Burn Notice has developed a thing for keeping guest characters on the show longer than you might expect, or having them return well after you thought they were gone (see, just to name a few: Simon Escher, Brennan, “Crazy” Larry). The latest person to get some extra screen time is CIA agent Dani Pearce (Lauren Stamile), who showed up to investigate Max’s murder last season and became Michael’s new Agency contact. This week, she turned to Michael to help her take down the man who killed her fiancee.
I’ve always liked the fact that BN brings back characters, as long as there’s a real reason to keep them around; it hasn’t always been a good idea, but I enjoy the thought that just because they’re not on screen doesn’t mean they’re not still out there somewhere. (Unless they’re dead. I strangely miss Mason Gilroy, who blew himself up a long time ago, but that might be because Chris Vance was great in that role.) Having Pearce around seems like it’s beneficial to the show in more ways than one: she fills the role of Michael’s link to the CIA, and she provides a skilled female on the team until Fiona can get out of prison.
What was most interesting about “Last Rites” was that we finally got to know a little bit about Pearce; yes, she has been around but this is the first plot that was really about her and not just her acting in support to the story in some way. And Stamile did a good job with the material, really conveying the utter loathing that Pearce felt toward Ahmed (Faran Tahir, who also kidnapped Robert Downey Jr. in the first Iron Man flick, so he’s got some bad-guy chops). We got to get closer to her and by episode’s end, were actually somewhat rooting for her. That’s a good thing, because it seems like she’ll be around awhile.
We also got to see more of Michael’s brother Nate (Seth Peterson), who returned last week but got to be Sam’s sidekick this time around. Was anyone else disappointed to hear that his wife has left him and taken their baby? Maybe I’ve been watching this show too long, but after Nate’s previous appearances I was really hoping he’d straightened out and settled down. Regardless, there’s something charming about how Nate really wants to help out, even if he’s not that great at it and nearly gets himself and Sam killed. It’s the thought that counts?
In other news, thanks to a little jailhouse bargaining on Fiona’s part, Michael got the name and address of a guard working with the people who want to kill her. There was a great tearful scene between Jeffrey Donovan and Gabrielle Anwar as Michael and Fi got to see each other for the first time since her confession. But given how many enemies have piled up over six seasons, not to mention whatever she did pre-series, I’m not really surprised that somebody wants her dead. It would be more of a surprise to me if that hadn’t happened. But again, maybe I’ve been watching this show too long.
Which is not at all a jibe against Burn Notice. The show has been solid for six years, and it’s the second longest-tenured show on USA behind Psych. And there’s something to be said for that: the series that you know is always worth the watch, even if it’s not the best episode ever and even if it’s with little fanfare. Here’s hoping it keeps turning out good episodes like this for a long time and we get to know even more of its colorful characters.
Did you like learning more about Agent Pearce? Are there other characters you’d like to see come back to Burn Notice? If so, who and why?
Clacked by Brittany Frederick 
on Jun 29, 2012 @ 01:15 EST5EDT
I find the little touches that establish continuity like character reappearances quite gratifying as well. (I was particularly glad to see Jason Bly pop up again in the premiere after his last appearance so many seasons ago.) Agent Pearce (I thought her first name was Dani or something along those lines) is definitely a character who I’d want to see reappear were she to leave Team Westen for an extended period, as I really enjoyed her performance this episode. I’m also hoping for some of the characters from the Fall of Sam Axe to show up again sometime, and maybe more Sugar shenanigans. Seems like most of the more frequently reoccurring characters tend to get killed, though.
I also agree with the sentiment of Burn Notice as dependable TV, though I think Psych and Burn Notice are beaten out for USA longrunner by Monk.
*POST AUTHOR*
Yeah, I’m confused on that. I swore it was Dani as well, but then I’ve actually seen it on USA materials as Kim. Either way, I like her.
Monk still holds the all-time title for longest running USA series, but I was referring to the ones that are on the air right now (I suppose I should have added ‘current’). If you’re curious, Monk had eight seasons and this one coming up will be the seventh for Psych, so it looks like the record will at least be tied (unless Steve Franks and Co. suddenly decide to call it quits at the end of this season).
Burn Notice still continues to be one of the best shows around. Between USA and TNT network, I really don’t miss the networks rerun season–in many ways, I look forward to it. Apparently, so do many of the creative folks in Hollywood. One of the TV/Movie critics for the LA times just did an extensive article on how original programming on Basic Cable has become so important to the industry and how it has opened up opportunities for writers and actors to develop good shows without the risk and expense of independent movies. Burn Notice, Psych, and Closer were some of the examples of excellent material that probably would have never made the network for various reasons.
Who the hell’s Kim? Pearce’s first name is Dani. Jesse even calls her this to her face in the episode.
I thought I saw a little wear on season five; a little too much, too much, if you know what I mean. And then Matt Nix and crew threw in a stunning twist or two and Burn Notice is back to appointment viewing in my house.
I really enjoyed the episode where we got to see more of Dani Pearce. She was in season 5 too correct? I could stand having more of her around for sure. She is quite beautiful and some interesting things can be done with her character.