Summary

  • The White Collar revival must address the mystery around Neal's mother, which was left unresolved in the original series.
  • Neal's mother is a crucial element that could add closure to Neal's character arc in the revival.
  • Resolving the mystery of Neal's mother could link the two series and provide a twist to the revival's main storyline.

One of the biggest unresolved storylines in updates for the White Collar revival emerge, I cannot help but think about one of the final mysteries surrounding Neal.

White Collar's ending is one of the stronger ones for a long-running show that I have seen. The explanation for Neal's death and the capture of the Pink Panthers was just the icing on the cake, as the series strongly wrapped up each character's storyline. That being said, one storyline was left behind by the original series: the mystery of Neal's mother. This mystery, despite having little detail attached to it from the original show, must be solved in the revival as Neal is forced out of retirement by Peter (Tim DeKay) to solve one last case.

Related
The 1 Question White Collar's Reboot Absolutely Needs To Answer

There's one lingering question from the original USA Network procedural show that the White Collar revival should finally clarify.

The White Collar Revival Must Solve The Mystery Of Neal's Mother

Neal's Mother Is Predominantly Mentioned In Season 4

Neal and Peter looking concerned at something offscreen in White Collar

White Collar's revival series must solve the mystery surrounding Neal's mother, as so little of her story was explored in the initial run. While Neal's mother never makes a proper appearance in the series, she is mentioned a few times throughout by several characters. Neal's mother was predominately discussed in season 4 when Ellen Parker (Judith Ivey) came back into Neal's life after being separated from him for years in WITSEC. Through those conversations, we get a few details regarding Neal's mother's story and how she shaped Neal's character.

The mystery of Neal's mother is one of the things White Collar's revival must address as it would answer several questions and assist in finally wrapping up Neal's character arc.

After James Bennett's (Treat Williams) arrest, Neal, his mother, and Ellen were all placed in WITSEC together. It is hinted that Neal's mother may have suffered from some sort of mental health issue that was exacerbated by her circumstances, causing her to become absent during Neal's childhood. As a result, Ellen became a parental figure to Neal, who in turn developed his conman skills as a means of survival. The mystery of Neal's mother is one of the things White Collar's revival must address as it would answer several questions and assist in finally wrapping up Neal's character arc.

Neal's Mother Is One Of The Original Series' Biggest Unresolved Storylines

Resolving It In The Revival Could Finally Put This Storyline To Bed

Neal and Mozzie are talking and walking in New York in White Collar.

The mystery behind Neal's mother is White Collar's biggest unresolved storyline, but it is also a great opportunity to add tension to the revival's story. Neal's mother had, according to the original series, vanished shortly into Neal's adult years, cutting with him, Ellen, and her ex-husband. Her story could easily be addressed in the revival as a way to link the two series' further, as Neal could need information on her to solve his last case with Peter.

At the time of writing, the White Collar revival does not have a release date.

The revival could, like many episodes, include a twist through Neal's mother either returning to find Neal or through some piece of her past becoming relevant to solving the mystery. Solving Mozzie's murder is a popular possible revival storyline. If this is the direction the revival goes, Neal's mother could also be targeted, forcing Neal to race to protect his loved ones from an unknown foe. Her return would not only add tension but also close Neal's arc as he finally confronts every facet of his past, bringing his story from White Collar full circle.

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White Collar
Release Date
2009 - 2014-00-00
Network
USA
  • Headshot Of Matt Bomer
    Matt Bomer
    Neal Caffrey
  • Headshot OF Tim Dekay
    Tim Dekay
    Peter Burke

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

White Collar is a crime drama television series featuring Neal Caffrey, a skilled con artist and art thief, portrayed by Matt Bomer. After being captured by FBI agent Peter Burke, Neal agrees to help the FBI catch elusive white-collar criminals as a consultant, leveraging his unique skills. The series explores the evolving partnership and mutual trust between Neal and Peter, blending elements of crime-solving and personal redemption.

Seasons
6