After buying and watching season 1 on DVD I absolutely loved this series but season 2 has been an enormous disappointment .
With the addition of Carla and the untalented Tricia in the role I find myself tuning out more than tuning in .
The splittsville between M/F is annoying not compelling and Michael becoming Carla's lapdog is not entertaining to watch .
If what I've seen so far is any indication of of how all of season 2 will be I'll not be sticking around much longer . Maybe if Carla was recast with an actress who could act and more would be done to start reconnecting M/F it could be somewhat captivating but considering how NIX keeps gushing about Carla/Tricia and focusing way too much on her on the show I'm not feeling any confidence there will be any improvement
Right now I feel as though I wasted good money and time investing in a series going downhill and it sucks !

I hate the break up of Michael and Fi, but let's get real, Carla has only been in two episodes, with only 5 minutes of screen time, how annoying can she be? I feel your pain, but try to stick around a little while longer.

I understand how you feel but for most of the people who post on this form still believe that the show is still good including me. Try to watch some of the other summer programs on t.v. and you will realize that many of the shows don't even compare to Burn Notice. Be patient, the season just started to get better.

I agree about it getting better. i thought "Scatter Point" was the best (or most like last season) yet. I love the way Ben Watkins writes.

Yes. I was a little disappointed with the Conrades epi. As I posted in other threads, the client story was not my favorite. I still enjoy the interaction between the regulars. They still are entertaining and as you mentioned, dramamama, the other summer shows can't compare.

I am not crazy about Carla. Can't decide if it's because she's got Michael on a leash or that I don't care for Tricia Helfer in the role. Wouldn't mind seeing her vanquished, perhaps at the hands of Fiona.

I also am not crazy about the on again/off again dynamic of Michael and Fiona, but kind of understand the necessity of such a dynamic in light of who they are and the lives they lead. Now that Sam is on the outs with Veronica, the show is feeling a bit too much like a soap opera.

More action, less drama. That's what's needed here.

We are not supposed to like Carla. She is an employee of the folks that burned our boy. I see a very bad ending for her in the future. MW has to work for/through her to find who actually burned him, although, I don't believe she's gonna provide many clues. I don't think she will have a long arc in the story. I really hope it is Fi that takes her out, but that's my fantasy!!!!!

DanJ2 Have you noticed there's another person posting here(sorry I don't have the name, Akgirl, I believe, confirmed... Posted in filming episodes) that's planning a trip to your area in October? Look around a bit, as I'm sure you do, you could give them a lot of good info, or even take them to actual filming locations.

Who are you? Are you a TV critic? Are you a fan of a show that runs opposite of BN? Are you a minion of a network whose show keeps getting "burned" by BN? Are you an actor who auditioned for a part on BN and didn't get the part? What's the date today? Who is President of the United States right now?

I have to agree I have only really liked 3 episodes of this season so far, I hope next week it starts to pick up

I'm thinking that we are not suppose like Carla, and that she is suppose to get under our skin. As far as this season's episodes, I'm still loving the series. I enjoy seeing the personal side to our main character's. It's all a part of the progression of the show. For me, if I see the same old thing every week, I may be likely to become bored with the show. IMO, it's the best series out there, and continues to delight me every episode.

After buying and watching season 1 on DVD I absolutely loved this series but season 2 has been an enormous disappointment.


It's not exactly the same...but i think "Enormous disappointment" is a bit overblown...

With the addition of Carla and the untalented Tricia in the role I find myself tuning out more than tuning in .

Carla admittedly is not a big fav around here either...but I don't think they've given her much juice (spy or otherwise... ) to go with....She hasn't been on much, and though seemingly everpresently refered to....so was Veronica....and we didn't see her since about mid last season till now...they do talk about Trish having to run back and forth with BN and BSG, so that's got to put a crimp in her energy level, but the storyline, though stumbling, is just beginning....give them some time to massage it in....

The splittsville between M/F is annoying not compelling

Again, just got started....might bring in a new boyfriend for Fi, might have Mike working with another old Love interest....could go anywhere, just cause it hasn't yet, doesn't mean it won't

and Michael becoming Carla's lapdog is not entertaining to watch .

Already addressed

If what I've seen so far is any indication of of how all of season 2 will be I'll not be sticking around much longer .

The only thing I can say here is, they do seem to have bitten off a bit more than they can chew, at least for one season....but that does leave them with alot of options to go to, hopefully not all at the same time, so they won't "skim' them like they did this week (not sure if the Carla thing got in the way of the Mike/Fi thing...or if the Mike/Fi thing got in the way of the Sam/Roni thing...but they didn't go/get all that far with any of them....)....They've still got us in a "wait and see" pattern...a bit annoying, but if you believe in the show as I (and I think we) do.....you'll stay a while...

