ROUND-UP OF TV SEASON 2010-11 (PART I)

It’s finale time, as the television season of 2010-11 closes with several surprises, and many reasons for us to look forward to September… TV TALK rounds up what’s gone, with a view of what the next season might have to offer

Catching up with the finales, I happened to watch those of WHITE COLLAR and PARENTHOOD first. This is what the two shows had to offer.

WHITE COLLAR

I have to say that WHITE COLLAR chose a perfect plot for the finale this season. With all the mystery that surrounded Neal Caffery and Kate, and the death of Kate in the airplane explosion that ended S1, I’m glad that they did not put off that storyline for another season. Of course, a lot took place leading up to the finale. There was the role-reversal of Neal and Peter in the second last episode, which was interesting and entertaining, and then there was the Sarah-Neal-Alex love triangle… That was refreshing, to say the least, especially since, over a major part of the last two seasons, Kate has seemed like the only woman in Neal’s life. I liked the drama that came about with that. However, I did think that the involvement of ‘Alexandra Hunter’ as the only living descendant of Michael Hunter (the person who made evident the whole treasure-in-the-submarine story) was a little too convenient. Even so, I liked that they did make Vince Adler a part of the drama that it was all about. Speaking of which, Vince Adler’s big mission to obtain that treasure did bring about a larger-than-life, hence gripping element to the storyline that was the focus of the season finale.

Of course, the fact that they tackled the impact of events that made our protagonist who he is, did make the season finale something to write home about. Back before the whole Vince Adler twist was introduced, I was wondering where the season was headed, but the end of the Kate-and-music-box mystery was more than welcome. Eventually, the finale had this major association with art, which seemed fitting, for obvious reasons. Even though the sheer gravity of the treasure in the submarine seemed a little too exaggerated and unreal, it definitely made for some exciting drama.

The end of the episode, of course, had Peter discovering a burnt scrap of Neal’s painting of the Chrysler Building, which made him accuse Neal of being responsible for the fire that supposedly destroyed the ‘treasure’ that had been discovered previously. Neal went on to receive the address and key to a warehouse that stored the entire treasure, which, one can safely say, was the biggest cliffhanger of the season. Neal’s excitement and glee on discovering ‘the treasure’ was natural, because that obviously hit his weakness, but the whole turn of events just left us with so many questions!

I did ask myself who it could possibly have been. It seems quite clear that Neal was not behind it, so it instantly made me think of Mozzy, but that seemed unlikely. It took me back to Vince right before being shot, when he said, “You won’t get away with this,” referring to Neal supposedly trying to take revenge. However, I doubt it’d be him, because he obviously wouldn't have taken a chance with the treasure that he'd spent almost his entire life procuring! Alex is another suspect, but her involvement doesn't really add up. And that just goes to say how effective the finale was. It opens a whole other door for Peter and Neal to open up and explore together, especially with Neal’s discovery of the treasure. Anything can happen in S3 of this show. And we all know that June will have answers for us…


The new season of WHITE COLLAR starts June 7, on the USA Network

PARENTHOOD

I previously wrote here that it was all in the name… PARENTHOOD has lived up to that and more. I see it as the family drama that comes closest to the recently canceled BROTHERS AND SISTERS, while staying true to its name. Based on the two seasons that I’ve watched, I can safely say that I find Adam and Kristina Braverman’s storylines the most interesting on the show. This season, with the developments in their daughter Haddie’s love life, and their son Max’s discovery of the fact that he has Asperger’s, their story did continue to be the most interesting. However, the surfacing of Sarah’s ex-husband Seth, and the conflict it causes between her kids, did become a major focal point of the season. While it was understandable that Amber was unwilling to forgive her father, it seemed a little too forced when she took her rebelliousness to another level. Accusing her mother of making her do things she didn’t want to do didn’t fit, leaving a loophole in the story. Moreover, after the car-crash, her sudden realization of the importance of family, on speaking to Zeek seemed a little convenient, bringing out very little from the entire storyline.

The other siblings had issues of their own. I found it quite natural for Crosby to act out against Jasmine, because, in all fairness, she was quite controlling, and given how spineless Crosby can get, his outburst fit it well. Beyond that, I think the writers wanted to bring out an immature side to him one more time before he settles into marriage. On the other hand, Julia’s character grew quite a bit this season. It was touching to see her heart breaking over not being able to conceive again. Bonding with Joel over that and their outside view of Crosby and Jasmine’s situation earned them brownie points from me. And while on couples, it was nice to see Zeek and Camille getting close again, but it could have been dealt with better, with more time on that storyline, to do justice to the downfall of their relationship last season.

Finally, the season ended with Adam having issues accepting that his daughter was having sex, and that brought out a sense of vulnerability in Kristina too. Of course, Adam losing his job in the midst of it all made it scary for him and exciting for us. To top it all, Kristina announces that she’s pregnant. While the questionable future of Crosby and Jasmine is a matter that will be tackled next season, I see Adam’s situation as a major highlight in the next season. Losing control over his life, will hit him hard, since he’s usually the glue that holds everything and everyone together. There’s going to be room for the development of what one could call the most evolved character on the show. Moreover, Kristina's pregnancy will definitely, in some way affect Julia, who cannot conceive. All of that makes me look forward to a lot more from one of my favorite family dramas.

What did you think of the finales of WHITE COLLAR and PARENTHOOD? Share your views here…