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Most of this is babble - I was so overwrought last night when it ended, I couldn't fall asleep.  I think I finally dozed off around 2 am, and the alarm went off at 5:30 - so that means I am working on 3.5 hours sleep.  Not too good. 

General observations:
 
I've usually found that highly hyped season finales don't live up to their potential - the writers, the actors - everyone tries too hard and goes over the top.  Not here - it was all pretty much pitch perfect.

This is a show about beautiful people who generally are wearing too much clothing ...the guy at the Italian Consulate, now I wouldn't mind getting language lessons from him.  Yum, yum.

This was the fastest hour on television...I could not believe how quickly it went.  I gave up early on following the #whitecollar Twitter feed, it was just a bunch of nonsensical flailings.  Was much happier once I closed my laptop and relaxed.

B-Roll needs to be updated.  FYI - B-roll is footage used for cut scenes, location establishment scenes, and set ups.  TV shows reuse the same b-roll over and over - it helps to set the mood and tone, particularly if a show has a certain feel to it.  But, sometimes using the same b-roll is distracting, particularly when it's out of sync/season with the rest of the episode.  JE needs to get more, seasonally appropriate b-roll in the can, because all of the b-roll of New York city is summertime footage.  A little jarring.

Just need to get this off of my chest.  I understand that television and movies are shifting to in-show product placements instead of traditional commercials, but the scene with Tim Peter and Jones in the Taurus and them using the on-board computer system to route around traffic was too stupid and jarring for words.  The Ketel One placement was less disruptive - like the Pink placement in Front Man, and would have actually worked - if Neal had taken a sip of his drink, like it was something he wanted. 

Other than that, this episode was was one big ball of awesomeness.

Opening Scenes - USA posted three clips last week - the Neal and Alex in the pool scene (gack - no wet nekkid Neal), the Neal and Moz talking about the Italian embassy scene, and the Peter and El pre-stakeout scene, and I was really pleased (for some reason) that all of these clips were taken from the first five minutes of the episode.

Who's Alex, and Who Cares? Am I the only one who finds the character of Alex a bit badly written?  She comes across as femme fatale most of the time, but there's definitely an element of little girl lost as well, which is annoying. I get that she's really just a tool to move the story forward, and I hope we don't see to much of her next season.  (FWIW, to me, she's so bland and I've been reading so much fic that whenever I see references to Neal and Alex, my brain goes immediately to some of Ursula's amazing x-Files/White Collar crossovers - Alex is Alex Krycek).

Shirtless Neal Sculpting - wowowowowowow.  Completely gratuitous and wholly delicious.  Before the safecracking scene, I almost got the feeling that the WhiCoWriters had written in a sculpture simply to create a legitimate reason for Neal to be shirtless in daylight.  Can't wait to get home and start on the screen caps tonight.  Still waiting for a shirtless Peter scene.

The Wrath of Peter - Peter staking out Neal's meet with Fowler was a great bit of plotting - and I almost thought that Neal knew that Peter was there as his backup (and I expect much fic to flesh this idea out).  Also loved how he descended on Neal and his crew at June's like the wrath of god (great touch that June was a bit complicit in the scheme as well).

Not one, but two Bad Ass MoFu Peter Scenes - Fowler getting Peter out of the way by going through Elizabeth was also stupendous - I was worried that Fowler was going to resort to violence.  I fully expect that all of the charges get dropped and the arrest record disappears - or that El hires a kickass attorney and sues the FBI for harrassment and false arrest.   Peter punching Fowler (BAMF scene 1), and Fowler standing there with a bloody mouth, grinning like the devil.  Jones refusing to take Peter's badge and gun just proves that Jones is the alpha dog we always knew he was.  An incredible depiction of pack dynamics - the new leader asserts dominace over the old/ousted leader by humiliating the old leader's right hand.  "I've taken your woman, your position and now your people."  Very, very barbaric.  See lots of fic opportunities here, friends. 