Maybe if Carla was recast with an actress who could act and more would be done to start reconnecting M/F it could be somewhat captivating but considering how NIX keeps gushing about Carla/Tricia and focusing way too much on her on the show I'm not feeling any confidence there will be any improvement

Again, mentioned and responded....I originally thought it was going to be one of the other Cylons...Don't know much about Trish, but if she gets to the point she's able to "turn on" the screen they way she did there....I can definitly see something happening...I don't see Nix "gushing" on her either??????? Is that in an interview somewhere?

Don't want to rush the M/F recconnect....as far as Michael's been concerned, at least allegedly, they were never "an item"....so what's there to reconnect....that said...maybe as Fi stops chasing him and he realizes how alone he is and how much he needs her "stability" (Fi and stable in the same sentance, go figure! ), that may start the fireworks up a bit higher on his end....hopefully, it won't be too late...

Right now I feel as though I wasted good money and time investing in a series going downhill and it sucks !

Wasted good money?....you "Bought and loved" season 1, which is the only "money" I see you putting in....If season 2 doesn't do it for you....don't buy it...but don't complain...I'll never have the opportunity to get a Season 2 of Studio 60...good or bad.


KA23

Yeah. I was trying to remember danj's id to point the new poster to him for info on filming. NatashaFatale answered some of her questions; though danj will probably have more local info that is helpful.

You are wacky. LOL!!!!  

In the words of Jack Nicholson from Mars Attack, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

Thanks. I have gotten lots of eyerolls from Ty today. Guess I'm on a roll.

Maybe StopAnimalAbuse needs a rabies shot? It's OK to add one's two cents worth, but it's the same complaints over and over and over...

I'm consistent .. I annoy myself at times so do understand I'm sure once any M/F kissy scenes occur all my bitch fests will be over and gone but I'd still like to see Carla recast but in the meantime I'll have to cringe and bear it and deal with it

Between u n me. I feel the same about Carla. I do not like the actress and I don't know enough about her to determine if it's the role. Right now she's just a "pretty" face they threw at us. As you note I put the word pretty in quotes. Take that as you like.

Fi and Mike NOT being together, for me, is fun. I love to see Mike squirm. I do feel sad for Fi though. She is in love with a man that may not ever be able to love back; at least not in the way any NORMAL person would expect or need.

Wow, you really took our *ahem* comments very well. Good for you. I must tell you that I detest the character Carla. I don't mean I love to hate her--I mean, I hate her. Lousy character. But Nix came up with a lot of GREAT characters, so I'm giving him a pass on this one. My mama always said, "If you can't say something nice...."

Guess we have to wait for a M/F fight!!! Hurry!!!! Before you implode, SAA. Maybe the next epi will take careof your consternation and frustrations.

Squirm he is. She hit him pretty hard with the power tool last week.

A Rx for you: repeatedly watch end of Broken rules. Think I'll take my own advice!

How about watching the entire epi. Need I say that it's my favorite epi.

Hmmm...well, first of all I want to say that I think you've expressed yourself very well on what isn't working for you in season 2. I was completely able to understand where you are coming from and I think in some ways I can understand your frustrations (although not nearly to the same extent, as I remain just as obsessed and enamored with BN as I was when I first saw it). After I saw the premiere episode of season 2, I actually said to myself, well - Philippa? You'll always have season 1...I mean, that's how concerned I was after seeing that first episode, you know? For me, things have been slowly but steadily clicking back into place as we get further into season 2 (and personally I felt this last episode was a lot like season 1, moreso than any other I've seen thus far). How did you feel about the "Scatter Point" eppie, btw?

I agree that season 2 feels different from season 1. Here's my take on this: Michael is not as confident that he can straighten out this whole burn notice mess. In season 1 he came across as being quite self-assured on that front; I never had any doubts regarding Michael's ability to handle whatever the people behind his burn notice threw his way. But once the mess with Carla began (in the premiere ep. of season 2) - and he ended up back in Miami, having gotten nowhere, essentially? The whole mood of the show sort of shifted, on account of Michael's being off-balance and being unable to get a one-up on these shadowy types. They've destroyed his career and they've killed a lot of people with whom he's been in contact; they've threatened his family and his loved ones; and perhaps even more problematic for Michael is the fact that his personal life is seeping to the surface just as his professional life is coming apart. So for me, this is part of the reason that season 2 hasn't been as "fun" (I don't know how else to put this, guys - hopefully you know what I mean; things aren't as light-hearted and Michael isn't as glib and self-assured). I'm not having as much fun with Michael because frankly, I'm peeved at how he's handling things on a number of fronts (namely his uncertain/unconfrontational approach to Carla and the burn notice stuff, as well as his relationship with Fiona). But this is where the character is this season, and the truth is that the shift between Michael and Fi has given her character the ability to deepen and become more vibrant, more dynamic. I think it's a good thing (although I preferred them together, because as Madeline said Michael is better when he's with Fi, whether he admits it or not).

