Ep 1. Scorched Earth

Michael Westen is back on the small screen once more, this time to kick off the sixth season of Burn Notice with "Scorched Earth." As the episode begins, we find Michael out in the wild tracking down some loose ends from the events of the fifth season finale. The episode quickly sets the stage for this season's storyline, which involves Michael's new job.

After burning bridges with the CIA last season, Michael has taken up a job at a private military contractor. But just because Michael has a job doesn't mean he's done with his rogue spy activities. He still has to keep secrets from his new boss and take on clients from his old life. In "Scorched Earth," Michael's two worlds intersect when his client becomes a target of the military contractor's operations.

As Michael undertakes his mission, we also follow the rest of our favorite cast. Fiona has finally been released from prison and reunited with Michael, but she's not in the clear just yet. Jesse is working with Sam on a case that involves some sketchy business owners, and they soon discover that a former foe of Michael's may have something to do with their current problems.

"Scorched Earth" is classic Burn Notice in many ways. The tone is snappy and fun, the cast is charming and charismatic, and the action is well choreographed. The episode even features some of the show's trademark instructional voiceover segments, where Michael breaks down his spycraft and teaches viewers how to protect themselves from similar dangers.

But if you're coming into this episode cold, you may find yourself a bit lost. The show is known for being serialized and closely tying its episodes together in a larger narrative. Season six is no different, and "Scorched Earth" assumes a lot of knowledge from previous seasons. If you're a Burn Notice fan, this won't be a problem, but new viewers may want to start from the beginning.

Regardless, "Scorched Earth" is a satisfying start to the sixth season. It sets up some intriguing conflicts for Michael and his team, introduces some new faces and brings back some old friends. The show isn't reinventing the wheel at this point, but it's still firing on all cylinders and providing plenty of entertainment for its fans.

One of the standout elements of Burn Notice has always been its cast, and "Scorched Earth" gives them plenty to work with. Jeffrey Donovan brings his usual charm and wit to the role of Michael Westen, and Gabrielle Anwar continues to steal scenes as the tough but vulnerable Fiona. Bruce Campbell rounds out the main trio as the wise-cracking Sam, and while he's not given as much to do in this episode, he's still a delight to watch.

As for the new characters, they fit in well with the established cast. The private military contractor Michael works for is run by the stern and no-nonsense Strong, played by Jack Coleman. He serves as a good foil to Michael's rogue tendencies and has the potential to be an interesting recurring character this season.

Overall, "Scorched Earth" is a solid season premiere for Burn Notice. It hooks viewers with its intriguing conflicts and entertaining cast, and sets up plenty of storylines to explore in future episodes. If you're a fan of the show, you won't want to miss this one.