#papa peter

[wednesdays-children]

[mcmusing]

I officially notice way too much.....

Baby Bottles: Peter always opens Neal's beers and drinks for him. Cuz Neal's 2 😅

Even when he's at Neal's place, Peter's the one getting them ready.

Bonus points for this one because Neal is really upset about Rebecca still and Peter's spoiling him 💛

Anyone else get the vibe that if Neal was a teenager, Peter would be one of those drinks-allowed-in-the-house but don't-tell-your-mother dads? Just to get him to open up 💕

[mcmusing]

David: He's really mad....

Peter: Bro, he played ball with me in Yankee Stadium after he found out I was hoarding nazi treasure. Chill.

I LOVE Butch and Sundance, but these two should have had more sibling moments. Have to give David's integrity credit. He's Neal's handler and is wealthy enough to have options, but he's legitimately contrite after letting Peter down ❤

[mcmusing]

Why is it that when I first watched Gloves Off and figured out Peter and Neal were going to box, I had the panicked thought of, "He's going to child abuse Neal!" I don't know what lapse in sanity I suffered, either. If actual boxer Harvey Specter never punched sense into Mike Ross, you know the Nealy's safe.

Season Four Papa Peter:

Compromising Positions

Neal is really cute in this episode, too. I crack up when he wistfully describes testifying as a two-man con, an annoyed Peter tells him to sharpen pencils, and Neal complies without question 😂

The part in the van when Peter is ticked off with Neal for tanking the sting finishes sweetly. Peter tells him to go home but tacks on that he'll see him tomorrow. Translation: I'm aggravated with you but I still love and want you to wake up tomorrow.

Of course, the end when Peter has that giant paparazzi camera watching Neal and Deadbeat Treat. This boy can get away with exactly nothing.

Ancient History

On a serious note, it still takes a village to raise a Neal. After corrupting him with the treasure scheme last season, Mozzie is back to keeping a good eye on Neal. As with seasons one and two, Neal is behaving irrationally. Season four feels like the peek of it. He can barely smile-mask his unraveling mental state as he finally tries to confront issues with his birth family and tainted childhood. He is NOT thinking straight, initially wanting to watch Ellen's secret tape with Sam instead of, I don't know, the people willing to cross continents for him. In fact, this whole thing with Sam/James comes off like a cautionary tale about kids trusting strangers on the internet who they seemingly feel connected to. Almost laughably, this arc is a rare instance of Neal trying to pretend he's adult enough to handle this alone- HA! When Mozzie and Peter double-team that boy, you know stuff just got real.

Incidentally, Alex and Neal Life-Sustaining Kiss. This show is NOT about diehard shipping, but there's a special place in my heart for the Gorgeous Grifters ☺

Gloves Off

Wow, Neal's mask is all but shattered right from the beginning of this. So glad Peter watched the tape with him, too. Mozzie alone would have just kept refilling Neal's wine glass. Funny how Mozzie thinks neither of them can keep the pact they forged. Honestly, it only fell apart due to too many assumptions on the Burkes' parts. It was fine to FYI Peter about Neal entertaining a random hobo, but Peter did not have to jump to the conclusion that Neal broke their agreement.

Still, I don't mean to criticize Peter. In all likelihood, the belief that Neal is acting behind his back activates his Alpha King Mode. As indicated by some passive aggressive posturing with Neal later. He goes to talk civilized with Sam, not trusting the mysterious hobo working with his kid. Sam describing Neal as merely Peter's 'asset' shows how void of empathetic powers he is.

I love how White Collar doesn't bathe itself or the audience in a miserable tone, even for the more serious content. The boxing practicing between Jones, Mozzie, Neal, and Peter was a fun scene of bonding between the four male protagonists. At one point, Neal thinks Peter's actually hurt, only for the agent to start laughing 😁

Even though Peter's visit spooked Sam into doing his usual disappearing act, Neal's extreme anger shocked me and still does on re-watches. His threatening Fowler with a gun had nothing on his rage in this episode. Notable how Mozzie keeps trying to get him to call down. Since they seem like peers the majority of the time, it's easy to forget that Mozzie is closer to Peter's age. You know Neal has taken leave of his senses when this slim-jim with very little fighting prowless thinks he can take down, who he himself considers to be, the mighty King Peter.