BAMF scene 2 - Confronting Fowler in the garage was absolutely aweome (I've really got to stop with these flailings - sorry) - Diana revealing her second piece, giving Peter the opportunity to grab it.  There's probably a very interesting psycho-sexual metaphor there, but I'm just too tired to figure it out.  Peter shooting Fowler - pops two right into his chest.  I really thought that he killed the asshole, and was quite surprised when they revealed the vest.  I was even more astonished that Peter admitted to Diana that he didn't know Fowler was wearing a vest!  Way to GO, Killah!

Now, it's time to break for a word about how great it is that JE has brought Diana back - I was really shocked when she disappeared from the series after Pilot, particularly since the writers took the time to give her a backstory and a fleshed-out character.  While I liked Cruz, and will be sorry to see Natalie Morales go from the show, she was never really convincing as an FBI agent.  Maybe she just was too young.  

The Goodbyes Scenes - Neal and Moz - my heart was breaking for poor Moz.  It's not like he wouldn't exist without Neal (I have definite ideas about Moz's backround, and will be playing with them as soon as time allows), but his relationship with Neal has brought him into a completely different circle - Parcheesi with June, jousting with the Burkes.   Neal and Elizabeth - Again, heartbreaking - but you can tell how Elizabeth's words really put questions into Neal's mind - "There is the difference between loving the idea of someone, and actually loving who they really are."   (No, I didn't memorize this - it was posted by JE on his twitpics page)

And of course - the climatic scene between Neal and Peter.  I need to watch this many, many times tonight.  One of the things that struck me was the way Peter held himself - at an angle to Neal, head turned slightly aside, but still looking squarely into Neal's face (and what a face - with the tears pour down).  I don't have the dialog down exactly, but Peter telling Neal that he's given Neal something wonderful - the chance to make a life for himself - it's like Peter sees what he does as something more than just a job - it's a calling almost, and he can't understand why Neal doesn't want to share it.    If White Collar was an RPG, Peter is the Paladin character.

The Explosion - I kind of knew this was coming, but I also didn't see it coming.  (I did pop back onto Twitter as credits were rolling, and there were immediately 100+ tweets saying that Kate wasn't on the plane.  Nah - that's just silly talk).  The best analogy I can find is the final scene of Farscape (the series), when John and Aeryn are turned into bits of shattered crystal - and I felt the exact same way.  Like I had been broken into a million tiny little pieces.  Am I glad they've killed off Kate - yeah - and ... no.  I think the series has to turn quite a bit darker now - Peter's faith in his job has to be shaken (okay, we know that's coming), and Neal is going to be grieving (h/c writers, start your engines).

I haven't delved into most of the awesomeness packed into the Finale - too tired, too emotionally worn out.  Maybe more later.


Date: 2010-03-10 03:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tripoli8.livejournal.com
Hey there! Here from thegrrl2002's LJ. You're the only one I've seen mention this, so--

I understand that television and movies are shifting to in-show product placements instead of traditional commercials, but the scene with Tim and Jones in the Taurus and them using the on-board computer system to route around traffic was too stupid and jarring for words. The Ketel One placement was less disruptive - like the Pink placement in Front Man, and would have actually worked - if Neal had taken a sip of his drink, like it was something he wanted.

Oh man, yes. I know, business is business, it's fine, but the car references they've dropped this seasons just make me feel really awkward and embarrassed for everyone involved. I know that the Ketel One stuff isn't really any different, but at least it makes sense that if you're in a bar and want a particular brand of vodka you have to ask for it, and of course Neal wouldn't be a well drink guy.

Is Morales definitely out? I mean, if she can go find a job where they actually use her, that would make me really happy, but I hadn't heard either way.

Date: 2010-03-10 03:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] photoash.livejournal.com
I absolutely loved the finale! I can't express how much I loved all of it <3 and OMG SCULPTING NEAL = THE HOT! <3 Not only did we see more of his artistic talents but we saw him shirtless! (cue kink meme prompts <3)

I was so freaking GRATEFUL that we didn't have a cliffhanger ending :D I mean I had called the death of Kate back last Tuesday night talking to a friend over the preview scenes so that wasn't a surprise. For a few tense seconds I *really* feared that the cliffhanger would be the episode ending 45 seconds before it really did - that we'd just have Neal between the plane and Peter and not know the real choice...

