Burn Notice - TV Fanatic

Burn Notice Season Finale Review: Never Saw This Coming

jim@tvfanatic.com (Jim G.) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:00:24 EST

As this season has come to a close, the emotional intensity has been practically tangible. So much so that the last two episodes have both garnered a perfect rating from this reviewer. Last week, I threw down the gauntlet when I asked if Matt Nix and his team could make it a triplicate and end the season the same way.

In response to my challenge "Fail Safe" picked up said gauntlet and promptly used it against me in an episode that was so well done, I would have given it a 6 star rating had it been possible.

Let’s start with the biggest game changer: Fiona turned herself in. To the very last second I thought Michael was going to be able to stop her. Even after the first agent drew his gun, I though Michael would rescue her.

Michael made it very clear to Fiona that there was no line he wouldn’t cross when it came to her. Of course, he promptly followed that statement with handcuffing her to a cage... so there might be some therapy in their future, if they have a future.

I can’t even fathom what this is going to mean for next season. While it’s conceivable they could break Fiona out, my gut feeling is that Nix has another ace up his sleeve and - much like Fiona turning herself in - we won’t see it coming.

Now that he no longer can use Fiona as leverage, where does that leave Anson? Given that Anson is still around and the last we heard from him is when Michael said that he would see him in Hell, I suspect he's going to continue to be a thorn in Michael’s side. Let’s not forget that Anson also has agent-turned-traitor Rebecca Lange (Kristanna Loken) working for him already.

Michael may have some new allies, as well, depending on what happens with the virus he planted in Pearce’s computer. I can’t imagine it will go over well for Pearce or Michael that on his first op a traitor was discovered and evidence was planted, implicating the rest of them.

While I don’t agree with Michael’s method, I can understand his logic of fixing what he breaks. Though, it has to be different this time when he actively burned agents, including Pearce, who had just begun to trust him again, compared to when accidentally burned Jesse.

Then again, with Lange being discovered as a real traitor, maybe they will focus on the larger picture or be able to use that to undo the damage the virus caused quickly. Clearly this will be a question we will ponder until next season.

Anson didn’t give up his hold on Michael without a fight. Even when his head was in the cross-hairs, he convinced Michael to give him a reprieve by pointing out that had Michael not been burned, he would not be as close to his family or Fiona. Looking back at where Michael came from, I have to agree with him. We don’t always get what we want in life, but we do seem to get what we need.

For better or worse, Michael needed to be burned. He might be figuring it out, too, considering his comment to Pearce about it not feeling the same being back in the CIA saddle. Jesse certainly has taken a different route after being burned and then cleared.

Many things to think about during the break and I can’t wait to see what trick Nix and his team pull out of their hat next. And, Mr. Nix, if you’re ever in the San Francisco area, I would be honored to sit down and have lunch.

Burn Notice Season Finale Preview, Clip: "Fail Safe"

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 09:53:31 EST

Burn Notice has been on quite the roll lately. Our critic has given the last two episodes a perfect rating and you can read why HERE.

Can the USA hit maintain this momentum on next week's season five finale?

Titled "Fail Safe," it will find Michael tasked with his biggest CIA mission to date.. just as Anson's plans kick into serious gear. With Michael away, Sam and Fiona will be forced to watch Anson. Will they be able to stop him? Watch the following promo and sneak peek to get a taste of what's to come.

Burn Notice Promo: "Fail Safe"

Burn Notice Clip: "Fail Safe"

Burn Notice Review: The Hero in Us All

jim@tvfanatic.com (Jim G.) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:50:04 EST

For the second week in a row, Burn Notice earned a perfect rating, this time for "Acceptable Loss," which featured the first case Michael has had where the only way to stop to the bad guy was with the very real death of the client.

We've enjoyed many cases where faking the death of the client, Michael, or both has been used to trick the bad guy and stop them. I believed here, to the very end, that they were going to figure out a way to have Ian survive the mission (even with terminal cancer.)

When they didn't, it was so much more powerful and poetic. Kudos, Matt Nix to you and your team; you again raised the bar on what a show like this can do. When you have time, could you give Hawaii Five-0 a call; they could really use your wisdom.

