388 replies to this topic

[jaguar007]

Is this show supposed to be good? In a moment of curiosity, I tuned in for a 10-minute stretch. What I saw did not impress. Stylish production, but vapid content. Some pretty outrageous (silly) scenarios (or is that the idea?), and a car-flipping-stunt the likes of which I haven't seen since... well... let's just say that the producers should be looking over their shoulder for an angry-looking, mohawk-sporting, gold-chain-wearing beast of a man that does "pity the fool that would violate infringement rights".

I know the scene you are talking about and I thought the same thing, it looked like 80s action TV. However I am someone who has enjoyed the show since episode 1 and will continue to do so. In many ways Burn Notice is a modern throwback to the great shows of the 60s & 80s. It certainly follows a formula but it is intelligently written (I read that the head writer has an unknown connection to someone in special - ops so much of what Michael does is based on reality) and well acted. It has some of the best witty dialogue on TV.

[Arbogast777]

Just announced: Burn Notice Season 2 will be released on DVD... and BLU-RAY June 16th!!!

[MrDraco]

Dude burn notice is the shizze

[DR76]

I loved the Season 2 finale. It was just brilliant! Hell, I loved Season 2.

[Jackanaples]

Just announced: Burn Notice Season 2 will be released on DVD... and BLU-RAY June 16th!!!

Very fitting release date, as it's my birthday!

As to comparisons to 1980s tv shows, well, I don't really see it. BURN NOTICE is the smartest, best written, most character driven show of it's type in years if not decades. THE A-TEAM, MAGNUM P.I., etc. can't even touch it. When they do the occasional stunt like the one you indicated, they set it up far better than those programs ever bothered to. But stuff like cars flipping over is a rarity --usually Michael just does something monstrously clever to get out of scrapes.

If anyone can name an action/adventure program even comparable to it released in the last twenty years please speak up. The only show I can think of in this category that comes close is the short-lived VENGEANCE UNLIMITED starring Michael Madsen. Even that one wasn't quite as good as BN (even though it was created by the peerless John McNamara).

Edited by Jackanaples, 22 March 2009 - 05:21 PM.

[jaguar007]

Burn Notice has more in common with some of the 60s shows like The Saint, but also has a touch of 80s charm like MacGyver and Remington Steele (with a touch of The Equalizer thrown in).

[Jackanaples]

Burn Notice has more in common with some of the 60s shows like The Saint, but also has a touch of 80s charm like MacGyver and Remington Steele (with a touch of The Equalizer thrown in).

I agree, but I think it's actually better done than all of those shows. The main problem with shows from the 80's was that they could never be as violent as they needed to be. Standards and Practices turned every American action show of the period into a bland no consequence exercise in banality. The exception to that might be THE EQUALIZER, which I never watched but might check out on dvd if the reviews say it's worth the effort.

I like THE SAINT as well as many other action/adventure shows of the 1960's: THE AVENGERS, THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., DANGER MAN, T.H.E. CAT, BURKE'S LAW, ADAM ADAMANT LIVES!, I SPY, THE WILD WILD WEST, THE PRISONER, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, etc. I'd say that era was definitely the golden age for that type of programming.

Maybe one of the reasons I enjoy BURN NOTICE so much is that it's definitely the descendant of THE SAINT, while simultaneously updating it into something new. In every episode, Michael Westen does something I've never seen before on tv or in a movie before. Possibly more than one thing. It's what keeps me coming back.

I said BN was better than any show of it's type in the past twenty years above. Actually I should have said thirty years.

[jaguar007]

I do recommend you check out The Equalizer. Is is far darker, more serious and violent than shows like MacGyver and Remington Steele. It is my favorite show from the 80s. Edward Woodard has a presence like no other, very intense actor.

It is about a retired government agent who helps out people in need - you can clearly see how the premise from BN borrowed from this idea.

[jaguar007]

Stock up on yogurt, Burn Notice returns with season 3 this Thursday. Friday's USA Today had a nice article about the show.

USA Today : Burn Notice

[Professor Dent]

That was a great article.

Not only is the show back Thursday (at 9 pm this time), USA is running an all day Burn Notice marathon with Casino Royale playing at 6 pm right before the season premier. Thursday will be a very good day.

[dodge]

Great article, read with thanks.

