This week’s episode, Friends and Enemies, got the fourth season of Burn Notice off to a flying start.

It picked up where season three concluded, with Michael having just been taken out of handcuffs and placed in a really nicely appointed room. In the tradition of Burn Notice, it also introduced a new puppet master in the form of Vaughn. While Vaughn is the nicest puppet master we have seen to date, it is still clear that someone is pulling Michael’s strings.

For me, this episode was like seeing an old friend I had not talked to in several months, or slipping on my favorite jacket. Everything fit just right. Michael was his normal badass self, Fiona was her crazy but sexy hot self, and Michael’s mom Madeline still worries about her son. 

I do have to mention that it looked like Sam might have hit a salon, as his hair is darker... but given that Bruce Campbell is one of my sci-fi heroes, I can let it slide.

There is one part of this episode that I truly felt more than any other. When Michael goes to his mom and explains to her why he went missing and what he had been doing, you see him let his guard down and see the scared little boy asking him mom for reassurance that he is a good person. 

Michael’s tears almost brought me to tears. Who among us hasn’t looked to a parent for that approval even after we have gotten married, moved away, joined the service or had kids of our own? This scene reminded me to call my mom and tell her how much I love her and how thankful I am to have her in my life.

With writing like this I can see why USA Network has already renewed it for two more seasons. I think having that kind of guarantee behind the show is going to let the writers take a few more chances and really expand the characters.

What do you think? Do you think the show has the legs USA Network’s hopes it does with it being renewed for season five and six already? Did you feel the episode tug at your heart strings? Comment below, I want to know what you think.

We've included a few Burn Notice quotes from the episode below:

Sam: Turns out you were access the files of a counter intelligence agent named Jessie Porter
Michael: Are they prosecuting him?
Sam: Doesn't look like it, they would have to declassify the files. They are black list the guy. Mike you just burned a spy. | permalink

Michael: When I caught Simon he laughed. He said it was just a matter of time until I was just like him.
Madeline [comforting Michael]: He's wrong honey, that isn't the son I raised. | permalink

Winston: You should keep that Michael guy around, you guys make a pretty good team. | permalink

Jim G. is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.