Let’s have some fun now! What did you think? Honestly.

Comments

[surreal-44.livejournal.com]

Ehhhhh.

This episode was boring, but at least it didn't have the epic fail of last week's consent issues and weird characterizations for lolz. :/

But this episode had too much Sara (who continues to be epically boring and lifeless to me. Casually fucking Neal is not character development or defining, and she again failed to do anything useful).

So Neal is still planning to leave? Whhhhhhhhy? Because Peter interrupted his breakfast? I do not understand Neal at all.

The only saving graces of the episode were the conversations between Neal and Peter. Those were good. \o/

[swanpride.livejournal.com]

I especially don't get why she feels the need to explain Peter anything...in her place I would simply reminded him that basically stomping into Neal's bedroom early at the morning and not backing off when realizing that Neal has company is an unbelievable breech of privacy. She is a grown up woman, there is no need to explain herself. Peter isn't her daddy after all (urgh, can't believe I wrote this...*delete mind*).

Scott sadly fell flat (I think partly because of the actor, who wasn't cocky enough, partly because the ending wasn't believable at all).

And while it is a step in the right directions (Neal's musings about himself were the best parts) it's still a too swallow view on the situation.

[surreal-44.livejournal.com]

I especially don't get why she feels the need to explain Peter anything...in her place I would simply reminded him that basically stomping into Neal's bedroom early at the morning and not backing off when realizing that Neal has company is an unbelievable breech of privacy. She is a grown up woman, there is no need to explain herself. Peter isn't her daddy after all (urgh, can't believe I wrote this...*delete mind*).

I agree she shouldn't have to explain herself, but Peter wasn't hassling her. He was teasing Neal. Sara was the one to offer up an explanation that Peter didn't even ask for. Peter even responded, "I didn't ask", or something like that. So she did a lot of needless explaining to Peter, who doesn't seem to really care that Neal and Sara are dating. He just seems to enjoy winding Neal up.

As far as Neal's privacy goes, I don't know that Neal actually has an expectation of privacy where Peter is concerned. Neal is still a prisoner serving his sentence. The polite thing for Peter to do is to call ahead to let Neal know he's coming, but I wouldn't say Peter showing up to fetch Neal for work is an invasion.

Peter should have offered to wait downstairs, however. He's such a dork. Seriously.

I like to think that Scott turned himself in, and will escape later on because he decides he doesn't want to serve time after all. -puts tin hat on-

[swanpride.livejournal.com]

Peter was much more considerate in the first season, when he caught Alex with Neal - true, he run her prints, but he actually apologized and wanted to leave. I get that Peter becomes more intrusive when he thinks that Neal is up to something, but really, who Neal dates is none of his business, and Neal certainly doesn't need his approaval.

Actually, Scott turned out such a bland character that I really don't want to see him again.

[surreal-44.livejournal.com]

I get that Peter becomes more intrusive when he thinks that Neal is up to something, but really, who Neal dates is none of his business, and Neal certainly doesn't need his approaval.

I hate to say it, but I think Peter has every right to monitor Neal's relationships until Neal's prison term is up. It's not fun, but that's how it is.

Although I thought the "I approve of Sara" talk was a little stupid. Not only does Peter not need to protect Sara by warning Neal off, but I'm not sure why Peter seems to believe Sara would be a good influence on him, knowing how she sometimes works beyond the borders of the laws.

And yeah, I know Peter bends the rules too, but he has a high, high standard of rules that he has to follow, and his grey areas seem to be on the lighter shade of things. Sara seems willing to go all the way, and I don't know how he could think that would be good for Neal.

So that confuses me.


Actually, Scott turned out such a bland character that I really don't want to see him again.

Oh, I didn't mean to imply that we should ever see him again. Just that I hope he escapes. He was annoying.

[elrhiarhodan]

Surreal:

When I say "no bashing" I mean it.

I have always valued your opinion and participation on my LJ - whether here or in the comment fic fests. However, I am getting increasingly uncomfortable with the themes you repeatedly introduce in your responses to these Post Ep-Dishes.

I am referring to the negativity you use when you write about Sara Ellis. You are always welcome to express an opinion; however, I ask that you do it respectfully.

You should realize that I am a fan of the show - and of all of the characters. I particularly like Sara Ellis, I like how the character has developed from an adversary to a potential ally. I like that Neal has a sexy love interest who is his intellectual equal. I find Hilarie Burton to be a talented and attractive actress and an asset to the show.

