Burn Notice Review: "Mind Games"

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Burn Notice has always balanced the twin genres of comedy and suspense very well, and "Mind Games" showed us that those pools are deep, rich, and are not drying up anytime soon.

We got two new elements to Michael’s story this week, both balanced on Nate Westen as the center point. The first was that Michael has a nephew and Nate (and his family) have moved back to Miami to be closer to Madeline and Michael.

I’ve not been crazy about Nate Westen in the past. That feeling stemmed from the Yin and Yang aspect we’ve always seen with between the brothers. Michael always does the right thing, knows what he is talking about and saves the day. Nate? not so much 

A Concerned Michael

Nate started down that very same road in this episode and I was dreading his return to Miami, as it meant we'd see more of him. Then, the second element in Michael’s life became clear: he is addicted to wanting to know all the answers about why he was burned. Nate, having experience in addiction, saw the signs in Michael and told him as much.

The conversation between Michael and Nate about hitting bottom and no one being able to make him stop until he wanted to completely changed my mind about Nate. I saw the reflection of Michael in him at that moment. He wanted to be good and do the right thing, even if it was painful.

This was immediately punctuated by Michael ignoring Fiona when she asked him to come to bed. In a minute, he said, while showing all the signs of an addict who is letting the addiction control his life instead of the other way around.

I'm glad Nate is back in Miami, I think Michael is going to need his brother’s wisdom and guidance before this is all over. 

Of course, this serious and somber story element was balanced by the more light-hearted aspect of Michael receiving the best payment he has gotten in five years. Free frozen yogurt for life!  

Best Payment Ever

Overall, it was another outstanding episode. Do you think Michael is addicted or just obsessed?

Mind Games Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
  • 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 (37 Votes)

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

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Burn Notice Season 5 Episode 3 Quotes

Mike, we've always known you were crazy; we just don't want you going crazy crazy.

Sam

Nate: how's Fiona, mom says you're living together.
Madeline: Yeah, It's moving fast, at this rate they will be married by the time they are 60.