While "Scott Free" isn't nearly as slick or fun as previous episodes of White Collar, it capitalizes on the uneasy tension between Neal and Peter, which originated in the season premiere, and the case this week, a young guy named Scott, not unlike Neal, who is going around town stealing things.
It brings up some interesting questions about Neal's form of criminality--that one could readily leave the life, as Scott does, upon learning the right lessons. But the storyline this season, of course, has been Neal and Mozzie trying to sell their Nazi loot before getting away and Neal has not come clean yet. He still hasn't changed despite what Peter may be inclined to believe after working with Neal for two seasons. Perhaps Neal has been a criminal for so long that he can't change anymore.
Sara was integral to the show's plot for the first time since she part of the setup, though they probably could have succeeded without her. In any case, it's been bothering me how little the writers are utilizing Sara, making her the generic girlfriend, so it's nice to see her doing something for once. Ending the episode, she finds Neal's new identity and seems to more intrigued than horrified. Lots of stuff to think about.
Score: 8.9/10