I'm unhappy about Carla. This will come as no surprise to those of you who have been reading the discussion threads about specific episodes, as I've been quite vocal about my dislike of/disinterest in her character. It's funny, because based on the promo for the upcoming episode with Michael Shanks? I like his villain already (and I've not even seen the episode)! There's something about the character of Carla (or the way she is portrayed by Tricia Helfer) that simply doesn't work for me. I don't love to hate her (which is how I felt about Agent Bly, for instance).

Finally, there are some technical things going on for me, things that relate to the way BN is filmed. But I'm not familiar with this stuff so all I can do is sort of comment on things that I have found jarring to me in season 2 from time to time (but didn't notice in season 1, thus it's a difference for me). Sometimes there are continuity problems, namely with the sound/voice editing. Sometimes the lighting looks off - at times it seems so harsh that JD looks pale/washed out/unwell, while in another scene he looks glowing and healthy (I guess that's the lighting, not sure). I think these technical sorts of things are evening out, however, as I didn't notice this stuff as much in the last episode...

Unpaid Debts and Broken Rules--the terrific twosome!!!

Yeah. I'm reluctant to go after Tricia Helfer as an actress since I'm not familiar with her work. So, I will stick with the superficial. I really don't think she's that attractive and I HATE her voice. Anyway, it's not necessary for her to be sexy to do the role. If she's to stay they need to make her more like the character played by Robin Givens. Robin looked nasty and scary. She was much more credible. Carla and her horsey grin is just irritating; not scary in the least. That is unless you're afraid of horses. 

Yes. I know I run the risk of being flamed by SciFi fans. Unfortunately, that's just how I feel and I get the impression the Carla character is NOT loved by many others on this board.

I don't like Carla, but then again I am not supposed to like her. As for the actress who plays her, I am with you vestokes - I don't know enough about her to say either way. Actually I can't say I know anything about her, I have never seen BG. She hasn't been in the show enough to truly annoy me or form any opinion about her really. All I do know is that I can't wait for Mikey (or Fi or both) to kick her ass.

If they don't I will volunteer for the job. I'm speaking of the Carla character, not the actress. TH doesn't deserve a butt whipping. Come to think of it, since she irritates me so much maybe she is a better actress than we give her credit for. 

I haven't been awed by S2 yet. Specially the premeier was a let down after an awesome cliffhanger finale last season w/ Michael's car driving into the truck the the 7 mile bridge at Keys. The excitement of unknown and mystery were too high. It felt kinda being cheated w/ Michael coming out of the truck after a 48 hours back to business as usual in Miami.

The client of the weekly story were generally satisfying to me. But Michale & co trying to get intel from the PO box and the office building in Miami just kinda silly. What kinda of useful info/intel would Carla's organization leave in a temporary base in Miami. Can't really imagine how much intel Mike can gather by stucking in Miami.

I also felt the lines, particularly VO, weren't as witty and humorous as those in S2. I think it's mostly writings were up to par of the excellent S1.

I admit to not being bowled over as I was last season. I still think Scatter Point got the series back "on point'. It was witty and action packed. I think epi 1 of this season should have been an extended epi like the pilot. We wanted something special and we got just okay and it appeared to end too soon. After such a long winter and spring, we were biting at the bite for something much more.

I love Tricia Helfer. She is great actress. I know a lot of you haven't seen her other work, but I am happy to vouch for her.

You don't have to be a sci-fi fan to appreciate excellent drama, characters and action (sound familiar?). The Peabody-award winning Battlestar Galactica (starring an incredible ensemble (sound familiar?) cast: Edward James Olmos, Mary Mc Donnell, James Callis, the list goes on) has really shown all the diverse talents that TH brings to the table - they have really put her characters through the wringer and she has risen to every occassion - whether it's comedy, drama, tragedy, action, the list goes on.

Not to mention, the girl can kick some ass - so here's hoping she gets to show her chops on BN.

In 2006, Tricia won a Leo Award for "Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series" for Battlestar Galactica. Tricia was also nominated for a Leo Award in 2006 for "Best Guest Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series" for The Collector. TH is from Canada, and Canada's Leo Awards are equivalent to the Emmys here.

