What I’m Watching: Burn Notice

Burn Notice: Season 3, Episode 12 “Noble Causes” (B+)

Michael certainly has his hands full with two major operations going on at the same time, but that’s never really been a problem for this particular ex-spy. Gilroy is shaping up to be more and more like Carla was, serving as Michael’s only contact who makes his life miserable by forcing him to put on an act to cover up his other jobs. The introduction of third wheel Claude was only a temporary distraction, since he’s out of the picture now, likely killed by Gilroy for some malicious, manipulative reason. I love the way that Fiona is acting around Michael, looking up information for him like he asks her but then just sitting seductively on the bed reading, reluctant to tell him all about it or pay him much attention. I was delighted to recognize this week’s token guest star as Erik King, also known as Sergeant Doakes from “Dexter.” It was great to see him, especially in a showy role that allowed him to be more comically over-the-top than he ever was when he was just swearing repeatedly at Dexter Morgan. Michael’s fake laugh during that meeting was pretty creepy, I must say. It’s hilarious that Madeline is getting an award, and even better that it’s for reporting cars stolen by Michael. His inability to convey the preposterousness of the concept to her was terrific, and it’s really so nice to see more of Madeline in each episode. It’s touching that Michael came through for her in the end, and that she was willing to leave and spend some time elsewhere with him. She’s still his mother after all, and that’s how she knows that he’s incredibly eager to take his off as soon as humanly possible.