What I’m Watching: Burn Notice (Season Finale)

Burn Notice: Season 3, Episode 16 “Devil You Know” (B+)

This was a great way to end this season, in my opinion. I’m surprised reader G1000 didn’t love it as much (read his take) since for me it was a very strong close to a very strong season. Usually things really get thrown for a loop, and this certainly did that, but it did so in a way that allowed the characters to operate in their usual roles under exceptionally drastic circumstances. Madeline has never been in quite as much danger from the law, and the way that she took responsibility for the bomb-making equipment in the garage was awesome, hilarious, and intense all at the same time. The casting of Al Sapienza, usually a villain of sorts on shows like “The Sopranos” and “Prison Break,” as the FBI agent in pursuit of Michael was a nice surprise, and he did a great job, especially when he told Madeline he had no idea how to find him after he was arrested. Garret Dillahunt was also a spectacular choice for the role of Simon, and he made a terrific psychopath. I liked the connection that he was the one responsible for everything Michael had been accused of since it ties everything together and gives Michael a way out from everything, especially as far as Management is concerned. Simon’s crazed driving was a particularly indicative instance of how insane he was since it takes a lot to make Michael look that scared or nervous. On the entertainment side, I liked the device of captioning in this episode where the FBI agent was given the very redundant but still helpful subtitle of “FBI” and Simon’s name was simply accompanied by a question mark. Among Michael’s best lines were “your worst nightmare is a lone crazy person” and “if you don’t have a helicopter, you may have to improvise,” and Sam also had a great one: “you never really know a car until you drive it through a wall.” In terms of drama, that scene towards the end where Management told Michael that they would take care of Simon as long as Michael didn’t kill him was magnificent, and I plan on watching it again soon. The music playing in the background was a smart touch, because this show rarely has such seriously dramatic moments. The final shot was also one, where Michael was gone and seemingly imprisoned deep in some secret facility, and then it turns out he’s actually in a living room somewhere. I’m very eagerly anticipating season four this summer. The times, they are a changin’.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Jeffrey Donovan