TV-Reviewed

One tactic used a lot on Burn Notice is the notion of the unknowing double-cross. By that I mean the bad guys usually have no idea that they’re being steered in the direction of turning on their own. For entertainment value, a lot is offered with this technique. It tends to leave most of us feeling, I think, quite gratified to see the bad guy get a taste of “his own medicine”. And, Comrades was no different. It continued with the “unknowing” double-cross theme. Although, to put it mildly, Michael Westen had to work much harder on this one.

How do you convince a gulag-toughened Russian thug that you’re his comrade in arms? Well, as depicted in this episode, it can be quite a challenge and, when you only have two days to do the convincing, it’s only more so. However, Michael Westen was able to pull it off quite believably. I give the writers props for doing an excellent job.

Ivan was the quintessential embodiment of what I might think of when it comes to Russian mob henchmen.  Big, dangerous and confident. Those are the words that come to mind for me. And Ivan was all those things.  Also, the clever use of Russian prison tattoos brought the character to life even more. I remember watching something on Discovery about them, and every one of them, from what I know, was authentic–what they mean, anyway. The moment when Nate asks Michael what the Skull meant was great.  With the client in the back seat–the one whose sister was in Ivan’s custody–what else could Michael do but admit that it meant “murderer’?

On the family front, it’s fair to say that, after everything was said and done, Michael actually humbles himself. The fact is, though, Nate actually did deserve some appreciation. Amazingly, he was able to play his part. Hmm… I’m wondering if the show’s writers are planning on making him the fourth wheel? I mean, Nate has already spun with the crew, so to speak, but now, after finally becoming a useful… asset (and not a hindrance), maybe Michael will include him more often. That could add some new tension and depth to the storylines.

Sharon Gless’ portrayal of Michael’s mom was, like always, memorable, but even more so this time round. She was actually able to believably get Michael to finally semi-forgive his brother for all the trouble he’s caused him in his life, which later, like I mentioned above, set the stage for a moment of brotherly bonding–though, the use of the word “bonding” I use loosely, as Michael was still a little reluctant to admit to anything that his brother might have done right.

Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Weston

Meanwhile, back to Michael’s new role, Jeffrey Donovan again showed his versatility as an actor, when he played a Russian-born-but-American-raised criminal. What most impressed me about Donovan’s work here was the accent he gave the character; the slight touch of a Russian accent mixed with his regular voice was amazing–it sounded completely appropriate. Though, I also want to make note of the fight scene between Michael and Ivan when Michael first shows up, introducing himself as Sergey. Like he says, “If you say you’re Russian than you better fight like you’re Russian”. That makes complete sense. I applaud the writers again as they thought that one through. And, not that I know what Russian street-fighting is like, I did imagine it’d be a bit like that.

The fight, obviously, was the only way to get Ivan to think Sergey (Michael) shared the same connections, and was who he said he was. Ivan sure bought it. But, Michael had to suffer to play the part. Fiona has one crazy to desire to inflict pain, that’s for sure. And Nate can throw a punch, too. Now, that was classic there: Nate punching Mike after Fiona’s couple of hits were more than adequate.

Though, even with Michael’s latest persona, as enjoyable as it was, and the deeper emotional parts in the episode between him and his family, there was something lacking–that something being Carla. Sure, Sam came up with some intel for Mike–a business card–but that hardly felt satisfying. The only shred of hope, though, was what that card had printed on it: a P.O. Box number. I’m not sure why I’m hung up on seeing Carla again. I just keep singing that. Perhaps, it’s because she does add a fresh dynamic to the show–not that it needs one or anything. It’s always entertaining to see what the old gang is up to from week to week.

Comrades was a well-written episode, don’t get me wrong, but it would be nice to see Carla again. That might get things rolling a little more in step with that of last season. Also, things are becoming much too predictable with the side jobs: we always know Michael is going to try and outwit his opponent and get him to turn on his own guys without him realizing it. It would be refreshing to have something different happen on one of the side-jobs; like last season when Lucy Lawless showed up, and turned everything on its head.

Rating: 8.0