Post Ep Dish - S4.02 - Most Wanted

[elrhiarhodan]

It’s finally next week. Finally! This one is going to be a wild, wild ride.

Most Wanted is especially Most Wanted

Anyway, welcome my friends to the Season 4 version of the Post-Ep Dish, where I squee in real time, then you get to chime in and continue the conversation.

Yeah, I know this mostly going to be incoherent flailing, but there's a time and a place for everything. Later tonight, head over to White Collar Fixation for jrosemary's incisive First Look at Most Wanted, and rabidchild67's ever brilliant Rabid Squee on Thursday. [end pimpage]

And here we go!



Recap - I still breakup when Peter goes - “If anything happens to Neal …”

That $500k bounty? Never going to get paid.

OH NOES NEAL!!!!!

And here we go!

Peter and Moz …

Neal Caffrey 101 - First you start with the girl!

He knows how to run. Maya doesn’t look to happy about that.

Neal in a cell, in cuffs. In a chair. Gets himself free with a unique use of the cuffs. Damn bold.

Collins with a bottle of water. This looks familiar. ::whistles and things about her fic::

But this doesn’t - FUCKING BASTARD SHOOTS HIM!!!!!!! (Well I really wasn’t expecting Six Hours to be Kripked). And the Hurt/Comfort Crowd goes wild!!!!!

Chatting with my peep J-Ro, she says Collins should be executed for flatness, I think he needs to be folded into a tiny little FBI badge.

Puerto Rico is a very pretty place.

And Collins comes swaggering out.

Neal is very brave. The doctor is very pretty.

I was right, Collins is a sadist. ::still thinking about her fic::

“Sir, there’s a lot of fruit here!” I think I want that on a t-shirt. Over Mozzie’s little bald head.

What is Peter singing? And why?

But I guess it doesn’t matter - because Peter knows how to bring Neal home now. I wish I knew, too. (But I guess I’ll find out soon enough)

Hughes!!!!!!!! I love you so much.

I love the look on Neal’s face. The JOY!!!!!!!

An exercised in mnemonic futility.

The girl always gives you away.

Peter apologizes!!!!!!! This is the way to set things right.

You’re both equally impotent! Moz has the best lines!

Neal teaching Peter how to flair!

Now - is Hector Maya’s kid?

Peter is so damn jealous...all Neal’s kisses belong to him.

And Peter has a good line to - “Neal, do we have bitters?”

That breaking glass? It’s GOOD luck, boys! Particularly during a marriage ceremony.

Peter in that linen shirt and pants. GUH. BUNK STAT

And now the slo-mo bartender shot - that outfit!

Neal, shot, can still climb trees. Where’s the Superman suit?

And the whispers begin!

Neal, if those pants were any tighter…

God, this feels like a plot ripped right out of the original Mission: Impossible. Season 2. Except that things never went quite THAT wrong!

Collins is actually trying to bribe Maya - and is it working?

Well, shite - our boys are royally screwed. Or maybe not?

Good play, Neal! I didn’t see that coming.

And yes, she did! Wow! Or maybe not? NO, SHE DIDN’T! I thought so, when she checked the clock.

Awww! Mozzie!!!!! HUGS YOU SO TIGHT!

MY OLD DESK BACK!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

MOZZIE!!!!!!!!!!! You have to come home. We need you!

Awww Diana - awww Clinton.

Ellen!!!!!! They’ve got a few weeks.

Neal and his dada…

“I’m not running any more!”

Oooh - Peter’s in trouble. BIG TROUBLE.

NEXT WEEK … SOB WHY ISN’T IT NEXT WEEK YET???????




Remember, folks - this is a place for your thinky and not-so-thinky thoughts. Be profound, be squeeish, it’s all good here. Because White Collar’s back and Tuesdays could be better!!!!!!!!

And please, don’t harsh my squee

Comments

[rosabelle]

There were a lot of good lines in this episode, but I think my favorite was Diana's "I always thought I would be the one to shoot you in the leg". XD

I'm really impatient about Neal's history. I wanna knoooooow.

