Let's Shake Some Squee - 5x12 - Taking Stock

[aragarna]

Hum, so after that awesome handball match, let's get back to some White Collar, and shake some more squeeeee! :-)



Diana is BACK! And in full badass mode! :-)
We've all missed her this season, and it was great to see her back. Plus it didn't feel too forced. It does seem legitimate that they need a girl to go undercover as "Rachel" and it is true that she's the only badass who would be able to do it (boys and girls together)
Badass mom, Diana is one of a kind as a character.

Heee Peter and little Theo! Exactly what everyone expected of Peter LOL And Tim is so good at those goofy faces.

On the other hand, Uncle Mozzie was just plain adorable! Who would have thought? Think he took care of the little ones at Mr Jeffries?
Still, it's comforting that Diana is no-nonsense enough not to let Mozzie put too much crazy theories into that baby's brain at such a young age!

Rebecca (or should we call her Rachel?)! God Bridget Regan, I didn't know her, but she's awesome. She's a strange mix of charming and cold. The interrogation scenes, with Peter, then Neal, were chilling. Her obsession with Neal makes her unpredictably dangerous.

Loved the perfect teamwork from everyone. Peter and Neal packing evidence, Jones backing Diana...

Also nice to see the tension gone and it's always nice to see Peter in protective mode, worried that Diana was put in danger because of Rebecca's text, worried about Rebecca getting to Neal.

Oh so  Neal suddenly wants his sentence to be dropped? I have mixed feelings about this. I understand how he feels, and that's right he does deserve consideration for his work. But the timing is all wrong. It's like the first commutation announcement arriving right after the treasure fiasco. There are so many times Pete would have backed up Neal without a second thought, and each time he's asked to do so the one time he's conflicted.

Interesting enough, the show is pondering the serious question in the voice of Diana, which gives Peter a lot to think about....
Ah yes, Peter, the kids are growing so fast, they're taking their independence...

Oh and Peter asking Neal if he can go straight! (Seriously, I wanted to write that into a fic 2 weeks ago!). So of course, the question is opened to loopholes, but the answer wasn't. Neal thinks he can go straight, which, given the entire season, given Peter, the shrink, Rebecca, Neal himself, is a very important assertion. And I do think that's all Peter needs to keep faith in Neal.

Directed by Tim DeKay! This episode didn't have the iconic locations the previous episodes Tim directed had. Actually it was for the most shot on set. Still, Tim managed to have some fun behind the camera. I particularly loved the "evidence tagging" montage, and the Burkes packing scene, shot in a single shot (actually 2, there's a cut at the end).
Oh and yes, there's that gratuitous fan service of Neal unzipping his trousers. Not sure if it's atually the director's or the writer's idea, but knowing Tim's sense of humor, that could totally be his. ;-)

Oh and favorite lines of the episode:
"I know you think you're smarter than me, that's why I always catch you". ;-)
"Kid, you're kidding me!"

Comments

[leesa_perrie]

Wonderful episode!! So much to love in it! That look on Peter's face when Diana assumes he knows his way around a diaper - lol!!! Poor Peter!!! :)

Mozzie as uncle was great, Diana was kick ass and yes, all the other things you mentioned!! Much love!!

I want next week's episode now, please!! *is worried about Mozzie after that last scene*

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Oh god yes, I'm worried about Mozzie too! Kidnap him? (He was way behind on the kidnap count ;-) )

[sholio]

This episode was much fun! Dark and serious in places, goofy and adorable in others.

I love that screencap you got of Peter holding the baby, where both Peter and the baby are making "... what is happening, I don't like this" faces. XD

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Well, technically, this is Kanarek's. I did the exact same cap but in 720p, and since Kanarek was quick enough, I thought it be better to use hers, in all the 1080p glory! The bigger the picture, the better Peter looks. ;-)

And yes, that episode was the perfect combination of scary and light. :-)
Rebecca is my favorite villain since Fowler!

[kerrylang.livejournal.com]

I have only Squeeeeeee for this ep. I even liked it more than the ep Tim directed in season four with June singing, and Steeling Home was okay, but this one was outstanding in my opinion. Loved everything about it.

Diana and Theo rocked this ep and there was so much more to love - well, as I said I loved it all.

Diana kinda knocked some sense into Peter and this was high time. He always let Neal do his thing to get evidence and suddenly he wants to wait for a warrant? Seriously?

Neal fighting for his sentence to be dropped is really surprising at this time but I really want to know how they want to take this further in only this one last ep. I don't even know how 42 minutes are enough to tell everything we want to know and see. And I'm sure the cliffhanger will make us cringe and leave us unsatisfied this time.

But we'll see.

For me the last three episodes were the best of season five, I will treasure those and watch them again because since the real Rebecca/Rachel showed her face, everything got much more interesting. Yes, she really is the best villain ever. I like her alot.

I have to watch the whole season again for a round up review but I can already say that I love it more than the season four arc around James and Senator Pratt.

And for those who always complain about the missing bromance: What's season one and two for? I love to watch those for that but I love to watch season five for its angst and drama and plot. And well, this season it's a Neal/Mozzie bromance. I am okay with that. Neal/Peter will be back on track...if there is a season six coming along.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

True this season gave more weight to other bromances/pairings. Mozzie/Neal, Peter/El. And I'm okay with it too.
But also, I think the fact they disagree and even hurt each other doesn't mean Peter and Neal don't care for each other.

And yes, Rebecca is a hell of a good villain! It's gonna be chilling to rewatch the early scenes with Neal...

[treonb.livejournal.com]

I especially liked Diana and Theo. He should get a regular spot on the show :-) But on rewatch, I'm warming up to the other parts too.

Neal's timing - he doesn't really have much of a choice. If a new ASAC comes in, it will take time for Neal to earn/con his trust.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Neal's timing - he doesn't really have much of a choice. If a new ASAC comes in, it will take time for Neal to earn/con his trust.


True. But I still find the timing of the revelation odd. He knew about Peter's promotion. He even had a new handler before. I don't know I just find it coming a little out of nowhere (He talked to a lawyer? when? was it what the "cutting all strings" referred to?) Though it does make sense when you think of it. I guess I just didn't realize Neal was thinking of it.

[treonb.livejournal.com]

I didn't see it coming either. But maybe he's giving Peter a chance to do it legally before he goes the illegal route.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Yes, probably, which is actually a good sign. ;-)

Also, I was wondering if Neal would go after the diamond behind Peter's back, but I guess with Mozzie being kidnapped/trapped/in danger/whatever, they'll have to go after it together. :-)

[treonb.livejournal.com]

If Neal turns to Peter for help, it will certainly be an improvement over his previous blackmail encounters.