Burn Notice – Mike is one pissed-off spy

(Season 2, Episode 10 – “Do No Harm”)

Last we saw exiled super-spy Michael Westen, he was leaping clear of his exploding front door. After a four-month hiatus, Burn Notice returned last night with a proverbial bang. Don’t fret, Mike is fine, bruised and battered, but fine nonetheless. Good buddy Sam was there to dust him off and race him away from even more pursuers, sent by cryptic sexpot Carla, who may or may not be associated with those responsible for “burning” our likable hero.

Of course, life for Mikey is never dull and always complicated. His bro is still incarcerated, his mom is still hungry for answers, and Fee is still pining away for her one true love. No more than ten minutes after nearly dying, Mike saves a suicidal man from being flattened by a bus. The man, Kenny, wanted his life insurance payoff to go to his heartsick young son, Jack. Kenny’s sad tale involves a nefarious group of medical grifters who duped him out of $250,000. Mike knows better than to get emotionally involved with a client, but con-artists scamming a little boy strikes a nerve. So, Robin Hood and his band of merry operatives take Kenny’s case and promise to return his stolen cash.

Mike has other issues, as well. Fed up, he confronts Carla and lets her have it, screaming, “I want my life back.” Evidently, getting jerked around for two years and almost being blown to bits has finally sent the normally cool and collected Mike over the edge. He’s mad as hell, and he’s not going to take it anymore!

If this episode is any indication of where the rest of season two is heading, a darker, more hardcore Mike could surface. His ability to remain calm under pressure is what makes him so kick-ass, but a spy can only take so much subterfuge before he loses his shit. Here’s a few signs the series might be taking a grittier turn:

• Mike yelling at Carla. I can’t recall Mr. Westen displaying this much rage before.
• Mike kneeing Todd the enforcer in the jaw and stuffing him in the trunk of a car.
• Sam slicing a finger open and dripping blood in Todd’s eyes.
• The “Who talks first interrogation technique.” Sam tells Mike he doesn’t like doing it, but Mike doesn’t care.
• Mike and Sam throw fists. They’ve had their share of disagreements, but not like this.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the sarcastic tone of Burn Notice, but a little more wicked can’t hurt, so long as the writers don’t go overboard. As for the episode itself, I wasn’t enamored with the “Kenny and Jack” side-job. The actor who played Kenny was awful. I could have delivered a more convincing performance.

Fortunately, the main storyline involving Carla saved the day. Especially since Carla revealed to Mike that it wasn’t her who tried to kill him. Hmm? I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the end of Fiona’s relationship with nice-guy EMT, Campbell. His parting words to her: “Michael is your real boyfriend.” The poor guy never stood a chance.

As with most episodes, there were several smaller moments that stood out. Humorous bits, clever quips, scenes that offer new insight into the central characters and the MacGyver-esque spy gear. I took note of the following:

• After Sam’s car is trashed, he mourns its loss with a couple seconds of silence.
• “Getting blown-up isn’t something you get used to.” Amusing honesty from Michael Westen.
• Fee playing army men with little Jack. Watching her talk weapons and explain tactics to a six-year-old is classic.
• Sam pretending to have liver problems. Perfect for someone fond of the drink.
• The cellphone/amplifier plugged into a laptop used to analyze sound. Screw a Swiss army knife. A cellphone is the new do-all survival tool.
• “Say hi to all the desperate little people.” Carla gets the best line, referring to Mike’s charitable side-work.
• Fiona in a bikini. Nice.

I’m glad Burn Notice is back. It’s one of the few shows I never miss. Perhaps my hopes were too high, but I was expecting a little more from the return. It wasn’t bad, just simply okay. However, as I’ve already postulated, the series seems to be heading down an interesting road. I’m looking forward to next week.

Clacked by Scott Tunstall
on Jan 23, 2009 @ 10:03 EST5EDT