Burn Notice... Burned Out?

It's summer, and that means all my fave USA series are back! Number one on the list is Burn Notice, starring the dreamy Jeffery Donovan as Michael Westen, an ex-CIA agent trying to get back in with The Company. Last season we finally solved the big mystery of who "burned" Michael and why. Anson Fullerton (Jere Burns) was looking to cut Michael's ties to all that was Lawful Good and recruit him for his own little agency... of villains! Dun dun DUNNNNN! This season, so far, revolves around the fact that Fiona Glennanne (Gabrielle Anwar) - who recently dropped the "ex" in "ex-boyfriend" in her relationship with Michael - surrendered herself to the feds in order to save Michael from being blackmailed by Anson.

Got that? Cause I'm not going to say it again. 

Obviously, this is a game-changer. Instead of focusing on his own redemption/revenge, with occasional side stories to help the helpless of Miami, Michael is essentially on a crusade to save Fiona. He's lost his calculated cool demeanor, and is frantic over the danger his girlfriend is in. To be fair, she is in a metric shit-ton of danger - I can't imagine that 90-lb women with anger management issues and lists of enemies a mile long do well in prison.

The difference between you and me? I make this look good.

So far, my reaction has been mixed. On one hand, I love that Fiona is getting her time in the spotlight. And make no mistake - she isn't some damsel in distress, she's a five-star badass doing everything she can to protect the one she loves. On the other hand, Michael is panicking - which is so not in line with his character. His efforts to help Fiona seem like nothing more than ineffectual flailing. Also, Michael's instructive voice-overs - which give the show that great "how to be a super spy" feeling - seem to have taken a back burner.

While I hope Matt Nix will get back to the basics that made his show so great to begin with... I'll probably stay loyal to Burn Notice, regardless. If only to get my weekly dose of Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell!). Tune in every Thursday at 9pm on USA.

I love everything that you are doing right now.