Over the past few weeks, I have been reluctant to reply to comments on the dish because I have been concerned about alienating you. But I really can't let it go - and maybe had I replied earlier, this escalation of negative expression wouldn't have occurred.

I hope that you don't take this to mean that I do not want to hear from you or you can't join in the conversation. But you should be away that going forward, the Dish will be declared a Sara-Positive zone and inflammatory comments about the character will not be welcomed.

[surreal-44.livejournal.com]

Dissenting opinion is not bashing. "I hate Sara because she's a slut" would be bashing. "Sara is stupid and ugly" is bashing. I purposefully posted that it was my own opinion to make certain I was not making a blanket statement to imply it was the One Possible Truth about Sara. I complained about the lack of development she has had, which is not character bashing but a complaint against the writers.

So I am sick of the idea that a negative opinion on a character is 'bashing'. People say negative things about Peter (especially Peter) and Neal all the time. It's rarely considered bashing. You want people to have a positive view on Sara, give me a response other than, "you're so mean to say those things about her". Tell me where I'm wrong. Discuss it.

You say Sara developed; I say she skipped the development and is a cliche of badly written characters. Point out where the development is. Demanding that people only speak of her in a positive light only makes me resent her even more.

Don't worry; I'm done on ever speaking to you about her, since it seems fairly useless. I still like you, of course. I'm not going to let some fictional character destroy a relationship, and I hope you feel the same way. But it would be nice if you actually give me an idea of where you're coming from. Maybe you could do a meta on Sara?

[elrhiarhodan]

I guess our definition of bashing is different, because when you say:

...too much Sara (who continues to be epically boring and lifeless to me. Casually fucking Neal is not character development or defining, and she again failed to do anything useful).

I see that as bashing - it is not extreme as calling her a slut, but it is bashing to me (dare I say - my Journal, my rules). It ignores her contributions to the plot as well as diminishes her as a person.

So - we have a difference of opinion - and that I can respect. For the sake of fandom peace and my peace of mind - let's agree that you will not discuss your negative opinions of Sara Ellis on my journal.

[swanpride.livejournal.com]

Not that I disagree about "your journal, your rules", but I've one question: What contribution to the plot did Sara in your eyes in this episode? Wearing the butt ugly bustier? The thing was not so big that they couldn't have brought it up theirselfes. Why felt the writers that she had to act as a prostitute? There are other possible coverstories which had brought her into the office. Her, or anyone else. Actually, the whole ploy would have worked just as well without her, with Neal first talking with the guard a couple of minutes until Scott had hotwired the system, followed by Neal explaining that he was supposed to meet the perp, so that he was the one the guard letting into the office. This way they would have avoided two mayor plot holes: How did they manage to open the unbreakable safe so fast (quite a stretch), and how did Neal manage to avoide the gueard alone and without the umbrella (since Peter took his)?

Not saying that she never contributes to the plot - she did in "Deadline", or in "In the Red". But in this episode? I really don't see it. Plus, the episode made the argument that she would keep Neal on the "right side" absurd, considering that she was egging Neal on.

[lionessvalenti.livejournal.com]

I actually liked this episode. I actually found Neal crankiness kind of cute. And this was some necessary character movement for him. That conversation outside the interrogation room between Neal and Peter was amazing.

Mmmmm, I love all these OT3 scenes they're giving us. Peter and El are so cute. And they so share that love with Neal. ♥♥♥

I think we were seeing some of that bad influence on Sara. She wants to prove that she's a little bad, too. I do think she's afraid that she likes Neal more than he likes her, so she wants to impress a little. I think this is probably true for most characters on this show, but her insecurities seem to come out in subtle ways. Or I'm reading too much into it because I A. love her and B. love writing her.

Victor Moreau is a great name for Neal. Even if I don't want him to use it. But it's a nice name. I think it works for him. Better than Bob.

I'm going to watch it again here at midnight. We'll see if I have other thoughts.

OMG, this was hilarious. They had that little "what's your opinion on Neal/Sara" thing in the corner and people were replying to it on Twitter. A friend of mine on there RT'd one of the replies that said that something along the lines of, "Neal would be better with the woman in the suit. The one in the van with his boss." I was like, "Wait, Diana? There's a problem with that. It's called Neal's penis."

[jrosemary.livejournal.com]

I think we were seeing some of that bad influence on Sara. She wants to prove that she's a little bad, too. I do think she's afraid that she likes Neal more than he likes her, so she wants to impress a little. I think this is probably true for most characters on this show, but her insecurities seem to come out in subtle ways.