Absolutely no Squeee-harshing from me...

[ebeneezerdark]

...'cause I'm SQUEEEEEE!-ing as loud as any. About my only kvetch was that, after Shot!Neal gets all that great seemed-like-Foreshadowing from the doctor, there wasn't any of the follow-through I expected (hoped for). C'mon: after he COMPLETELY ignores Doctor's Orders, totally over-stresses the wounded leg, hardly sits down at all... we get no popped stitches, or re-started bleeding? And what about infection? The Most Incurious Doctor Ever didn't seem that careful about sterile operating conditions, and even if she'd given him some, Neal damn sure didn't have time to TAKE any antibiotics during all his hijinks... I was hoping for maybe just a little infection and some Feverish!Neal getting a wee bit delirious all over Peter once they were on the plane leaving Santa-Maria-Sans-Extradita.

OTOH, there's always Missing Scene Fanfic... :-)

[coffeethyme4me.livejournal.com]

This sounds so awesome!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me, at any point does Peter carry injured!shot!Neal? If not, I think you should be the one to rectify this in "Six". Peter simply MUST carry Neal.

So, Neal said he's not running anymore? What a beautiful moment! I NEED SCREEN CAPS OF PETER'S PAIN AND JEALOUSY AND LOVE AND NEAL'S SCRUFFY SWEET FACE.

Thanks for posting this. :-D

[winterstar95.livejournal.com]

There was not enough Neal in pain. But Neal with cane? I need art for my life series now!

[embroiderama]

I mainly can't wait to see this episode again because my cable was a mess, going in and out and pixelated and garbled. *shakes fist* I did totally think of your fic when Neal was in the cage with Collins, and there was a lot of good fic potential in this ep in general. H/C for the gunshot! Bartending Peter! :D

[doctor-fangeek.livejournal.com]

Comments in a bit (calling mom now), but so sorry about your cable. Weirdly, mine actually went funky as well for about 5-10 minutes before White Collar came on, just for a handful of channels including USA. The screen froze, then was pixelated, and then the channel went out entirely. I was lucky, though, and it came back a couple minutes before 9.

[embroiderama]

I'm glad yours was back in time! I see the episode is up on Hulu now so after work I'll be rewatching to catch all the things I missed.

[virgo-79.livejournal.com]

I was kinda underwhelmed by this one. It felt like a story that should have had a lot of emotional punch and didn't. There was some stuff they glossed over that I felt was pretty important. Also, shot-in-the-thigh Neal running around with scarcely a limp and climbing trees was unrealistic enough to be highly distracting for me.

I'm intrigued by Mozzie staying on the island, and I like the story possibilities with Peter being reassigned. And please, please, more Ellen! Love that lady.

I loved how happy Neal looked to be back at his desk.

[lmarrick.livejournal.com]

Neal with a cane has always been a personal fantasy of mine. I went crazy when they actually did it!

[pooh-collector.livejournal.com]

Everybody needs their own Hector. This kid is awesome.

The sadistic BASTARD shot Neal, shades of Elr's fic.

I knew Maya was playing Collins from the get go. No girl can turn on Neal, well okay except Alex and probably Kate. But, I knew Maya wouldn't.

Yeah! Our Neal is home!

On the heart of the season, Neal and his dreadful dad. Yippee!

[gnomi.livejournal.com]

There was a lot of subtext this ep. And I mostly loved the ep. I missed El, though.

Hmm...

[ponders what El was up to...]

[doctor-fangeek.livejournal.com]

I was really worried when, around 5-10 minutes before 9pm a handful of my cable channels (including USA) went out. I was super relieved when they came back on a couple of minutes before the episode started. Whew!

Some random thoughts:

On a purely aesthetic level, Peter is an incredibly hot bartender (and I agree that he looks great in the linen shirt), and disheveled, rumpled Neal in the cell...OMG! Also, Neal in that dark button down. And Neal in that lovely suit but with the island!Neal beard. Hmm...I'm sensing a pattern here. :-)

Clever Neal with the cuffs. I was pretty sure that he wouldn't have time to get away, but it was still impressive. And I had heard that someone was going to get shot, but avoided learning any more about it, and I totally didn't call the whole Collins shoots Neal in the leg thing.

