Jeffrey Donovan in "Burn Notice"
courtesy of the USA Network
“Burn Notice” (USA Network)

“Burn Notice” returns for its second season on the USA Network. This series about a spy who has been dismissed (gotten his “burn notice”) was one of the network’s most popular last year and with the cast and concept intact it should continue to be.

Jeffery Donovan plays Mitchell Western, a man who is trying to find out why he was “burned” and what he can do to get it lifted. In the meantime he is keeping busy helping people in need.  He is assisted in all his endeavors by his ex-girlfriend Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) and his friend Sam (Bruce Campbell). Fiona is a former IRA operative and Sam is someone Mitchell knew from his days as a spy.

It should also be mentioned that Mitchell has a mother (Sharon Gless) who drives him crazy. He is constantly being told he does not spend enough time with her. Then when he is with her they argue. It is a dysfunctional relationship of the highest order.

This season one of the additions to the cast is Tricia Helfer who plays the mysterious Carla. She becomes Mitchell’s boss so to speak, or at least he does things for her in hopes of finding out why he was “burned.” Helfer is brilliant on “Battlestar Galactica” but on this show her appeal is limited. Hopefully she will become more interesting as the series moves along.

One thing that is always interesting is the city of Miami. It looks like a million bucks with its surreal blue water and its parched golden sand. No other place in the world could stand in for this Eden by the ocean.

The first two episodes of “Burn Notice” are not outstanding. The series is always on the verge of being better than it is. The dry humor is not quite there, and the explosive action is just a bit tame. The actors are all interesting but not enough to make for “must see TV.” 

“Burn Notice” is going to have to hit its stride and hit it fast. Viewing audiences want something with that little bit of “extra” attached to it, and so far “Burn Notice” isn’t there.

“Burn Notice” premieres July 10 at 10Pm on the USA Network.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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