Ep 6. Bad Blood

Michael Westen is back with a bang in the Burn Notice season 2 episode 6, "Bad Blood". The story follows Michael's quest to help a woman who is at the mercy of a drug cartel, with a father who is fading from memory with every passing day. To make things worse, Michael's own life is in danger as he tries to stop the cartel from delving deeper into the city's drug trade.

The episode starts with an irate Michael, who is trying his level best to put back the memory of his father. At the same time, we see a woman named Anna Ramirez appearing at Michael's doorstep with a request to help her father. Michael initially turns her away but is soon approached by the woman's friend, who is also in the same predicament. With two women seeking his help, Michael agrees to their pleas, thereby kickstarting a dangerous and complicated journey.

One of the best things about this episode is the interplay between Michael and his contacts, especially Fiona and Sam. Fiona has always been a thorn in Michael's side, albeit a useful one, but in this episode, she starts to show a softer side. We see her trying to provide comfort to Michael, as he tries to cope with his dad's declining memory. Meanwhile, we see Sam helping Michael with his cases, always ready with solid advice and crucial contacts.

As Michael delves deeper into Anna's father's situation, he realizes that the man's plight is not as straightforward as it seems. The father is deeply enmeshed in the drug trade, with a notorious cartel demanding a part of his profits every month. Michael, who's always been great at undercover work, infiltrates the cartel and tries to convince them to let Anna's father go. As expected, things quickly go sideways, and the cartel targets Michael and the women.

One of the strengths of Burn Notice has always been its ability to play around with the formula. The show always keeps you guessing, and this episode is no different. Just when you think you have things figured out, something unexpected pops up, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The show always manages to balance serious, dramatic moments with light-hearted humor. Michael's sarcastic quips and Fiona's explosive entrances do a great job of keeping the mood light, despite the dangerous situations they face.

As the episode progresses, the stakes get higher and higher. Anna's father's life hangs in the balance, and Michael has to pull out all the stops to bring things to a satisfactory conclusion. We see him using all his skills, from facial recognition to undercover work, to take down the cartel. The episode does an excellent job of showcasing Michael's resourcefulness and intelligence, as he manages to outwit the oft-smarter drug dealers.

Overall, Burn Notice season 2 episode 6, "Bad Blood," is an excellent showcase of the show's strengths. It has everything the audience could want from the show, from suspenseful moments to light-hearted quips. The performances from the cast are stellar, with Jeffrey Donovan effortlessly carrying the show. Gabrielle Anwar and Bruce Campbell provide excellent support, creating a believable dynamic within the trio. The episode remains entertaining and gripping throughout its runtime and leaves the audience eagerly anticipating the next episode.