I'm charged by the report in TV Guide that this season will feature one DIE HARD-style episode, with Michael trapped in a bank. Yippie-ay-ohhhhh!

[jaguar007]

Great article, read with thanks.

I'm charged by the report in TV Guide that this season will feature one DIE HARD-style episode, with Michael trapped in a bank. Yippie-ay-ohhhhh!

Actually that episode was last season (Bad Breaks, aired in February).

[Double-0-7]

Surely it must be Thursday by now, I'm tired of waiting!

[Professor Dent]

Great article, read with thanks.

I'm charged by the report in TV Guide that this season will feature one DIE HARD-style episode, with Michael trapped in a bank. Yippie-ay-ohhhhh!

Actually that episode was last season (Bad Breaks, aired in February).

Yep - one of the best episodes of season 2.

[dodge]

Great article, read with thanks.

I'm charged by the report in TV Guide that this season will feature one DIE HARD-style episode, with Michael trapped in a bank. Yippie-ay-ohhhhh!

Actually that episode was last season (Bad Breaks, aired in February).

Yep - one of the best episodes of season 2.

Ah, I remember now thank you. They also spoke of an action-packed episode in the desert. I hope that one is still to come.

[jaguar007]

The Bank episode is being repeated on USA at this very minute.

[Blofeld's Cat]

I wish season 2 would start showing here in Oz.

[OmarB]

The fist episode of the new season was amazing. I don't wanna spoil it for you guys but wow, Mike's up against a wall now.

[dodge]

A stellar episode. For a little while, at the beginning, I thought Oh-oh, this is starting to feel too familiar. But after the cozy opening, the fun...and the twists... dug right in. Good to have BN back!

[Bryce (003)]

OK - Good set up for what should be yet another remarkable season.

Yeah, Mike is up against more than the "burn" now. Sam and our lovely/deadly Fi are right on par. Madeline is becoming more of a mother to all three in a combination of frustration and sarcasm that may just eventually get Sharon Gless an Emmy nomination if not a win after this season.

Great kick off though and of course, more "spy gospel" in Michael's narratives.

"Sometimes, it's better to surrender than to escape."

Looking forward to more.

[Arbogast777]

"Sometimes you have to remember that it can be easier to dodge questions than bullets."

[Professor Dent]

"Sometimes you have to remember that it can be easier to dodge questions than bullets."

One of the great quotes.

Solid episode. It doesn't even feel like there was a gap in writing or filming from season 2. Next week's episode looks great.

[Arbogast777]

On a side note - is this the first season that lists Jeffrey Donovan as a producer?

[OmarB]

This show's one of the prime examples of TV crews putting out stellar work that dwarfs many movies. On every front it's so well done, I usually get fixated on the direction, cinematography and editing ... as well as Fiona.

[staveoffzombies]

Great show and it's nice to see Bruce Campbell getting a steady paycheck.

[Professor Dent]

On a side note - is this the first season that lists Jeffrey Donovan as a producer?

I don't remember see him listed as a producer in any other episodes. I read that he renegotiated his contract & got a well deserved raise. Didn't see a mention of him getting a producer credit, though. In any event, it is money well spent.

[jaguar007]

Burn Notice is doing well for USA. I hear the season premiere of Burn Notice actually got higher ratings than it's competition on it's parent network NBC for the time slot (it also beat out CBS's CSI rerun), something that rarely happens with Network/cable.

[dodge]

Not pleased at all with the last show, which seemed lame, imo. Way too cutesey for my taste. I missed the harder edge and the usual stellar balance between the smiles and the action. The reverse torture scene, in particular, was appallingly badly done.

[Jackanaples]

I thought it had a few standout moments. In particular Fiona's meditation instructions to the client and Sam's feeding Mike Jimmy's description from behind the villain during the reverse interrogation scene. I also laughed to hear Sam use the "Chuck Finley" name again. That the villains were tricked into killing themselves was a definite plus for me as well.

It may not have been the strongest episode, but one of the joys of BN for me is that even the weaker shows are far better than just about everything else comparable on tv. Looking forward to the return of Seymour the arms dealer this season. Wonder when he'll show up.

Edited by Jackanaples, 15 June 2009 - 04:21 PM.

[jaguar007]

I thought it had a few standout moments. In particular Fiona's meditation instructions to the client

I loved that scene. One of the things that makes Fi perhaps the best female character on TV today.