Burn Notice – Daddy issues

by Scott Tunstall

We’re almost at the end of season three of Burn Notice and the specter of Michael Westen’s long-lost presumed dead father still looms large. Maybe I’m alone on this one, but I can’t help but think daddy dearest will eventually come into play down the road. Let me be clear. I’m not certain the guy is dead. I’ve already pontificated about this possibility in past reviews, so I won’t rehash all my wild speculation. Except to say, the writers have a reason for constantly dropping the elder Westen into the drama besides intriguing back-story.

Last night’s episode did nothing but reinforce my assumptions. The always touchy subject of an abusive father, or in this case stepfather, was the central storyline. Mike normally doesn’t let his emotions drift into his side jobs. This time around he was sternly determined to bring down Erik the douchebag child abuser. Having lived through a less than happy childhood himself, Mike identified with young Joey’s plight. Not to mention the references to being afraid of the dark, loneliness and the unknown.

Dare I say, super-spy Mikey behaved in a fatherly manner. He was exceedingly protective of Joey and his mom, and provided sound advice while disarming the precocious tyke. Mike even showed the kid how to manufacture a cell phone bug. Isn’t that cute. What’s next? Baseball games and a Pinewood Derby? By the end of the episode, the lil’ lad was shadowing Mike like a puppy dog. I guess you could have a worse mentor, although I’m not sure mommy would approve of hanging with people who kill for a living.

I bet Fiona took note of Michael’s natural fatherly instincts. Women want a man who will make a good daddy. Since Mike wants to be nothing like his absentee old man, he’d probably do alright in the nurturing department. One more check mark in the plus column in Fi’s book. Now if she could only convince the object of her affections to quit the life for good. Good luck with that, Ms. Glenanne.

Other observations:

Fi in a tennis skirt is a magical sight. Yes, I wrote “magical.”
Nobody fakes death like Sam Axe. The flailing arms, the agonizing expression. Bruce Campbell rules.
Mike’s air cross and wink was sweet perfection.
Anyone else notice Sam’s alias this season has been some variation of Charles Finley? Now I’m beginning to wonder if he’s been using Finley all along. I might have to revisit season one to find out.
This Strickler guy is beyond bad news. Anyone who doles out yogurt and moisturizing lotion as gifts should not be trusted.
Of all the complicated schemes orchestrated by Mike and the gang, turning Erik into a raging lunatic was one of the most entertaining to watch unfold. Kudos to all parties involved.

I’m spent. Time to crack open a cold one. Hey, if it’s good enough for Sam, it’s good enough for this blogger.