‘Burn Notice’ season 6 finale review: A necessary evil
On Thursday night, we were forced to wave goodbye to a show that really did manage to up its game throughout most of season 6, in addition to giving us some surprising moments and things to talk about: “Burn Notice.” We attribute the show’s newfound success and sense of drive to it become more of a serial rather than a procedural, which has consequently made the adventures of Michael and Fiona into something that is more edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
You could certainly feel that for much of the finale Thursday night, especially as we saw the world of Olivia Riley slowly start to spiral out of control. While she would have been more effective as a big bad had she appeared in more episodes, the CIA agent posed a huge threat to Michael Westen and his gang as she took every means necessary to try and avenge Tom Card’s death … even to the point of sending in a drug cartel. Michael was able to at least try to use this to his advantage in bringing her down … but it also had some dire consequences.
We have a feeling the finale is going to be debated for some time. Is Michael now back with the CIA in order to protect his friends, and what does this mean for the show moving forward? He is hardly going to be able to keep up his tricks in a more uniform environment, in addition to being possibly barred from using his old crew. Then again, we’re also just happy to see both Sam and Jesse survive after the two suffered some pretty major scares throughout the episode.
The best part of this finale (even more so than the cliffhanger) is the beautiful line delivered by Bruce Campbell about Michael keeping his promise to make things right. What does that really even mean in the world of this show? We have seen the character venture into a very dark place over the years, but somehow, working with the government now may not be considered the side of good by any means at all.
What did you think about this episode? If you want to read some more “Burn Notice” news pertaining to the finale, you can do so over at the link here.
Photo: USA
Dean
January 15, 2013 @ 10:52 pm
I agree with Mike. I think Westen was working with the CIA the whole time. In order to get Fiona out of prison the first time, he agreed to help take out the rogue agents in the CIA.
Henry
December 29, 2012 @ 5:36 am
There are so many more plots that can come out of this. I don’t know how there wouldn’t be. He still has to leave off with Fiona and he most likely will because that’s the only logical ending for this show not him going back to work for the CIA.
mike
December 21, 2012 @ 6:15 pm
A good guy as far as back being a spy for the U.S. not so much as far as the team. But you know by the middle of next season they will all kiss and make up.
liz
December 21, 2012 @ 3:21 pm
Did Michael really end this season as a “good guy,” though? I suppose there were only so many options, but he seemed pretty cold to Fiona at the end there. As Maddie said earlier, they’re a team, not a dictatorship. I really don’t know where Michael and Fiona can go from here.
mike
December 21, 2012 @ 2:12 pm
When this episode was filmed and made, Season 7 was not even in the picture. Last night was originally ment to be the end of the series. It began with him being burned and ended with him as the good guy back in. Even in season 3 someone told him “you have no idea how high it goes in order to burn you, and you may not want to know the truth behind it!”
mike
December 21, 2012 @ 2:07 pm
Californiagirl,
I think he said something like, “I’m sorry, I had too. They would not have ever let you go free unless I did.” Maybe not exact but if I remember right, it was something slong those lines. Thats why I think that he was working with the CIA the whole time and faked the fugitive act. At one point, comments were made that indicated the CSS and CIA were on to Card being dirty but they did not know how deep the problem went. So Michael killed Card, and made his accomplise (Riley) have too surface for revenge so they could save the agency. Michael had to lie to the team to protect them and the people close to them.
californiagirl
December 21, 2012 @ 1:06 pm
The dialog was so muffled at the end–what did fiona say to Michael before “u did what u wanted to do?” Anybody catch that? Music too loud, dialog too muffled!
Nanaboo
December 21, 2012 @ 10:56 am
Wow this season was amazing to say the least. If they’re coming back for another season, I hope they have something amazing in the plans. This would have been a great way to end it buti would love another season if it will be as good as this one.
mike
December 21, 2012 @ 8:03 am
How does this make me a dumb ****? I can see that you are highly successful in life since you have the time and motivation to watch an episode 10 times and still get a sick jolly from it. I am thinking a little green herbal aid may be friends with you. Watch the show and tell me what plot could possibly keep this show going? Its Burn Notice meaning burned, or out as a spy. Now, I guess you can call it “My Past Burn Notice” or how to betray friends and family while living a lie!
mike
December 20, 2012 @ 11:27 pm
It was obviously originally made to be the final episode of the series and not the season. Could end now succesfully. Season 7 will be a stretch to keep interest!