In this episode a well-known heist operative, Gordon Taylor (Hal Ozsan), is coming to New
York. Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) and the FBI learn of his visit and set out to try and stop a heist before it happens, although they are unsure of the target. Unfortunately, Taylor has never been caught nor had a job go bad so it is going to be tough to apprehend him. Lucky for the FBI, Mozzie (Willie Garson) has an in with Taylor. With approval from the FBI, Mozzie is recruited for Taylor’s team and brings Neal in with him. Through Neal (Matt Bomer), the FBI learns the target is the Yankee stadium museum, and that a wealthy collector has hired Taylor and his crew to steal a century old ball signed by Babe Ruth.
After the target has been identified Peter’s love for baseball comes out into the open. His professional playing days are behind him, but he continues to hold a strong passion for the game.
Before Neal and Mozzie learn of the master plan of the heist Neal is able to reconnect with Sara Ellis (Hilarie Burton). Sara learns of Neal’s possible commutation, and the two reconcile over wine at Neal’s apartment.
In preparation for the heist Mozzie creates a replica ball to replace the one that is to be stolen. However, Neal needs to get a message to Peter so Mozzie strategically places a message inside the skin of the replica ball telling Peter the time and place of the hand off. The message is coded by two red stitches (rather than one red and one blue), which Peter notices due to his career in the Minor League. Peter and the FBI are able to recover the stolen ball at the hand off, but Taylor is nowhere to be seen due to a tip from Mozzie. Leaving Taylor uncaught, again.
This episode was not one of my favorites. One of the things that bothered me was the use of what I felt were cliché punch lines that have been mostly absent from other episodes (i.e. Diana says ‘Game On’ right before the suspenseful moment and a commercial break).
I was glad to see Neal and Sara reconnect. As a fan of the show I was waiting for that to happen as I am sure others were as well. Speaking of Neal, I love the character but I think that the writers are making him too good. In this episode we find that he is a master at pool which begs the question; how can he be this good? It is getting unbelievable that he knows all so much. Regardless, Neal is still the man. He performs as expected and even in the tightest situations he is able to weasel his way out.
White Collar is still one of my favorite shows despite what it may sound like in this article. I am looking forward to the season finale to see what is in store for my favorite ex-con.
Tune in to the USA Network on Tuesday February 28th at 10pm for the Season Finale.
-Jenna Orr
