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

Burn Notice: Season 7, Episode 1 “New Deal” (B+)

As is always the case with this show, a new season brings a new cycle of Michael getting in over his head while blindly following someone who is more than likely to betray him. Things are different now, however, since this show is wrapping up its seven-season run shortly, and Michael is in for his last hurrah. Not having Fiona, Sam, and Jesse by his side changes the situation dramatically, and watching them all spring into action when they realized he was in trouble without a way to get in touch with him was an unusual experience. It didn’t take long for Michael’s cover identity to be exposed as a lie, which is very worrisome since this is the best situation he has been in almost since the start of the show. It makes more sense now how Michael got here, as we see the flashback to him being told that he’s worthless but perfect for exactly one job. Recurring this season are not one but two “Heroes” alumni: Jack Coleman as Michael’s new handler, and Adrian Pasdar as his mark, who didn’t get the message that Michael is actually working for the CIA and seems to implicitly trust him. Fiona having a new boyfriend is an enormous deal, and we’ll have to see where that leads as Michael continues to get himself into hot water and requires the help of his friends to bail him out. Madeline being manipulated into giving up Michael’s status is sure to damage her well-being, and this is without a doubt going to be an intense swan song for her and everyone else on the show.