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« Burn Notice
Episode Recap: "Loose Ends"
I've been looking forward to this season finale all week. We finally got to meet the mysterious Philip Cowan; that definitely didn't go as planned. Sam's double blackmail case gets more and more complex until ultimately it puts him in mortal danger. Michael finally understands why his mother is so needy and learns that in a crunch he can count on family. And lastly, I think we finally understand why Michael needs to find out why he was burned: His job was his family. He could count on them to have his back and be there when he needed them.
Let's start at the beginning. Michael's feeling a little jumpy, as evidenced by him pulling a gun on Sam while he's working out. Cowan burned him, sent someone to kill him and is now off the grid. When Cowan calls him to meet, they start a kind of high-stakes scavenger hunt — Cowan leaves sophisticated clues that Michael must interpret and follow to get a face-to-face meeting. Michael's first mistake is taking Sam as backup. Cowan spots Sam and gets away. Everyone's being extra cautious for good reason. You trust the wrong people and you're dead.
At the same time, Sam has decided to pursue a job without Michael's help. He recruits Fi, who demands a daily fee plus expenses. What's Sam going to do? He needs backup. He meets with Gillian, who is being blackmailed into helping her married friend's boyfriend smuggle heroin. Only, Sam discovers it's a double blackmail and Gillian's friend Melissa and her husband Kent are really the ones in the drug trade. Gillian suspects she'll only lose her job over this if she's caught, but Melissa and Kent are in so deep they try to kill her.
Back on the home front, Mama Westen has received a scary phone call and summons both her boys. Now, I know some of you really don't like Michael's brother (or his mother) but there were some very nice family moments in tonight's episode. I thought Nate really came through for Michael when he needed him. Sure, he gave him some serious lip first, but you know how family is.
Michael finally goes (runs actually) to his meeting with Cowan. While Cowan cops to trying to have him killed, he tells Michael he didn't burn him. Cowan says the people he works for have plans for Michael right before he's assassinated. He's dead when he hits the ground. I will admit that took me by surprise. I was shocked to see Cowan shot, but that only makes the stakes that much higher. It reinforces that important — and maybe scary — people, are controlling Michael's life and they're not done with him yet.
Across town, Sam's case gets a little more complicated when Melissa and Kent are killed by their boss, Harrick. Sam is taken but Fi manages to get away and hide out until Michael, with the help of Nate, collects her. While Sam is being interrogated (with fists of fury), Michael and Fi arm themselves for a rescue effort. When Michael asks for proof of life, Sam gives him a sign in the photo that warns him to stay away — it's a setup and they're all going to die. Michael, never one to leave a man behind, ignores the warning and makes his money-laundering friend Barry give him a lead. That lead helps Michael locate Harrick's base of operations.
Michael continues to try to draw Cowan's bosses out in the open and succeeds but manages to get away. He's not ready to go in just yet. Things get a little tense when Mama Westen accidentally provides a tracking device to Cowan's bosses. Michael realizes they're being followed as he's trying to get his family out of town and threatens to kill himself while they escape. Michael will come to them in 12 hours if they let him go now.
Michael is contacted by Cowan's bosses and directed to a remote location. The last image we see is Michael driving Sam's car into the back of an 18-wheeler with no idea what he's gotten himself into or what will happen next.
There was some good closure with both Fi and Sam. Fi gets to say goodbye this time and they share a sweet kiss. It looks like Fi wants more (as always) but she knows it's not the right time. And Sam tells Michael he should have stayed away while admitting he would have done exactly the same thing.
This was a highly enjoyable episode. I have a few quibbles (Would a proof-of-life photo be more than just a headshot? Wouldn't Kent and Melissa have seen Michael out in the open when Gillian drove away?) but mostly it was satisfying and entertaining. Good pyrotechnics and a great fight scene between Michael and Harrick at the end. I still can't believe they killed Richard Schiff. Now there are more questions than ever but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm so there when the new season starts. I can't believe I have to wait until next summer. Boo. They need to do special midwinter episodes like The Closer did last year.