I agree, LV. On the one hand, I really like that she was willing to trust that Neal wasn't going too far off the reservation on this plan and was willing to lend her expertise--but, on the other hand, Neal hasn't earned that level of trust from her yet. And he is (theoretically, at least) planning to leave without a trace.

Of course, no guarantees that Neal really will run off when the moment comes. But I won't blame Sara for thinking he will, in light of the passport.

For what it's worth, I'm rooting for Neal and Sara to make it as a couple and, preferably, to move next door to Peter and El. :)

[lionessvalenti.livejournal.com]

I still don't know how I feel about Neal/Sara as a forever couple. I love them, but part of what I love is that they're casual. But I don't want them to break up. But they wouldn't stay casual forever. I AM CONFLICTED.

I'm so anxious over the entire running storyline. Now that someone has a clue on it, I'm MORE anxious about it. It's a shame I'm not into spoilers. Or at least I try not to be, lol.

[swanpride.livejournal.com]

My usual non favorable opinion of Sara aside, I really disliked that she basically acted as his moral compass in this ep. The fact aside that this is usually Peter's job, I would really much prefer if Neal would finally begin to think for himself and made his own decisions. Truthfully, I would have loved it if he had helped Scott although everyone was against him doing it.

[surreal-44.livejournal.com]

I think we were seeing some of that bad influence on Sara. She wants to prove that she's a little bad, too. I do think she's afraid that she likes Neal more than he likes her, so she wants to impress a little. I think this is probably true for most characters on this show, but her insecurities seem to come out in subtle ways. Or I'm reading too much into it because I A. love her and B. love writing her.

I think that's more fanon than canon. ^^ Nothing wrong with that. I don't agree with that perception of her. Frankly, I'm hoping she uses that fake ID as leverage over Neal to get the Raphael back, and then they break up.

I don't like Sara's character because the first two episodes she basically bullied Neal (I'm not fond of bullying, regardless of who does it), and the 'sexual tension' always feels forced. So I hope it feels that way to me because she has an ulterior motive with Neal.

If that's the case, I might actually like her. I'm not digging ther horrid bullying and then all the sexy stuff. I'd like more substance and less caricature.

[lionessvalenti.livejournal.com]

Just so you know, I have no interest in talking to you about this character. I don't want to get into a debate or have any kind of pros and cons conversation. And I don't need to hear about all the reasons why you don't like her. I don't care. I want to squee about my show and all of the things I like about it, including Sara. I've stopped talking about her to people I know don't like her because that conversation doesn't interest me.

This is a space where both opinions are welcome. I know what your opinion is, and I'd appreciate if you didn't direct it at me. I saw your comment and I skipped it. From now on, I'd love it if we could both offer each other that courtesy on the subject of Sara.

[surreal-44.livejournal.com]

Maybe you should read people's posts before you complain at them for the content of said posts. And if you aren't going to do that, then don't bother responding to them.

You wondered if your view of what you perceive as insecurity was because of what happened on the show or what's in your mind; I responded politely with an alternative theory on her motivation.

I don't have the interest or desire to keep track of who needs coddled over a fictional character. If you don't want to debate, don't respond.

[lionessvalenti.livejournal.com]

I read it. And I didn't complain. I just told you that I'd like it if you didn't respond to me about the character. On the subject of Sara, I never want to have a conversation with you. I'd rather not have your responses in my inbox.

But I'm sure you won't remember this anyway.

[asimaiyat.livejournal.com]

I'm sure Neal has a better name for his penis than that!

[leonie-alastair.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed the episode. We got to see the entire team be smart and good at their jobs as well as getting to watch Neal work through a problem situation, which is always something I enjoy.

We also found out a little bit about his background - and the look on Diana's face while Neal is describing "Robbin Hood's" motivations was fabulous, it was worth the scene.

I liked Neal preaching to the kid, and I loved Peter commiserating.

And the Barbie comment didn't bother me this week because Mozzie meant it to be demeaning and Sara refused to let it go without fighting back. I really like the tension they are creating between Sara and Mozzie, but I'm afraid that Moz is going to win that war in the long run.

[jrosemary.livejournal.com]

I really like the tension they are creating between Sara and Mozzie, but I'm afraid that Moz is going to win that war in the long run.

Hmmm. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out. I'm certainly on Team Sara.

