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Five Ingredients That Make USA Network Shows Work

Rich Keller — 2010-04-14T15:11:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Law and Order, Celebrities, TV Squad Lists, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News

A while back, while announcing the season premieres for 'Burn Notice' and 'Royal Pains', I briefly mentioned the reason why these original USA network programs, as well as their other offerings, work so well. As I thought about it some more, I realized that it wasn't just the focus on characters and the mix of comedy and drama that made these shows click with audiences. There was more to it. In fact, three more 'its' to make a TV Squad list. How's that for ironic!

So, if you'll indulge me for a moment, here are the five things that make USA network shows resonate with viewers.

1. Actual character-driven shows -- When USA uses the tag line "Characters Welcome" they aren't kidding. Every original program since 'Monk' has been character driven. They haven't relied on special effects, or musicals, or unanswered questions that, when answered, produced more unanswered questions. It's characters that drive the shows and move them forward.

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Five Shows I'm Looking Forward To This Summer

Bob Sassone — 2010-04-08T13:05:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, TV Squad Lists, Reality-Free, Mad Men, Burn Notice, Features

Since summer is the time for beaches, parades, cookouts, and fireworks, and I hate beaches, parades, cookouts, and fireworks, it's TV time! That's especially true since there are more original shows on summer now than there used to be. Here are the five shows I'm looking forward to the most. And none of them are reality shows.

1. 'Mad Men.' To use a popular phrase, duh. Of course this is number one on my list. It's still weird to me that the best drama on television is a summer show. I don't know why this is still surprising, since we're not living in 1980 anymore and summer in a real TV season now and not just a place for repeats, reality shows, and shows that need to be burned off.

Maybe it's best that this show airs in the summer. It has a little more breathing room than it would have if it debuted in October.

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'Burn Notice' and 'Royal Pains' Return to USA in June

Rich Keller — 2010-04-03T11:13:00+00:00

Filed under: Programming, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV Schedules

While most viewers glaze over at the amount of dreck major networks spew out during the warmer months, fans of USA Network's original series vibrate in anticipation for the return of the favorite programs.

And why not? USA is doing what its big brother NBC hasn't been able to do: create character-driven programs that mix humor with drama, all wrapped up in a nicely written script. Not only do fans have a right to be excited, but the network can crow a bit itself. As it will do in June when two of its most popular shows return.

On Thursday, June 3rd, 'Burn Notice' and 'Royal Pains' return to the schedule with all new episodes. For 'Royal Pains', which debuts at 9PM ET., it will be the sophomore season. At 10PM ET. 'Burn Notice' begins its fourth season, ranking it the second-longest running show behind 'Psych' (not including 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent', which originally ran on NBC).

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'Burn Notice' Adding New Villain to Cast

Bob Sassone — 2010-03-18T16:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Celebrities, Casting, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News

If 'Burn Notice' keeps adding cast members at the rate it has been doing lately, the cast will be as large as the one on 'Lost.' First we reported that Coby Bell had been added to the cast in a regular role as a spy that comes in contact with Michael Westen and sticks around Miami, and now Michael Ausiello says that the show is also getting a new villain to go up against Michael (Westen, not Ausiello).

Robert Wisdom is joining the cast as bad guy Vaughn, described as "a veteran spy handler" and "ruthless." If the name sounds familiar to you it's because Wisdom has had roles in 'The Wire,' 'Supernatural,' and 'Prison Break.'

Some people aren't happy when new cast members come on their favorite show, because it messes up the dynamic. But the core of 'Burn Notice' is still Michael, Sam, Fiona, and Madeline and I don't think new story arcs will affect that.

'Burn Notice' Gets a New Regular Cast Member

Bob Sassone — 2010-03-09T14:16:00+00:00

Filed under: Celebrities, Casting, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News

'Burn Notice' just ended its third season and now comes word that they're adding a new regular character to mix with Michael, Fiona, Sam, and Madeline.

