“BURN NOTICE” IS HOT

One of the biggest advantages to come of with the dawn of the DVD age is that television shows that might otherwise have gone unnoticed have been given a new chance at life with the release of series seasons on disc. Such is the case with BURN NOTICE, a fairly moderate hit on cable that has the chance to gain viewers with the release this week of season one on disc.

The story revolves around Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan), perhaps the best spy the US has. The problem begins when right in the middle of a transaction with foreign operatives, Weston is given his “burn notice”. In effect, a burn notice is a termination of current employment where an agent is left in the field without identity, backup, funds or anything that might help him. Happening in the middle of an illegal transaction with killers is not the best time to be notified.

Weston escapes and lands in Miami. Using his knowledge and special ops skills, he sets up a place to stay, contacts his old friend Sam (Bruce Campbell) who helps set him up with some work. He also meets up with past girlfriend Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) – an ex-IRA bomber that he left behind, and his mother (Sharon Gless), a chain smoking retiree.
Things are not the best he could hope for.

The character of Michael Weston is charismatic and yet hard at the same time. He has difficulty relating to what you and I might think of as normal civilians. Put him in the midst of a group of soldiers discussing weapons and explosives and he’s in his element. Sitting next to a young boy whose father has been threatened by a rich employer who has set him up to take the fall for a fake theft and that’s a whole different ballgame. As played by Donovan, the character is believable and easy on the eyes for female fans.

Most of the episodes consist of two stories running side by side. The ongoing story consists of Michael trying to discover who issued his burn notice so he can go back to doing what he does best. Whoever placed him there has let him know in no uncertain terms that he is to remain in Miami and let it go. FBI agents that follow him around, NSA members who visit him and more attempt to get that through his head. But Michael doesn’t choose to take this situation lying down.

The second storylines involve Michael either being recruited to help someone in need or taking on jobs that his friend Sam puts him in contact with. Anything from a kidnapping to the fake theft mentioned above requires him to use his cunning and skills to help someone in need.

What I thought made this series work more than anything was the interplay between characters. Not only that but the casting choices make this work like a Swiss watch. Each actor has his or her piece to play and they do it to perfection.

Campbell has found his niche here playing the friend who was once involved in covert actions as well. Sam not only helps Michael but feeds information (usually false) to the Feds who keep an eye on Michael.

Fiona as played by Anwar offers an elegant looking woman with tremendous sex appeal but who has a deadly side that she lets loose now and then. Even then she offers some of the most humorous lines in the show as she matter of factly considers eliminating anyone who gives Michael trouble. This let’s kill ‘em attitude coming from this petite woman makes for an interesting character.

The series offers plenty of action, lots of thoughtful plotlines, a ton of subtle humor and even a touch of romance. With the second season getting ready to begin this summer, now is the time to pick up season one and get caught up. The cliffhanger at season’s end will be a great jumping on point this summer. Until then, give this DVD release a try. It’s worthy of adding to any collection.