Au Revoir is not an Adieu

[aragarna]

Well, okay, in term of the series itself, Au Revoir was the adieu. And in 7 months, I've given it a lot of thoughts, and I still have some (minor) issues with it, but I keep seeing those very negative comments about it here and there (mostly reaching my Twitter feed via Tumblr), and the more it goes, the more I feel like I need to defend it.

No, it wasn't a bad ending. No, the ending didn't ruin the entire series. And no, it didn't kill the bromance.



You may or may not think Neal did the right thing, that he had no choice, or that he's an idiot.

My personal view tends to lean toward Neal having a tunnel vision, doing the wrong things for the right reasons and not being used to think in term of family and team work. Because he had to survive on his own most of his life, and because he has this chivalry way of thinking that he has to keep solving his various mess (messes?) all on his own (which usually results in jumping from the frying pan into the fire).

So Neal fakes his death, pulling his greatest con, and by doing so, taking the fall for taking down the Panthers. In Neal's mind, this was the only way out. The only way to protect his family. I may disagree with him, and I certainly don't like the fact he hid it from both Peter and Mozzie. But I don't need to agree with Neal to enjoy the show. I love Neal despite disagreeing with him about 50 percent of the time. And at least, I certainly understand his mindset.

Disagreeing with Neal's decision doesn't mean I can't enjoy the finale. And that sure doesn't make for a bad episode.

In the end, I felt like this ending, even though not the most original (Hello Dexter? Hello House?), was also, in a way, a very emotional communion between those who made the show and those who watched it. We all  ran cons for 6 seasons together, we all shivers, squeed, ran, hugged, and in the end, we all cried together. This was my initial reaction, when I first watched the episode. One last, very emotional, ride.

Then, of course I thought back about it, and went through a lot of emotions. But the feelings that kept coming back was my love for my show, for my characters, and the need for a happy ending. The need to fix things. Which I did. I've spend 7 months now, thinking about all the possible scenarios, conversations, stories. I've imagined my own happy ending. Or happy endings. I still am.

And this were the beauty of that open ending becomes clear. We have just enough little things to decide what we want to do with it. Whether you wanted Neal to become his own master, whether you wanted him to become straight, or not. Whether you want him to go back to New York to work with Peter. Or settle in London with Sara. Working as a security consultant, a repo, an FBI consultant, or buy another island with Mozzie. Anything is possible. Neal can take a fresh start, or come back as Neal Caffrey. Depending on your mood, you can decide whether or not, Peter, Mozzie, Sara forgive him, want him back in their live again, or not.

But in the end, we all loved the show for the bromance and most of us would like Neal and Peter together again, right? Well, here I feel like I need to emphasize how the show actually ended. The show didn't end with Neal faking his death. It ended a year later - it's a long time, but it's not a decade either - when Neal himself sends a signal to Peter and Mozzie. If Neal didn't want them in his life anymore, he could just continue to be "dead". But no, Neal decided to reach out to them (and given Peter's comment about the Panthers being sentenced to life, that was probably the soonest possible). And he had to know they'd run to Paris. We don't actually see Mozzie's reaction. But we do see Peter's. And Peter's reaction is a simple, big and genuine smile. Neal is alive, and that makes Peter happy. There's little doubt that he is going to run to Paris, and that Mozzie preceded him.

To me, there's no evidence whatsoever that this ending killed the bromance (which at this point is a bro-threesome, or something.). To me, the happy ending is actually logical. Precisely because of those last few minutes. Despite the "Fin." the story is not over.

So, for sure, maybe we could have had a different ending. Maybe something easier. Neal walking out in the sunset, free. For sure, that would have made my fanfic writer life easier, not having to deal with two Neals. But at the same time, as a writer, that ending opened the doors to so many great emotional stories. A more simple happy ending would for sure have been a lot less emotional.
And would we have ever realized how much Neal meant to Peter? and Mozzie? Wasn't it the most natural way to end the show, on Neal Caffrey's greatest (and last?) con? And at the same time, don't we know those characters enough to know that they love each other too much not to forgive?

So, based on what we've seen during 6 seasons, my idea of what happens next is that Mozzie and Peter will go through a rainbow of complex emotions, but in the end, they'll understand and forgive. They'll want Neal back in their lives. And Neal will want to take back his place in that oddly assorted family. Peter and Mozzie might not trust he wouldn't pull another one on them, but they'll take that chance. But Neal won't betray them anyway. Because Neal is learning the sanctity of a family. The family he's built and fought so hard for, the family he reached out to, as soon as it was safe enough.
And because there's now a new member in the family - A pure and innocent little boy - they'll all make extra efforts not to disrupt it again. They will all work together to give that kid the best childhood possible, and the best start in life. There might be some tense discussions regarding whether it's appropriate to teach a 5 years old the unofficial version of the Moon landing. There'll also be some fun treasure hunts with loots made of Easter eggs.



