Matt Bomer in "White Collar"
courtesy of the USA Network
“White Collar” (USA Network)

“Winner, winner, chicken dinner!” can be the mantra at the USA Network as they unveil another hit for the channel that has brought us “Monk,” “In Plain View,” “Burn Notice” and “Royal Pains.” This time out the series is titled “White Collar” and it is first class from A to Z.

The basic premise of “White Collar” is a buddy type of comedy/drama. Tim DeKay plays FBI Agent Peter Burke. One of his greatest achievements was the arrest of con man extraordinaire Neal Caffrey (Mat Bomer). Neal was sent to prison for four years but escapes four months before his sentence was to end. He escapes because his girlfriend dumped him and he wants her back.

This time Burke locates him easily and sends him back for another four years. Facing this lengthy incarceration, Caffrey offers Burke a deal. If he lets him out of prison and into his care, Caffrey will help him locate and arrest another top criminal Burke is seeking. Burke eventually takes the deal, thanks to the urgings of his wife Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen).

As the “partnership” continues Caffrey manages to impress a wealthy widow named June (the exquisite Diahann Carroll). She invites him to live in her sumptuous New York apartment. She also gives him access to her late husband’s wardrobe which is a perfect fit, of course.

To help him help Burke, Caffrey enlists the aid of his good friend Mozzie (Willie Garson). Mozzie has his finger on the pulse of all that is happening in New York City both aboveground and underground. In a word his friendship is priceless.

Burke has his own ally and that is his assistant Diana (Marsha Tomason). She is beautiful, smart and gay. No big deal is made of her sexual orientation. It is just one more fact about who she is.

The series looks to be a winner based on the richness of the characters and the sharpness of the writing. The basic plot of it takes a thief to catch a thief is presented in a new, fresh light. The audience never feels like it is getting something that is warmed over or rehashed.

Both Bomer and DeKay create interesting characters while Garson, Thiessen, Tomason and Carroll are welcome additions whenever they obtain screen time. The combination of all the cast members makes this a program you want to view over and over again. It is definitely one for the TiVo.

Make sure and watch the premiere episode of “White Collar” on the USA Network, Friday, October 23 at 10PM. Once viewed you will be hooked.
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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