Also of note, while Mozzie reminds Neal that Peter is one of his best friends, Jones advises Peter to 'kick his a$$'. This easily seems petty and malicious, but that might not be Jones' intention. He cares about Neal, but he's the most objective towards him, too. He says the unfortunate thoughts aloud. Like last season when only he recommended that Neal not be granted early release. Obviously, Jones doesn't consider Neal to be any sort of a real physical threat to Peter. What he possibly means here is that if Neal wants to disregard their strategy to act too big for his britches, Peter shouldn't show him leniency. Knock some necessary sense into the kid, basically. Especially with the offhandedly way he said it.

During the match, Peter barely gives Neal love taps while the younger man's swinging those arms around like he can do some damage or something. Awesome how Peter remains the adult in this situation instead of sinking into a posturing contest with his on-edge kid. This is the most Mike Ross-esque tantrum Neal ever has, aided by the spectators being unaware that it's happening. Peter keeps trying to hug-calm him, but Neal is very much a toddler fighting naptime.

I mentioned before that this one stands out as the only time Neal evades Peter's touch. Even when he's angry, he's never done that. Again, Peter doesn't lash out in turn. He honestly acts as if Neal doesn't have smoke coming out of his ears. Big whoa of Neal insisting he's allowed a private life only for Peter to counter that no, not with dangerous things like this. And he never backs down from that. Mozzie and Peter both know that Neal is far from the right frame of mind.

Neal: We're done- we're done!

My first viewing: Uh huh. How long before they make up?

*Less than one episode later*

Vested Interest

I've already written an extensive post about this one, but hey, the Definitive Fantastic Four only had two films and I keep having musings for them. Ah, adorably petulant Neal and alpha patient Peter. It was fun seeing them attend that FBI Bring Your Fledgling Event. Or CI Team Conference- one or the other. Neal is testing him so hard with his adolescent passive aggression. Even when Peter's fed up, he speaks with authority instead of anger. He stands his ground about protecting Neal at any cost as well. For those not totally fluent in Papa Peter speak, he pretty much says....

Peter: I get it. You're pissed. But this is a work event and you're going to drop this attitude. Do NOT think I won't embarrass you in front of these pencil pushers.

At Neal's phony smile, Peter calls him the Neal Caffrey he knows and loves. As opposed to the one he knows and tolerates. Then, Neal uses his best manners to subtly misbehave in front of Peter's colleagues. Even after that cheap infidelity shot, Peter's only reaction is to send him home until he's needed aka 'go to your room'. This episode provides another accurate depiction about familial dynamics. They're not happy with each other, but Neal is still involved and working with the team. Likewise, Peter continues looking out for his urchin.

Their re-do interview is great, but I get the impression Matt Bomer and Tim Dekay improved a lot of it. It feels that natural. It's also the final bit they need to fully get back on track. Love and faith in each other is what makes them the epic duo that they are.

On the flipside, how bad is the chemistry between Matt Bomer and Treat Williams? I had not one single inkling he was James Bennett until Neal gave Peter his DNA to run. Like seriously.... Him?! I'm not saying that because I'm Team Peter but because this is the worst casting decision of the entire show. Was Eric Roberts unavailable?! I'd buy his slimy, slick, hammy self as Neal's sperm provider, including their somewhat similar bone structure. Keep in mind that my introduction to Treat Williams was in Everwood, where he starred as a father mending his estranged relationship with his son. This wouldn't bug me as much if not for all of the forced comparisons people make between them. Really, not one comment from Neal about why he was kidnapped from his obviously well-dressed, hat-rockin' real birth parents? How did a weak-willed headcase and a flannel hobo spawn brilliant empathetic beauty?!!

Family Business

Wh- t- e- huh?!!! James drops this bomb and a quick flashback then just goes 'okay, posse out. Stick one of my loads in the washer while I'm gone'. I just.... Unfathomable. From the moment he laid eyes on full-grown (legally, anyway) Neal, James gave off absolutely no emotional vibe unless you count indifference. And no, I don't by that as him being deeply undercover and masking his feelings. This guy is no hardened stoic, as evidence by him getting pissy enough to assault a senator. Thirty years after losing his freedom, wife, and son, he's nothing but a opportunistic, backstabbing coward?!

