Burn Notice finished out its summer run in a way that fans could appreciate: By finally putting the relationship between Michael and Fiona front and center and in danger. (What follows: Spoiler Alert.) While I found it hard to believe that we were actually supposed to buy the idea that Fiona was going to move back to Ireland forever and thereby leave the series, she was placed in just enough danger (she was, after all, this week’s designated “Client”), that the hour increased her importance in Michael’s life and as an agent for action in a series that has occasionally ignored Fiona. (Do you suspect that Gabrielle Anwar is pretty glad that Moon Bloodgood and Tricia Helfer have been taken out of the running for Michael’s attention when it comes to strong female characters? I know I am.)
Having Fiona’s brother show up to warn her that someone’s coming to kill her, when she already had one sandal-clad foot out the door, was a smart way to get the action revved up. (And avoid a “mere” does-Michael-love-Fiona-enough plotline; Burn Notice thrives on keeping things moving, not getting bogged down in dialogue, and expressing emotion through behavior and action.)
But equally good was the conclusion of the Strickler storyline. I think Ben Shenkman has been extremely good in this role, but that his arc ended just as it should have: this guy could not have stayed in Michael’s life.
There’s also been a notable increase in action for Sam; he’s not just a wisecracking layabout this season. Seeing him do a lot of shooting and engaging in the action scenes made me remember how good Bruce Campbell is even when he’s not being funny.
All in all, a pretty satisfying ending to Burn Notice’s summer run, wouldn’t you say? Or do you disagree?
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I so agree – especially about Sam. He got right in there with Michael, willing to do anything it took to save Fiona. Provided she didn’t know of course. Although all this did is make me realize how much I hate these long hiatuses. Heh.
I TOTALLY AGREE!!! I cant wait for the winter episodes to air!
You guys are lucky… in Australia they arent showing season 2… atleast not at any time I can watch it. I have resorted to buying season 2 on DVD on Amazon because they only released season 1 a few months ago.
Hey – I live in Australia also. I download the episodes, so I can see them the day after they have aired in the states! You should try it!
I felt that the very last five minutes felt a little rushed. I would have liked this to be a cliffhanger with Fi abducted, in international waters and Mike having to deal with that PLUS disposing of Strickler’s body in next winter’s first episode (or two). The last five minutes felt like it was in too much of a hurry to tie things up in a pretty bow in order to get on with mid season’s next story line.
I had exactly the opposite reaction. I’m glad it wasn’t yet another obnoxious cliffhanger “finale”, and I feel like there’s plenty to look forward to when the show returns in the winter.
Very good mid season finale. It seemed like everyone was taking shots at Michael in one way or another trying because of his need to get his old job back (Fiona leaving him, Madeline considering selling the house) making Michael realize what truly is most important in his life and it isn’t getting back into the game. Plus, Michael and Fi’s relationship was front and center. I did have to chuckle when the brother commented his American accent needed work.
Oustanding finale. There has been a lot of development throughout the first half of Season 3, which bodes well for the next set of episodes. I find it very intriguing that BN has started to move beyond the question of Michael trying to get in and more toward the apparent conspiracy in the intelligent community. This will all work really well for Burn Notice over the long term.
Loved the episode and I’m glad they did not do a “Fiona is kidnapped” cliffhanger that we all know would have been resolved in the first 5 minutes of the premier. Only thing that bugged me was the accents. I grew up around Irish accents my whole life and something sounded off. I think it was that they had to enunciate more clearly and speak more slowly or the American TV audience wouldn’t be able to follow (complaints from “Snatch”). Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I like how they end one story arc yet it creates another one. The death of Strickler has now led into whatever fallout emerges from this, such as the death of his CIA contact from the hanger. Since Strickler’s death is pinned on O’Neal, you’d think that it wouldn’t affect the review of Michael’s file…but apparently it has. I can’t wait for it to return!
Great summer finale! I’m so glad Strickler is gone, and thrilled Michael took action to handle this. I liked that we learned a bit about Fi’s past – the loss of her sister. I liked her brother. I wouldn’t mind seeing him again.
Love that we got more background on Fi. Love that Michael decided he couldn’t — and wouldn’t — be the slimeball Strickler needed him to be. And most of all, I love that Strickler bit the dust, courtesy of two bullets from Fiona’s gun while it was held by the guy who only sees a better future with her
Loved it! When Michael said ‘Fiona isn’t my past’ then blew Strickler away – awesome scene!!! I do agree that they seemed to cram a bunch of stuff in at the end to set up the next half of the season. Doesn’t mean I’m not amped up for it though!!
burn notice is an awesome show!!!!
I really enjoyed the finale. These two, Michael & Fionia, can convey more emotion with a look and a touch of the face than so many others can when they just gush a lot of dialogue.That is a credit to the actors as well as the directors and writers.
Great mid-season finale! Burn Notice never disappoints and it has only gotten better. The acting was fantastic last night from everyone, but Jeffery Donovan was so good. So many emotions in one hour but he mastered all of them. I really can’t wait for January BUT now Psych is returning tonight and I can’t wait to see what happens. I was upset with USA for not having Burn Notice and Psych together anymore, but not I realize it’s a good thing because I would have nothing to watch for the rest of the summer if both ended at the same time. Touche USA and GREAT JOB to everyone involved with making the Burn Notice finale!
Sorry “now I realize” not “not.” Oops.