USA adds “White Collar” star to lineup

Cable’s USA Network has a canny knack for out-broadcasting the broadcast networks, or at least its sister channel, NBC. Not only do USA shows often generate more buzz and viewer interest, the USA programs also seem to have broader, less niche appeal. That also means they are safer and less challenging than a lot of what’s on TV, but these shows sure seem to strike a chord. Viewers tune to “Burn Notice” to see things blow up and they watch “Psych,” “Royal Pains” and soon-to-end “Monk” for character comedy. That’s also a key ingredient in “White Collar” (10 tonight), which also benefits in its 90-minute premiere from clever plot twists and a winning camaraderie among the characters. The story begins as charming criminal Neal Caffrey (2000 Carnegie Mellon University graduate Matt Bomer, “Chuck”) escapes from prison only to be picked up by the same FBI agent who arrested him the first time, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay, “Carnivale”). Improbably, the government makes a deal: Caffrey can serve his four-year sentence outside of jail if he lives within a two-mile area, wears an ankle bracelet and works for the FBI as a consultant to Burke. Unlikely premise aside, “White Collar” is a fun show thanks to an upbeat tone, decent mysteries and especially the chummy rapport between Caffrey and Burke, who isn’t too proud to ask Caffrey for advice on what to get his wife (Tiffani Thiessen) for their wedding anniversary. Granted, it’s unbelievable that Burke would be so willing to trust his former arrest subject, but at the same time it’s a relief that Burke doesn’t go all Javert on Caffrey.