What's Bertie Watching? USA's White Collar

Regular visitors to Stalking the Belle Époque, on any given day, can expect to see something pertaining to Mr. Punch--the lovable, but decidedly criminal character which originated in the pantos of the Italian Commedia dell'Arte. That's what you get reading the daily musings of a puppet-loving art historian and author. Fridays, especially, tend to focus on Punch and his family. But, today, I thought--with Bertie's firm encouragement--we would celebrate the world of the charming rogue by reminding you that another Punch-like figure will be returning with the Tuesday, January 17th premiere of White Collar, Season Four on the USA Television Network at 10/9c.

Two extremes of the adorable rogue.  Mr. Bomer is not saddled
with a Punch-like visage, but his "Neal Caffrey" does share
some of Old Red Nose's characteristics, both charming and
otherwise.
Photo of Matt Bomer from USA Television.

While White Collar's Neal Caffrey is not burdened with Punch's physical attributes--luckily for his portrayer, the impossibly good-looking Matt Bomer--he does rather share some of our Mr. Punch's characteristics. Like Punch, Neal is charming, sly and cunning; an accomplished thief and artist who is, at times, over-confident in his abilities, but nonetheless manages to get the better of those who would pursue him and, "beat the Devil."

Here, however, instead of Jack Ketch, the Hangman, our adorable rogue is pursued by an FBI agent, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) with whom he shares a complicated affection. Their fraternal (and, at times, filial) friendship is often, no, always, tried by Neal's overwhelming impulse to seek the high of the next con. Neal's frequent Scaramouche is the anti-establishment Mozzie (Willie Garson) who urges Neal to forget about the appeal of the temptingly cozy life of a do-gooder and to keep his eyes on their increased fortunes.

Tim DeKay and Matt Bomer star as
Agent Peter Burke and Neal Caffrey in this
contemporary take on Jack Ketch and Mr. Punch.
Photo from USA Network.

And, there the similarities to the pantomime end. Creator Jeff Eastin and a team of accomplished writers have ensured that White Collar is at once intelligent, exciting, witty, emotionally-charged and engaging. This is not just your typical "handsome boys in suits" show.

Led by the talented and infectious duo of Bomer and DeKay whose interaction is one of the most delightful and interesting of any team on television, the cast also includes Tiffani Thiessen as Burke's wife, Elizabeth; and Marsha Thomason as Agent Diana Beragon.

When Season Three concluded, Elizabeth Burke had been abducted by Neal's greatest enemy, leaving Neal torn between loyal friendship and a life of freedom. I hope you'll take Bertie's recommendation and tune in to see this blue-eyed, modern-day Pulcinella try to triumph over his own particular demons.

White Collar's new season starts Tuesday, January 17 at 10/9c. on the USA Network.