It was great seeing Gregg Henry (Ian) as the good guy. He gets cast in the bad guy or jerk role so often that you might forget he can play the hero. He also had my favorite quote of the night with the following: Spent most my life as a coward, but I’m gonna die a man. While the line itself is pretty powerful, the emotional reaction it pulled out of Michael was amazing.

Watching Michael's different expressions as he came to the realization (and respect for) Ian as he was facing his demons head on and was going to atone for the bad decision - or lack of action in his life, no matter the cost - reminded me why I love Jeffery Donovan. So much said without ever speaking a word.

While that alone was enough to make the episode worthy of a high rating, when Michael called Pearce by her first name softly and then let her in on what was going on - explaining that he was shielding her because of Max’s death after he had told him - her reaction with trust and faith in him (see below) pushed it over the top.

Was anyone else as shocked as I was that Michael cautioned Madeline that Anson might have said he killed his father just to get into his head? Michael is handling that totally different than I might have. I guess it's a good thing I'm not a spy.

I’m not sure if Michael realizes he's in a war, but he certainly is building an army of friends around him anyway. At the same time, Michael was willing to play dirty with Vaughn and ended up blackmailing him into tell what he knew. It was great seeing Mike outsmart him. Sorry, Vaughn, I don’t feel sorry for you at all.

While last week’s shocker was that Anson killed Frank Westen back in 1998, this week we had the bomb dropped that Anson’s not actually retiring, he's bringing things back online to start up The Organization again.

Can next week’s season finale make it a trifecta of perfect ratings? Less than 165 hours until we find out. Are you excited? Me too!

Burn Notice Review: Deals With The Devil

jim@tvfanatic.com (Jim G.) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:16:01 EST

Earning a rare perfect rating, "Depth Perception" took everything we knew about Michael and his relationship with his father and scrambled it like an egg being thrown into a blender.

Anson has to be the most sadistic, devious, malicious, manipulative bastard Michael has every faced - and I have never enjoyed a Burn Notice bad guy more. If Sam and Michael had made a deal with the Devil himself, they would have been less screwed over.

I couldn't see anything good coming out of Sam and Michael going to Anson for help. But then the emotions and responses Anson was able to pull out of Michael when he was asking him if you were Oscar what would you want? changed my mind. I began to think that Anson might not be entirely evil. Maybe Michael and Anson could find a middle ground.

Then Anson dropped the bombshell: That he not only knew Michael’s father, but he arranged for his death!

The look of pure hatred in Michael’s eyes after that told me two things: One, Michael will never find a middle ground with Anson. Two, when Anson and Michael’s relationship ends it will not be quiet, pretty... or peaceful.

Of course, Anson wasn’t done at that point, either. Thinking three steps ahead, he had used the opening created when Michael went to Ivan of the FSB and stopped Oscar to burn Sam with the FBI, neutralizing any help he might have been. Well done, Mr. Fullerton, well done.

Michael and Sam, I just want to remind you that it’s not the grenade's fault when it goes off because you pull the pin out of it while it’s laying in your lap. You knew the devil you were dealing with going into this.

On the flip side, I want to acknowledge Jere Burns for his portrayal of Anson Fullerton. I have never despised and loved a villain more and I’m not sure anyone else could have pulled the part off as well.

Speaking of Sam, when TV Fanatic was invited to interview Bruce Campbell at the beginning of the season, one of the questions that I wanted to ask was if we would see Beatriz (Ilza Rosario) from The Fall of Sam Axe turn up in Miami. This episode gave me the answer I wanted and I was thrilled to see her make an appearance.

Beatriz brings out a protective, almost fatherly side to Sam. I think he sees a lot of himself in her at that age and wants to try and steer her away from the land mines he hit. I’m sure it’s a pipe dream, but I would love to see Sam taking her under his wing as an apprentice. Hey, they are both suspected of being Russian spies, right? There you go; a great reason for her to stick around.

Any notion I had of Madeline not smoking anymore were laid to rest with Benny. While I can understand her anger and the slap she gave Michael, she should know by now that Michael is going to do whatever he can to keep her safe, and as far from Anson as he can.

