“I want you people out of my life!” yelled Jeffrey Donovan’s Michael in last night’s season finale of Burn Notice. Isn’t that what he’s been saying pretty much all season? In previous episodes, it was sometimes tempting to think he was saying the same thing to the show’s writers. But last night, all was redeemed, as far as I was concerned. If you don’t want to know the finale details yet, consider this your SPOILER WARNING and scram now.
In an earlier post I’d complained about how the Carla/Victor stuff was getting in the way of Burn Notice‘s momentum — snipping the satisfying snap of Michael’s voiceovers, as he described tricks of the spy trade while we watch him craft weapons or execute bone-snapping punches and kicks. But last night, everything clicked into place. In an hour written by creator Matt Nix and directed by Tim Matheson (yes, the actor who must be weary of being credited as Animal House‘s Otter, and a darn good TV director), Michael united with his nemesis Victor (Michael Shanks) against his handler-against-his-will Carla (Tricia Helfer). We got some backstory — Carla killed Victor’s family, which is why he hates Carla — but most of the time, we got the action we craved.
Not only did Michael do a lot of shooting, car-crashing, and fighting, but Bruce Campbell’s Sam, tasked with guarding Sharon Gless’ Madeline, also dropped the jokes and did their own share of shooting and blowing things up. We were told by Michael how to make a “pepper [spray] grenade” and that one of the best ways to shoot at a car you’re chasing is to aim the bullets at the under-carriage, so the bullets come up through the enemy’s floorboards. This is the kind of stuff we Burn fans eat up, isn’t it?
And how sweet the moment was when Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) shot Carla; Fi’s muttered, “Finally!” was echoed among TV-watchers all across America. More jolting was Michael’s mercy-killing of Victor. The final scene, with Michael meeting with John Mahoney as “Management,” sets up a great next season, I think. Bravo.
So what did you think of the finale? Satisfied? Not?
In an earlier post I’d complained about how the Carla/Victor stuff was getting in the way of Burn Notice‘s momentum — snipping the satisfying snap of Michael’s voiceovers, as he described tricks of the spy trade while we watch him craft weapons or execute bone-snapping punches and kicks. But last night, everything clicked into place. In an hour written by creator Matt Nix and directed by Tim Matheson (yes, the actor who must be weary of being credited as Animal House‘s Otter, and a darn good TV director), Michael united with his nemesis Victor (Michael Shanks) against his handler-against-his-will Carla (Tricia Helfer). We got some backstory — Carla killed Victor’s family, which is why he hates Carla — but most of the time, we got the action we craved.
Not only did Michael do a lot of shooting, car-crashing, and fighting, but Bruce Campbell’s Sam, tasked with guarding Sharon Gless’ Madeline, also dropped the jokes and did their own share of shooting and blowing things up. We were told by Michael how to make a "pepper [spray] grenade" and that one of the best ways to shoot at a car you’re chasing is to aim the bullets at the under-carriage, so the bullets come up through the enemy’s floorboards. This is the kind of stuff we Burn fans eat up, isn’t it?
And how sweet the moment was when Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) shot Carla; Fi’s muttered, "Finally!" was echoed among TV-watchers all across America. More jolting was Michael’s mercy-killing of Victor. The final scene, with Michael meeting with John Mahoney as "Management," sets up a great next season, I think. Bravo.
So what did you think of the finale? Satisfied? Not?
The Burn Notice finale was awesome! Loved every second of it.
there are few memorable season finales in television history (season 2 finale of “buffy” is one of them, for example), but i think tonight’s “burn notice” may join the ranks. that was just an excellent hour of tv. and i so did not see fiona shooting carla, but hot damn! that was good. i’m bummed about victor – was actually beginning to like him as a possible addition to mike’s team. can’t wait for next season!
it was great best Ive seen in a while. And you don’t have long to wait for the next season.
WAAAAAAAAAAA I want Victor back!!! Totally unfair. Michael Shanks needs the work!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I loved it! The kiss and the slap and Michael’s reaction to both were the best summation of the Michael-Fi relationship saga anyone could want. Can’t wait for next season.
Great eps and got to say wish we could have seen Victor in more episodes Michael Shanks did a great job on the show. Love Bruce Campbell and Jeffrey Donovan in fact the whole cast of Burn Notice do a great job brining the show to life week after week. Now wait til June when the show is back.
Loved it! Can’t wait till June!
A most excellent finale – seat grabbing stuff! Writing was tight, performances from all were excellent. My only disappointment… as much as it was a great moment, it means no more Victor! I so so *so* wanted Victor to live. :: sniff ::
The episode was so fast-paced Sharon Gless didn’t have time to take even a tiny drag on a Marlboro.
Now that Frazier’s dad has been revealed as the bad guy in charge, when can we expect the “Very Special Episode” featuring Kelsey Grammar and David Hyde Pierce?
I’m getting more and more impressed with the cast. All of the main actors were equally adept at carrying emotional heft and being playful. I feel bad for Tricia Helfer. She seems like she has the potential to be a good actress, but she was saddled with crappy dialogue no actress could pull off. I hated being so relieved that her character was killed off.
Damn that was good! I loved it and can’t wait until June!!
That season finale was AWESOME! I have nothing but praise for everyone involved with this show. It’s nice not to have to go to the movie theaters to watch some awesome action. Great job to the cast and crew and I can NOT wait until June!
Great show and absolutely fantastic finale! Can’t wait for next season.
I dont think there is a bad thing you can say about the finale…AWESOME!!!
Also: Loved that John Mahoney was in there. I’ve been looking forward to seeing him since Ausiello mentioned he had been cast.
And can we PLEASE get a recapper for next season’s Burn Notice. And Psych and Chuck and Big Love…
I would definitely do it if you don’t mind someone who didn’t graduate with a BA in journalism or creative writing. I may be just a graphic designer but I love TV and would gladly write up a recap if it meant these shows got one.