Coby Bell, who had regular roles on such shows as 'Third Watch,' 'The Game,' and 'L.A. Doctors' (no, I don't remember that 1999 show, though it sounds like something that should have been a hint, doesn't it?) will join the cast as Jesse Garcia.

The Hollywood Reporter describes the character as "a cocky and sarcastic counterintelligence expert with a chameleon-like ability to assume different cover identities and an intense desire to see bad guys punished.' Wait, that sounds a lot like Michael! He finds himself in Miami, too, and hooks up with the gang for what I'm assuming will be lots of action.

'Burn Notice' - 'Devil You Know' Recap (Season Finale)

Allison Waldman — 2010-03-05T01:57:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, Recaps

(S03E16) If you wonder where the excitement is in entertainment, you're probably not watching 'Burn Notice.' However, if you're reading this review, you probably are a watcher and you have just gorged yourself on what was mostly called a season finale.

In some ways, it was a typical 'Burn Notice' finale, leaving Michael in a seemingly puzzling situation. This was ranked up there with one of the more intriguing ones. It was everything creator Matt Nix promised it would be. More on that, the client named Simon, and how to hot-wire a jet ski after the jump.

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How'd You Like To See A 'Burn Notice'/'White Collar' Crossover Episode?

Bob Sassone — 2010-03-02T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features

TV viewers often have "I wonder what would happen if ______ and ______ had a crossover episode?" fantasy. There have been many crossovers, of course. Everything from Jessica Fletcher appearing on 'Magnum, P.I.' to The Green Hornet and Kato appearing on 'Batman' and the recent crossovers we saw on all of the 'CSI' shows. Now 'White Collar' creator Jeff Eastin is talking about a crossover with another USA Network show.

In this conference call with TV critics, Eastin mentions that he'd love to do a crossover episode with 'Burn Notice.' He's friends with 'Burn Notice' creator Matt Nix and they've joked about it, but he might bring it up to USA for the second season (the season finale of 'White Collar' airs next Tuesday).

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'Burn Notice' - 'Good Intentions' Recap

Allison Waldman — 2010-02-26T03:21:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, Recaps

(S03E15) Every now and then, it's fun to watch what happens when Michael or Sam or Fiona don't have the upper hand in a situation. This penultimate episode of the season was one of those with lots of flying by the seat of their pants and taking a walk on the wild side ... whether they wanted to or not.

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Matt Nix Talks 'Burn Notice' and Dark Deeds for a Noble Purpose

Allison Waldman — 2010-02-25T14:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Interviews, Celebrities, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News, Celebrity Interviews

Matt Nix is the man who single-handedly entered the term "burn notice" into the American pop culture lexicon. In a recent conference call about the current season of 'Burn Notice' and Michael Weston's spy games, Matt Nix reflected on the past, gave us a glimpse into the exciting last few episodes this season, and assured us all that despite the torrid chemistry, Bruce Campbell and Sharon Gless are not going to hook up as Sam and Maddie. Michael and Fiona, on the other hand, that's still a flame that's burning... if you don't mind the pun.

Q: What can you tell us about upcoming guest stars that you have lined up?

Matt Nix: In the finale, we have Garret Dillahunt coming and doing a pretty amazing bad guy. Let's see, the guy who played Tony Almeida on '24' Carlos Bernard, is playing a bad guy who... under other circumstances he could have been one of the team, but he is willing to do certain things that they're not willing to do. He's a guy who's really committed to what he's doing. It's a pretty devastating performance. He's pretty awesome.

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'Burn Notice' - 'Enemies Closer' Recap

Allison Waldman — 2010-02-19T00:18:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, Recaps

(S03E14) There was a lot of action involving running and shooting and a bomb exploding in this installment of 'Burn Notice,' but overall it felt a bit like a been-there-done-that episode. Was it pedestrian or were the principals not interesting enough to keep up with the usual Michael-Fiona-Sam shenanigans? More on that and the excellent work by a lowly CSI tech named Finley, after the jump.