But whatever happens with Sara, I don't think Mozzie can beat Team Peter.

[leonie-alastair.livejournal.com]

I enjoy the Sara/Neal relationship, but it doesn't have to be his next 'one true love.' I'd sort of like to see TPTB show that consenting adults occasionally have relationships that are not intended to last for ever, and that that's ok and that everyone involved can have a good time without turmoil and heartache.

Unfortunately I think what we're going to get is Sara finding out that Neal's more important to her than she is to him.

And in the end, I too am betting on Team Peter (or Team Peter & Elizabeth!).

[asimaiyat.livejournal.com]

I enjoy the Sara/Neal relationship, but it doesn't have to be his next 'one true love.' I'd sort of like to see TPTB show that consenting adults occasionally have relationships that are not intended to last for ever, and that that's ok and that everyone involved can have a good time without turmoil and heartache.

I so agree with that. I like them together, I like to see them having fun, but it's obviously not like what Neal felt for Kate. In a way, though, it's a more mature relationship. I can't see him feeling like he has to rescue Sara -- he sees her as an equal.

[elainasaunt.livejournal.com]

Victor Moreau - Vic Moreau. Wait - wasn’t that the name in the wonderful epistolary fic by neifile? Another kripke?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was - that's what I thought immediately. Also, the Clive the Baby Forger arc from Sam Starbuck's "Exquisite" totally got Kripke'd here.

My reaction, overall - meh.

[theras.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. And I thought Sam did a much better job in his original fic than the show's writers did ripping it off, although admittedly it did lead to some very touching Neal and Peter scenes.

[orphica.livejournal.com]

My favorite parts was Neal telling Peter he hadn't changed. And Peter saying he knew. I thought those were pretty subtle poignant moments in the general theme of Young!Caffrey new conman.

[queenaeron.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with most people's overall reaction to the ep which was "Meh" It wasn't crazy horrible nor crazy good.

The one issue I did have, which I can't believe no one has brought up yet is that Neal has an issue with using a dead baby's birth certificate but not with running off with the Russian/Nazi loot? I certainly thought some heads might explode over that little bit of hypocrisy. Although in defense of the writer, I think that bit was written before the whole origin of the loot explosion happened and so they didn't take into account how that might look to some of fans. But maybe it was just me! Who knows! :-)

Personally I liked the kid better with the goatee!

Sara's uncomfortablity (I know that's not a word) around being caught by Peter...that made me laugh. I don't know if anyone on the list has ever been caught in a situation like that, but, and especially with someone you know and respect and want their respect, it takes serious chutzpah to not end up being a stuttering fool like Sara was. And with Peter smirking like that through the whole scene (which I personally thought was hysterical), I could feel for the girl. The part that sort of made me not queasy per se but sort of uncomfortable, was the sort of reply between Sara and Neal with Neal and Kate. That felt staged by the writers to remind us about Kate and it just felt unnecessary. Let them make their own 'memories', not replay old ones.

I didn't see Neal's crankiness as that he was cranky with Peter for interrupting, but for Peter's little jabs about this guy being a "Neal Caffrey for the 21st century" Neal doesn't think of himself as truly being out of the game and isn't ready to be emulated yet. I did love the team's amusement and pick up of Robin Hoodie. It was perfect. And Peter did admit later, it was no "James Bonds"

I think Sara went along with Neal and Mozzie's plan because it was getting Scott out of trouble and working to bring a bigger bad guy down. If she didn't think Neal would ultimately try to talk Scott into turning himself in, I doubt she would have been as helpful. And yeah, it is fun to run a con. As she said, she plays with the gray area and enjoys the rush like Neal. But like Peter is trying to do with Neal, she uses her superpowers for the light, not the dark! :-) (Note: Mozzie/Neal's Star Wars reference was hysterical.)

I ultimately think the passport and the loot will be what breaks them up. She will want the loot returned to its rightful owners and she'll be hurt that he was thinking of running, just like he did with the Rapheal (sp?).

I think it was interesting that Neal calls it an addiction. I think we might have to come up with a Kripke award that can be passed around week to week to whomever is Kripked the most! :-) It would be a tie between whomever wrote the story about Neal being addicted to the con and having to walk away from Mozzie and neifile who wrote the Victor Moreau bit.