I loved Peter and Mozzie working together (and then all three of them). I loved Hughes - skeptical but willing to take a chance on Peter (and ultimately Neal). I loved the back up plan Neal and Mozzie came up with on the fly (the mirror plan seemed a bit sketchy to begin with).

Poor Mozzie - government experiment in tune implantation!

The scene with Neal and Maya at, well, wherever Neal, Peter and Mozzie are hiding out, was really sweet. I like her.

So glad to see Ellen again.

And I knew there was a last twist coming, and that it would involve Peter. Poor Peter! I don't believe for a minute that they won't find a way to get Peter back where he belongs, but this is just wrong. And the fact that Collins is getting credit for bringing McLeish/Dobbs! Grr.

I'm sure there's more, but I need to watch again, I think.

[kanarek13]

Yay, it was another awesome episode \o/ But I have to say that after last week's squeee over the breathtaking island!Neal look, this episode was about TDK being all smoking hot. HOMG! :D Both episodes have delivered us so many unforgettable moments of hotness, that I'm surprised I'm still able to stand :P

I definitely agree that Peter should've been carrying Neal at least a little bit :D But then again, if Neal was able to climb trees, well... But seriously, that wound should've been at least bleeding a bit after that climb :D Still, brownie points for the whump :D

And oh, our minds were so in tune when it comes to that scene with Neal kissing Maya and Peter watching them. All I could think was 'oh, he's so jealous... And maybe just teeny bit pissed' followed by 'oh Neal, the first chance he gets, he's gonna wipe every trace of that girl from ya' :P

Yeah, I need to watch that ep again :D But so far, s4 is great. Too bad the boys can't catch a break. The minute they solve one disaster, another one strikes. I think Peter wasn't really expecting this turn of events, I mean, he was aware of the risk but that look on his face suggested that he probably didn't think it would come to this.

Well, I'm definitely ready for more :D

[sonia6349.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with every word you have said, because, I can't THINK when Peter looks so freaking HOT.

[countess-k.livejournal.com]

This one had me squeeing from the first five minutes. It was like reading kink meme. I was worried I’d get a call (was manning a crisis line tonight) and the experience would be ruined. Luckily no one was in crisis tonight besides Neal (and Peter.) Here are my thinky thoughts:

-Neal getting shot in the leg!!! I sure am one of the h/c crowd and I went wild. More accurately I started mewling like a kitten as the title card played. It was like a kink meme fill turned canon. Oh the fleets of fanfic this episode will launch! Speaking of which, what’s this fic of yours everyone is talking about and where can I get some of that?

-I thought Peter and Mozzie were a little too chipper for two guys who just lost their most wanted friend. But I guess my angst-expectation-meter is set a little high and will never be matched by show.

-And once again Phifer’s over the top yet flat acting grates on my nerves.

-Neal is a master bartender? I guess we can add that to his long list of Stu skills.

-Neal and Maya…I thought I’d never say this but that tender moment between them was beautiful. Matt is amazing in all his love scenes. You almost forget he’s not straight because no straight actor can look at a woman quite like he does and make all ladies’ hearts melt.

-But what was up with Peter looking at them over and over as they kissed? I know what we all think (jealousy!!!) but really, what was Eastin trying to say?

-Bartender!Peter. Be still my beating heart. I’m more of a Neal!Girl but Peter in that outfit really really turned me on. Not so much in the linen shirt. I thought he looked like a lazy tourist in that one.

-Yeah, the mirror idea was dumb. I’m glad they subverted it for something else. Bet the writers thought, ‘We could never make this look convincing, but packing a bunch of suitcases doesn’t require a lot of prep and Neal’s artistic skills so let’s start with the dumb idea, then mess it up and pull the right one out of the hat in the last second.’

-I knew Maya wasn’t betraying them. Come on, she’s the only girl on deck and this show isn’t that biblical to make her the proverbial Eve. I hope she got the money in the end since she didn’t get “the boy.”

