Burn Notice’s Matt Nix Talks Season Finale, Romance, & More

In a conference call with reporters yesterday, Burn Notice‘s Matt Nix gave us some scoop about guest stars, Comic Con, romance, BFF’s, and the season finale.

Guest Stars

Garret Dillahunt guest stars on Burn Notice / NBCU

Nix revealed that Garret Dillahunt (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) plays an “awesome” bad guy when he shows up later this season. Also guest starring is Carlos Bernard (24) who has a connection to Fiona. Nix described him as a bad guy who, under different circumstances, could’ve been a part of Michael’s team. He’s willing to do things that Michael, Fiona and Sam won’t, crossing lines they can’t. Nix said it’s a “devastating performance”.

Romance

Asked about whether fans pester him about the odds of Michael and Fiona getting back together, Nix explained that theirs is an “unstable romantic connection.” They have a hard time being with other people and have acknowledged how much they care about each other, but neither of them are “built” for a stable romantic connection. The relationship they have right now is probably their ideal, at least at this point in their lives.

BFF’s

Nix laughed at the idea that Sam and Madeline have any sort of romantic connection, saying “that is creepy and wrong and we would never go there.” However, he did admit some surprise at how well the characters relate on screen and said that caused the writers to build a friendship between the two that wasn’t originally planned. Sam is Madeline’s best friend right now, an unusual development, but “it works for us,” said Nix.

Motivation

In “A Dark Road”, the episode featuring Tyne Daly, Michael explains to Madeline that his job is “helping people.” When asked if Michael was settling into the role of helping people without being a spy, Nix explained that Michael has been coming to terms with the fact that there’s a part of him that HAS to help people. Early in the series he was something of a reluctant hero, but as Michael has become more self-aware, he’s realized that this is an innate need of his. The twist is that, because of his background, he uses “dark deeds for a noble purpose … the dark to save the light.”

Gearing Up for the Season Finale

Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen / USA Network Photo: Glenn Watson

Nix talked about Michael’s relationship with Gilroy, played by Chris Vance, noting that it’s becoming more and more complicated. Nix said the relationship takes an “unexpected turn” in second to last episode of the season, but wouldn’t divulge any details.

Also coming up at the end of the season is an answer to a question related to the burn notice itself. We won’t find out who issued the burn notice, but a big question will be answered. “It’s a question people haven’t thought to ask,” said Nix, “but it is important.”

Comic Con

Last but not least, Nix said he had a wonderful experience at Comic Con last year and hopes they can attend again this year. The logistics of getting cast and creative team members from Miami (where they film) to San Diego is challenging, but he hopes to see us in San Diego in July.

Burn Notice airs Thursdays at 10/9c on USA Network.