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Herc Has Seen USA’s Well-Laundered WHITE COLLAR!!
SPOILER ALERT !!
I am – Hercules!!
Essentially a contemporary, unauthorized basic-cable version of the Steven Spielberg/Jeff Nathanson big-screen hit “Catch Me If You Can” (this time penned by less-accomplished screenwriter Jeff Eastin, who wrote the 1999 Jamie Foxx comedy “Held Up” and created NBC’s short-lived 2004 series “Hawaii”), USA’s “White Collar” follows an Abagnale-like con-man (Matthew Bomer, who also plays Bryce Larkin on “Chuck”) who teams with the Hanratty-like FBI man who put him away (Tim DeKay, who played Jonesy on “Carnivale”). Together they fight crime.
Producers even find an excuse to put the con man in some Abagnale-like 1960s wardrobe. The Bomer character’s antics are largely unconvincing (if he’s so keen to stay out of stir, why does he make it so easy for the FBI man to catch him a second time?) and the oversized opener is predictably and fundamentally inferior to “Catch Me If You Can” in every other conceivable way. But Bomer is an awfully pretty young man and the show is no worse to my eye than profitable USA fodder like “Psych” and “Burn Notice”; I suspect the channel will keep it around for years.
The critics seem absolutely hypnotized by how cute Bomer is:
USA Today says:
… Happily, USA has learned two important lessons from Thief: Keep the capers light, and build them around an incredibly appealing actor. And boy, have they. … Bomer gives White Collar the charm, wit and sex appeal tinged with sadness it needs to work …
The New York Times says:
… a winsome, quick-paced caper that is part “Catch Me if You Can,” part “Shampoo.” Portrayed without any breaks in impish magnetism by Matt Bomer (formerly of “Chuck”), Caffrey is a master forger, hobby historian, high-end thief …
The Los Angeles Times says:
… Sparkling, snappy, bursting with energy and good clean heist fun, the first episode of "White Collar" may, in fact, be the most perfect pilot to air in a long, long time. … Bomer, last seen as Bryce Larkin on "Chuck," is all blue eyes, chiseled chin and president of the rowing club charm, a man capable of wrangling room-with-a-view and board from a rich widow ( Diahann Carroll) with nothing more than a knowing compliment and a smile. …
The Chicago Tribune says:
There are several good reasons to watch “White Collar.” Two of them reside on either side of Matthew Bomer’s nose, just below his forehead. … Caffrey’s apparently effortless approach to life could be grating, but Bomer imbues him with an element of a sweetness and even longing (a missing girlfriend will be an ongoing story thread). And the lessons Caffrey teaches the slightly nervous Burke about enjoying life may be more or less expected, but they’re delivered with a relatively light touch. …
The Washington Post says:
It must be said right off that Matthew Bomer, who stars as paroled forger-thief-grifter Neal Caffrey in USA's stylish new crime procedural, "White Collar," is like, even cuter than Dr. Humunuh-humunuh or whatever his name is over there on CBS's brain-dead new hospital show, "Three Rivers." This is important to point out because the fall season has all but unfurled itself and somewhere out there, editors at People are assembling a new Sexiest Man Alive issue. I'm just doing my part in identifying televised hottitude and I apologize if there's drool on your paper. … works hard to establish a vibe of style and smarts, and almost gets the job done. It's certainly watchable and easy on the brain, which is just how dedicated crime-show watchers like it. …
The San Francisco Chronicle says:
… "White Collar" is no "Mad Men," nor is it "Sons of Anarchy," but it doesn't aim to be. It's a procedural with elements of longer spiraling story arcs, loads of charm, good-looking actors, writing that can be both witty and move the plot along without embarrassing itself and, most important, characters that viewers will embrace. … If you can get past the shortcuts that series like this have to take (everything happens too effortlessly, there's excessive exposition, etc.), there's an enormous likability factor in play, and it makes you want to watch it (without much mental effort) the following 13 weeks. …
The Newark Star Ledger says:
… Bouncy, slick and very much on-brand from the channel that gives you "Burn Notice" and "Monk." …
The Boston Herald says:
By now everyone is sick of USA Network’s overworked slogan: “Characters wanted.” Also needed: writers with a strong grasp of story and dialogue and actors who can do more than model clothes. … DeKay is well cast as the neurotic agent with a short fuse, but Bomer seems to have won his role because of his talent for strutting in a Rat Pack suit. (“You look like a cartoon,” Peter tells him.) He’s stiff, bland and utterly unconvincing as the brilliant strategist capable of outwitting practically the entire FBI. … While USA Network deserves credit for introducing a crime drama that doesn’t revolve around forensics (or even violent crime per se), “White Collar” is forgettable. …
The Boston Globe says:
… beyond the formulaic outline, “White Collar,’’ which premieres tonight at 10, is actually one of the best new shows of the season. … The “White Collar’’ script isn’t deep or particularly clever, but it’s filled with appealingly wry flourishes. … I can’t say that you’ll be blown away by “White Collar.’’ Like the similarly jaunty “Burn Notice,’’ it’s not that kind of show. But you may well be gladdened by its breezy spirit. …
Variety says:
… There's nothing new under the sun, but USA seems to get more mileage out of its retreads than most. Neatly in tune with the breezy charms of "Burn Notice," "White Collar" recycles the outlines of "It Takes a Thief," as a high-tech criminal/con artist grudgingly teams with the FBI investigator who put him away. …
10 p.m. Friday. USA.