-Neal saying “I’ll get my old desk back!” and exchanging looks with Peter as if they’re both thinking, “We’ll get each other back.” What’s this show doing? Are they aware of how they are hand feeding the fans fuel for their fantasies? And was I the only one who thought their plan with Dobbs was a little too coincidence reliant? I mean what if Dobbs chose another route to get out of the island?

-I love the set up for this season’s main arc with Ellen and Neal’s backstory. I hope Neal’s father turns out to be the baddest of all villains.

-And oh Peter indeed. The look he shared with Neal in the end (again with the looks…) Does this mean another of my kinks - Neal at the mercy of a different handler - is going to become canon too?

Now off to read fics. I can hear the sound of them popping out of the ground. This season is so so epic.

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

Are there already fics about season 4? I can't find any :( Please link them!

[bandykullan.livejournal.com]

Well, last week I posted that my hope for this episode was going to see Neal in cuffs.

I got Neal in cuffs, in a cage, getting shot but not too seriously injured. Big H/C spasm going on.

Like this episode a lot more than the last one, this one felt faster and you had a lot more interesting things happening. Still would have loved to know what McLeish had actually done to get so high on the most wanted list.

Everything was so nice and perfect, and then Peter gets reassigned. I can see how it's needed to keep the plotlines interesting, but ohhh, poor Peter. And I want to read the fic where he breaks the news to El!

I'm not too enthusiastic about Ellen and finding out about Neal's dad. I'm simply too worried that it might not be good.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Just a precision : Peter did carry Neal to help him walk from Collins' car to his. ;-)
Gotta say, I couldn't help but think of all those h/c/whump writers and lovers. LOL

[kanarek13]

haha... well, he helped him... in my book he did not carry him :D I need the bridal style all the way, that means feet off the ground and Neal's head resting on Peter's shoulder :D :D :D

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

true. But still, I was so picturing dozens of fanfics there !!

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

So, now the first two episodes were shown I have a few questions:

1. Where is the scene of the many previews where Peter "crosses a line"?
2. Where is the scene where Neal sits on a chair and then grabs his duffel bag?
3. Why did they cut out the scene with Neal running at the beach?
4. Was there a preview for next week, I can't find any on You Tube :(.
5. Why did Neal get a thank you from the Bureau whereas Peter was told that Collins caught Dobbs and not Peter & Neal?
6. Why is Neal's former deal anewed but Peter is reassigned although Neal is only Peter's responsibility? And why was there a mention of the Raphael although that was all cleared by Sterling Bosch?
7. Why did Hughes go against Peter at all? The Bureau had the best case-closed rate ever and is envied by other units, and many of the cases could only be closed because of Neal's unconventional help, which Peter was okay with of course, but the Bureau had to know about all those things, so why now telling Peter he is reassigned because he supported those things?

You see, I'm very confused and the next week until the next ep will be torture for me because I'm afraid that Peter & Neal will be separated for some time and I don't like that.

Of course the show has to be suspenseful and intriguing and I am sure Neal and Peter will work things out with the Bureau, but I don't get it that Peter has to take all the negative credit :(

Hope there will be an ep with Kramer gets his ass kicked by Peter!!!

I wrote this after watching the ep one time, this are my first thoughts. I'm German and maybe I didn't get everything, so maybe you can give me some answers ;)

[teaboyfan.livejournal.com]

I think I get what's happening in your 7th point: I believe Hughes said that his superiors in the Department of Justice had noticed what was going on and thought that Peter had been too helpful to Neal. I don't think Hughes would have punished Peter at all, but it was out of his hands now. I think there was a preview that showed Neal working on a plan to get Peter reinstated; it's about time that he rescues Peter.

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the explanation!

I realize that there must be consequences for Peter because of course he is a little too fond of Neal, and I'm looking forward to Neal, Diana and Jones bringing Peter back to the WC-Unit.