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'Burn Notice' - 'Partners In Crime' Recap

Allison Waldman — 2010-02-12T01:38:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, Recaps

(S03E13) 'Burn Notice' is generally more serious dealing with spy business than a show like 'Chuck', which is more playful. There's more blood on 'Burn Notice,' and the killing is not done to popular music. Both shows are fun, but for a tougher brand of espionage, 'Burn Notice' is the way to go.

This was one of the better 'Burn Notice' episodes because it put Michael somewhere he hasn't been in a while -- a very vulnerable position. And Larry was back. You remember Larry, played with menacing lunacy by Tim Matheson? More on Larry, the Colombian cartel, Jack Fleetwood and -- oh yeah -- Michael's brother, too, after the jump.

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Review: 'Burn Notice' - 'Noble Causes'

Allison Waldman — 2010-02-05T00:45:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, Recaps

(S03E12) Does Michael Weston work and play well with others? Umm, not really. He prefers being at the controls and calling the shots. Have you noticed that with Fiona and Sam, Michael is usually the de facto lead? And remember how he disliked working for Carla? Hence this relationship with Gilroy is problematic to say the least. This week was an example of just how difficult it's likely to be.

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Review: Burn Notice - Friendly Fire

Allison Waldman — 2010-01-29T02:05:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, Recaps

(S03E11) For a nice change of pace, Burn Notice played up the local color. Lots of Little Dominica (not Little Havana) and action, including multiple explosions, a little face-forward repelling and a new somewhat mystical character for Michael to play. No Southern boy this week. No tank tops or muscle shirts. Nope. Michael was looking like Mr. Applegate, the devil in the musical Damn Yankees.

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Review: Burn Notice - A Dark Road (mid-season premiere)

Allison Waldman — 2010-01-22T03:00:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, Celebrities, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, Recaps, TV News

(S03E10) "People get hurt and things get complicated no matter what you do." - Fiona

Welcome back, Burn Notice. We've missed you. The story picked up a day or two after the resolution of the Strickler thing, with Fiona still on the mend and Michael more than a little miffed by the missed opportunity to get back in the spy game. And if sore feelings and healing wounds weren't painful enough, there's a new threat for Michael.

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Burn Notice reunites Cagney & Lacey stars Tyne Daly & Sharon Gless

Allison Waldman — 2010-01-20T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: TV Royalty, Interviews, Celebrities, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News, Celebrity Interviews

Back in 2008, I was lucky enough to get to visit the set of Burn Notice and interview Sharon Gless. At that time, Sharon said that she was trying to get her co-star from Cagney & Lacey -- and good friend -- Tyne Daly to guest on Burn Notice, but Tyne was only interested if she could play her part sans words. "Tyne said, 'I'll do it, but I want to play her as a mute.' Only Tyne Daly! And believe me, she'll steal the show. Matt said he wants to use her -- but not as a mute!"

Tomorrow night, Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless will be reunited on TV in an episode of Burn Notice called "The Dark Road." Tyne Daly will not be playing a mute. In fact, according to Sharon, "It's very, very unusual the situations that they put me in with Tyne. They had me go undercover." It sounds like a fun way to kick off the second half of season three. And hopefully, Tyne Daly will get to watch it. You see, in a recent conference call with the two stars, Ms. Daly and Ms. Gless talked about working together again and more.

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Cagney and Lacey reunite on first Burn Notice of 2010

Allison Waldman — 2009-12-25T14:08:00+00:00

Filed under: OpEd, CSI, Video, Awards, Emmys, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News

Have you received all your Christmas gifts? Would you like one more? Okay, here it is, when Burn Notice returns for the winter season on January 21, the first episode will include guest star Tyne Daly. That's right, Tyne will be reuniting with her Cagney & Lacey co-star Sharon Gless. This is will be the first of seven new Burn Notices till next summer.