Some great lines:
Michael: "That'll kill you, you know."
Sam: "Yeah, no kidding."
Michael: "No, the bucket of trans fat you got there."
Nate: "Hey bro. You look tired."
Michael: "Hey Nate. You look clean. You shaved the ferret off your face."
Sam: "You never charge Mike."
Fi: "Oh, I expect other things from Michael."
Fi: "Well, I think the balls are in your court."
Mama Westen: "We're your family Michael. I'm asking that you trust us."
Michael: "And when would I have learned how to do that?"
Nate: "I know how to lose a tail, all right? I hate to break it to you, but spies aren't the only people with enemies."
Michael: "…spies hide guns like squirrels hide acorns…."
Michael: "…and finally it all comes down to putting your ass on the line to learn something."
Questions to ponder:
• Do you think Michael's really done being a spy?
• What do you think Cowan's bosses have in store for Michael? Did you recognize the voice of the female caller? At first I thought it was Melinda Clarke, but I don't think that's right.
• Bonus: If Lucy Lawless' character is still alive as some of you have suggested, how and when would you like her to reappear?
Check out our Online Video Guide for more on Burn Notice.
Until next year...
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Sep 21, 2007 2:37 AM
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Great season finale, Summer is a long time to wait for season two. Richard Schiff was a waste of his fine talent,what was it five minutes or less screen time?
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Sep 21, 2007 8:00 AM
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Oh was that finale rockin or what? That was the best 2 hours spent in a long time. (on a tv show that is)
I have to say that that Fi has some very nice get away sticks on her. Wow!
Just an all around good episode. Great, great ending.
As for the voice I could not even gather a guess to who it might be.
Summer is so far away.
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Sep 21, 2007 8:40 AM
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Really good ep. Although there were WAY too many commercials -- it looked like they were trying to make an hour and a half ep into 2 hours.
But - so much going on. I really like the kitchen scene with Michael and his mother. There was so much going on - his voice was so low when she accused him of leaving them. Too bad they were interupted.
The brother did finally come through - he showed he isn't a total screw up and can be counted on.
When they talk about next summer - it seems so far away. So glad we had this new show to watch - it was a great summer!
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Sep 21, 2007 8:52 AM
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Good Gravy that was a great episode. I must admit, I came to the show for Bruce Campbell alone - but the show really sucked me in this summer. I worry that Mike will go back to being a spy and we'll never see Sam & Fi again. They were both integral to the show.
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Sep 21, 2007 8:59 AM
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Great, great episode! One thing I *really* loved is that they gave us quite a cliffhanger without the tired old saw of wondering if one of the main characters is dead or not (and checking for any contact-renewal news for the actors to get a good guess out ahead of time *G*) The show is perfectly poised to head in any number of new directions next summer.
I doubt that we've seen the last of Sam or Fi - so much of what makes the show so good is the chemistry of the three of them together - they bounce off each other so well, and Fi and Michael's "romance" is unconventional and intriguing!
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Sep 21, 2007 9:12 AM
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I for one loved the episode, but some questions: Nate is Michael's brother but what is he into? He seemed to know an awful lot about what Michael does and can handle himself pretty well. Sam and Fi are so good in this. Love Bruce Campbell, sorry I missed his mini reunion with Lucy last week from their Xena days. Sharon Gless almost had me crying because she does love her boys and its not her fault if she can't get out of her happy home life fantasy. I don't think the voice was Melinda Clarke. I hope they don't "tweak" the show over the break......such a long break. This is a great show!
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Sep 21, 2007 9:29 AM
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I love this show from the beginning! Last night's finale was engaging. Very entertaining. I love the mix of cool action with comedy and a little romance. Michael's narration gives you tips and insight on what he is thinking.
I can't wait for next summer!!
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Sep 21, 2007 9:34 AM
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For me the absolute best moment was when the words "Burn Notice Returns for a New Season Next Summer" appeared on the bottom of the screen.