Carla is a character that is mysterious and has left much to be revealed, and as mentioned prevoiusly, she's been on less than 10mins the entire season so far. Even TH said that they didn't give her any character background at all when she came to do her first episodes. Carla was created by the writers and her storyline comes from the writers. I look forward to seeing how the writers use Carla for futures episodes, as it's obvious she has really affected the fanbase. Good for her.

There does seem a certain amount of venom aimed at TH that could not possibly have anything to do with her acting ability since it started spilling out before she ever appeared in a single scene. Now I'm not saying that everyone who is saying they don't like Carla is reacting without reason, as the character isn't one that is supposed to be loved by all, I'm just saying that there is a certain amount of unreasonable hate on being spread.

It would be a good idea for some to separate their dislike of a character from their feelings toward the actor.

I agree with you about the premier episode of season 2 - I think it was a mistake to bring Michael back to Miami within like, the first ten minutes of the show. Not after all that suspense at the end of season 1 - it was too jarring, at least it was for me.

The show doesn't seem as tightly written/executed/produced. But I have to say that the first season was perfect, as far as I'm concerned. Seriously - not one misstep in the cinematography, the lighting, the music, the voiceovers, the writing, the filming locations, the acting...all of it was stupendous. They set the bar really high with season 1, I would say.

I also want to mention something else that has been bothering me, but there's nothing really that can be done about it as I don't want JD to be hurt on the set again. But the fact that JD isn't doing his own stunts - this is very noticeable to me. I don't know if it's because JD is just so expressive in his physical movements and you can tell when his stunt double enters the picture, or if it's because his stunt double is bigger than he is...but it's very clear to me (even on a first viewing) whether or not it's JD or his stunt guy. I'm sad that he was hurt so often on the set, because having him do his own stunt-work made the show just that more realistic. I couldn't believe how great he was performing those stunts in season 1. *wistful sigh for season 1*

I think I mentioned that I did not like the character of Carla--nothing to do with the actress, I think--I just don't get any vibe from Carla--don't love her-don't love to *hate* her--just hate the character. Kinda pissy and boring. I blame Matt Nix, but I love Matt Nix so I'm letting it go! Just really happy we don't have to see her very much.

I will take your word for it that she's a great actress. I just don't care for her role in BN. I look forward to her demise. I will also take your word for it that BG is a great SciFi series. I am NOT a fan of SciFi though I do watch the SciFi channel a lot. Their movies are so campy that I can't resist them. I also like the show Eureka for some strange reason. It just is so light hearted and I like the people. I also watch Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International which both broadcast on SciFi Channel. 

I'm not a good judge of what's good in SciFi. This is evident in that I never like any of the popular SciFi movies or series. I didn't like Star Wars series or Star Trek. I do like SciFi horror. Alien and Aliens was good. Though I did not like The X Files at all. It was just too repetitive. Mulder believed Sculley didn't. Who cared? 

Anyway, I really think this is a thankless role that they've created. It just may be a waste of the actress talents to have her appearance be short nasty scenes and phone calls where she threatens the beloved star of the show. They may as well have her kick puppies and poke little kids with sticks.

Yay, that's what I meant! Thanks V.

Season 1 is like Daniel Craig's James Bond. Season 2 is like Rockford Files, so far. I liked them both. I'm sure, as art comes in 3's, that there is going to be a return to the confidence of Season 1. This is salt, pepper and butter. There has to be a mix and a balance.

I can't stand Carla, either. I think the problem is that she is too evil. The first thing one learns in fiction writing class is that one cannot write a character that is too good or too evil. They are a turn off and/or are not interesting for story creating. Carla is too evil. She just whacked the id badge forger. It didn't ring true, either. What operative would whack the only person in the world who could create such sophisticated badges. Those types of technicians can write their own tickets in the legal and/or illegal worlds. That was why guy computer experts in the eighties could walk around with long ponytails and/or flowing hair when the rest of the business world was constrained in the manner of dress.

more later, Monk watching with the husband half of the user name...his belly laughs are calling to me

I don't know much about TH as an actress, aside from her screen time on BN...so I don't think I can judge her in that capacity based upon her small screen time on this show alone. But I can say that I wish the writers would have given us more of a background on the character of Carla in the beginning of this season. I think it would have given the character more credibility and something more than just a menacing voice/crossword puzzle that we now get. I think the mistake comes in the fact that we are to just "believe" the Carla is this ruthless person that can "one up" Michael whenever she wants to. That's hard to swallow, considering we've seen Michael prove his talents week after week. I want more proof that Carla is this amazing nemesis that Michael has never before had to work against...maybe then I'll find the character a bit more appealing.

