Author: Emma Loggins
Date: 2009-03-02

Interview:
We had the pleasure of talking with Jeffery Donovan about the Season 2 finale of Burn Notice, what we can look forward to next season, and what he plans to do with his time off. Here's what he had to say:

So obviously, you know, the relationship between Michael and Carla picked up a lot this season; they were starting to get a little bit chummier. I understand Tricia is not going to be back for next season so could you tell us a little bit about her final appearances and what kind of closure we maybe can expect from the two characters?

Jeffrey Donovan: Well, you know, I think it's no surprise that Carla and Michael were going to eventually be in each other's crosshairs. And in the final episode literally that happens. Without giving too much away the eventual outcome was necessary. What's going to happen is that she gets basically - she has powers above her that control her and she basically relies on Michael to save her butt at the end. And he tries but it doesn't go as well as expected for her.

All right, fair enough. Now, you know, at the same time it seems like we're getting perhaps a little bit closer to finding out who burned Michael. How much more in depth do you imagine this is going to be? How many more layers might we expect before he maybe comes close to an answer?

Jeffrey Donovan: I think that the actual person who burned me, you're actually going to meet in the season finale. And he's going to have answers that only - will satisfy people halfway; dealing anytime with any kind of covert organization they can't ever spill the beans totally. But what you're going to see in the finale is pretty exciting because though Michael does find out who burns him it doesn't release him from the perils of his career choice.

And that's what season 3 is going to really focus on is who in his past is a threat to his livelihood. And that's what basically you're going to find out in season 3.

Tell me where you think Michael Westen's willingness to help the little person comes from.

Jeffrey Donovan: You know, there's an interesting theme between Madeline and Michael that was on last week where she describes the map of how to fix the car's radio and how it's tied to the ignition. It was really well written. And she says, you know, I think he did this so that he would always feel needed and wanted and useful and would want him around.

And I think that Michael went away from his family because he didn't feel wanted or needed. And so he went with a bigger family, you know. He went for the flag and the country needed him. And so I think that when he's back in town, when he helps a little guy, it's less about the little guy and it's more about that Michael is somehow validating that need, that someone needs him. And he never got it as, you know, not to be too psychological but he never got it as a child.

Does that feel a bit incongruous to you that this hard nosed spy who can do these incredible things would have that - would care so much?

Jeffrey Donovan: No I think the - I think that paradigm is everywhere, you know, you see straight laced governors who are having - who have a family, children, and go after corruption in their career and then you find out they have prostitutes and they're screwing pros in hotels. You know, you see our, you know, our past administration saying we want to protect the American people and then they go and make America the most sought after dangerous place to go after in the world.

You know, I think those paradoxes and paradigms are prevalent in all our society and I just think it's in keeping with Michael's career choice that he's going to live a parallel life.