Burn Notice

Family Business

Season 1, Episode 5, Aired 7/26/07

Episode Summary

Michael infiltrates a family of gunrunners who are pressuring an airport supervisor and his pregnant wife. Also, the FBI begins to put pressure on Sam to gather more information on Michael.

8.8

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Cast & Crew

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Jeffrey Donovan

Michael Westen
Sharon Gless

Madeline Westen
Gabrielle Anwar

Fiona Glenanne

Fan Episode Reviews (6)

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...

7.5

"Good"

By PabloExobar, Aug 21, 2008 Report Abuse

Same as ever. The main case of the episode was rather good but nothing too outstandin.g I enjoyed playing the con game but come on, it was really predictable. Im really worried for the shows high concept arc, its just a struggle! The only good thing out of it was probably the way the show itself started, loved that scene.

And that is all I have to say, really. I don't have _anything_ to add, other than how average this was. Entertaining, of course, because "average" compared to quality TV. Burn Notice is quality, but I feel it has much more potential that what is being exploited .moreless

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good episode...

8.7

"Great"

By Fwirrel, Jul 28, 2008 Report Abuse

Michael investigates a family of gun traders that are threatening an airport emplyee and his wife. I thought the gun trader family was funny. The father was so strict and really pulled off the ex-moussad idea well. The one son was completely incompitent and Michael was able to manipulate him easily. I liked the story and the case in this episode and I loved seeing more of Michael's tricks and information about getting the bad guys. Sam is having more issues with the FBI. I like Sam, but the whole thing with the FBI is getting boring. Overall, still, another solid episode.moreless

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Review

9.3

"Superb"

By cavanagh15, Jul 06, 2008 Report Abuse

I liked this episode. I like the episodes where Michael has to infiltrate a family in order to get closer to the final endgame. The highlight of this episode was Micheals conversations with the man of the family who wasn't quite all the way at the top. He figures out his breaking point and ends up stealing all of the guns from the family at the end. It was one of the better cases of the first season so far. Identity is the only other episode where I thought the case was this good. This is likely my second favorite episode of the season. The overall case of Weston getting burned hasn't made too much progess and with all the assassination attempts last week I would have thought they may have been going somewhere with it this week. Overall though, very solid episode.moreless

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I have yet to miss an episode of Burn Notice, but 'Family Business' is my personal favorite thus far, and for an unlikely reason...the lack of "action" on Michael's part!

9.5

"Superb"

By kelley0528, Aug 02, 2007 Report Abuse

While this episode does feature gadgets, guns and explosives, it highlights Michael Weston's abilities as a covert operative, rather than a detective with a bag of tricks. Using his brains and ability to read and exploit people, he manages to defeat the most dangerous criminal he's faced thus far. In previous episodes, he has outwitted a greedy millionaire with a sloppy security agent, a group of con artists, a drug lord, and high class pimps, but in 'Family Business' we see Michael in action against one of his own kind...a former espionage agent turned arms dealer.
While he did use Fiona's little batch of home-cooked explosive, he didn't use it against his adversary, rather, it served to draw his prey in closer. In light of the character development in this episode, it almost makes me want Michael to solve the mystery of his burn notice, so we could hopefully follow him back into the world where he is most at ease: espionage. While this is highly unlikely, to say the least, I think this episode did serve to show us why Michael wants so desperately to return to this world: He's very, very good at it!moreless

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This show just keeps getting better and better.

9.1

"Superb"

By desert05, Jul 29, 2007 Report Abuse

Another episode where we're finding out little bits and bobs about each character, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Michael is just such a treat to watch. Donovan brings out such a great life force, that he's never dull and always brings something new and inventive to each episode. I'm really enjoying the banter between the Weston brothers. The writer certainly understands all the richness of siblings "discussions." They sound like every family I've ever known. Sharon Gless just gets better every week with her portrayal. That last look she gives as Michael runs to get back his wallet is...priceless.

Sam gets more intriguing and his loyalty/disloyalty is always entertaining. Bruce Campbell can throw the most mundane line into the conversation and you're fascinated by every word. I think he's in for something if Audrey Landers sticks around as Veronica. I haven't seen her in years, but she's going to be a great addition if she continues in the role. This particular episode had everything going for it. Another poor sap who'd gotten himself in trouble and was way over his head. Michael seems to have a soft spot for those kind of people. The bad guys were colorful, and somehow it was just delicious seeing Michael spin his web around them. The last scene where they're hightailing it out of the country was very satisfying! I love there isn't a lot of blood and guts and gun blasts on the show. Michael gets by with his instincts, his ingenuity and his vast experience. Plus, it keeps him a bit under the radar if he's not blasting his way through every episode.

All in all, just another great episode. Can't wait for the next one!moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- This is the only episode of the first season where no yogurt appears or is mentioned. Edit
- To get Ari's attention, Michael orders Fisher Vineyards Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a real wine made by Fisher Vineyards, a small winery located in the Sonoma (CA) area. Edit
Notes
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- International Episode Titles: Czech Republic: Rodinná záležitost (Family Matter) Edit
- Original International Air Dates: New Zealand: December 2, 2007 on TV3 Australia: February 18, 2008 on TEN Czech Republic: March 12, 2008 on Prima Sweden: March 16, 2008 on TV6 United Kingdom: November 2, 2008 on FX Germany: October 26, 2009 on Vox Slovakia: February 19, 2010 on JOJ Finland: March 1, 2010 on MTV3 Edit
Quotes
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- Nate: No wonder I got my ass kicked. Fiona: Oh, you were lucky. The old guy had a Desert Eagle 9mm with combat grips. Michael: Ex-Mossad. Nate: What do you mean, like Israeli spies? Fiona: Sure. Every other retired spook is an arms dealer. Not a bad gig. If you can stand ex-spooks. (Michael shoots her a look) Edit
- Fiona: Imagine some South Beach model hanging on your every word. How many times she call you? Michael: Five. (Fiona laughs) Maybe she wants Ari to do the deal. Fiona: She wants to trade up. Admit it, you were tempted. Michael: Not for a minute, Fi. If I need a beautiful women to mess up my life, I could do a lot better than Debbie. Edit
- (Fiona is making an explosive mixture) Michael: How's it coming, Fi? Fiona: Dangerous, unstable. Remind you of anyone? Edit
Allusions
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- Remington Steele Mike's alias "Steve Remington" and the plain business cards both allude to the 1980's light spy drama Remington Steele, starring Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist. Edit