They even force ever cautious Mozzie on the 'give the man a chance' bandwagon. I get Mozzie has strong feelings as a foster child, but he's also been suspicious of James from the start. They know nothing about this guy except what a liar and deserter he is, but Peter- run Alex's fingerprints just for knowing Neal- Burke is encouraging him to be alone with a fragile Neal?! Neal himself is actually being the voice of reason here.

That scathing rant aside, this episode feels like juxtaposition- likely unintentional- between Neal's birth and found fathers. James takes off but Peter's still there with a shell-shocked Neal. James is willing to drive a wedge between Peter and Neal to suit his agenda while Peter wants those two to find common ground. Neal let himself get blind drunk to numb his pain about James yet Peter is the one there armed with a family pickle juice remedy. He doesn't even criticize Neal getting so plastered. James stays trying to cut Neal out of stuff for shady purposes, but Neal's promise that he'll keep his cool for the case against Ellen's killer is good enough for Peter.

Peter: Neal George Caffrey, we do not get hostile towards our visiting vagrants in this house.

Bonus Papa Peter Points for reprimanding Neal for going off-book while undercover. Instead of taking him off the case, Peter joins him in it. Neal asks him not to endanger himself, but keeping an eye on the Nealy is a Peter priority above self-persevation.

I'm most glad that this arc never had a moment of Neal cruelly telling Peter, 'I don't care what you say. You're not my father!' In fact, even as he starts giving James a chance, Neal makes it evident who he considers his true family 💛

[mcmusing]

Time to look at the next chunk of season 5, which features what I like to call Bi-Polar Papa Peter.

Peter: Boy, don't make me knock them pretty blue eyes out your head.

Season Five Papa Peter

This is arguably the most lighthearted and interesting story of the season. All of the tension between Neal and Peter is put on pause and Elizabeth is at her least annoying. And Neal's a butler.... I find that hard to believe with how he cons to enjoy luxury but this is so not his most ludicrous skill.

Peter is sick and at one point, Neal mentions having to take care of him on top of everything else he has going on. Too awwww, dutiful Daddy's Boy. Neal also has conversations with a rich family's imposter son. He says how fortunate the guy is to have his father be so welcoming considering his son ran away as a teenager. It makes me wonder if Neal is subconsciously projecting his wish for Peter to be less skeptical and more unconditionally forgiving towards him.

Loving Papa Peter is still in there somewhere, though. He warns Neal to perform recon only and not to engage with the imposter. When Neal acts cute later, Peter lets him drive the car. The same Peter who doesn't even like him to pick the radio stations.

Ice Breaker

This episode feels like it was aired out of order with the last one. Here, they mention Neal's bad therapy experience as if it just happened and Peter is highly suspicious of him. It's also insane how well he knows Neal when he considers a stray FBI pen as evidence of his hidden hijinks.

Quantico Closure

So, El doesn't want Peter emotionally involved with Neal, but it's A-OK for her to emotionally manipulate him. She insists she'll go into danger alone if Neal doesn't help her. Yeesh, the way these Mozzie and El episodes live to get Neal in trouble with Peter. No accountability for them, of course. Naturally, Neal is really sweet and reassuring towards her all through this. Which he shouldn't have to be because even the Lady Fixer from season four knew Peter would never cheat on his wife. El stays getting paranoid whenever a case puts Peter in close proximity to another woman.

Digging Deeper

Neal and Mozzie dabble in fossil forgery, huh? Mozzie I might could buy, but seriously, if not for Neal's issues and immense likeability, he'd be a total gary stu. Peter has a lot of passionate hobbies, doesn't he? Ice skating, stamp collecting, dinosaurs, major fixation on collecting any and all info regarding his emotionally adopted son.

The best part definitely had to be Neal getting offended when Peter called his dinosaur egg replica 'not bad'. He was going to give it to Peter, who says it's evidence and he'll take it if he wants it. Neal loves when he impresses Peter and it's funny to see him go all teen angst when he thinks Peter's underwhelmed by one of his creations.

