In general, I like to write about the main problems of the world and science. Nevertheless; since I entered this article contest I have decided to expand my topics. My first order of business is to introduce those of you who haven’t seen an episode yet, Burn Notice. Burn Notice can be viewed on the US network. Seasons 1 and 2 are available on DVD, and the show is currently in its third season. I’d also recommend checking out Hulu, where you can currently watch season 3 episodes 10-13. Anyone who knows the shows will notice the Hulk theme, Highway to Heaven, of a guy who goes and helps people with their problems. Burn Notice is just that, but with a really cool twist.
The show introduces us to a character named Michael Weston. He is a spy working for the United States government. While on a mission, he receives a phone call telling him that there is a “Burn Notice” on him. A burn notice means that he has basically gotten too hot to handle and no one will touch him. Sure enough, he’s done with the espionage business for the time being. They drop him off in Miami where he is to stay until he finds out which agency burned him down. He has no work history, no credit history, nothing. The government has frozen all of his assets and resources, forcing him to take any job that comes his way. Given his particular set of skills, he is dedicated to helping people for money, if they can afford it. At first it is not his idea, at first he is fooled by his mother, then by his brother, and so on. Eventually, people come to him for help, though in current episodes the jobs seem to come through Fiona and Sam. Fiona is “Trigger Happy’s Ex-Girlfriend”, and Sam is a former spy partner of his who currently resides in Miami. They left it in a convenient place. His mom lives there, Sam lives there, Fiona is there, and I think her brother lived there before she moved to Vegas.
Fiona is an IRA agent (played by Gabrielle Anwar); and that she used to work with Michael and eventually got involved with him. Traditionally called assets. An asset is a source of information in the intelligence community. She really helps push the show forward, with her dark sense of humor and her willingness to blow up anything and everything. She and Sam are Michaels’ backup when he is at one of his jobs or trying to find out who burned it down. Sam is played by Bruce Campbell, an extremely underrated and underappreciated actor, in my opinion. From the first moment you see him in this role, it is obvious that he is perfect for the role. Sam is a former Navy Seal and a retired American spy. He likes to drink, but no matter how much he drinks, he is always focused. He serves as a source of information for Michael. Anytime Michael needs information on someone or something, Sam is the guy who can get it. Michael’s mother, Madeline Weston, is played by Sharon Gless. She is probably best known for playing Cagney, on Cagney & Lacey. Madeline is a chain smoker and manipulative character, which is hilarious to watch. She has a way of getting what she wants and a bad habit of calling Michael at the most inopportune times. Michael has a younger brother who has a minor gambling problem, but fixes his life over the course of the series. He is in quite a few episodes and helps Michael when he can, as well as giving Michaels a job.
The cast is very strong on this show. Jeffery Donovan is the life blood of this show. He perfectly plays his role as Michael Weston. He gives the impression of knowing what he is doing, while at the same time giving the impression of being a normal guy. He seems like he has no problem juggling his clients’ problems and his own. Much of the show is spent going among his clients and trying to figure out who or what agency burned him. From the beginning, there’s this connection between Michael and Fiona that you know will become something in later episodes. I highly recommend this series to anyone who hasn’t seen it. Every episode you watch will leave you wanting more.