There's another Cagney & Lacey story in the news. CSI creator Anthony Zuiker wants to revive the show for CBS. For those who don't recall, Cagney & Lacey was the top female cop drama of the 1980's -- actually of all time. It was a serious police drama, unlike something jiggly like Charlie's Angels or safe and pedestrian like Police Woman.

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Best and Worst TV of 2009: Allison's list

Allison Waldman — 2009-12-20T09:24:00+00:00

Filed under: Food/Home/DIY, Industry, Programming, OpEd, Lost, Celebrities, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Ratings, NCIS, TV Squad Lists, Emmys, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Burn Notice, The Big Bang Theory, Parks and Recreation, Nurse Jackie, Glee, Community, Cougar Town, Modern Family, Features, TV Schedules, TV News

What a year! Once we got over the WGA strike, the networks kicked it into high gear and got busy making TV. Except for NBC. Even Jeff Zucker has admitted that NBCU has failed to respond to the need for new programming.

Fortunately, the other channels have been busy and there's been a lot of great television... and some that's just plain awful. But I'm a half-glass full kind of person and I have good feelings about 2009. However, since I don't want to repeat my list from last year, I'll just mention that I could put these 2008 best choices -- Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, NCIS, The Big Bang Theory and Mad Men -- on my list again. But I'm going to go for an all new list and, thankfully, I had plenty of 'bests' to choose from.

Best
1. Glee. If there was ever a show that was made just for my personal taste, this is probably it. I love the singing and dancing. I get the characters. It even tickles me that I had just as much angst with bullies in high school as these kids. Every episode hasn't been perfect, but it's perfectly fine that they keep striving.

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What Allison is thankful for

Allison Waldman — 2009-11-22T16:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Programming, OpEd, The Closer, Friday Night Lights, Breaking Bad, Reality-Free, Mad Men, Burn Notice, Glee, Features, TV Schedules

Thanksgiving is coming and for many of us it's time to eat, drink and watch football. It's also a time to reflect on the things you're grateful for and since TV Squad is all about television, here's what I'm grateful for this holiday season, with regard to the tube.

Mad Men season finale
There was really nothing as satisfying in the entire year for me. Matt Weiner promised a game-changing episode and he delivered it with a whopper of a wrap up. Actually, nothing was really wrapped; it was more like the cards have been dealt and we're still waiting to see how the hands are played.

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Groovy! John Sellers brings Bruce Campbell Watch back from the dead

Danny Gallagher — 2009-09-10T10:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Other Sci-Fi/Supernatural Shows, Celebrities, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News

Some have made the argument that actor Ted McGinley is the patron saint of all things television. I mean, sure Teddy-M.C. has a wide and varied career and holds the power to destroy entire series with his very presence.

Well Mr. McGinley, I've met Bruce Campbell (once, almost, it's a long story). I know Bruce Campbell (not really, but Bob probably knows him better than I do). And you, sir, are no Bruce Campbell.

And just to prove it, let me pose a question: has anyone ever held a "Ted McGinley Watch" in his television honor? I didn't think so. Writer and blogger John Sellers has revived the annual TV tradition on his popular True/Slant blog.

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Terminator's Garret Dillahunt lands role on Burn Notice

Mike Moody — 2009-08-29T13:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Sci-Fi/Supernatural Shows, Industry, Celebrities, Casting, Reality-Free, Burn Notice, Features, TV News

Summer Glau isn't the only Terminator alum heading to a high-profile show next season. The cool and creepy Garrett Dillahunt has landed a role on USA's Burn Notice. Dillahunt will play Simon, Michael's super smart new client, when the show returns in the winter.

It's unclear whether this is a guest stint or a recurring role, but chances are good that Dillahunt will be sticking around for a while. The actor has made memorable guest stints on Life, CSI, and Law & Order: SVU, and critics praised his recent big screen performance in The Last House on the Left.

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