TV-Reviewed

It was Fiona’s turn to be nearly killed this time–in this case, nearly incinerated. However, we just had to wait through a commercial break to learn if she was OK, unlike with Michael–who still hasn’t found his would-be assassin, but he’s getting closer with this week’s surveillance equipment theft. Also, Nate’s out of jail, but he’s yet to make an appearance. And Sam gets Fiona all fired up. Well, sort of.

Sam’s unwitting fulfillment of a favor is what sparked everything off, of course. But, it ended up producing some awesome scenes between Michael’s posse and some car theft hoodies. One of the best of which was Michael introducing his new uniformed crew. I’m not sure about that thermite, though. It was an awesome show, don’t get me wrong, but would it really be able to melt all the way through the hood of the car and into the engine block? I can see the hood, but would it be effective enough to get the actual engine block? Of course, they took out the tires too…so I guess Felix and his crew weren’t going anywhere fast.

Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen

I did think Fi’s extreme conviction in helping Cory and his little sis out was appropriate. However, it also raises some other possible questions about her past. Like, was she abused when she was a child? If so, did that cause her to join the IRA and dabble in explosives and guns? I guess that’s fodder for future episodes on down the line, though.

This Felix business also inadvertently created an awesome moment between Michael and Fi. There’s nothing like making improvised explosives together…Seriously, though, that was a good scene as it eased, in a way, some of the tensions between the two of them, even if it was mainly business being discussed. Then, there was also the scene between them after having set Felix’s place on fire. So, I think the relationship is finally coming back together.  Glad to see it!

Also, I’m glad to see Madeline is beginning to truly understand the gravity of the issues Michael is (has been) dealing with; the whole Nate issue seems to have had an impact her.  I like how she used the word “complex” to describe Michael’s life, because that truly does fit. In fact, it perfectly fits. Especially with the part where Michael now has to find out who his assassin is. Of course, as we see, Fiona takes issue with this. I see it that she’s being protective of him. She doesn’t want to see him get hurt or killed due to Carla’s errands. Though, let’s face it, she thrives off that sort of stuff–off the action Michael brings into her life. I think that’s apparent. But, that time–when his door blew up–she realized things nearly came to an end for him–and them as a couple. And that he’s not indestructible.

Then, SHE nearly gets herself done in. Fi’s taking charge of Michael’s investigation–as good intentioned as she was in doing so–nearly got her killed. Those were some intense moments for sure. Especially when her phone was dead and all Michael got was her voice mail. I’ve got to say, though, the whole house-rigged-to-burn thing seemed quite original. I definitely wasn’t expecting that to be waiting for Fiona when she went in. That’s not something I think even your most seasoned spy would normally think to look out for, including Michael; though, it seems he’s familiar with the concept.

All in all, “Hot Spot” moves the story along. We find out more about Michael’s assassin. We learn Nate’s now out of jail. And Michael and Fi seem to have finally resolved their relationship matters. Also, let’s not forget about how much comedy there was in this episode. Felix’s crew definitely added some fun to the mix.

Rating: 8.5