$9: From A Dead Man’s Chest!!
$9: All Hail The King, Baby!!
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network comedy, that's for sure.
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I normally don't watch any sort of procedural but Psych is loads of fun.
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Fucking great.
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I like it
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Herc, don't be a snob! Not every show has to be a dark, pshychological masterpiece like Mad Men or Breaking Bad. Sometimes it's good to spend an hour with likable people who make you smile. Plus, the Psych scripts are loaded with movie and old TV references! (Did anyone see the "An American Werewolf in London" poster in Shaun's apartment? Since John Landis has directed some episodes, that was doubly funny).
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Dang it! Typed too fast and mispelled "psychological!" (worse, I did it in a post about PSYCH!!!)
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about a werewolf!
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looks like Burn Notice .5
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Funny, clever, easy watching without horrific violence against women.
"I've heard it both ways" -
New Burn Notice and Breaking Bad...well at least Burn Notice.
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The Psychic criminal catching portion of the day is about to begin.
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He'll get into movies fast.
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I love it when they mock the Mentalist.
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In a running, gunning, James Bond sort of way. It certainly isn't particularly deep, but I don't think there's much to complain about. Psych, on the other hand, is pretty hokey, but I still enjoy watching it when it's on. White Collar does look like it is at least that good.
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Are some of the most watchable entertaining shows on TV right now. I got to say USA Network is putting out some pretty good shows at the moment, its way better then its parent company NBC.
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Psych is one of the funniest shows on TV right now. It doesn't aim to be anything more than a pleasant, hilarious diversion, and it succeeds at that endeavor quite nicely. The chemistry between James Roday and Dule Hill absolutely makes the show, and their interplay gets some of the biggest laughs I've had over a TV show in a long, long time. Oh, and I LOVE when they mock the Mentalist, considering that show is such a freakin' blatant ripoff of Psych. Additionally, Maggie Lawson is smokin' hot.
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I adore Psych; it's fun and hilarious. The James Roday/Dule Hill combo is one of the best on TV, and Corbin Bernsen is better than he's ever been.
Burn Notice isn't sophisticated, but it's a solid action/adventure show with a nice layer of humor. It's not spectacular, but it's not dumb either, and better than most TV action shows (and a damned sight better than anything Michael Bay has ever crapped out).
So if this new show is as good as either one of those, I'm in. -
I was really excited to see a white collar crime procedural make it onto the air because that's what I do (did) in real life. Unfortunately, this is more of an odd couple buddy show, with any sort of tension taking a back seat to lighthearted antics (e.g. one of the first scenes in the pilot script has the hot con artist guy- supposedly the most popular guy in his prison- sneaking into a prison bathroom where he has a guard uniform stashed, putting on the uniform then walking out the front door of the prison. I believe he even nods to the guards on his way out the door).
The shenanagins don't end there. I'm not saying that stuff isn't entertaining, I was just hoping for something a little more meaty in the era of Madoff, hedge fund raiders, etc. -
I happen to like Psyche and Burn Notice. It's not Emmy TV, but it's not that crap like Dollhouse or Fringe.
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and then quotes 10 other critics. Way to give us a good, solid, meaty review Herc.
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Every show does not have to be the Wire. I like USA for bringing out simple fun scripted shows; all of which I would rather see nightly on NBC, at 10pm! Instead of their current defeatist line up.
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I wonder if this is going to come close to those or be more like that dumbass Leverage show.
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Both had great Comic Con panels too, though I missed some of the Burn Notice one. How the fuck can anybody dump on a weekly series costarring BRUCE FUCKING CAMPBELL?!? USA is delivering the goods lately, Royal Pains may have a shitty title but the show was ok. Salvaging L&O: Criminal Intent was great, even if they're shuffling through costars now. I'd say that the only significant USA series that has gotten threadbare is Monk, and they're ending it this season. NBC Universal should really fire whomever is letting all their good shows get developed at USA Network instead of on NBC. I guess the problem is a broadcast network is trying to capture the interest of the broadest audience while the cable "network" can focus on a niche audience. But it's pathetic when I have more series recordings on my DVR for NBC's cable channels (USA, Siffy) than their crown jewel broadcast network. As Dr Tran would say, "NBC, eat a dick!"
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Something about every single one of these shows turns me off. I shouldn't hate them, as they are all very well-respected and definitely mean well. I just can't stand any of them.