I called the plane exploding right before it did :D which was made of win and awesome. I had my friend who I was watching it wish rewind the tivo so we could confirm Neal's tears as soon as it was over <3 and my god-- they couldn't make OT3 more canon if they tried after this because I mean who else is going to nurse and care for Neal through his grief? (him trying desperately to run into the flames was epic as Peter held him back!)

I can't wait to read the plethora of hurt/comfort fic this has to inspire in others and that we will see a bit of hurt/comfort in the SHOW ITSELF :D

Alex - while watching the episode when she cut out after her returning the music box scene my thought was "Oh...let's set up love interest for Season 2"... which I'm kinda indifferent to her. I think if we don't see Neal GRIEVING AND PINING for Kate for quite a few episodes into Season 2 then I will be royally pissed he better wait awhile before they thrust Alex at him.

Mozzie and Neal were beautiful together -- I was so upset that Mozzie didn't touch him though :( I mean you could tell he was dying to hug/pat something Neal but they didn't :( -- I could also be down with some Mozzie nursing Neal through his grief - after all Mozzie is one of the only people left that Neal associates with who knew Kate pretty intimately (Peter and Alex know her but obviously had no love lost) at least Mozzie didn't actively dislike Kate he just thinks she's playing Neal.

My only twinges of disappointment is that 1 - Kate could be brought back and that would be cheesy because I don't think she's smart enough to fake her own death and 2 - Now Kate will be elevated to sainthood in Neal's eyes because he never knew she betrayed him or not...

But really :D it was so fucking fantastic I can't wait to watch it a few more times <3

Date: 2010-03-10 03:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hoosierbitch.livejournal.com
I CONCUR.

I *loved* that the scenes they'd teased us with were all in the beginning - I just wanted to applaud! And then Neal was *shirtless* and *sculpting* a NEKKID MAN STATUE. PETER PLZ TO BE HIS MODEL NOW (and Peter *was* shirtless in the pilot, albeit for only a few seconds, and we barely got to glimpse his Shirtless Chest of Muscley Awesomeness).

I think Tim DeKay KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK in this episode. LOVE HIM. And loved to hear your thoughts! Can't wait to see what you're doodling with about Moz's background... :-)

Date: 2010-03-10 04:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kathana-grey.livejournal.com
I still have to chew on this episode, just some thoughts that went through my head.
Kate: you know, I rewound the tape to the point where Neal and Peter were talking and watched really close if someone was exiting the plane- no none and there was her face in the window directly behind the open door of the jet. So I think she really is dead and I am not sad about it at all. If they bring her back it would be a really cheap plot device.

My opinion? Fowler's bosses tried to tie up loose ends and Peter being there saved Neal. Who would care for two dead thieves? I really want to know what is on that hard drive Diane copied.

Neal/Peter: I loved that he showed up at Peter's house and showed him the malfunctioning tracking device. How cool is that? I think it shows how much trust has developed between them. The end scene? Writers will go nuts about Neal admiting that the only one who has the influence to beat the Kate factor is Peter and I think the second before the explosion, Neal turning around- there will be more people who think that, if Neal had some time with Kate he would have realised that he loves her as an ideal (which he already suspects or he wouldn't have asked El the question), not as a person and that his relationship with Peter is ... worth more?

BTW, sculpturing half naked is a good idea ^^ I took some art classes and let me tell you, the stuff tends to stick to everything. I would have loved to see some smudges on his skin.

Date: 2010-03-10 05:14 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gyzym.livejournal.com
I have lots of things to say and not enough time right now to say them, but I'd just like to point out: when Neal DOES put a shirt on after the UNF UNF UNF sculpting, it's too big and doesn't fit him right.

BECAUSE IT'S PETER'S SHIRT.

That is all.

Date: 2010-03-10 06:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shelley6441.livejournal.com
Me, too! For some reason I was very wound up while watching the ep, and the commercials were driving me crazy!

The Taurus GPS scene, or whatever it was, was ridiculous. And could you explain Ketel One?

Opening Scene - I did see a bare bottom when Neal dived into the pool but I have no idea if the bare butt belonged to Matt.