I just can't stand those two being separated :(.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

That's my 2 cents on this:
1- I believe that's another episode. (Yes, looks like Peter won't toe the line after all ;-) )
2- I think that one was just a promo shot. Like Neal and Mozzie with the suitcase, and Peter and Neal on top of a building.
3- Well, it was either the beach or the pool. ;-) At least we got the beach in the recap.
4- right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VspUiFhJQ0g
5- The DoJ paper Peter handles Collins before getting into the plane specifies that Collins hired Neal for the job. Officially there is absolutely no trace of Peter in Cape Verde.
6- hmm there, I guesss Neal will be reassigned to another handler (Jones or Diana ?) The Raphael was mentioned I think (not sure) because that's the reason Kramer went after Neal, and then Peter (says Hughes) So I'm guessing Kramer's report was charging Peter...
7- and yes, as said by teaboyfan, it was out of Hughes' hands. He did say to Peter just before he left for Cape Verde "If it's Caffrey I'll understand, but I can't protect you." He couldn't protect him.

Hope that helps ! :)

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!

After watching the episode a second time I understood much more and I found the preview, it was linked on Twitter as well :)

I'm so looking forward to the next episodes, can't wait a minute, though the suspense is killing me, seriously! :))

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

yes me too ! It's even worse than last week. They just can't let us on Peter being demoted, like that !
For once, I did look for the preview and it kind of reassured me. :-)

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

I can't go on without spoiler, so I had to watch the preview and it kinda reassured me, too!!! I will not say anything else because here are many people who don't want to be spoilered ;)

I have to tell you all, it is so amazing to talk to you all here. Over here in Germany we just had the first season in German synchronisation but I like to watch the original much more, and hey, who can wait for 2 complete new seasons and the third new one in the beginning? Not me!!! :))

[zoe-angel-bear.livejournal.com]

While I"m not a fic writer, I AM an inveterate fic reader (it's actually kinda sad) and a scarily devoted watcher of White Collar and all things Matt related.

My biggest beef with the show is not so much THIS show, but most USA shows and that's the simplistic resolutions (and the often heavy-handed plot devices that oft times stretch incredulity. Really Peter? You leave a map with an island circled just lying around the house after you've been warned by Collins that you're gonna help him whether you like it or not? REALLY?)

So, anyway, this episode had some very nice locales, pretty people (even IF Cape Verde is an African island and NOT a Caribbean island), a typical charmed Neal's brush with pain, and a very very brief romantic interlude for the guy. Despite the way it sounds, I REALLY enjoyed this episode.

Oh, and I might have made 300+ screencaps last night. http://zoe-angel-bear.livejournal.com/164586.html (click through to the set on flickr for ALL of them. lol)

angelangiekc

[xcpb.livejournal.com]

I wasn't home to see the episode so I'm merrily watching the recording enjoying Neal's escape when .....NEAL GETS SHOT!!!!! .... immediate pause while my H/C heart went into palpitations. I found myself hee-hee-hooing like a woman in labor.

I was sadly disappointed in that Neal didn't seem affected other than keeping his leg straight & a limp every now and then. Even when he climbed a tree I at least expected a blood spot on those form-fitting white pants. Where's the fever, the infection, the closeups of Neal's face creased in pain? Heck, he limped more with the cane then he did walking around the tarmac.

Wonder how long the scruff will remain and the longish hair?

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

I want Neal back to his adoreable looks, too!

On the island it fit perfectly not to shave and looking a bit messy, but now in New York he has to look clean and shaved and short-haired again.

[xcpb.livejournal.com]

Actually, I love the scruff and long hair. Makes him look a touch dangerous. Plus I think it fits the way his character is heading.....more man than con.

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

Oh, then I understood you wrong ;)

I just found a preview for the next ep on the official USA-Website :) Now I got some answers to my questions. Who wants to should head there and take a look!

[kanarek13]

LOL, yeah, it's so White Collar to give us beautiful whump and h/c potential and then swipe it under the carpet... A little infection would've been nice *ay*

Actually Neal looked more in pain when working on those bolts than after taking a bullet:

[catcrazy5.livejournal.com]

I also really thought we'd see some blood on the white pants after all the moving around he was doing.

