'Burn Notice' returns

By Rob Owen, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Originally published 06:00 p.m., July 7, 2008
Updated 06:43 p.m., July 7, 2008

Burn Notice

* When and where: 8 p.m. Thursday, USA

USA Network's Burn Notice returns for its second season Thursday, chronicling the further adventures of fired spy Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), his ex-girlfriend, Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar), his hypochondriac mother (Sharon Gless) and his best friend, Sam (Bruce Campbell).

Season One ended with Westen hoping to learn why he was fired. Season Two finds him with a new handler, Carla (Tricia Helfer, Battlestar Galactica), who gives him spy assignments. But her role is likely to remain secondary to those of the other women in Michael's life, especially that of his mother.

"The writers have brought her more into a personal connection with Michael Westen," Donovan said in a recent teleconference with reporters. "You're going to see more of a true mother-son relationship, less antagonistic than you saw in Season One. She's becoming a bit of an ally."

As the season goes on, Donovan said, viewers will see his character reflect more on the life he used to have with his mom and family. "I think it's going to get deeper, actually."

As for Fiona and whether Michael will get back together with her, Donovan laughs. "That's a crazy relationship that's going to have its ups and downs."

The show's premise, Westen's spy missions and his penchant for creating MacGyver-esque gadgets probably got viewers' attention initially, but Donovan said the ongoing stories keep the series viable.

"We fight for a balance that you are drawn to, maybe the action sequences and the kind of spy stuff, but you get hooked on really becoming involved with Fi and Sam and Michael and Mom," he said. "If you care about them, I think that brings you back."