Michael was talking about himself as much as Oscar when he said that Oscar needs to know that the things he has done helps others. Michael needs to be the hero, that's why he would put himself in harm's way for Beatriz, who he met the first time the day before.

Moreover, the answer to the question I asked previously - about wrapping up the story with Anson before the end of the season - was hinted at when Anson told Michael he'd be done by the end of the month. Could we really be finished with Anson at that point? Would you want to be?

Either way, with only two episodes remaining this season, it's very clear that Matt Nix and his team have their foot on the gas pedal. Though I'm not sure I can handle many episodes this emotionally packed. I loved it, but, man, I'm tired.

Check out the official promo for next week's outing NOW.

Burn Notice Sneak Preview: "Depth Perception"

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:12:22 EST

Did you enjoy your Burn Notice-free Thanksgiving, TV Fanatics?

Following a week off, Michael and company return this Thursday for "Depth Perception," an episode that finds Sam reuniting with an on-the-run Beatriz. Look for Michael to rely on Anson's profiling prowess in order to keep this character safe.

Meanwhile, as previewed here, Fiona and Jesse run an errand for Anson... in the Cayman Islands.

Burn Notice Promo: "Depth Perception"

** Miss any episodes of this USA hit? Remember that you can watch Burn Notice online via TV Fanatic at any time!

Burn Notice Review: Who Died?

jim@tvfanatic.com (Jim G.) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:13:28 EST

If we learned nothing else from "Necessary Evil," it was that you should never open a package sent to you from a psychopathic killer no matter how harmless he makes it sound.

Rest is peace, Benny, I'm sad that Anson decided to have you rest in pieces. Sorry, too soon?

I would like to say we will miss Benny, but the truth is we didn’t know him. He was only in one other episode and that's just not enough time to get attached.

I feel like Benny was a missed opportunity for some great story telling. Matt Nix and his team could have been showing us Madeline and Benny getting cozy and closer and completely playing up the “nice guy” to get us attached. Sadly, this didn't take place.

It’s a shame, too, as the “reluctant bad guy” is something we all have gotten very familiar with lately via the rotten things Anson has Michael doing for him. I’m sure we would have sided with Benny even more than we did the way things unfolded had we gotten a chance to know him.

However, you can certainly see where Michael gets his emotional strength. Madeline was able to honor her word of finding the truth and planting the bug just as she said she would. I don't know many people who could have done that.

Speaking of Madeline, have you noticed that she is not smoking anymore? They showed her with a cigarette just before she went to the police station with Jesse, but I don't remember seeing her smoking at all since then. I’m not sure if it’s a story decision, a Sharon Gless decision or just an oversight.

Did anyone else catch Pearce’s smile at Michael at the end of the episode? I’m crossing my fingers that this means she is beginning to forgive him fully. I still think she and Jesse would make a cute couple. Sadly, I don’t think anyone writing the show agrees with me.

Finally ,there is no episode next week due to Thanksgiving. So I will see you all in two weeks for the home stretch of the final three episodes for the season.

Which makes me wonder, do you think we will see the final resolution with Anson in just three episodes? If so, how do you see it going down?

Burn Notice Preview: "Necessary Evil"

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:42:58 EST

Burn Notice didn't exactly take viewers very deep last Thursday, airing an episode our critic believed was light on intricate plot.

Where will it pick up in a few days? Look for Michael to lead a rescue mission for a scientist abducted by an African warlord on "Necessary Evil," while Sam and Jesse get in trouble during an undercover mission. Meanwhile, someone hides a key secret from Madeline.

Get your first look at the installment now.

Burn Notice Promo: "Necessary Evil"

Burn Notice Review: No Thinking Required

jim@tvfanatic.com (Jim G.) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:40:08 EST

After a strong midseason premiere, this week’s Burn Notice only waded ankle deep in plot. I never felt immersed in the story.

I went into "Breaking Point" with no knowledge of Ricky, given that I have been watching the show for just over three years, I was not around for his season two visit.

As a first-time introduction to the character, I found him to be a very week client, certainly not one of the best Michael has had. Beyond that, the “Mr. Turner" persona that Michael adopted came across like he was Thurston Howell III from Gilligan’s Island. All he need was to end a sentence with “my boy” and he would have nailed it.

