White collar
is a crime show that follows a con man who is forced to work with the FBI and the agent who arrested him, but over the course of the show, Peter and Neal’s relationship becomes the true center of the series. White collar It distinguishes itself from other crime dramas because of the central characters. A con man struggling to leave his old life behind and a straight-laced FBI agent trying to do everything by the rules.
These characters clearly start out on opposite sides, and as they communicate with other friends and romantic partners, it becomes clear how frustrated they are with their uneasy alliance. This is even more apparent because Peter Burke, played by Tim DeKay, was the agent who captured Neal Caffrey, played by Matt Bomer. But despite their differences, the the relationship that blossoms between Peter and Neal becomes the most satisfyinglasting and interesting partnership throughout the show.
Neal Caffrey and Peter Burke have an enemies-to-friends story arc
From rivals to best friends
As mentioned above, the the relationship between Peter and Neal starts on rocky ground. Neal is a criminal genius who coordinates and carries out major heists across the world. Although Peter, an experienced FBI agent, is the man assigned to Caffrey’s investigation, he always lags a few steps behind, as he often comes close to capturing his rival but misses at the last moment. This cat and mouse game between the pair lasts three years, with Neal managing to steal priceless works of art, defraud banks and commit elaborate crimes without being detected.
While the capture of the elusive Neal Caffrey is certainly a major victory for Agent Burke, the moment is soured by the fact that the only charge Neal ended up convicted of was securities forgery and a measly four-year sentence, despite his list of of crimes. However, when Neal escapes from prison a few months before his release in White collarPeter finds himself with an unlikely and undesirable partner. Burke is assigned to work with Nealusing the con artist as a criminal informant, and over the course of their partnership, they begin to become friends.
While Neal Caffrey’s girlfriends come and go, Peter Burke is a constant
Neal Caffrey was a true heartbreaker
For Neal, a former criminal who only follows the law due to his current status as a prisoner, it’s a great adjustment to work alongside the law and help his old rival, Peter, arrest other criminals. It feels like a betrayal of the life he lived before, and he begins to reintroduce elements that help him stay connected to his criminal past. His best friend, Mozzie, remains very involved in this world of crime, and Neal starts dating women which also have a dangerous side.
Burke is assigned to work with Neal, using the con artist as a criminal informant, and over the course of their partnership, they begin to become friends.
However, the biggest constant in Neal’s life during this period was Peter Burke. Every day, the two work together, talk for hours, eat together and become closer. Although they start out on opposite sides, with little appreciation or understanding of each other, familiarity breeds friendship. Neal begins to enjoy his work at the FBI and uses his skills for legitimate reasons, where he can do real good and help people who are harmed or wronged due to crime. And while the job has its risks, it’s not the same as working with people who you can never trust and always look out for you.
Peter Burke’s wife is perfect, but he spends most of his time with Neal
Elizabeth Burke is a great partner, but Neal is always there
While the connection with Neal becomes the most important, Peter has another person to whom he is even more committed. Elizabeth Burke, played by Tiffani Thiessen, is, by all accounts, a perfect wife. She is smart, independent, strong-willed, always ready to give advice, incredibly supportive of her husband’s career despite the dangers, and is funny. For Peter, she is his soulmate and helps make him a better man, while also offering perfect understanding and care in times of doubt and struggle. But despite all this, the Peter and Elizabeth’s relationship isn’t as important as Neal and Peter’s in White collar.
While Elizabeth helps push her husband forward and they cheer each other on, Neal challenges Peter in a way that promotes serious growth. Elizabeth makes Peter a better version of himself, but Neal makes Peter a better, more well-rounded person. This relationship does not meet romantic needs and will not last forever, but for now and for the entire period of your life. White collarit’s the most important, most interesting, and most dynamic relationship on the show, and none of the others come close.