Contributor: Gregg Wright
I’m having a difficult time figuring out exactly what went wrong with this episode. Maybe the fact that it comes right after one of the best episodes in a long time makes it seem weak in comparison. The stand-alone plot just didn’t interest me, and the myth-arc portions of the episode were only vaguely more interesting. I realize that this can hardly count as a valid criticism, but so many moments in the episode just felt “off”.
The case-of-the-week centers on a young con man/hacker who steals from rich people and gives to charity, so naturally there’s something of a “Robin Hood” theme present in much of the episode. Jokes are thrown around about this theme, as well as the notion of Scott Rivers as a younger version of Neal. There are good moments to be found, but I found the whole thing bland and a bit unbelievable.
Scott Rivers decides that it would be a good idea to make contact with Neal, despite the fact that he would have to know already that Neal is working with the FBI to catch him. Neal and Mozzie then harbor Rivers, who is now in danger from another criminal. Apparently, Sara has no problem with this, and even helps the gang break into Carlisle’s safe to return a stolen diamond bustier, which Carlisle had himself stolen. Peter seems oddly content to let Neal keep him out of the loop. The resolution feels more like something you’d see on “Burn Notice”, and it seems strange to me that Peter would willingly go along with it.
Meanwhile, on the myth-arc front, Neal and Mozzie buy new identities for themselves to plan for their escape with the treasure. Neal will become Victor Moreau and Mozzie will become Bob. Moreau was Kate’s last name, which Neal remarks is an odd coincidence. The “big” moment comes at the end of the episode, when Sara discovers Neal’s passport for his new Victor Moreau identity. I’ve had issues with this storyline since the season began, and right now I feel more strongly than ever that it’s a very weak storyline, especially when compared with what came before it. To put it simply, it’s boring. It’s possible that it may go in some unexpected directions, but right now it’s not looking very promising.
Rating: 6/10
