'Burn Notice' Series Finale: Why Madeline Sacrificed Herself?
It was final goodbye for USA Network's "Burn Notice" on Thursday after a run of seven seasons. The big moment of the final episode of "Burn Notice," "Reckoning," is a self-sacrificing death scene.
When men of James (John Pyper-Ferguson) attack the house, Madeline (Sharon Gless), mother of Michael (Jeffrey Donovan) ends her life -- in the final episode of the final series -- so that others can survive. She sacrificed herself by detonating a bomb to save her grandson and Michael's friend, Jesse. Matt Nix, creator of "Burns Notice," told The Hollywood Reporter that Madeline dying was the last scenes that they shot.
"She sacrifices herself to save Michael, to save Charlie, to save Jesse, to save everybody," Max told the Entertainment Weekly. "And, really to provide the seed of a new family."
Max said that Michael had issues with his family and he was disconnected with them. Though he did sort out some of the issues and re-connected with his family, there was always the risk of paying a price. The reconnection with the family "put them at risk." Michael was unable to let his family in his world, without endangering them. He had to ensure that they remain beyond the grasp of the agency. Michael was reeling under the burden that he has failed, everyone.
"It's this feeling that Michael has that he's failed everyone," Matt said to TVGuide.com. "That's much harder for Michael Westen than facing any sort of adversary - him dealing with the idea that he has failed people and betrayed them, that he's disappointed himself and all the people that depend on him."
"Madeline sacrificing herself is basically saying, 'I can save you (Michael). You can be this guy, you can do what you want to do, you can be who you want to be, and it will come at a price and I'm willing to pay that price'," Max said to Entertainment Weekly.
"Burn Notice" premiered on USA Network on June 28, 2007.