Cable broadcasters have come out with some great original series recently. The Shield, Rescue Me, Damages and many others. One of the surprises was the USA Network show Burn Notice that aired last summer. (New season begins July, 10th)

I like this show. It is smart, funny and you learn some spy tradecraft along the way. The basic premise is that Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) is a spy who receives a “burn notice” – effectively he is cut off, no money, no aid, no communication – he is hung out to dry. He decides to figure out who burned him. Meanwhile he is stuck in Miami aided only by his ex IRA/gun runner/special ops girlfriend Fiona and ex shadow warrior Sam. The cherry on top? Bruce Campbell as the hard drinking, kept man, ex-spy Sam Axe. USA has re-runs on right now in anticipation of the new season, and last night I discovered the whole season one on iTunes. An easy $19 purchase. (Also available on DVD.) Check it out.