What I’m Watching: Burn Notice

Burn Notice: Season 3, Episode 8 “Friends Like These” (B+)

Callie Thorne is becoming a star player on TV these days. She guest-starred on USA’s other popular show “Royal Pains” as a chef several weeks ago, and that’s in addition to her regular role as the bonkers Sheila on “Rescue Me.” Here she plays a great innocent-victim-turned-master-manipulator as the woman-in-the-wrong-place who Michael and Fiona kidnap when they snatch her boyfriend for interrogation. I enjoyed Sam’s attempts to stop her crying by pointing a gun at her as well as his less-than-effective interrogation techniques. Fiona playing nice cop was an unexpected treat, and she’s actually pretty good at it. I truthfully was on the edge of my seat as Michael and Sam discovered that Thorne’s character was actually the one in charge. Fiona’s reaction to Michael slapping her was appropriately severe, and while it’s a tragic turn for the budding couple, seeing her finally take a stand and abandon Michael until he gives up his life of wannabe spying was refreshing. Having Madeleine in on the case was also enjoyable, though it’s always better when she’s with Sam and when she has more to do. It would also have nice to see Barry and Madeleine interacting again.

It seems like it’s snuck up pretty quickly, but next week is the summer finale of “Burn Notice.” There’s plenty of good news: there are at least five episodes already in the can for the spring and the show has just been renewed for a fourth season, presumably airing next summer. Hopefully next will be an awesome conclusion/cliffhanger.