The target bad guy was not much better. Dion was a laughable and stereotypical villain, as evidenced when has his crew broke out champagne because a deal went his way. Of course, his overt threatening wasn’t scary it was sad and pathetic. He made me miss Xavier from last week, with his suave, cool-and-quiet, threatening and penetrating eyes.

Meanwhile, in our ongoing story with Anson, we got sometime watching Fiona and Sam as they were following him around, trying to figure out where he lives. Hey Fi, Sam I’ll give you a free hint: his home might be where he will go at night to sleep.

Honestly, they followed him to the one residential address and stopped after that? What if he was there for a little “afternoon delight?" Shame on you both! You know better than that.

Of course, Anson seems to have left his brains out as well, given that he allowed Michael to call a meeting with him twice for no solid reason. Isn't Anson the sort of guy to insist on always setting up the meets?

That said, at least the team is starting to work towards taking down Anson. We need some action from these spies, not just some reaction.

Finally, if you watched Burn Notice during season two, I'm curious: did you get more out of Ricky's return than I did?

Burn Notice Review: Now Where Were We.....

jim@tvfanatic.com (Jim G.) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST

The mid-season premiere picked up where we left off with Michael being in the situation where he was damned if you didn’t or "Damned If You Do."

Let me say right up front, Anson is 50% insane Joker, 50% suave Captain Hook, and 100% bad news. Not only is he bad news, he’s evil bad news. Michael may have finally met his equal.

I can already tell that Anson is one of the smartest, if not the smartest opponent Michael has faced off against. Look at how he has been able to stay hidden, and has set both Michael and Fiona up in recent days. He’s so evil you almost want to like him. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what he does next.

On the flipside we have Agent Pearce who started the episode pretty hostile, but ended it smiling at Michael.

Does anyone else think that his meeting running long and her comment about “Only tell the lies we want” hints toward him having told her about Anson and they are working to catch him?

Maybe I’m just projecting my wishful thinking onto Michael. But, it would be an awesome twist if he actually went against his nature of keeping stuff close to the vest and let her in on the secret and *we* were the one’s not in on it?

I do love when a show picks back up and feels like a comfortable blanket, just enveloping you and fitting just as you remember it. Everyone was great, from Madeline earning her "Spy 101" badge, Jesse and Sam meeting Anson, and I adored Fiona giving Michael are hard time for being sincere.

Hell, even the bad guys were a bit on the dreamy side. I hope that we get to see Xavier again. Ian Anthony Dale made a pretty hot drug kingpin in his awesome suit and three-day stubble.

Matt Nix even managed to speak to my inner-geek by throwing in a reference World of Warcraft when Sherry and Oswald were fighting along with some other great lines this week.

Speaking of Sherry and Oswald, they really felt like “what if Michael and Fiona were nerdy geeks?” Not that it’s a bad thing, speaking as a nerdy geek. It was just nice to see a similar relationship dynamic and know that Fiona and Michael might make it after all.

In conclusion, with Anson steering the ship right now, I think we should all buckle up because it is going t be one crazy ride!

Burn Notice Scavenger Hunt: Win Free Stuff!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:15:10 EST

Burn Notice returns TONIGHT with new episodes. Enjoy a look at clips from the fall premiere now.

But while Michael and Fiona are about to head to Puerto Rico on their latest mission, TV Fanatic readers don't need to go nearly as far in order to win free Burn Notice gear. The following items, valued at $200, are just a few mouse clicks away...

A Custom Tote Bag
The Season 4 DVD
A Bar Set
A Mojitos 101 Book
A Branded T-Shirt
A Branded Hat

So, how do you win? Just follow these steps:

Browse through our Burn Notice Reviews section.
Send an email to Matt@TVFanatic.com with the answers to these three questions: Which review was given the highest TV Fanatic rating? Which was Liked the most time by readers? Which received the most Comments?

That fun little scavenger hunt is all it takes! We'll select a winner at random (U.S. citizens only, correct answers required) and announce the winner next Thursday, November 10. Good luck!

** And remember to enter our Covert Affairs giveaway, too!