Burn Notice "Turn and Burn" (2008)

Two episodes in and Burn Notice has already returned to fine form as the episodes continue to revert to the format of last season, not to say that the show isn't still immensely entertaining. I'm actually a little confused because I thought that this season's missions would all be related to his new handler. Apparently Michael will still be running his side business while undergoing assignments for her new bosses. Too early to tell yet but I like this better than the beginning of the first season as we inched closer to finding out about the burn notice. Michael will now be balancing two missions in a week and that can only put a strain on our already super-busy gang.

Michael seems to be making a reputation for himself around Miami as his exploits are becoming more well known. This had to have been expected since he's taken increasingly more high profile cases that have to be noticed by someone. This week he had an undercover DEA agent looking to him for help when she could not turn to her own superiors. I'm not sure if she knew who he was other than that he had already taken on the cartel previously but I like that Michael has become a minor superhero in Miami. I'm sure his stature and prestige will only continue to grow which may not make Carla very happy as she seems very serious about anonymity. I also wonder if since Sophia (Jacqueline Piñol) realized Michael had previously hurt the cartel, then it might be only a matter of time before one of them figures it out as well. Maybe Michael will need Carla's support a little bit into the future.

This week's mission was another referral from Sam who I think would be a little reticent after the last job he pushed Michael to take. Of course it again is much more than it seems only this time with Michael involved from the start things are a little more under control. Then we have Fiona, who while still the smooth professional she always has been, discontinues the playful banter and flirting I loved so much about the two of them. When Michael asks her to do a favor for him she bluntly says his charms no longer have an effect on her. When he offers her his spoonful of yogurt, she uses her own spoon to get some. There is a flash of remorse across Michael's face as he begins to realize that Fiona was serious about not being involved romantically. I think he was hoping to maintain the dynamic they had last season, semi-involved with no real commitment however she seems to have other plans. Maybe Michael should not have been so willing to be platonic friends.

Well even if he doesn't have Fiona, there is another woman in his life that's looking for more. When Madeline suggested they attend family counseling sessions, I thought the show was about to mine some serious comedic gold. It looks like only this episode will see some in-depth therapy into the Weston family history. What I do love about Madeline and Michael is that there is certainly tension and hurt feelings on both sides but down they do care about each other. The may bicker but they can be honest with each other as well. Actually now with the Fiona relationship on ice, Madeline has probably become the person Michael can be the most open with. Since she already knows him better than anyone else, it works since he doesn't have to reveal all that much and she can at least see him when he's most vulnerable.

Favorite moment: It looks like Michael may have finally found his Lex Luthor. After staying one step ahead of him for the entire episode by spotting Sam and Fiona doing surveillance of their meet and proving she can gain access to Madeline's house whenever she pleases, Michael finally gets her to slip and speak in Arabic. It's a small tidbit that she speaks with a Kurdish accent but Michael seems to think it can help to identify her and her organization. Michael's persistent nature has been constantly underestimated by his opponents and it looks like Carla has made the same mistake. Or has she? She may just be better than we've seen so far. One thing is for sure, season two looks very promising indeed.