I agree with Carrespondent. As Michael explained in the voiceover, he feigned anger to hide the tell of an adrenaline rush provoked by fear. I bought it when the Serbian slapped Natalie, and it would have been necessary to convince a murderer like Natalie. True, all the characters have been hurt worse, but this was unrehearsed. Fi was pissed not because she was slapped but because she didn't see it coming, exactly the reaction I would have expected from the fiery ex-IRA guerilla. I love these brief moments of raw emotion. BN is a drama after all, albeit with a light touch. If this is a clash in writing styles, I applaud it because that's what keeps the show fresh and unpredictable.

I'm having trouble believing in the Strickland character.
The agencies he's supposed to be well connected to would view him as a double or triple agent, and a complete loose cannon. People like Strickler may be able to compete with BlackWater, Dick Marcenko, et cetera, on small contract-Op jobs, but he would have no means to effect a change in Michael's burn status. The people have the juice to un-burn Michael would have nothing to do with Strickler.

Guys like Strickler are high-ranking bottom feeders, and are not likely to convince the CIA (or whomever) that they should re-tread Michael when they have ranks of up-and-comers who are much like Michael. For those who will cry, "But Michael is special!" then why did they burn him?

If it was always the plan to bring Michael back, then they don't need Strickler. If it wasn't, then what leverage could Strickler have on the folks who burned Michael? They have more money and power than Strickler, and so are not bribe-able. I doubt Strickler could blackmail them, because Strickler could easily be dead, with reciprocal retaliations included.

I'm just not buying the premise / concept of the Strickler character. If Strickler is just a cover identity for a high ranking NOC agent or manager at the CIA, then it may work, but that would still strain the incredulity of the informed viewer.

FYI - psychology of a guy (anyone) in a domestic situation who will hit someone in the face in particular is not just a "hit" but has emotional and degrading implications to it. "Keeping you in your place," a real man never hits a woman (we're not talking about a scene where they're training as equals), or Fi's altercations with Sam, we're talking about a scene where Michael's character could have convinced Natalie that Fi was somehow "incompetent" to save Fi that didn't include that kind of a move. They know each other well and have worked together for years. Note the monologue at the end of the show in the park when he's talking about that exact thing...the best friend who has your back and Trust being the most important part of it, etc. etc.

It's a writing team, but it's as if two completely clashing "styles" are at work here. One set of writers who have a clue and have helped to make the show what it is, and some guys on the team who wish they could hit their girlfriends so they decided to have Michael hit Fi. They've officially stepped outside of what this show is all about.

FYI - I also think there is a fine line between great well known guest star actors, and stunt casting that is distracting and takes away from the strength of the show, it's core actors, and distracts the fans (audience) during the scene (pulls focus) and has them thinking "where have I seen her before" instead of being in the moment. This season is all over the map and generally disappointing, they need to get back to the roots of what made the show good, get so much attention in the first place.

I totally disagree with the comments here on Michael slapping Fi being o.k., it was over the top, the scene didn't need it.

FYI - this is the only female Michael has ever hit, and it was his good friend, and ex-girlfriend. Out of character for Michael, over the top, and did I mention in no way necessary for the scene. I think the writers or whoever put in that slap need some therapy, BADLY. This is not one of those shows that "shows everything" they are supposed to be smarter than that and Michael slapping Fi for any reason is out of character for him and the show. It was a deal breaker, and I'm a huge fan of equality. If Michael Westen hits females, he's not Michael Westen, he's a guy with female issues, and domestic issues specifically and not the character up until this point. Which will lead to a down turn in fans. Guaranteed.

I understand why Fiona would be mad about the slap but I also think her leaving was more about Strickler and Michael's stubbornness to get back into the business.

Next week! Can't wait! I wonder how they'll wrap up the season. It has been mostly fantastic except for little Paxson issue.

Strickler is a great addition and I thought the Fi Michael problems was really great. The season has gotten way better in the last few episodes. I have a full review of the episode on my blog.

http://th3tvobsessed.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-burn-notice-s03e08-friends-like.html

On the season two commentary for the final episode, Matt Nix stated that the OnStar plug, when Micheal was looking for a hardware store via OnStar, actually paid for the entire episode and since they where at the end of the year the budget was tight and never would have allowed for the various stunts that were pulled in the episode.

This comment brought to you by: OnStar. (I will be looking for my check in the mail...)

Man, this series is only getting better with each episode. I think what this episode really brought to the forefront is the effect Michael's obsession with getting back in with his old bosses is doing to those closest to him. He's willing to use and abuse no matter the cost to their friendship and personal lives.

As for the slap, sure I think Fi was angry -- very angry -- but I don't think that had anything to do with her reaction in the end. She doesn't trust Strickler and Michael's too obsessed with getting back in to even consider her opinion. The walkout has been building for quite some time. I think the restaurant scene a few weeks ago was the beginning of this whole thing for Fi.

Great episode!

I thought Fi got way too irritated about the slap. She's done as much during an op to cover things. When she and Sam were caught on a boat planting bugs, for example. After they were discovered she smacked Sam around a good bit.

About Sam getting emotional... It seemed to me that it was a set up and that it was all planned to get the russian to talk. What they were doing wasn't working, so try to give the interrogated a huge let down when their own escape plan doesn't work would make them more likely to talk... Kinda like saying, you can try whatever you want, but im always going to be a step ahead so just give the info!