As for Neal, I'm trying surprised he could say those things to Scott with a straight face. Dude, yo need to be preaching to yourself. But I guess that is the point. I think he is falling in love with Sara, establishing ties to the community (the Harvard gang) and then there is Peter (and El). He knows deep down that Peter will catch him, even with a "perfect ID" Peter knows Neal better than Neal may know himself.

Part 1 (I'm not wordy at all, am I?! LOL)

[queenaeron.livejournal.com]

Part 2

And Neal's sort of irritation with Scott for walking away may really be an irritation with himself. A very good friend of mine pointed out that the things I hate the most in other people are actually the things I do myself. Neal knows if he runs, it will be just like he told Scott. He will never be able to settle down, Peter will always be on his heels. Mozzie may believe that they can get away "scottfree" but Neal knows better. And deep down, Neal knows just what he would be giving up by running. But he doesn't want to admit to himself that he has changed, that he isn't just like Scott, a young grifter, forger, top of his game con artist and the world is his to pluck the shiny bits from. And that brings us back to why he's so pouty throughout this ep, the reality of what Mozzie and he are planning is finally starting to sink in and no matter where he turns, the universe (and Peter) are there to remind him what he really stands to loose.

I loved how Peter continues to remind him that he is changing and that he can and does good things. I also think that deep down, Peter realizes Neal has to come to this decision on his own. If Peter comes straight at Neal, he'll run. But if he just sits and waits and provided examples of why Neal needs to stay and lets Neal think, he knows that Neal will make the right decision. And if Neal doesn't, well then Peter knows he'll catch him. The stumbles Neal makes (the little cons like tonight) make Peter crazy, but I think he can live with those. It's the fall (Neal running) that Peter worries the most about.

I seem completely incapable of writing a short review! LOL I think I'm done for now. Have at me people! :-)

[swanpride.livejournal.com]

Actually, I was just waiting for someone commenting on Neal being squirmish about using the identity of a death child. Since I prefer to see the treasure simply as treasure (like a pirate treasure), and believe that Neal has a similiar view, I wasn't bothered by it, but I expected that someone would stumble over it.

I think the writers have forgotten June. The main problem in story telling is at the moment that Neal has nobody to talk to about his inner feelings, so it's difficult to present the pro and contra to the viewers. He can't talk to Mozzie anymore, nor to Elizabeth and certainly not to Sara. But there is still June. I would love a talk between this two about Neal's (hypothetical) options.

[jrosemary.livejournal.com]

Great comments, Queenaeron!

I loved how Peter continues to remind him that he is changing and that he can and does good things. I also think that deep down, Peter realizes Neal has to come to this decision on his own. If Peter comes straight at Neal, he'll run. But if he just sits and waits and provided examples of why Neal needs to stay and lets Neal think, he knows that Neal will make the right decision.

I'm so torn about this! On the one hand, yes--I agree that Neal has to make the decision. On the other hand, I think Peter should come straight at Neal. Not to order him to make the right decision, but to tell him what he suspects and ask him to stay. I'd really love to see both men lay their cards on the table.

(But these two probably won't be completely honest with each other until the very end of the series . . .)

[attackfish.livejournal.com]

Anybody else notice Moz kept using Peter's name instead of calling him "the Suit"? Is he warming up to him, maybe?

[swanpride.livejournal.com]

He called him Peter at the end of "Dentist of Detroit", so I suspect he is simply still gratefull.

[greyminerva]

I liked the way Peter was willing to go with Neal's "secret plan" while not knowing exactly what it was, simply trusting that it would turn out "right" - and being clever enough to check the safe. ;)

I liked Neal setting out all the reasons why he should stay, why he WANTS to stay, even though he's still in denial and going along with Mozzie's crazy plan on the surface.

Even though Neal and Peter are still "adversaries" in this, the animosity from the previous episodes seems to have abated (and I like that) as Peter sees Neal doing one "good" or "right" thing after another, and still hanging around.
I think he's in the "the longer he stays, the harder it will be for him to go"-box, hoping that as long as he can keep Neal busy, and let him know how wanted/valued he is, and just a tad off balance, he'll never get around to leaving.
And I think Neal is actually on the same page on this one - a big part of him has decided to stay, but he can't quite make himself turn down the score he's dreamed about for a couple of decades.

On Sarah, I can only say that the character has grown on me, I like the relationship she and Neal has, but there's something about the chemistry that doesn't quite work for me - which is sad, because I WANT to like Sarah-and-Neal, and I love the IDEA of Sarah-and-Neal - only not as much as Elizabeth/Peter/Neal. ;)