Burn Notice Season 2

The first season of Burn Notice was an enjoyable summer distraction; it wasn't serious or slick enough for colder months but it was a real pleasure watching a fired spy without a job, identity or resources scrape by and track those who "burned" him. But by season two, it's emerged as a sleek, well-tanned and well-oiled entertainment machine capable of fulfilling its premise - spy guy uses knowledge to help desperate folks each week - but also of overcoming it, spinning expectations into delightful story twists. Lead Jeffrey Donovan (as Michael) remains a nice blend of easy charm and skilled assassin, and the show wisely ditches the "will they or won't they?" with ex-girlfriend Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar), allowing her to simply kick some well-armed butt. Also coming into his character's own is Bruce Campbell as the Hawaiian shirt-wearing, retired FBI agent whose easy charm adds some nice levity. (Plus, Sharon Gless as Michael's mom smokes more than anyone on television these days; it's kind of awesome.) Burn Notice doesn't take itself too seriously - its Miami setting allows for the most bikini-clad extras since Nip/Tuck, and in two seasons, I don't think I've ever seen more than three night scenes. It's a bright, cheerful summer show that has now elevated itself above that to become must-see viewing no matter the season. Creator/writer Matt Nix deconstructs the episode he directs during a good making-of, and there are a handful of friendly commentary tracks.