One plot point I may be confused about. When the bad guys were trying to figure out who Sam was, didn't they say something like "DEA doesn't blow up the people they're watching" - suggesting that they weren't the big fish who shot the missile at the little fish?
Seeing Michael spend extended time with the family I can see why he chose a life of being tortured and shot at. Nate finally stepped up and acted like an adult, but Mama just showed that she could be annoying on levels never before imagined. Not really Sharon Gless' fault, it's how the part is written: "Mom stay here" "I don't want to stay here."
"Mom you need to et out of town" "I don't want to go out of town."
Mama could give Dwight Schroot a run for most annoying character, and at least Dwight is funny.
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Sep 21, 2007 10:03 AM
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1) basic rule in TV and movies. If you don't see the character dead on the floor, they aren't dead. (and even when you do it doesn't always mean they are dead)
2) Did anyone else see the blatant homage to Knight Rider at the end?
a) hero named Michael
b) black car
c) talking car (kinda, it was OnStar, but still a talking car)
d) that trailer he drove into was right out of Knight Rider
e) covert black ops type agency
it makes me wonder if thats the direction the show is going towards. Will Michael have to do off the radar type undercover spy work for a unknown government agency?
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Sep 21, 2007 10:07 AM
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It is so hard to say goodbye to this show  I really enjoyed last nights finale - especially since the two plots: Sam's case and Michael's search for the truth was handled very well. Also to have Bruce Campbell get some more airtime and see the tougher side to Sam and that he can hold his own after being captured. His deadpan humor during those scenes was great!
Mostly what I liked about this finale was how you saw underneath their skills and bravado - that Sam, Fi, and Michael all can get rattled and scared. The scene with Michael and Mom in the kitchen was quite touching, and Jeffrey played it perfectly - the tears in Michael's eyes, the stark emotion written all over his face was heartbreaking especially when you see him struggle to regain control.
I am one of the few but I really like Nate but I did wonder if he was in on this or has his own secret because he did seem very cool and took in the information Michael gave him rather well.
...The best part of the night? When Michael is talking to Sam on the phone after listening to Melissa and Kent's conversation and the door burst open and Mama Westen is waving around the gun Michael gave Nate. I love Michael's reaction on his face and quickly hurrying to end his call with Sam.
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Sep 21, 2007 10:15 AM
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Seems like way to long to wait to see what happens to Michael and gang; but guessing they are figuring have enough to watch on tv; and summer perfect time to show the show since nothing else new really runs at that time.
Great show; Love the trio of Michael, Sam and Fi. They are great together how they back each other up and love the 'we never leave anyone behind' straight out of Stargate for me 
Liked Michaels brother couldn't figure out what he did but whoever said he knows alot about spy business. Sharon Gless great as Michaels mom; its like she understands what Michael is going through and do want he wants; she may b*tch about it but she will do it for her own good.
Sucks though to have to wait til next summer to see what happens hopefully reruns will keep us going til then.
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Sep 21, 2007 10:17 AM
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... and i'm telling you Michaels father still fits somehow into all this (maybe he runs the agency trying to get Michael right now and I think his mother knows more then she is letting on.
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Sep 21, 2007 10:28 AM
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I absolutely agree that Michael's mysterious father factors into this show and that Mama Westin knows it. It took me a little while to warm up to this show. I came to it because I'm a big Bruce Campbell fan. In the beginning Michael's character was a little too arrogant for my liking - but last night changed all of that for me. I'm a solid fan now! Can't wait for next summer to arrive!
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Sep 21, 2007 10:49 AM
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One plot point I may be confused about. When the bad guys were trying to figure out who Sam was, didn't they say something like "DEA doesn't blow up the people they're watching" - suggesting that they weren't the big fish who shot the missile at the little fish?
I think the bad guy was referring to Mike blowing up the pickup truck when he rescued Fi.
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Sep 21, 2007 10:54 AM
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