Other than the spicy interplay between Marsha Thomason and Matt Bomer, "Need to Know" lacked a lot of what a good White Collar episode usually has. There wasn't much tension in the episode and the plot was paper thin, involving a scheme to bring down a politician.
As usual, there was more Fowler business handled, leaving us virtually in the same place. The guy at the meet runs off and facial recognition comes up empty. How much does this matter? Well, the only significance is that Neal is still left in the dark, although Peter being photographed with Diana tips him off that they are up to something. Whether that cuts into their partnership is another story. Clearly, they've gone through a lot and there must be some mutual trust.
I particularly enjoyed the use of Elizabeth, as Tiffani Thiessen was pregnant at the time of filming. Having to research escort services, Peter visits a site right as Elizabeth calls. Everything's fine, right? Well, it's a site with sound, and Elizabeth hears every word of it. Of course, their relationship is rock solid and Peter's explanation is enough. Peter's mustache was alsto hilarious, but I was disappointed we couldn't find out Elizabeth's take.
By now, the plots should have advanced to matched the dialogue and the characters, but they aren't, and if that continues to be the case, White Collar will stay in a rut marred by great potential and no actualization.
Score: 8.2/10
