User:Kevinbrogers/Sandbox/Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe

Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe is a 2011 American television special based on the USA Network television series Burn Notice. It was the first official Burn Notice spin-off, and was directed by Matt Nix. The show was broadcast in the United States on April 17, 2011, on the U.S. television network USA Network. The film, while not an episode of the show, introduced plot elements for the show's fifth season.

Plot
Set two years before the pilot episode, the film is narrated by Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell), who is being questioned about a mission in Columbia. Sam reveals that he had had an affair with a superior's wife (Chandra West). After being caught, Sam was assigned a dangerous mission: to track down a terrorist group known as the Espada Ardiente.

Sam travels to Columbia, where he meets his new team, which includes Comandante Veracruz (Pedro Pascal). He tells a local clinic that they are in danger. However, he ignored by the two people there, Ben Delaney (RonReaco Lee) and Amanda Maples (Kiele Sanchez). Later, while Sam is scouting the area, he discovers that Veracruz and his men are preparing to betray him. Sam once again attempts to warn the clinic, but they continue to ignore him. After Veracruz realizes that Sam is gone, he plans to destroy the clinic. A local girl, Beatriz (Ilza Rosario) tells Sam what is about to happen. Sam finally succeeds in convincing Ben and Amanda of the danger, and persuades them to leave, taking all of the clinic patients with them. Sam and Ben stay behind to blow up the clinic themselves to create a distraction. The plan works, and all escape.

Beatriz suggests fleeing to the Espada Ardiente, Sam's original assignment. Having no other option, Sam agrees. Upon their arrival, Sam discovers that the Espada Ardiente are nothing more than mostly elderly goat herders on a small farm. Disappointed, Sam returns to Veracruz's camp in an attempt to call for support. After he makes the phone call, Veracruz captures Sam. Fortunately, the Espada Ardiente arrive to save Sam. Sam, Ben, Amanda, and the "goat herders" travel to a CIA outpost to ask for help. Along the way, they are attacked by Veracruz and his men, but due to previous training by Sam, they make it to the outpost. When they arrive, they find it empty, save for two men and some radio equipment. When the men are told about the situation, they call for help. The men tell Sam that nothing will be done until Sam travels to the base first. Sam and the two men leave on a helicopter, promising Ben, Amanda, and the Espada Ardiente that they will return. Once the helicopter is in the air, however, the two agents confess that nothing will be done. Sam then forces them to land at gunpoint, and takes them hostage.

The story flashes back to the present. Admiral Lawrence (John Diehl), the man questioning Sam, asks if he wants a lawyer. The inquiry has taken a bad turn for Sam. Sam continues his story. Back on the ground, the CIA men are forced to call for help. They learn that the nearest help is three hours away. Sam, the doctors, and the Espada Ardiente are forced to fight Veracruz and his men. They run out of ammunition, and are forced to retreat back to the outpost. Sam asks again how long it will be before help arrives, using the alias "Charles Finley." He learns that it won't be enough time.

Sam leaves the outpost to distract Veracruz. They assault him and open fire on the outpost. Fortunately, help arrives, and Veracruz and his men are captured. Sam and Amanda kiss, and Sam is escorted back to the base, where Sam begins his testimony.

Admiral Lawrence evaluates the situation, and, due to Sam's actions in Columbia, threatens Sam with a court martial. However, Sam reveals that Beatriz photographed the entire operation, and planned on giving all of the evidence of the operation to Columbia's largest newspaper. Sam then blackmails Lawrence into giving him an honorable discharge, a full pension, a first-class ticket to Miami, a change of clothes, and, of course, a beer.

Cast

 * Bruce Campbell as Sam Axe
 * Kiele Sanchez as Amanda Maples
 * RonReaco Lee as Ben Delaney
 * Chandra West as Donna Maitland
 * John Diehl as Admiral James G. Lawrence
 * Pedro Pascal as Comandante Veracruz
 * Ilza Rosario as Beatriz
 * Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen (cameo)

Development
The film was announced in the summer of 2010 at the annual San Diego Comic-Con, and it was revealed that it would serve as a lead-in to the show's fifth season. Jeffrey Donovan, star of Burn Notice was later announced to be the director of the film. Donovan had made his directorial debut one year earlier with the Burn Notice fourth season episode "Made Man".

Casting
The full cast was confirmed by January 2011, and included Bruce Campbell, Chandra West, RonReaco Lee, Kiele Sanchez and John Diehl. Jeffrey Donovan made a small, previously unannounced cameo appearance as Michael Westen, the main character of Burn Notice.

Filming
Filming began in January 2011 in Bogota, Columbia.

Critical reviews
The film received mostly mixed reviews. Matt Fowler of IGN gave it a 7 out of 10, calling it an "enjoyable distraction," but adding that it "fails to live up to Sam Axe standards." Scott Von Doviak of the A.V. Club gave the film a B-, explaining that it "sounded promising" but "has the routine rhythms of a straight-to-DVD action movie sequel." He went on to add that "fans should enjoy Campbell’s performance, but Sam Axe deserved a more interesting fall." Rob Frappier of Screen Rant wrote that "Matt Nix has done a great job," specifically because of Sam's consistently funny "zingers." He later said that fans would enjoy the film.

Ratings
The event was viewed by 3.57 million viewers upon its first airing. In the highly-competitive adults 18–49 demographic, there were 1.44 million viewers. It was the 23rd most-watched show on cable television that week.