And this is why I don't want a White Collar movie. It's not that in a perfect world, I wouldn't want more White Collar shenanigans. I sure wasn't ready to see it ends so soon. But, first, it's not gonna happen. Season 6 was the closure a movie usually offers. So we got the equivalent of 3 movies. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, I don't want a movie ruining my happily ever after. A movie would necessarily bring more drama, more tension, will likely take a turn I don't particularly need. I don't want an official canon destroying my head canon. They pulled the plug prematurely but still gifted me with an open ending that allows me to dream of the adventures of Burke and Caffrey continuing forever. They made it open enough that I can decide that Neal goes straight, comes back to New York, and in a few years will marry Sara. That's not your idea for the end? That's okay, because you can actually make up anything you want. That's the beauty of it.

Don't be sad that it's over, be happy that it happened. And don't be too upset at your favorite show. Remember all the joy and love it brought you. Jeff Eastin and all the team of writers created a universe that we all fell in love with. Now it's up to us to keep it alive in our hearts and our imagination.

Comments

[caseyf123.livejournal.com]

I like your way of thinking!

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

[maryrose-it.livejournal.com]

I'm agree with you and I add my opinion about Neal's choice I think is coherent with something he said during the show in Judgement day he said that wake up in the morning without his anklet and answer to himself it means a lot then to Mozzie said that he needed to know who really he is and also to James he said that he had 3 names but not one of them it's real I think that if the show would end with Neal finishing his sentence and go free well he would been just a convict felon that did his time and also Peter would never know if Neal would been up on something ( illegal) Faking his death( beside the other reasons you said ) Neal decided to be alone and to make his own choices ( without an Angel or a Devil on his shoulder whispering into his ears!) and finally to decide by himself who he want to be: a con or a man? and I think he made his decision when he sent that clues to Peter now Neal knows who he wants to be and what he wants to do with his life
( sorry it's a bit long!)

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Well, if it was only about becoming his own free man, Neal didn't really have to fake his death. He could just have left. Bye Peter, bye Mozzie. It's been real, no I need to be free. It would have spared some serious pains to his friends...

I still think Peter and Mozzie didn't deserve to endure such a pain.

[treonb.livejournal.com]

I completely agree. After the episode, I was very upset at them for making me go through Neal dying. I didn't even get to the rest of it because of that. I was so relieved he was still in one piece, I would have forgiven him anything.

But now it's actually giving me a lot to write about, so I really can't complain.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I guess I just came to term with it. That is not really the way I wanted it to end, but that wasn't necessarily a bad option either. There are some little things I don't like about it, but that's nothing we can't come back from. And as I was saying, it's very different to end when Neal fakes his death, or end when Neal reaches out...

And yes, definitely a lot to write about. :)

[leesa_perrie]

At the time, I was really angry with Neal and then the writers, but over time I've realised that it's not so bad as endings goes. I've never really wanted a movie, certainly not a sequel and, tbh, not a prequel either. I like what we have and the freedom to imagine our own pre- and post-canon scenarios.

I'm falling back into a good place with the show, and am kind of surprised that I had such an initially bad reaction. My first big fandom as a child/teen (Blake's 7) killed all the main characters (well, except possibly one - or more if you go for the 'stunned not dead' fanon) at the end. You'd think I'd be able to cope!! Especially as Neal isn't actually dead!! *rolls eyes at self*

So, no, I'm not being negative about it anymore (or at least, I hope not). I was dreading watching S6 with a friend of mine later this year, now I'm looking forward to it!! I might even watch some eps again, if I can fit them in amongst everything else that's on atm!! Doing the White Collar meme reminded me of the good things and I really, really need to do a rewatch sometime!! :D

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

LOL After the show ended, I decided to make marathon of the entire show. Though it's a rather slow marathon. I've finally reached S5, and I can't wait to re-watch S6. :D And no matter what one may think of the last 15 minutes, there's just SO many awesome moments in that season. ♥♥

My initial reaction was probably a little harsher. And I still have some issues with the ending (mostly because I think it's not totally in character with Neal, and it's definitely too cruel on Peter and Mozzie), but that's nothing I can't deal with. And definitely not something that'd ruin the entire show, or the bromance.
And there, like in so many previous occasions, it doesn't matter so much that I would never forgive a character's mistake. What matters is that they do. And that the bromance is stronger than anything else.

LOL oh boy Blake's 7! I can't imagine if one of favorite shows ended like that. In retrospect... Thank you Neal for making sure it wouldn't happen... ;)

[leesa_perrie]

I have a friend of a friend who still claims that B7 destroyed her childhood! Fortunately, there were many 'they didn't die because' scenarios and fics (which you had to buy fanzines to read back then) to lessen the pain - at least, for me! I still maintain that most of them were only stunned... *puts fingers in ears and ignores TPTB that say only Avon would have survived*

So yes, WC's ending is not so bad really! :D

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Yikes. Though simple fanfics making up canon isn't exactly the same as canon (at least to me). But I guess in B7's case, it's probably better to make up your own story (I don't know the show, so I don't know how "definitive" the end was).

