I've been hearing for a while that Burn Notice was a great show. From what I was told it was funny and entertaining and, well, fun. That's actually not my type of show in general. My favorite shows are BSG, LOST, Babylon 5, The Wire, The Shield etc. so this did not seem at all up my aisle.
Nevertheless I figured I'd download the first episode off of iTunes and give it a go. I looked at the description of the show and I just counted off the cliches. I thought to myself, "Why on God's Earth did I download this? I'm going to hate it."
I loved it.
First off the casting for Michael was perfect. The character was greatly developed and at the same time came across as a spoof of James Bond. Perhaps it was all the gratutious bikini shots that made me think that.
The ex seemed like she'd be annoying but surprisingly wasn't. That may change, though. I don't really see how she can stick around. She did have a cool voice.
The subplot with the drug dealer was a lot better than it had any right to be. I loved when he shot the guy through the wall.
It was cool to see Ray Wise but that plot was pretty much by-the-numbers. Not necessarily a bad thing for a pilot that has a number of things to worry about. I did like the tidbit about putting Leland Palmer's fingerprints on the bullets; I'd never have thought of that.
An early scene that clinched it for me was when he asked the blond woman where a pay phone was and she didn't know what he was talking about so he stared to make the motions.
I'm assuming that the ongoing plot will be why he got the burn notice and I hope its not one of those things where they forget to mention it until the season finale. I also liked Dan. Seemed like a solid guy and I'd like to see some more of him.
Of note, I thought, was that he executed the two gunrunners in the bathroom at the beginning. A nice touch to Michael's character, reminding us that he's a spy. It'd be good to see more of this cold hearted attitude come forward again.
I'd say my only complaint is related to the above. It's almost a little too light for the subject matter. They could've had it be just as funny and have it deal with the whole burn notice thing in a darker fashion. Does the show get more serious while maintaing the humor? I hope so but if it doesn't I'll still watch.
All in all, I'm really happy and I'll watch some more tomorrow. I want to be all caught up by the time it airs its second season in July. Did I hear something about Tricia Helfer doing a guest spot in it?
Anyhow, I'd love to hear what others' first impressions are and if I'm right at all in my thinking above.
Nevertheless I figured I'd download the first episode off of iTunes and give it a go. I looked at the description of the show and I just counted off the cliches. I thought to myself, "Why on God's Earth did I download this? I'm going to hate it."
I loved it.
First off the casting for Michael was perfect. The character was greatly developed and at the same time came across as a spoof of James Bond. Perhaps it was all the gratutious bikini shots that made me think that.
The ex seemed like she'd be annoying but surprisingly wasn't. That may change, though. I don't really see how she can stick around. She did have a cool voice.
The subplot with the drug dealer was a lot better than it had any right to be. I loved when he shot the guy through the wall.
It was cool to see Ray Wise but that plot was pretty much by-the-numbers. Not necessarily a bad thing for a pilot that has a number of things to worry about. I did like the tidbit about putting Leland Palmer's fingerprints on the bullets; I'd never have thought of that.
An early scene that clinched it for me was when he asked the blond woman where a pay phone was and she didn't know what he was talking about so he stared to make the motions.
I'm assuming that the ongoing plot will be why he got the burn notice and I hope its not one of those things where they forget to mention it until the season finale. I also liked Dan. Seemed like a solid guy and I'd like to see some more of him.
Of note, I thought, was that he executed the two gunrunners in the bathroom at the beginning. A nice touch to Michael's character, reminding us that he's a spy. It'd be good to see more of this cold hearted attitude come forward again.
I'd say my only complaint is related to the above. It's almost a little too light for the subject matter. They could've had it be just as funny and have it deal with the whole burn notice thing in a darker fashion. Does the show get more serious while maintaing the humor? I hope so but if it doesn't I'll still watch.
All in all, I'm really happy and I'll watch some more tomorrow. I want to be all caught up by the time it airs its second season in July. Did I hear something about Tricia Helfer doing a guest spot in it?
Anyhow, I'd love to hear what others' first impressions are and if I'm right at all in my thinking above.