I'll be giving White Collar a chance, as I do most scripted TV shows, but I don't expect it to be any different. -
And pretty entertaining throwbacks at that. Whenever I'm watching them, I feel like I could flip the channel and watch Xena or The Next Generation or something. I wouldn't want all television to be like that, but I got no complaints that one channel is, and does it well.
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...It Takes a Thief.
It Takes a Tard not to see it. Tards. -
that I actually REALLY liked it. I still don't like procedurals...I hope it doesn't get too "proceduraly" for me...the on-going plot with his missing woman seems to be strong.
It works because I actually like these characters. Sue me, but I don't like the Psych dudes...I don't like Adrian Monk...I don't like Michael Westin...
These guys? I like them, so far. -
Just sayin'.
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So I'll catch the first half hour at 1, but this was surprisingly decent. No, nothing groundbreaking, but like Thrillhouse said...I kinda like these guys. They're just more...guys than caricatures. I dunno. Decent chemistry, I guess. I'll catch this for awhile and see if if sticks with me.
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I was worried Bomer would be too pretty and smarmy but all the leads work well with each other from the beginning. It's comparable to Leverage, but not as fun yet.
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Most of their shows are decent, typically nothing deep, just entertaining and fun. Psych, Burn Notice, and Monk are that way. And for me a lot better than similar cable networks like TNT.
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but the FBI guy and his wife were miscast; he's too old and/or she's too young for him.No surprise it fits the mold of the other USA shows, light entertainment, well-executed. Kinda like the old S.J. Cannell shows.
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I have to agree with the critics... That was probably the most instantly likeable pilot I've seen in years. Looks like they'll have another hit on their hands, until they lose their heartthrob to the
movies for Captain America or something. -
looks promising
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cannot come close..... They give up and go with Leno.
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I knew it was kind of a TV version of "Catch me if you Can", but it was fun. It had me laughing at all the right spots and I was interested in where the show was going. I'll be adding this to my watch list.
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Damn, I guess I wasn't the only one to see that connection. I liked the lead characters, I like that the FBI guy isn't your standard hardcore jerkoff or "way too interesting to be in the bureau" type, he's a guy who seems to actually know what the fuck he's doing without being a douche about it. It wasn't deep, it wasn't brilliant, but it was entertaining and watchable without people getting raped or shot or murdered or exploded. USA seems to have another watchable show, and yeah, this one serves to highlight the inane failure at NBC Universal to deliver quality if slightly niche-y shows to their big bold broadcast network yet their cable channel can keep hitting the right notes over and over and over. USA Network can entertain an audience, how about starting there NBC?!?
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It kills me that cornball shit like that is still going while they didn't even give Smith or Thief a whole one season
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Definitely going to put "White Collar" on my 'must watch list', which means it one of the few shows I bother to record (don't watch live TV). Mat Bomer is gorgeous. Oh, and the show was pretty good, too. Still like Burn Notice better, but then Burn Notice has four years of story and character building and most imporant it has Bruce fucking Campbell! I loved the way Neil help to bust the forger. Also, people automatically size him up as a criminal pretty-boy who gets by on looks alone and they get a funny WTF look on their face when he easily spouts off something that would come from an idiot savant math professor. Pretty funny.
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everytime theres new tv reviews assembled here, the herald comes off sounding like a total a-hole ... why hasnt this guy been fired yet? ... Notice hes the only one to pick on both the writing AND the main actor, and essentially because he's good looking... This guys a hater, plain and simple, and people like him should not be reviewing works of fiction for the masses.
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right down to the music. I mean honestly, if it's not DEvid Holmes, it's someone they paid and said, "Just make David Holmes music." period.but hey, I love the OCean's movie,s and both this and Leverage are fun times. more shows should have a sense of humor and lightheartedness like those shows. if you want to be dour and brooding, fine, but you have to be DAMN good. you have to be The Wire, basically. if you want to be whimsical, you have a lot more leeway.White Collar was definitely fun, and I'll be tuning in next week if I'm not out and about. I do like that they reshow it at like 1am so I Can watch it buzzed when I come home from the bars.
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Don't know where the critics get down on the show, especially here at aicn. The show is practically made for us tv geeks who grew up in the 80's. Even the ads for their shows kick ass. (Check out the ad for the most recent season still showing on Youtube re: new theme songs.)As for White Collar, I'm sold on it for now. No major objections, and I got several kicks from the character interplay. Again USA proves that the idea itself doesn't have to be revolutionary as long as you have good characters to care about. It'll join my friday night rotation nicely. SG:U will get recorded and watched later.I will say one show I've been increasingly disappointed with is Monk over the seasons its been on. If anyone recalls, the first season started off with an excellent balance between humor an touching poignancy with the title character, but quickly descended into the more and more ridiculous until they turned him into a completely unsympathetic character. Last night's episode threw so many curve balls out of left field, they never even reached the plate with anything. It was embarrassing. It's probably best that it's the last season for the show. Hope Psych and White Collar don't succumb to the same erosion in subsequent seasons.
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