No Good Deed

Finally! This is the one episode of season five I genuinely look forward to. I know this one is not beloved by a lot of fandom and I easily see why. I don't enjoy it for the contents but quality Matt Bomer and Tim Dekay put into it. Though I do have to say that this feels like a weak rehash of season three's Countdown episode. With Peter being close to busting Neal with pseudo-subtle manipulation that's somehow transparent as well.

One would think Peter learned from previous experiences with Neal to just pull him to the side and have a discussion about whatever is obviously troubling him. Neal doesn't like deceiving Peter, but he hasn't been given any reassurances since Peter got out of prison that he can without harsh judgement. Additionally, whenever Neal told the truth last season, something bad always came of it.

Alright, the infamous scene we're all thinking about. Wow, does Neal feel like a small child here. I'm surprised Peter's phone bluff with Jones worked that well on him. Peter said it himself that Neal always has a reason for the things he does, but he won't stop his tirade long enough to let him explain. When Neal has to shout over the ranting, he looks so shaken, vulnerable, and distraught. Still, Peter's heart stays- openly- unmoved. So many emotions with how Peter softly orders him to hold out his hands. Neal trembling but complying like a kid trying to be obedient to his father, however difficult it is. This is a lot sadder than Neal's fury at Peter back in Gloves Off. That's because Peter is the dominant adult and his angry words cut significantly deeper.

Remember that long list in the last post with some of the illegal things Peter let's side? I can't begin to understand why he's so irrational here. Why world Neal steal some random gold coins? Why would he do so five seconds after Peter's released from prison when he didn't misbehave the whole time they were separated? Going so far as to impersonate a fireman? No way did he do any of that solely for a quick buck. The kid gave up a two million dollar ring and billions worth of treasure because he values Daddy McCranky more.

Peter did NOT kill Pratt. James did kill Pratt. The least he deserved was that forged confession. That's a huge deal but Neal erasing the judge's blackmail tape and Peter defying the FBI to go after Neal on the island are fine? What about instructing Neal to run away in the first place? He calls Neal a criminal for forging the confession and paying off the corrupt DA. Peter has the higher moral ground how exactly? How could he even consider ruining his, El's, and Neal's lives for this absurd self-righteousness while James is still free out there??!

Matt Bomer was doing his thing when he saw that Peter lied about having the coin suspect in custody. He looked genuinely hurt that Peter did that to force a confession out of him. But Peter claims it was an acceptable means. This is the very bad version of 'do as I say, not as I do'

With Hagen coming back and some of the rushed elements, I wonder if season five was meant to be the last for White Collar. Peter's love and protectiveness for Neal is eventually reaffirmed, but none of these issues are actually resolved. The writer's strike messed up a lot of things.

Hypocritically huff and puff all you want, Peter. No way were you about to put this baby back in with those monsters 💕

[mcmusing]

You might be wondering if this is something I'm doing with a creative heart or to beat the dead horse of what a loser father James Bennett is. I resent that- he's also a loser dresser, talker, thinker- okay, how accurate was that DNA test? I swear Neal's mother had a side piece.... Anyway!

Diana, please. Neal stayed so attached to Peter's leg, you guys barely had to deal with him 😅

Season Four Papa Peter:

Wanted/Most Wanted

I actually had a lot of dread after the season 3 finale. Fortunately, I misunderstood their facial expressions and Peter was telling Neal to go, not stay. So, Neal is wanted by the FBI, a zealous bounty hunter psycho agent, and an island full of thirsty reward seekers, but not Peter- thank goodness! For a minute there, I thought he was in real trouble.

I hate that Dobbs got away with shooting and almost getting Neal- a NON-violent white collar criminal- killed. But Peter's feel-safe hugs and underarm tucks are true solace. Even after all of that madness, home is home and rules are rules. So, no reward money for the Nealy. I did feel bad because he was shot and hurting, but let's be real. He didn't earn that chance at commutation last season, just lucked into it. He still needs Peter.

