Ep 12. Taking Stock

Peter and Neal become involved in a high-stakes stock trading scheme in "White Collar" season 5 episode 12, entitled "Taking Stock." The episode starts with Neal being approached by one of his wealthy acquaintances, who wants him to invest in his new start-up company. Neal thinks it’s too risky to invest in the company, but his friend reassures him that he has insider information that they will go public soon, leading to a huge return on investment.

Meanwhile, Peter and the FBI task force are investigating a series of murders that seem to be connected to a high-stakes stock trading scheme. The first victim was a hedge fund trader who had been involved in insider trading, and the next few victims were all connected to his operation. The FBI believes that the killer could be someone within the company who is trying to cover up their tracks.

As the investigation continues, Peter and Neal start to realize that the insider information that Neal’s friend has been using to make trades is the same information that the killer has been using to commit the murders. Neal becomes determined to stop his friend from getting involved in any illegal activity or becoming the next victim of the killer.

Neal and Peter soon discover that the hedge fund trader has been using a secret algorithm to predict stock movements in real-time, which has made him millions of dollars. The killer has been targeting people who have access to this algorithm, as they are the only ones who could have exposed him and his illegal activities.

Neal and Peter decide to use the algorithm to bait the killer into a trap. They set up a fake trade in order to lure the killer out into the open, and it works. The killer shows up at the trade location, but Neal and Peter are ready for him.

The episode ends with Neal’s friend coming to him again with another investment opportunity. Neal realizes that his friend has been using insider information to make his money and has been unwilling to listen to Neil’s warnings. Neal finally tells him that he can’t involve himself in any shady business, leaving his friend frustrated and angry.

Overall, "Taking Stock" is an exciting episode that highlights the dangers of insider trading and stock market manipulation. The storyline is fast-paced and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. This episode showcases the strong partnership and investigative skills of Peter and Neal, and ends with a satisfying conclusion that showcases their teamwork.