aragarna | Let's Shake Some Squee - 5x09

OH MY FREAKING GOD! I was nervous before, I was borderlining a heart attack during, and left a wreck after... And I've never been so happy we don't have a real break this year, because I don't think I could have survived an entire hiatus after this! WOW talk about a roller coster.

So many things happened in that episode that by the end, we almost forgot the beginning. Almost.
(I thought Matt was supposed to loose weight... Obviously he waited....) We've been waiting for this the whole season (even Peter took it off quicker!), but that was worth the wait, isn't it?

I have to say, it's going to pain me if Rebecca turns out to be evil. She can be very cute (I loved her "there you are" when she put her glasses on). But I find her eagerness to jump into a life of crime a little suspicious. It's a little more than simple enthusiasm... Wouldn't normal people be a little scared that not only they're sleeping with a convicted felon but that even more, he has obviously not retire? And he says it's dangerous and she's not scared?
I do understand that she feels used now that Neal got what he wanted, and I actually like this aspect of their relationship. But really, I don't get Rebecca.

The gold coin case! Finally! I was wondering when this would come back and was wondering if they didn't forget about it. But no, Peter was just patient (which, hmm... reminded me of a certain art manifest...). And god, was Peter sneaky! :-)
Don't you love how he determined that it was indeed the red tulip sign? (Neal should know, by the way, Peter knows his bluff, he did the same with that red head guy). And asking Jones to call! Heee yes, Peter can be just as devious as Neal! Neal's face when he sees Dekker being brought him only the next day....

(My apologize to all the Neal fans, I think my bias for Peter is the more evident when Peter outsmarts Neal. Can't really tell why, but that always makes me smile "that's my Peter". I prefer smart!Peter to smart!Neal. Maybe because we always expect Neal to be smart. Otherwise, I usually try not to take side....)

But of course, that little squee over sneaking Peter didn't hold long... Wow that confession scene was sooo intense! It hurts so much! everyone, Neal, Peter, us!
Neal cornered, having to tell the truth, and hurt a little more that Peter doesn't think it *was* the right thing (though he probably knew it, even if he had hope, otherwise he wouldn't have hidden it all for so long). And Peter, facing that one thing he feared the most: having to arrest Neal...

I have made a long post about what I think of Peter, and how I think Peter sees the world and his own system of values. I'm not going to repeat it all here. (It has been a very interesting discussion, by the way, thank you all who joined. :-) )
Now, I have to admit something. Some have argued that Peter is already compromised anyway (which I believe he doesn't see that way). Anyway, you know what actually shows that Peter *is* compromised? That he can't arrest a criminal because it hurts and he cares too much... Neal confessed to a Federal Agent stealing gold and bribing a judge, that was enough to arrest Neal. And Peter didn't...
No matter how mad he can be at Neal, Peter has never risked going on record (since at least season 3) with any of his suspicions in case it could harm Neal.
Of course, I'm not saying Peter should have arrested Neal, but the fact he didn't says a lot about the fact that despite his harsh words, he still cares for Neal. And he even trusts that Neal would not run.

And above it all, there's the fact that Peter now feels like a fraud, that he should even arrest himself and he doesn't see any way out.
That scene with Elizabeth was heartbreaking.... I wish we had the follow-up of it.
I'm also glad that El admitted it might be her fault, and that she does think Neal did the right thing.

And Matt and Tim... It'd be so much easier if they weren't so good! Words are almost superfuous, it's already all on their faces.

There was so much to love in that episode.
This whole storyline was good. The episode was good. Yes, it's difficult to watch, and it would have been an easier road to have made it easy and all bromancy. Except it would have compromised Peter as a character. I've seen this in too many shows and I'm glad we've been there. I love the show the best when it's testing the limits of its own concept. When it's challenging its characters. And I do think it's rather fair to all of them.
Now, it's time to heal the wounds. I still want me some good bromance before the end of the season!

Okay, enough angst, more random squee.
- I loved the repairman who flirted with Rebecca!
- everyone seems to enjoy a good fresh baguette in that show!