Who is Alex, and Who Cares - Yes, Alex is just there to provide some young female attention for Neal since Kate has not been around. But do you find it strange that they have not shared a kiss onscreen? I prefer that because I want Neal to kiss Peter. Alex provides a link to Neal's past. But if she wasn't around I wouldn't miss her character.

Naked Neal Sculpting - sheer gratuitous mancandy. I mean, I paint but I can do it wearing clothes. But I'm not complaining - Matt has a very nice physique.

Wrath of Peter - loved that Peter (who is just as smart as Neal) was watching the whole meet with Fowler. Also loved Peter's wrathful confrontation in 'Front Man' with Agent Rice. Guh, Tim is so hot!

BAMFPS1 - Was GLAD that Peter punched that Bitch!Fowler. I clapped my hands over that.
And Elizabeth was arrested for battery? I didn't see it coming that Fowler & Co. would use Elizabeth (illegal caviar? please!) to get to Peter. That was dirty but brilliant.

BAMFPS2 - (aka, Peter Arrives in the Nick of Time Part 1) I don't follow behind the scenes chatter about WC, but I wondered what happened to the Diana character. And nothing against Lauren Cruz but she was awfully young. Jones is also young but he comes across as more experienced than Cruz.

Agents normally carry two weapons but I need a second viewing to see where Diana pulled her second pistol. Yes! Peter gave Fowler two kill shots; I was GLAD but I didn't want him to be Fowler's killer. The vest saved his ass so he can be prosecuted now, yes? And I really hope that Diana took the music box from Fowler's car.

Good-by Scenes - poor Mozzie. I like his character, and I'd like to see him doing more. I don't recall too much of his backstory (or Kate's) in the first half of Season one. Who is Moz, and how does he know Neal? Where's he get all his connections?

Who is Kate, and how did she get involved with Fowler? What did she do with herself while Neal was in prison? Why was she so vague and distant to Neal, after he began working with the FBI, knowing how he felt about her, and knowing how much she needed Neal to get that music box?

And yes, I think Neal finally realized that giving his all for Kate was not as fulfilling as it once was. She broke up with Neal while he was incarcerated. After his release, I don't recall him ever speaking to her face to face. He loved who she was, and what they used to have together.

Peter and Neal Say Goodby - (aka, Peter Arrives in the Nick of Time Part 2) OMG. This scene had me on the edge of the sofa, and I was holding my breath. I love when scenes are filmed in real places, in real weather. Neal was so TORN between flying off with Kate to happily ever after, or remaining in NYC and staying with Peter. Peter did tell him he could do something good with his life. And I think that Neal enjoyed his work in WC - primarily because of his working relationship with Peter. But it was a condition of his parole. Would he have chosen to do it on his own? IDK. I thought that Matt (and Tim) kicked butt here. The angst! The heartbreak! The Indecision!

The Explosion - I knew that Neal had hidden his safe cracking tools inside his sculpture, and I knew that something was going to go wrong at the hangar. But I didn't think that killing Neal and Kate would be part of the plan. It did cross my mind very briefly that Kate got off the plane (and therefore was not blown up) but that would have been silly. And Neal (secretly) surviving the explosion allows for him to work covertly on stuff like helping Peter get reinstated, and to find out who killed Kate. And exposing everything to do with Fowler.

So much speculation. Who is Fowler really working for? What is so special about that music box? Who wanted Kate and Neal dead? And does OPR really have anyone deep undercover?





Date: 2010-03-10 08:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] asimaiyat.livejournal.com
If White Collar was an RPG, Peter is the Paladin character.

I love you so much right now.

Date: 2010-03-11 04:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] neifile7.livejournal.com
Hey, thanks for linking me here. :)

The other Goodbye that matters quite a lot, I think, is June's. Because she won't say it. Her faith in Neal's ability to find his way is quiet and awesome. She doesn't have quite the emotional hold over him that El or Peter do, but it's pretty powerful nonetheless. I ALWAYS WANT MORE JUNE.

You saw what I think of Alex -- if they leave matters where they are, it's bad writing; if they bring her into the Sekrit Conspiracy, there are possibilities and deeper shades to what she's doing. I am, actually, convinced that she knows what the box represents in a way that Neal doesn't, hence her lifting it at the Consulate.

Maybe back for more, after I rewatch tonight. :)

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