Diminishing Returns

Like Neal, I was confused as to why Peter- a seasoned and extremely heroic FBI agent- tolerated this degrading penalty when he came so close to winning the day. But I realized everything unsaid here. Peter is still the strong paternal figure, in and out of that shabby evidence dump. His team still looked to him with utmost respect. Peter put up with this without taking the easy way out in order to set an example for Neal. He didn't spell it out, just demonstrated because Neal would probably dismiss the lesson's necessity. Peter wanted to show him that actions have consequences and bosses are not exempt from that. If he got off on the first loophole, what would that have made the impressionable Nealy think? It's also a demonstration of Peter's integrity as a genuine lawman. He closed that case and didn't need the credit for it. With the state of authority figures in current day, this is a very powerful yet subtle lesson for the audience as well. Who hasn't had to deal with utterly hypocritical higher-ups?

Neal feels extra young in this episode. He was so happy to be home and back in the office then Peter gets transferred. Not only was he sad about that, he felt terribly guilty for bringing grief on his steadfast father figure yet again. It was cute seeing him plot to get Peter off the hook and go to the icky picnic grounds to have lunch with him. When he thinks Peter's earned his job back, his poor disappointed face. This whole thing was something of a punishment for Neal, too.

However, when Peter said he got something better than the win, I don't really think he meant just closure. Neal insisted he deserved his job back too, only for Peter to say he can't have it both ways. He was warned up and down what would happen if he went to safeguard Neal from capture. He did it, anyway and he has no apologies for that. Some fleeting red marks on his file were more than worth it to have his kid back. Peter also doesn't constantly gripe about the penalty or act all victimized. He wants Neal to learn something, not feel even guiltier. This bookends beautifully at the end of the next episode.

Parting Shots

Not only is Peter's White Collar Return celebration held at Neal's apartment, Peter gives him the good news letter to read aloud to everyone. Keep in mind this was right after Hughes cautioned Peter about Neal's potentially negative influence. This is definitely one of Neal's crown-prince scenes, toasting that Peter is the man they (HE) all want(s) to be. Thankfully, Peter is fully back, considering what happens with Ellen later...

Honor Among Thieves

Neal's emotional range and issues in this episode are best described as fascinatingly complex. At the funeral, as soon as he's feeling alone, Peter is right there. He wants Neal to take bereavement time, but sitting quietly in his apartment with a well-stocked wine collection.... Yeah, no. Super adorable when Neal is standing a few feet away chewing on a pretzel while Peter is tracking him. Yeah, yeah, Peter's not good with feelings- nope, your boy and his impish idle hands need you. At the office when Neal has his 'fit' (he only raised his voice a little bit, nosy agents. I swear these folks would call the bomb squad if they ever heard Mike Ross go off), Peter doesn't reprimand him but thinks he does need to be home for a while. Neal manages to get out of that potential time-out.

There's something I've always enjoyed about this moment. It continues Peter's very gentle method of handling a mourning, frustrated Neal. The way he softly tells him he checked his anklet the other day sounds, without condescension, as if he's speaking to a little boy. Usually when he thinks Neal's up to something, he uses his firm 'nip it in the bud' voice. Here, it's like he's asking 'is there something you want to tell me?'. Neal is dealing with so much, including the threat of blackmail, you can almost tell he wants to come clean but he's genuinely afraid to be in trouble this time. Peter risked so much for him, suffered consequences for him, Ellen just died- Neal can't handle Peter being upset with him. For his part, Peter doesn't really sound accusatory. More like 'I know what you're thinking and I get why but don't'.

After all the good between them so far, it was hard to hear how prepared Peter was to arrest Neal if he really stole that piece from the museum. However, as soon as he overhears 'blackmail'....

Peter: That heist-heading-hussy threatened him?! I knew it all along! That's it, Neal's vindicated, case closed.

Jones: Still gonna mess with him for not coming to you in the first place?

Peter: And how! There won't be another Jimmy Burger on my watch.

Jones: Cool, but Diana's on nice older sibling duty this time.

When they get back to the office, Peter goes for the full dad treatment. Neal is left to stew until he's summoned, he couldn't look more contritely cute as he's scolded, Peter gauges his reactions and responses to make sure the lesson sinks in, then finally surprises him with the reveal of the flash drive. Neal is totally floored and Peter is extra openly thrilled to be indulging him. It did surprise me that he relinquished the drive without reviewing it himself first. Neal twice promising to tell him if he learns any info about Sam seems to show Peter he's honestly learned something. He's giving him a second chance to confide in him with assurances that he can do so without fear. This nicely caps off Peter's kinder treatment of Neal throughout the episode. He claims he's not doing Neal any favors only to prevent him from getting spoiled. Peter probably wanted to give him the drive and not chastise him at all after the corner Neal got backed into. But hey, that's dad duty, even the sucky parts.

