White Collar (TV series)

White Collar is a USA Network television series created by Jeff Eastin, starring Matt Bomer as con-man Neal Caffrey and Tim DeKay as Special Agent Peter Burke. It premiered on October 23, 2009. In December 2009, White Collar was renewed for a second season that began on July 13, 2010. On September 27, 2010, the USA Network renewed White Collar for a third season with 16 new episodes, which premiered on June 7, 2011.

Main characters

Matt Bomer as Neal Caffrey – a skilled forger and thief who was imprisoned after being captured by FBI Special Agent Peter Burke. After his girlfriend, Kate, visits him in prison to end their relationship, Neal escapes from prison in order to find her, but Peter quickly recaptures him. Neal proposes he become an FBI consultant, leading to Neal's release on the condition he wears an ankle monitor monitoring his movements. Neal uses his new position with the FBI to search for Kate, whom he believes is in trouble. Neal also appears to have considerable knowledge of history, jewelry and the arts, such as literature, Western paintings and opera even though it is revealed early in season two that he never graduated from high school. Despite being given the opportunity to build a new, honest life for himself, Neal often craves his old life, forcing him to make a choice between the two. Neal's father was a corrupt police officer; Neal was raised by his mother.

Tim DeKay as Special Agent Peter Burke – a hard-working, honest FBI agent, and the head of the investigative team on which Neal serves. His ability to predict Neal's actions lead to Neal's capture, a skill he uses with other criminals as well. He is very committed to his marriage, and loves his home life. Peter is the person Neal trusts the most and Peter is determined to convince Neal that an honest life is possible. He has also developed a guarded working relationship with Mozzie. Peter earned an Accounting degree, and was recruited out of college by the FBI, passing over a few Fortune 500 offers.

Tiffani Thiessen as Elizabeth Burke – an event planner and Peter's wife. She is supportive and understanding of his work and long hours away. An intelligent woman herself, Elizabeth is able to discuss Peter's cases with him, and at times makes a meaningful contribution to them. She also admires Neal's refinement, and tends to see the good in him when Peter does not.

Willie Garson as Mozzie – another con-man and close friend of Neal. Mozzie, often called Moz, is perhaps Neal's most trusted confidante. Though lacking Neal's people skills and spontaneity, he appears to be a jack of all trades, has a photographic memory, and helps Neal in a variety of ways. Mozzie grew up in foster homes all throughout childhood. Mozzie is the only other person who knows the whole story of Kate's current situation and the clues leading to her. He has a difficult time trusting Peter, referring to him as "The Suit", but will contribute to his investigations on occasion. He is also a conspiracy theorist, to the point of being absolutely terrified to step into the FBI offices.

Hilarie Burton as Sara Ellis – an insurance company investigator who testified against Neal when he was on trial for allegedly stealing a Raphael painting. Originally determined to catch Neal and see him returned to prison, she now claims she enjoys working with him and is aiding the ongoing investigation into the mystery of the music box.

Marsha Thomason as Special Agent Diana Barrigan – Peter's former probationary agent, Diana provides assistance with Peter and Neal's first case together. Later assigned to Washington, D.C., Peter calls on her to covertly help him unravel "Operation Mentor", and determine Fowler's role in Kate's activities. Diana is the daughter of a diplomat whose bodyguard was killed protecting her. Her girlfriend Christie (unseen to date) is having a difficult time adjusting to life in New York.

Sharif Atkins as Special Agent Clinton Jones – Peter's point man who is responsible for carrying out a variety of tasks during the team's investigations, including surveillance. Peter usually gets him to watch over Neal, which annoys him, but he appreciates Neal's unorthodox contributions to the team.

Overview

Neal Caffrey, a con-man, forger and thief, is captured after a three-year game of cat and mouse with the FBI. With four months left while serving a four-year sentence, he escapes from a maximum-security federal prison to find Kate, his ex-girlfriend. Peter Burke, the FBI agent who initially captured Caffrey, finds him at a dead end in his search and returns Caffrey to prison. This time, Caffrey gives Burke information about evidence in another case; however, this information comes with a price: Burke must have a meeting with Caffrey. At this meeting, Caffrey proposes a deal: he will help Burke catch other criminals as part of a work-release program. Burke agrees, after some hesitation. Through the successful apprehending of several white-collar criminals, Caffrey has proven to Burke that he will help him, and that he will not try to escape again. This begins an unconventional but successful partnership.