But, I figured we'd have to wait for the fanfic to see the h/c because of an infected wound. Bring it on!

[teaboyfan.livejournal.com]

I agree with everybody who said that Peter was heartstoppingly gorgeous in this episode, and that Neal was remarkably agile for someone with a bullet hole in his leg. Peter's expression while Neal was kissing Maya was amazing (jealous much?), and I finally got the expression from Neal that was missing last week: the look at Peter like he hung the moon and stars, all pride and love and trust. Now we'll have to see how Neal can scheme to help get Peter reinstated.

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

My thought was of jealousy, too! :) Peter looked very intense at Neal and Maya kissing. Or he just thought: 'Is Neal ready to leave the girl to go back to NY with me?'

I love those looks between Peter & Neal so much, and yes, in this second ep they finally came. In the first ep Neal's looks were wary and carefull but in the second ep they were trusting and I got the impression that he really wanted to go back to NY. :)

Now I'm curious if and how Mozzie will come back.

[ultracape.livejournal.com]

I know I'll be in such a small minority with my comment that it will just be me but I don't think that Peter was jealous when he saw Neal and Maya kissing. I think he was worried. He came looking for Neal, risking everything he had worked for and possibly worse for Neal and yet Neal, the romantic, is quite capable of again, giving everything up for a woman.

Personally, I think that was what was going through Peter's mind, Kate again, not that Maya was anything like Kate. That would be insulting Maya. But if they got McCleash off of the island with Collins, Neal might have decided to stay on the island or stay on the run.

[kanarek13]

How can you not be melted into a puddle of sweet caramel by this? :D :D :D




Also, you can see this beautiful happiness on Neal's face only when Peter is around :D



And just look at that... awwww ♥

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

Awwwwwwww, thanks for those pics!

Whenever I see Peter & Neal look at each other I melt. You can't imagine how often I watch those fan-vids with sweet songs and all those perfect moments with Neal & Peter.

♥♥♥

Peter as a bartender, yummy. I am 42 years old and although Neal is candy I love Peter just a little more, but actually I love them both together :)

[ultracape.livejournal.com]

Yes, this episode has fulfilled so many of my Neal h/c fantasies. I agree that Peter was fantastic and can make me an appletenie anytime. Collins is a one dimensional sadist, Mozzie was, well Mozzie.

But no one has mentioned the real star of this episode, the one element that has driven me nuts since I saw how it flew across the screen.

I WANT MOZZIE'S CAR. YES!

I wouldn't mind the infinity pool either but I'VE GOT TO HAVE THAT CAR (and I'm not even a car person.)

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the car was terrific! :)

I loved the handshake Peter and Mozzie exchanged. And the dialogue was amazing.

[kanarek13]

I've noticed Lolana in the car :D

[maiac.livejournal.com]

I think they borrowed a scriptwriter from Leverage for this episode. I loved the con, especially that Collins was so easy to con. I guessed, well, hoped, that Maya succumbed so easily to the lure of half a mil because she was in on the con. Yay!

And the Hurt/Comfort Crowd goes wild!!!!!

GMTA!

Peter is damn sexy in a bartender outfit. Oh, well yeah, Peter is damn sexy, period.

Whew, what a nailbiter. But they pulled it off! Of course! But Mozzie! "If you run, I run," but not, "If you go home, I go home"?

I laughed when Diana said that she always thought she'd be the one to shoot Neal in the leg. But does he still get to do her bachelor party?

I'm all anxiety about Peter being in trouble with the FBI, but if his activities were just handwaved away, I'd be all annoyance at the unlikeliness of No Consequences. But dang, I hope this isn't the season of "Will Peter lose his job and go to prison?"

[lauracollared.livejournal.com]

“Sir, there’s a lot of fruit here!” I think I want that on a t-shirt. Over Mozzie’s little bald head. <<< YES!

Also thank you for pointing out the way Peter says "bitters" very pronounced, right after all his Jealous!Peter faces while Neal is kissing Maya. :D