The White Collar we have known and loved is back in action in New York City … almost. Unfortunately for Peter, he has be relegated to “The Cave” for his disobedience. It’s not traffic duty, but being sent to index evidence isn’t much better.
Even though Neal is the one on the anklet, in “Diminishing Returns,” it was Peter that was constantly being monitored by Agent Patterson of the evidence warehouse, while Neal ran the case to track down the thief.
As much as Peter tried to stay out of the case, he couldn’t. He had been tracking this thief for years and this was their only chance to catch him for another five years. Definite motivation for Peter. Plus, Peter had the alias to pull it all off. It didn’t hurt that this bust could help get him back in the White Collar Division.
With their hard work, they were able to capture the thief with the stolen diamonds. It would have been a stellar take down for Peter. Only he didn’t stay to reap whatever rewards (or punishment) would come from the arrest. Instead, he rushed back to evidence to fulfill his responsibility there. Peter is noble man, perhaps too much for his own good.
Mozzie’s return to New York surprised Neal, but they need each other, so it was good to have him back. And, of course, their treasure has been safeguarded. But, the most touching moment was to see that Mozzie snuck into evidence to finish Peter’s job. Not sure how the FBI would feel about a criminal indexing evidence, but for Peter it saved him.
The relationships between Neal, Peter and Mozzie have been a highlight of White Collar; it’s a relief to see the treasure, Neal’s escape, and Peter’s reassignment haven’t hindered their work or friendship.
While the takedown of the thief was a brilliant twist of events and intrigue, the real shocker came at the end of the episode. We finally found out something about Neal’s childhood when he revealed what he knew to be the truth to Peter. I’m not calling it the truth, because Neal seems unsure about too much.
Neal grew up in Witness Protection as Danny Brooks, to his father, James. He later took the name Neal and used his mother’s maiden name Caffrey. Neal’s father was accused of shooting and killing another cop. Whoa. Though, the truth of his father’s confession seems to be questionable.
Will Peter help Neal find out the truth? And, what happens when Neal gets it? This investigation could put both of them at risk.
Clacked by Carla Day 
on Jul 25, 2012 @ 15:27 EST5EDT
“Neal grew up in Witness Protection as Danny Brooks, though his given name was James. He later took the name Neal and used his mother’s maiden name Caffrey.”
James was Neal’s father’s name. Neal’s real name is Neal. Quote:
Neal: “When I was eighteen, Ellen told me the truth, she told me my real name was Neal…”
Peter: “Your mother’s maiden name was Caffrey”
*POST AUTHOR*
Thanks. Corrected.
I miss Mozzie, so good to have him back and to see him helping out the Suit was a brilliant touch!!!