CRISTELA A Force

Article first published as CRISTELA Review on Seat42F.

ABC seems to be trying to check all the boxes this year in making their comedies more diverse. For the African-America audience, there’s black-ish, and now, for Latinos, there’s CRISTELA. It’s the story of a law student named Cristela (comedienne and Mind of Mencia writer Crisetla Alonzo) who lives with her mother, sister, and sister’s family in Texas. It’ll tackle issues like gender stereotypes and how much easier the newer generation has it, providing a typical family sitcom with a bilingual cast.

At face value, CRISTELA is about as good as most family sitcoms. But that’s sort of the issue. Like black-ish, it has some racial bend to it, but it is also fairly sanitized and similar to just about every other series on TV that is about white folks. There isn’t much that sets it apart from just about any other show, demonstrating both progress in the television landscape and an overall sanitization of network television, as the Big Four broadcast channels are hesitant to take on much risk in their programming. CRISTELA does not seem to be a risk.

Cristela, herself, is pretty funny. She’s got a sassy mouth and an independent, determined spirit. She is a pain to her family, but she does care, and is trying to better things for her and for them. When she encourages her niece, Isabella (Isabella Day), to go out for soccer instead of cheerleading, it’s with the best of intentions, even though it, of course, doesn’t work out quite the way she has planned.

The setting is split between Cristela’s home life and work. At home, there’s Cristela’s prettier sister, Daniela (Maria Canals-Barrera, Wizards of Waverly Place), and her charming husband, Felix (Carlos Ponce, Double Life), who thinks Cristela is a free-loader, sparking tension between them. Cristela’s mother, Natalia (Terri Hoyos, Bulworth), resides under the same roof, too, providing judgment and lectures about how things were worse in her day. Felix’s relation, Alberto (comedian Gabriel Iglesias), hangs around and hits on Cristela, though she isn’t interested. Cristela hopes to be a successful enough lawyer to score her own place, but that could very well sabotage some of the premise if it happens anytime soon.

In the pilot, Cristela lands an important internship which could further her career, but doesn’t pay anything, to chagrin of Felix, Daniela, and Natalia. Cristela’s new boss, Trent (Sam McMurray, The King of Queens), is unintentionally racist, but at least he respects Cristela’s work ethic. Cristela is joined by fellow interns Maddie (Justine Lupe, Harry’s Law), a blonde bimbo who is hired only because Trent is her father, and Josh (Andrew Leeds, Bones), who might end up being a love interest; it’s not quite clear yet.

I laughed several times while watching Cristela, and I’m likely to give it at least a few episodes to find its feet. The jokes do sometimes land, especially when CRISTELA plays with preconceptions and prejudices, but there’s rarely anything completely original about the gags. I am not familiar with Cristela’s stand-up so I’m not sure if the series is built from her own life, or she’s just trying to copy the shows she grew up with, putting a tinge of her own spin on the concepts. Either way, it’s a middling series that might get funnier, but likely won’t.

I do think it’s incredibly important to see diversity represented on television, and it’s a shame we’re talking about CRISTELA as “the” Latino sitcom premiering this year, with nothing currently on the air to really match it. That being said, quality is quality, no matter what form it’s in, and CRISTELA, like plenty of its peers with all-white casts, just doesn’t have enough of that to make it special. It’s probably not a good sign for its longevity that ABC is starting it out on Fridays.

CRISTELA premieres Friday, October 10^th at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

BONES "Sacrifice" Rings Hollow

Article first published as BONES "Sacrifice" Rings Hollow on TheTVKing.

The characters in FOX's Bones have long been battling a super-smart, ruthless villain named Pelant (Andrew Leeds). That all ends in last night's episode, "The Sense in the Sacrifice," in which our heroes face Pelant for a final time, determined to stop him.

The beginning of the episode, in which the Jeffersonian team works up a plan to draw Pelant out of hiding, imitating his murderous style, only to be tricked by Pelant himself, who kills Agent Flynn (Reed Diamond), is brilliant. This is the kind of great writing the Pelant arc has highlighted on the show. They have created a bad guy who can anticipate everything, and can never be defeated, and it's amazing to see how he will stump the main crew next.

Which may be why, when they do defeat him, it feels hollow and doesn't quite work.

Pelant doesn't make mistakes. We've seen this over and over. But I buy Flynn managing to give the team a clue, giving them an opening. The problem comes when Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) use computers to figure out where Pelant is, and then Cam (Tamara Taylor) calls Booth (David Boreanaz) to relay that information, since it has been established that Pelant spies on everything electronic they do. They know it will only be a matter of time before Pelant discovers their progress, and given the precautions put in place to stall him, they might buy themselves a slight head start, but there's no way he misses all of this, so why don't they go off-line to avoid him learning anything at all?

