By Christiane Elin

Jeff Eastin is not only the creator and executive producer of USA Network's hit show White Collar, but also the creator of the upcoming series Graceland. Tonight USA Network will air the White Collar mid-season finale, including a promo of his new series.

Eastin talked to the media recently about both the shocking mid-season finale and his new show. Be sure to watch White Collar tonight on USA Network.

By Jamie Ruby

Tonight USA Network will air the White Collar fourth season mid-season finale, "Vested Interest," and it's a doozy.

The episode picks up with Neal and Peter still at odds, Neal blaming him for Ellen's death and angry that he investigated Sam, which caused him to bolt. Peter tries to reconcile with Neal, who doesn't even want to talk to him. The two however have to put aside their problems as there is an FBI conference, and they have to speak to why they make such great partners. There are some great lines during the presentations, both Neal being a smart ass and Peter admitting to having faith.

White Collar Episodic Photos - 09/18/12
4.10 - "Vested Interest"

By John Keegan and Gregg Wright

This episode sure did take me by surprise. I knew that it would involve boxing, in some way, which left me a bit worried. The whole "fight club" trope is one that has suffered from heavy overuse in episodic television. So the title, "Gloves Off", seemed appropriate enough. But the title has a secondary meaning associated with the overall direction of the storytelling. "White Collar" takes the gloves off, and the results aren't pretty.

By John Keegan and Gregg Wright

Ah, the "treasure hunt". Already, it's been the focus of the show's longest-running story arc, and at least one episodic story that I can think of. I remember that episode being a fun, lighthearted romp, and it left me wishing that "White Collar" would do more "treasure hunt" episodes. Wish fulfilled. "National Treasure"-type escapades are nothing new for "White Collar", but it's rare to see it so unabashedly embraced as it is here. The episode's climax doesn't quite live up to the promising earlier half or so, but an amusing and intriguing last-minute twist seems to leave the door open for sequel episodes.

By John Keegan and Gregg Wright

It's fitting, perhaps, that Sara Ellis would make her return to the show just when Neal is sent undercover to woo a beautiful heiress. The episode doesn't really milk the tension of this situation, but I found that more refreshing than disappointing. Sara remains extremely professional about the whole situation. And though Neal does confront Sara about what little tension does seem to have arisen between them, Sara is quick to explain that it's not Neal's fault. She has a personal reason for being bothered about Neal's departure.

By John Keegan and Gregg Wright

I'm really loving how "White Collar" is refusing to brush aside the consequences of everything that's happened in the past few episodes. Ever since Peter gave Neal the go-ahead to run from the law in the previous season finale, he's been finding himself going further and further outside the bounds of authority. And now he's paying for it. With plenty of people in the Bureau gunning for him, Peter is re-assigned to perform menial, repetitive tasks in an evidence warehouse, lorded over by his new boss (played by one of my favorite TV actors, Brett Cullen).

By John Keegan and Gregg Wright

In an unusual move for "White Collar", the season premiere was only the first part of what can be thought of as the show's first two-part premiere. Needless to say, I'm very happy with this change in the normal status quo, and I hope it represents a trend. If the final moments of the episode are anything to go by, then this may very well be the case. The previous season had a few more problems than I'd like, particularly in regards to the main story arcs, so I'm curious to see if this season improves on the last.

By John Keegan and Gregg Wright

"White Collar" has become one of those old, reliable shows that I can count on for its consistency. The show is never so dramatic or dark as to seriously challenge me as a viewer, but it's also never been disposable fluff, either. It may never be as gripping or emotionally involving as other standbys such as "Fringe" or "Supernatural", but the characters are always given enough depth and development to make the journey a worthwhile one. The return of "White Collar" was a reminder to me of just how fond of the show I've become, and the premiere is a great example of the show's strengths.