What's hard to unravel is Peter later theorizing to El that Neal possibly planned this whole thing as one long con. It's supposed to be left up to audience interpretation but huh? We already heard Neal tell Mozzie he wished he'd been honest with Peter in the first place. Neal also seemed genuinely surprised when the FBI popped up the second he called. Unless he thought of a way to turn everything in his favor at the last minute by refusing the drive from Abigail because he knew Peter would have to make a copy. If he thought it was a scheme, why did Peter so gladly give him the drive?! But I don't think Neal acted consciously with all of this. His emotions and nerves were too rattled. Or.... was this Peter's 'con' that he's projecting onto Neal? After all, Peter had the cool head when he found out Neal was blackmailed and seemed almost boastful to have copied the flash drive from under the Marshalls noses. Do his fatherly feels for Neal overwhelm him so much he has to force himself to remember he's still a criminal? Peter.... you stole surveillance evidence, led agents on a wild goose chase after he jumped out of a judge's window, prepared to die in a gun fight to keep him from suffocating, almost clocked Rice in the face when she caused his kidnapping, held him back from running towards an exploding airplane, and that was only season 1! Neal's yours.

Deal with it.

More examples to come 😴💛

[mcmusing]

Peter: It's about to stand for Fathers Belting Incorrigibles if you don't sit your butt down.

😁💕

[mcmusing]

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 ESV)

Don't feel bad if you're not familiar with that Biblical verse. Once they undergo childhood amnesia, the majority of adults get too fixated on quoting, 'Honor they father and mother'.

The above instruction came to mind because Peter goes against it big time in Live Feed. That's NOT hate or even harsh criticism of him. It's an honest observation. In fact, these final episodes of season 5 gives Peter very human emotional range and by the end, redemption as a father.

Peter: He's so going to bed early tonight.

Season Five Papa Peter:

Live Feed

This one starts off with Peter sadly remembering his argument with Neal about the coins and everything. I don't buy that he's dwelling on how cheating the system sent him to prison. I think he's really upset about how cruel he acted towards Neal, but is blocking it with passive aggression. Let's not forget that Peter isn't one for outright apologizing to Neal. When he's offered the lame D.C. promotion, he's clearly hesitant and not just because David's murder hasn't been solved yet.

Between El's eagerness to leave New York (just say you blame Neal for everything) and Jones using the most dialogue he's ever had to advise Peter to separate himself from Neal, none of this is a fun initial watch.

When Neal meets up with Peter to consult on a forgery, he tries to be lighthearted, which Peter isn't in the mood for. Neal then tries to get down to business then Peter wonders why he's in such a hurry. This exasperates Neal, who Peter scolds for being supposedly sassy. He is determined to pick a fight with this kid. It's really sad because Neal's girlfriend Rebecca (don't care what her real name is) has been abducted by Hagen and Neal doesn't even feel comfortable reaching out to Peter for help.

After they find out they're dealing with Hagen again, Neal wants to clear out so he can finish Hagen's latest demand to free Rebecca. Peter snaps that they'll be done when Daddy McGrumpy says so. He then wants to know why Neal doesn't want to see the rest of this case through. See what I mean by Bi-polar Papa Peter? He wants to argue yet he's clueless as to why Neal is acting evasive towards him. Again, this is so much worse than Neal's passive aggression towards Peter in Vested Interest. That one was more amusing than anything because of how Peter kept trying to diffuse the situation. When it's the adult being petty, it's way more stomach-churning.

Peter's natural authority figure mode doesn't even work as Neal vehemently declares the judicial system Peter so believes in to be broken. Got to give props to Neal for being able to articulate such a thought without swearing while under massive stress. Instead of reasonably refuting him, Peter coldly but finally dismisses him.

