I watched an episode of Burn Notice just before...

The main character used Duct tape, Leatherman screwdriver blade, Hairpin (cos he couldn't find a paper clip) and ended up driving away in a hard top Jeep Wrangler.

I thought to myself that this all seems VERY familiar.

Yes! 'Burn Notice' has a lot of similarities... including most wonderful voice-overs!
Makes me very MacGyverNostalgic!

Burn Notice is essentially a 21st century version of MacGyver, that's why I enjoy the show so much.

I too am in love with the show- obviously he is more "in your face" than MacGyver- and more violent- but still a good guy who tries to be creative and humane. I think Mac was more a man of science and humanity, while Michael is more familiar with the arts of war and deception.

Granted, while nothing will ever replace MacGyver for me, I will say it is as close as TV will probably ever come to a show with a similar premise. In some ways, it seems more realistic than certain episodes of MacGyver where using a gun, if for no other reason than holding off assailants, might have been the only way out. I see a lot of episodes where Mac runs from people shooting at him from a distance that it is highly unlikely a skilled soldier would miss from (namely first season episodes).

On the flip side, I kinda hate that weird relationship Michael and Fiona have- I just think they could have come up with a different way for him to have a love interest. Mac's relationships were more glamorous, there was more chemistry, more spark. Michael and Fiona- well, it's like that awkward first girlfriend you have in middle school where you don't really know what you are.

Anyway, I've only seen a handful of episodes and I will agree that they certainly have crossed the line before of demonstrating a little too much similarity to MacGyver

interesting.

It even has a Jack Dalton like character who just helps himself to Micheal's food and apartment and tends to be a pain in the butt, but ultimately is always there to when Micheal needs him.

And the icing on the cake is that the Jack character is played by Bruce Campbell. Can't go wrong with Bruce Campbell.

I tried to watch it but I couldn't get past the acting (in some cases) and it also felt "dark" and I wasn't in the mood for it at the time. I would not say he is the newest version of MacGyver since there is only one MacGyver. All others are merely trying to be like him:)

I watched it when michael shanks guest stared on the show, for the most part I liked the show, but as someone said it felt darker then what MacGyver was putting out.

I agree with you on the 'dark' element of the show. Unlike MacGyver which brings out a message in almost every episode for the attention of the viewers and leave something for us to think about, Burn Notice concentrates only on the personal experience of Michael Western on how to find out the one who burnt him. BN is good for its action and gadgets but Mac offers more 'depth' from its storyline.

Burn Notice... i've seen the adverts for that show but i didn't know the lead acted like MacGyver in some situations! thanks for mentioning it. i'll look it up at once! that is, because right now i'm saving up for the box set. my mother and i plan to watch it this christmas -- she's the original fan and the one who got me hooked.

The box set will make a great Xmas present for you both and in the mean time you can watch Burn Notice.

oh yes, quite right.

I only saw two episodes or so, but I intend to watch more of it. My brother bought it online.

The moment where he says 'Mama' to a passing girl in the first episode is hilarious.