Dear Jeff Eastin,

A week later, my mind is still reeling from last Tuesday’s White Collar episode, “As You Were.”

First, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that more of Agent “C.J.” Jones (in dress whites, no less!) will never be a bad thing, so three cheers for that.  You have a wonderful ensemble cast, and I’ve been enjoying seeing each member get to show off a bit in their various episodes this season.

You terrified me with the new storyline going into season 3.  The tide turned in a big way, and since I had been enjoying the status quo so much, I was a bit tentative about what it would all mean for Neal and Peter.  However, after two glorious seasons, I had no reason to doubt you, so I decided to let the reigns go loose, as it were, and enjoy the ride.

It has been a season of poignant moments, but I think the conclusion of last week’s episode may be my favorite.  It was one of those TV moments when you’re on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, expecting the typical shocking-suspenseful-climactic event to take place, leaving the audience with a cliffhanger to build excitement for next week’s episode.  Instead, the writers left us with a subtle phone conversation between our two heroes, which actually carried much greater weight than any splashy moment could have delivered.

I love that White Collar has given us characters so nuanced that the most compelling story in each episode is not catching the bad guy and closing the case, but where Neal and Peter stand with each other when the FBI day is done.  Every episode, they’re staring down the barrel, anticipating that inevitable moment when it all blows up in their faces, and neither they nor the audience has any idea what will happen when it does.  I love not being able to predict where it’s going, and it provides for some great dinner conversation among friends, as we all have differing theories on what will happen next, and what the repercussions will be when it does.

So, when I see a lot of text-speak clutter on my Facebook feed about who the Bachelorette is going to choose or what the people of Jersey Shore are doing, I take solace in knowing that there are still impeccable writers out there, making television worth watching.  Of course, I’m counting down the moments until tonight’s episode:  Neal will be “On the Fence” – I’ll be back on the edge of my seat.

Sincerely,

Amanda

P.S. – A few things:

It’s fantastic when you live-tweet the episodes.  And I enjoy your candor in general.

I still feel a little guilty about not liking the new opening, but thanks for giving back the old one.

I hope Sara wins in the end.

I don’t know if it makes me miss the city more or less to get to see it looking so dapper week after week, but either way, thank you for shooting in New York.

After a decade of following Matt Bomer’s roles, I recall being highly annoyed that he wasn’t cast as Superman, and now… Superman only wishes he was as cool as Neal Caffrey.

When does Adrian Tulane get out of prison?  (Soon I hope.  He was awesome.)