What happens next is why many fans developed full on hate for season 5 Peter. While listening in on the FBI, Neal overhears Jones and Peter talking. Despite his earlier advice, Jones still cares about what will become of Neal while Peter's in D.C. He offers to look after him, but Peter tells him he'll regret it. Neal's crushed face says absolutely all. I can let this go because Peter didn't know Neal could hear him and it was uttered in anger.

In the end, before a captured Hagen can reveal Neal's been working for him, he's gunned down. Peter rushes to cover and keeps a hand on Neal as he calls for backup. They then resume their stellar partnership as they figure out who shot Hagen- Rebecca.

As poor an example as Peter is being here, he's still addressing his child instead of an employee.

Shot Through the Heart

Is that title describing Neal or the audience suffering right along with him. His pain and head spinning from finding out Rebecca's been stalking and using him comes off very much like a victim of sexual abuse. I have no idea how he maintains a healthy mental state with everything that he's been through.

More inconsistency from El as she's surprised at how Peter doesn't feel very bad for Neal. I'm sure this rubbed fandom the wrong way, too. To me, it's one of Peter's more reasonable reactions to Neal. Unfortunately, he's not wrong about a lifetime of deception catching up with Neal. But he doesn't rub it in Neal's face or anything.

On an awesome note, both Peter and Jones are protective towards Neal when they're explaining the Rebecca situation to the rest of White Collar. They try to leave out her relationship but Neal admits it, anyway. It's really sad how he tries to reduce Rebecca to no more than a con so he can pretend their romance was a mere fabrication. This is also the only time Neal is openly livid towards a love interest.

When he predicts that Peter thinks he deserves this pain, Peter clearly feels for him. He doesn't fill Neal with false platitudes but he is gentle with him. After Rebecca shoots at Neal, Peter orders him to behave for the paramedics and doesn't even want Neal on the case anymore.

After Rebecca's finally arrested, Peter commends Neal for helping bring David's killer to justice. Anyone with a bad word to say about Neal has to answer to Peter.

Taking Stock

The real Papa Peter is still here. The episode starts with him wanting to organize all materials related to Rebecca with Neal's help. I guess that's the male equivalent of discarding your crappy ex's stuff. When they finish, Peter lets them have beers in their 'dancing denied' office. This reminds me of previous seasons after Neal and Peter have had a blowup. Peter wants him kept close by for a while in order to re-build their bond.

When they need info from Rebecca so that Diana can go undercover as her, she says she'll only help if she can talk to Neal. Peter clears that with Neal first. While he speaks with the one lady more two-faced than El this season, Neal admits to believing he's smarter than Peter and vice versa. When Neal tries to explain it later, Peter cheerfully tells him he knows Neal *thinks* he's smarter, which is how Peter always catches him. Just so nice and classic Neal and Peter.

Diamond Exchange

There's some weird hostility from Neal to Peter in this. When Mozzie is poisoned, Neal accuses Peter of only seeing Mozzie as a resource. Uh, what?! Mozzie is treated way too well for an active criminal. As further evidenced by half the team trying to cure him while Rebecca's on the loose again. With how she yelled at his doctors, El is clearly too 'emotionally invested' in Mozzie- no, I'm never letting the first episode of this season go.

I appreciate that it was Peter's brute strength method that got them out of that cage instead of Neal's lock picking skills. Love even more that despite their exchanges of snark, their reaction to hearing Mozzie is recovering is to wrap arms around each other. Major cuteness when they're alone in the office later and Neal thinks he's in trouble for something.

Peter advocating for Neal's freedom, who promises to stay on the straight and narrow. One of Peter's requirements that Neal *better* visit him and El a lot. Translation?

Peter: Going to college don't make you grown.

Peter pulling Neal into that feel-safe hug made up for their bizarre lack of greeting hug in the first episode of this season. As said as it is that the FBI higher-ups deny Neal's freedom to keep using him, the best reaction comes from Peter. Despite all of the advice given to him, he chooses to remain in NY with Neal. Even when El declares she's still leaving to work in some fancy museum. I hoped this meant season 6 wouldn't have her much... But no, that storyline that need-not-be-named occurred with her instead.

Regardless of that bleak development, Papa Peter earns his redemption ❤

Peter: I will make you the CI of D.C.!

Neal: So, win-win ☺