WHITE COLLAR Returns with Tense, Emotional Premiere

When White Collar went on hiatus in August, it left us with a huge cliffhanger: Elizabeth had been kidnapped by Keller, who was demanding the treasure from the U-boat in exchange, effectively screwing Neal and Mozzie while torturing Peter. White Collardoesn’t usually play these high-stakes emotional games, which made the cliffhanger even more intense. The mid-season premiere, “Checkmate”, continues in the same vein, taking viewers on a taut thrill-ride.

The action revolves around rescuing Elizabeth, but in order to do that, Neal has to come clean to Peter about stealing the treasure, and the whole team has to try to work out a sting to run against a guy who knows all the tricks in a con man’s book. The relationship between Peter and Neal is tested in a way it never has been before; this is no longer the amusing game of “guess Neal’s secrets” that they’ve been playing. Elizabeth is important to all of them, and her capture highlights strengths and weaknesses in several relationships. That is my favorite part of this mid-season premiere: the emotional impact Elizabeth’s capture has on Peter, Neal, and Mozzie. It’s beautifully written and powerfully portrayed; a payoff of sorts for each of these men we’ve come to know over the last few years. That’s not say that Elizabeth is a passive player in this episode. Oh no, Mrs. Suit has some moves that would do her husband (and Neal and Mozzie) proud.

The Keller/Elizabeth situation isn’t the only chance for high drama, though. Peter gets some potentially life-changing information about Neal that leaves him with a big decision to make. “Checkmate” may be the best hour of White Collar yet. Watch it tonight at 10/9c on USA to see for yourself.