TV-Reviewed

We begin where we left off from last week: Michael and Fiona running a stakeout in front of the post office, hoping for either Carla or somebody who works for her to come pick up the mail. I think it’s interesting that the opening shot showed discarded sunflower seeds–at least, that’s what I think they were–all over the ground; it was amusing when, at first I thought it was Sam’s handiwork, but it ended up being Fiona’s. And I would have to agree with Michael that watching a P.O. Box all day could probably put you to sleep. Fiona, on the other hand, did seem bored, but it was as if she were trying to get beneath Michael’s skin.

One thing about the opening scene that struck me as odd was the fact that Fiona missed all the security around Carla’s building. Sure, it wasn’t obvious at first to an unobservant smuck like me, but shouldn’t she have noticed the covert guards? Or, was she trying to convince herself that Carla–the main hindrance at the moment between her and Michael–had simply vanished? I mean, I know she’s not a spy or ex-spy, though in her business–black market arms dealing–you’d think she’d be aware of covert security.

Also, I found the side-job this time sort of refreshing, though it did deal with the double-cross again. When Trevor, the client, showed up at Mike’s apartment, and gave his spiel, I knew this guy had something in common with him. At first, Mike didn’t want to hear Trevor out, but when he mentioned he had a son that he desperately wanted to get back to and take care of… Well, that was the dealmaker. Because, as we all know, Michael had daddy issues.

Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona Glenanne

Then, there was Sam and his lady friend Veronica–wow, talk about a looker. I knew she was going to “pop the question”, though; I just had that feeling. And, of course, I knew Sam wouldn’t be too happy about it; yet, I didn’t suspect the reasoning as to why. I thought he just liked being a bachelor with a lady on the side. However, it’s because he’s… married. Now, I’m trying to figure that one out. He supposedly got one of those spur-of-the-moment Vegas Strip marriages back in the day and is no longer with the woman, but he’s using that as an excuse. Legal, illegal, who cares–just marry her, Sam! Of course, when he told Veronica about it: he was out the door and at Michael’s.

Speaking of Sam, I never laughed so hard than when the safecracker guy got him with that punch right in the chin and knocked his glasses off with style–cool freeze frame there; one of the best I’ve seen so far in Burn Notice.

Oh, and Michael got to play a safecracker this time around, too, which was something different, and entertaining. It was interesting seeing Michael play the “artist”. He had the superior ”don’t touch me” attitude going on, too, which only sold it more. It’s amazing the different characters Jeffrey Donovan comes up with for Michael Westen to play. Anyway, the double-cross at the end–I’d say the boathouse being blown up and no Timo, yeah that looked like a double-cross to me. I was surprised, though, when the woman shot Timo dead like that; it was a very… shocking moment to say the least; I’m just glad they didn’t show ol’ Timo’s brains raining down everywhere.

Now, onto Carla’s lair. Well, I suppose it’s sort of her lair, anyway. When Mike finally made it inside, I knew the place would be void of any evidence. And when he picked up that digital picture frame…. well, I could only smile. I think it’s fairly obvious that the entire building and the security was for his benefit; to make him feel as if he had something on Carla that she didn’t know about. She sure played him for the fool.

The envelope under the champagne, though, that was what it was ultimately all about: Carla just told him where to meet to receive his next assignment. So, it’s obvious she’s become his unseen, all-powerful overseer–or, should that be over-mistress? I think the producers are going more for this than a direct influence, which I’m starting to come round to.

Anyhow, “Scatter Point” was a more than decent episode. It had plenty of action, spy-tips and close-calls. The pace of the show has sped up just a teeny bit with this episode, too, which is definitely something to be thankful for.

Rating: 8.5