It’s great to see Burt Reynolds back in the saddle — giving, well, a typical “Burt Reynolds”-type performance in this Thursday’s episode of USA’s “Burn Notice.”
Reynolds, now 74, hasn’t been seen much on TV or in the movies lately. He underwent quintuple-bypass heart surgery last February and — if his slow-ish gait and gaunt appearance are any indication — still seems to be recovering from that ordeal.
But the old roguish Reynolds charm shines through in his role as retired Cold War-era spy Paul Anderson, now tending bar in Florida, who’s targeted by a team of killer Russian operatives out to avenge a decades-old grudge (Anderson stole Russian satellite secrets in the mid-’80s).
Anderson’s fate now lies in the hands of “burned” former spy (and series protagonist) Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), who gets caught up in the tangled web — which includes an oily US Congressman who’s got a long history with Anderson and holds the key to ensuring his continued safety.
Reynolds, who’s still got his famous moustache (now grey and close-cropped), fires off several one-liners with the old twinkle-in-the-eye panache, and while his voice may not be as baritone-commanding as it was in his younger days, it still drips with the ironic sarcasm that made Reynolds’ movies, including “Deliverance” and “The Longest Yard,” so enjoyable.
He’s also got a nice rapport with Donovan; in Thursday’s episode, Anderson says Michael reminds him of his younger self. With Donovan’s wry, laid-back style — played with just the right note of understatement — it’s easy to see why.
Reynolds has said he agreed to guest-star on “Burn Notice” because the show films in Florida, where he makes his home year-round. He also told tcpalm.com that producers have “left that door open” regarding his character’s possible return.
We can only hope.
“Burn Notice” airs Thursday at 9 p.m. on USA.