But in WC, it *is* canon, that Neal reaches out, and that Peter is genuinely happy. So to me, it's a canon promise to a happy ending that I can safely fantasize in my head; and at the same time, open enough that I can imagine whatever I want.

[reve-silencieux.livejournal.com]

Nicely put. I don't think I ever had quite the negative reaction to the finale, because they put you through the emotional ringer during the whole episode, so I was just happy they didn't kill him. And you're right - it was a happy ending because he let Peter and Mozzie know, he reached out to his family. It could have been so much worse.

As for movies... *sigh* I feel the same way. Sure I'd love for more, but I'm afraid of what JE would do to our characters. I'd prefer to live in my headcanon and the happiness that we have right now. I'm thrilled I have six wonderful seasons that I can watch at any time and not feel like it was all ruined by one ending. (hello CHUCK!) :D

I could go on, but then my comment would be as long as your post.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Heee Not that I'd mind a comment longer than my post.

The movie thing is seriously getting on my nerves. It's not gonna happen anyway, and I wish people would just accept it and move on. And yeah, given Jeff Eastin's interviews after the finale, a movie would definitely not reassure me.

Like all series, it had to end at some point. At least it didn't end too late. They didn't ruin the show (like they did with House, and so many series that didn't stop in time). I feel like for most TV shows, either they end to late, and your original love has worn off, or it ends too soon and you're left hearbroken.
In the end, I think I'm fine feeling a little sad (okay, okay, totally devastated) but able to cherish all the precious memories. Seriously, just rewatching an episode, any episode, is like drinking a delicious hot chocolate - with whipped cream.

[reve-silencieux.livejournal.com]

Heee! As your fellow hot chocolate lover, I hear you! I get such comfort just sitting down and watching any episode.

And I totally agree about how shows end - too many end way too late - and the others are cut way too short it hurts. I'm not holding out any hope for a movie, and it's easier that way. If we get one, it will be a treat, not an expectation. (Although I would still be very fearful of anything JE comes up with)

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Totally. If it happens, I'd be very happily admit I was wrong. But until proven otherwise, I consider it's not gonna happen. Because it's not. At least we got an extra 6 episodes. Can you imagine if it had ended with Neal being kidnapped forever after ?!

[reve-silencieux.livejournal.com]

Oh that's a horror I don't even want to contemplate! At least USA was willing to compromise, because as we know, they needed to keep JE happy since he had another show with them. (ugh)

And just being a little selfish, I'd rather read all the different possibilities we have from this finale than abduction fics from now until eternity.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

ahaha very true !
Somehow I feel like the abduction fics would have been a lot darker.

[scarym1.livejournal.com]

Great Write up. :) I especially liked this line -

"Don't be sad that it's over, be happy that it happened."

I agree the Bromance is still alive at the end. LOL @ Bro-threesome. The Peter & Mozzie friendship was unexpected but so much fun.

At least WC had an official last season. You knew this was the end. My first love (the Stargate Franchise) never had an official finale for any of the 3 shows. They were just cancelled.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Yes, totally. At least, cast/crew and viewers got to say goodbye together.
The Peter & Mozzie friendship was awesome. I love how they managed to have them care more and more, without erasing their incompatibilities. :)

Thanks! :)

[sg-lab.livejournal.com]

I tried at first when it ended to come up with an opinion about it, but it was difficult. I was just stuck on the fact that it was over. I don't think I have been so sad a show has ended before, it was a strange feeling.

Now I still don't know how I feel about how it ended.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

I hear you. Lots of strange feelings all at once, and it took me a long time to process it all.
I have definitely never been so sad my favorite show was over.

I'm sad that it ended, and the way it happened quite unexpectedly. But I'm fine with the way the show wrapped. A full season would probably have felt less rushed, but hey, it's not like I had my say on this...

[paganlowroader.livejournal.com]

I just miss the damn show. Still. The other day I did an Internet search about the nomenclature of giant wine bottles and read this fascinating little article - BTW the jereboam is the SMALLEST in the category - and felt a pang of remorse with the instant thought that the show could have included that. I miss the fun esoterica, I miss Neal's swaggering strut and Peter's dawning, often mute (if you don't count the muttered "Neal what are you up to?) recognition of the scheme of the week. I miss the incredible chemistry in that talented ensemble of friends. I miss the unique New York locales and a show that was stylishly shot. Panache and heart. That's White Collar in a nutshell.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Awwwww



***hugs***

I miss it too. I miss its warmth, like a gentle hug from a bullet-proof vest. It was really something special. But I'm so glad - and proud - that I got to be part of that special something.