Burn Notice – Can Bruce Campbell carry the show?

I’ve been following along with the news bits about the Burn Notice prequel, The Fall of Sam Axe, for months now. I’m a big fan of Burn Notice and I’ll definitely be tuning in, but one question has been nagging at me ever since I heard of a prequel with just Sam in it: Can he carry the show himself?

On the one hand, Bruce Campbell has a huge fan following that dates back to the Evil Dead series of movies. So he’s got that going for him. I’m also thinking that because it’s just a 2-hour movie that it will work. Even if it’s terrible, they’ll likely still get the ratings for the one-shot deal. Another argument in favor of a successful prequel is that Jefferey Donovan is directing, so there will be some Michael, even if just behind the scenes. Matt Nix, Burn Notice‘s creator, wrote it, so that’s also a plus.

Here’s why it might not work: One of the things that brings me back to Burn Notice week after week is the incredible chemistry amongst the cast, especially the main trio. Add in Maddie, Nate and even Jesse, who’s grown on me, I have to admit (and Barry and all of the other recurring characters that I’m always happy to see back) and even a so-so episode wins me over, because Michael-Sam-Fiona are unstoppable.

What if there is no chemistry? That will make a long two hours. We’re really going to have to trust that the casting folks have surrounded Bruce Campbell with actors and characters that he can play off of with the same spunk we see every week on Burn Notice. Since some of the cast members are Kiele Sanchez, RonReaco Lee, John Diehl and Chandra West, they’ve got a good chance of success in that arena.

Following the jump, you’ll find the official press release from USA, announcing the official air date (Sunday, April 17 at 9:00 EST) and giving a few more details about the premise. Will you be watching?

Clacked by Debbie McDuffee
on Feb 11, 2011 @ 19:38 EST5EDT