As for the Mike/Fi stuff mentioned up thread...I'm hoping to see a bit more between them as well. They flirted so well last season, and the power drill scene was such a great example of that last week. Here's to hoping we get more soon - and even better, here's to hoping those two cave on the sexual tension between them and make something of it!

Yeah, I'll admit, there have been times this season where I haven't been as completely captivated as I was last season, but nonetheless the show is still great.

I too am going to sing the praised of Tricia Helfer, as there doesn't seem to bee too many people in her corner. I couldn't stand her at first in Battlestar Galactica, it seemed that her only function was to be the sex goddess for fanboys to drool after. But as her character/characters deepened and developed, you could see that she could handle the emotional part, and wasn't just another pretty face. Also, seeing interviews with her, she sung the praises of Burn Notice, and generally seemed like a very likeable person (separating the actor from the character for a moment).

I frankly think that the venom against her is rather uncalled for, she's a bad guy, get over it. It is interesting, however, that there have been other truly evil baddies ie. Concha, Evelyn (Lucy Lawless), and they have not taken it on the chin as much as Carla has. I think there is something to be said about us identifying with Michael and his utter helplessness against her so far. He just can't get a handle on defeating her, and I think that is what is adding to our frustration with her and possibly the strong dislike.

As far as the Micheal and Fiona relationship...she is playing her position, as any woman who is not getting what she wants. She'll have him going into season three. I feel the drama between Michael and his mom, brother, woman, and best friend makes him real...less James Bondish

I think you've hit the nail on the head re: Carla. You're right - there's not enough character development; she is strictly evil with no nuances shaded in. Why would she do such hideous things? It's just not coming across clearly enough. With Philip Cowan we got a bit of this character nuance - when Michael basically says to him, "You tried to have me killed!" To which Cowan replies, "You would have done the same thing in my position." That level of understanding of our primary villain (Carla) is missing in the writing - at least it is for me, anyway. Outstanding analysis, MonkShowLovers! [I liked your comparison of season 1 and 2 to Daniel Craig's Casino Royale and the Rockford Files, respectively. Interesting way to think of BN - and I'll bet you're right, season 3 will be different from previous seasons...a lot of shows actually are at their best around the third season, yes? ]

Great points!!!! I work in the tech world and still go to work with jeans and a pony tail. Though the pony tail on a gal isn't all that controversial. LOL!!!! Yes. For her to do such nasty stuff makes it obvious they don't want us to like her. But some of us are bordering if not actually hating the character. I don't know if they are setting us up for a big kaboom or that the writer's over sold the character.

OH!!! Laur815!!! Your comments are spot on. How succinctly did you just explain WHY we feel the way we do about Carla.  Hammer on!!!!

I try to avoid making personal attacks against the actors/actresses. As you said, and laur815 so aptly put, it's the role that we are having trouble with. We need a REASON to believe in this character, be she evil or good. TH is getting the short end of the stick. Hopefully, the writers will backtrack and fill in the gapping holes.

Yes. It makes him "real". You don't see James Bond answering a call from his Mum or eating yogurt and Wonderbread. This is what is so special about BN. It gives you insight into the "real" life of a spy; although an ex-spy.

Hey. I hadn't read your post before stealing the "nail on the head" phrase. Yes. It's like movies that assume you are going to just LOVE the character without giving us ANY reason to. Some viewers need something to work with. 

Yeah, but I didn't have the cool hammer/nail animated gif - man, I must've stared at that thing for a good full minute before moving on to the next post. I'd been mesmerized, lol!

Regarding the character of "Carla" and Tricia H, I don't love the character but I love Tricia H. She's a great actress, however her presence on screen needs to be upped. I don't find "Carla" as a threatening figure over the phone and using moving picture frames. The one thing I loved about Jason Bly was he backed up his threats. You never knew if he'd actually call on of Fi's long-lost associates or put Nate in jail. If the circumstances were different with T.H.'s schedule, then I hope she'd be in more scenes. For me, Phillip Cowan was never threatening; he came in, said cryptic words, and then died.

I think if the show is going to keep putting the viewers, and Michael, in the dark about the real forces who burned him, then we need to consistantly see them.

Well, the mystique about Phillip Cowan is that he was possibly the man that burned Mike. We have no illusions that Carla is that person. She's just a "handler" or mouthpiece for the real bosses. I'd like for her to flip on them. Now that would bring her into the fold and possibly give her a recurring role with some purpose. If she's a great actress, as her fans indicate, then they need to give her something to do besides making crank calls and sending corny video frame messages and mylar balloons.