While Neal works behind the scenes with pal Mozzie (Willie Garson) to solve the mystery, Peter is actually working closely with agent Diana Barrigan (Marsha Thomason) and the pair has the music box in hand, but are struggling to solve its mystery and see what is inside. Meanwhile, Alex Hunter (Gloria Votsis) comes back into Neal's life and presents him with a missing piece of the music box. If Neal and Peter would only trust each other, the box could be opened.
When the box does finally reveal its mystery, they have yet another mystery on their hands, but are one step closer to discovering who was behind Kate's death and this same person seems to have been using Burke, Neal and even the evil agent Garrett Fowler (Noah Emmerich) from last season, as his pawns in his own grand plot. Not only will Burke and Neal discover that the man pulling the strings is someone from Neal's past, but that his scheme has deep-reaching repercussions for all concerned. Just when all of the viewer's questions are answered from the first two seasons, new mysteries emerge.
During the course of Season 2, a new character comes into their lives, Sara Ellis (Hilarie Burton), a "finder" for an insurance company who holds a grudge against Neal from a previous theft. At first, the pair is at odds, but it isn't long before the sexual sparks begin to fly. Now that Neal is starting to heal from his loss of Kate, can he choose between sexy and dangerous Alex or sexy and dangerous in-a-totally-different-way Sara?
There are a number of great episodes in White Collar: The Complete Second Season, including one where Mozzie has a romantic interest and another where his life takes a dangerous turn. There's one where June (Diahann Carroll) reunites with Ford (Billy Dee Williams), an old friend and "former" con-man. This episode is especially great because we get to see a bit of June and her con-man husband's former life together, with best friend Ford. There's even an episode where Neal and Peter have to essentially swap roles and it is hilarious. Finally, there's an episode with tons of backstory on how Kate and Neal got together, how Neal and Mozzie met, and how Neal became the man that he is. All of this leads up to the gripping season finale.
As far as special features go, there's a nice smattering of different offerings that are sure to please fans of the show. You've got Deleted Scenes, a Gag Reel that is just hysterical, Audio Commentary on select episodes, a featurette on Willie Garson called Slick Willie, a featurette on how they craft an episode and finally, two hilarious roasts where the creators of Burn Notice and White Collar roast each other and their creations. These are both great, although fairly short, and I think I might just have to start watching Burn Notice as a result.
If you enjoyed White Collar this first go round, White Collar: The Complete Second Season is absolutely can't-miss stuff. The characters are great and have really found their stride and the storylines are really clever and fun. Although Elizabeth Burke (Tiffani Thiessen) doesn't get as much screen time this season, she and on-screen husband Tim DeKay have great chemistry and they are work really well together. Overall, Season 2 outshines Season 1 in every way - and that's tough to do. After the amazing season finale, I can't wait to see what Neal has in store for us next!
