Michael and friends help out an ex-sniper looking to take down the guy who beat his sister.
I haven’t been this invested in Burn Notice since its premiere episode. I mean, we all knew that there was no way Michael was going to be reinstated so easily but I, for one, didn’t see all the drama that was coming. I certainly didn’t see the need to meltdown a murder weapon. Man, that thermite doesn’t mess around.
I am a fan of Lauren Stamile who played Agent Pearce but I’m not sure if I like her in this role. At first glance, she seems a little too smart for her own good. In five seasons, I’ve learned that you never underestimate Michael Westen and you should always keep him in the loop.
How great is Matt Lauria? I’m a little biased since I’ve had a guy crush on him since Friday Night Lights but the more he’s on TV, the better. Was it just me or was this whole plot starting to look like a spinoff? Not that I’m complaining. I would totally watch a show about an ex-government operative who helps out folks who were wronged and looks good doing it, just as long as they relocate him to a city as cool looking as Miami.
What I really liked about this particular scam was how it played into Ramsey’s (Andrew Davoli) greed. All it took was a fancy car and a watch and he was ready to give up his whole operation.
Speaking of spinoffs, I would pay good money to see Jesse (Coby Bell) and Fi (Gabrielle Anwar) play feds who go undercover as dirty cops every week. They can call the show Under Covers. Oh wait. In any event, that scene was classic BN and I always love seeing a pack of Morley’s. It reminds me of The X-Files.
While I thought the heart to heart between Michael and Ethan was a little sappy, I liked how Michael explained to him about revenge being best enjoyed well below room temperature. Although, if Ethan becomes a recurring character, his hot temper could get real old real quick.
If I had one complaint about this episode it would be the book ended investigation of Max’s murder, but the video of the Westen impersonator was truly chilling.
Some stats and info about Burn Notice, “Square One”
TV SHOW – Burn Notice
SEASON/EPISODE – Season 5, Episode 5
AIRED ON – July 21st, 2011
NETWORK/STREAMING SERVICE – USA/Hulu
GENRE – Drama, Comedy, Spy Shows, Action Shows
CREATED BY – Matt Nix
CAST – Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, Sharon Gless, Coby Bell
This review originally appeared on TV Geek Army.