Burn Notice: Season One

Years from now, pop-culture historians will cast a glance back at American TV's action/adventure series' during the early 21st century and note the similarities: the casts studded with young and attractive actors of variable talent, the glamorous settings, the inevitable heightening of sexual tension, the post-modern approach to plotting, and the sly winks at narrative conventions of past shows. The USA Network's Burn Notice is certainly typical of this trend. Jeffrey Donovan stars as Michael Westen, a resourceful spy inexplicably given a “burn notice” that essentially severs any ties to his government handlers. Stranded in Miami without a clue as to why he's been cut loose, Westen turns for help to an unlikely trio: an old girlfriend (Gabrielle Anwar) connected to the Irish Republican Army; a boozy, semi-retired intelligence-officer pal (Bruce Campbell); and his overbearing mom (Sharon Gless). While attempting to find out what prompted his abrupt dismissal, Westen works as a private investigator, while also trying—unsuccessfully—to keep a low profile. Donovan plays the part tongue-in-cheek, and his demeanor suggests James Garner's Jim Rockford, although he lacks the older actor's rumpled, world-weary charm. The 90-minute pilot episode, which establishes the premise and introduces the principal characters, is very good, as is the two-part finale of this 2007 first season, in which Westen attempts to rescue his buddy Sam from heroin smugglers while evading special-forces agents assigned to kill him. The nine episodes in between are more of a mixed bag, but entertaining overall. DVD extras include scene-specific audio commentaries for each episode (featuring cast and series creator Matt Nix), audition footage, and a gag reel. Recommended. (E. Hulse)