Burn Notice Review: "Army of One"

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Both Michael and depth of this week's episode became an "Army of One," as he worked to rescue hostages (that included his mother) from a private airport.

I really have to watch what I ask for. After lamenting about how we haven't gotten a glimpse of Max’s killer, we got exactly that... a glimpse

Michael in Pain

Okay, we  also learned his name was Tavien Corza. But, honestly, five seconds of showing his face and five seconds mentioning his name?!? We only get 10 seconds of the story to which we've been looking forward with such enthusiasm?!?

Way to move the forward at the blinding speed of apathy!

While it was a mildly entertaining - with a few good quips - this episode was the Burn Notice equivalent of a caramel flavored rice cake. It looks good and you think it will be tasty. But, after the second bite, you remember you’ve had this before and it’s like recycled cardboard. 

In fact, it had so many recycled or formulated elements, it was like a Burn Notice Madlib:

Michael goes undercover as [mean/evil persona] with [bad guy]. He learns that [bad guy] is going to hurt/kill [insert victim or victims] and only he can stop [bad guy]. He uses [gimmick A] to get in good with [bad guy] who now trust him completely. He uses [bad guy] trust and [gimmick B] to [divide the group/turn them on each other]. Michael continues to [divide the group/turn them on each other] as needed, and he saves [victim or victims] while [bad guy] goes to jail.

I know that this formula is the basis for a lot of Burn Notice episodes. However, didn’t we see this same story two weeks ago when Pearce, Jesse, and Michael were stuck on a Caribbean island with mercenaries? Can’t they mix it up some?

I think I could have handled the recycled Michael storyline if the Sam and Fiona arc hadn’t pushed the ridiculous meter past 11.

Why did Fiona decided to drive across town breaking the speed limit with a man in her trunk and then seem surprised when a cop car gave chase? Why would anyone who has been tasered (twice) and kidnapped help Sam or Fiona? On what planet would gun loving Fiona choose to taser someone over pointing a gun at them? Was this storyline just an excuse to have Fiona tazer someone?

Hey, at least I got to see Pearce again this week (even if it was for about five minutes.) 

Hey, Mike, I have a crazy idea. Now that you know the name of the guy who killed Max, why don’t you bring Pearce in to the inner circle and tell her about Tavien Corza so she can use the sizable CIA task force assigned to her to go after him? I am guessing that would make too much sense or just be too easy, huh?

Maybe I am being to hard on this installment. But I just can't let go of the memory that this season started off with some really strong episodes. I'm anxious that the last two of this summer can bring us back around.

I can hope, right?  

Army of One Review

Editor Rating: 3.7 / 5.0
  • 3.7 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 (23 Votes)

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

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Burn Notice Season 5 Episode 10 Quotes

Madeline: Michael, what are you doing?
Michael: putting blood on my shirt.
Madeline: Well that can't be very sanitary.

Jesse: I know, I know, I owe you and your mom more than a thank you for this one.
Michael: A new tie would be nice.