What I really don't understand is how Pelant underestimates that time so poorly so that Booth has a chance to get in range and kill him. Yes, Pelant is waiting on Brennan (Emily Deschanel), whom he gave a separate set of clues to, and so doesn't want to run off too quickly. But Pelant hasn't played with Brennan nearly enough to think he could have swayed her yet, if he ever could. He's too smart to believe a single mystery would draw Brennan to his side, romantically speaking. And, knowing the team as he does, he should be able to better estimate both her rejection and when Booth can or will arrive.

It would be far more satisfying if the team outsmarted Pelant using novel, old-fashioned methods. By going back to their typical computer style, they open themselves up to vulnerabilities that surely Pelant would be able to exploit. Maybe the writers didn't leave Pelant enough weakness to truly have a satisfactory take down, but "The Sense in the Sacrifice" feels lazy, like they weren't even trying to anticipate the holes that could be poked in it.

This is echoed in the sequence in which the team, including Ms. Julian (Patricia Belcher), spy on Booth and Brennan in Pelant's lair. They want to see if their friends are OK, and I don't even blame them for lingering too long on the smooching couple, as until they see Pelant's body, they may worry about lurking danger. But without sound, how do any of them know Booth is sort of proposing? He doesn't get down on one knee. It's an unnecessary leap.

Bones is a solid series, for the most part, and has delivered many excellent stories. There are great elements in "The Sense in the Sacrifice," such as when Sweets (John Francis Daley), who is on leave from his job, is drawn back in because of his ingenious idea for stopping Pelant, the moment Mrs. Julian finds Booth heading out for a revenge killing, and when Brennan talks to Aldo (Mathew Zickel) in the bar about whether Booth will shoot Pelant.

Yet, the quality isn't consistent throughout the hour, unfortunate for a special installment that should long be remembered, a departure from the normal case-of-the-week. The show has done better in the past, and hopefully will do so again. It's just so disappointing that it falters now, at a time when all eyes are on them. Bones doesn't make many mistakes, but this episode is sadly one of them.

Bones airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.

BONES Conceals "The Secrets in the Proposal"

Article first published as BONES Review Season 9 Episode 1 The Secrets In The Proposal on Seat42F.

Fans of FOX’s BONES have had a very long summer. Last season ended with Booth (David Boreanaz) calling off his engagement to Brennan (Emily Deschanel) because of a threat made by Pelant (Andrew Leeds). Now, three months later for the characters, and even longer for the viewers, we finally get to see what the fallout from that is in “The Secrets in the Proposal.”

Surprisingly, Booth and Brennan are still living together. Yes, they have a daughter, Christine, and she is certainly a factor in that decision. However, the fact that Brennan hasn’t dumped Booth yet, sticking around even after he cancels their wedding, reveals the depth of the emotion between them. They are not just a couple casually dating; this is real love, the kind that cannot be killed off by a psycho’s manipulation.

At least, for now. Brennan is getting tired of waiting for an explanation, and feels like Booth has been pulling away from her. Booth has a good reason to be avoiding his home, feeling guilty for hurting Brennan, and pouring his energy into looking for Pelant so he can end this pain, but she doesn’t know that. As such, Brennan feels like he may be done with her, and as hard as that is for her to accept, she considers moving on.

Booth is isolated from everyone. Boreanaz does a terrific job of showing us just how much Booth wants to confess the truth to Ms. Julian (Patricia Belcher), Sweets (John Francis Daley), Angela (Michaela Conlin), Cam (Tamara Taylor), or especially Brennan herself. All of these people are judging Booth and are not happy with his behavior. He is basically shunned from his social circle, which has to compound his pain ever more.

So it’s not surprise that Booth turns to someone completely unconnected with the situation to spill his guts to. This person is Aldo Clemens (Mathew Zickel, Newsreaders, House of Lies), a former priest and army buddy who now owns a bar. Away from electronics that might be spying, Booth can tell Aldo the truth, something Booth desperately must get off his chest. And Aldo listens with a kind ear, giving Booth the outlet and support he needs to keep going.

It’s disappointing that Aldo is someone who comes out of nowhere; it would be nicer if he had been mentioned or we’d seen him before. But at the same time, the role he plays must be someone completely out of left field who has no connection to Brennan or the Jeffersonian. As a fan of Zickel already, I am pleased with the new character, who reminds me a little bit of Dr. Gordon Wyatt, for some reason, and look forward to how he will integrate with the rest of the cast as the season plays out.

I won’t spoil what happens with Booth and Brennan, or with Aldo, but suffice it to say, there is definite movement in the relationship story in “The Secrets in the Proposal.” Things are not just punted down the road, and fans won’t be made to suffer for weeks as they wait to see what will happen between the couple.

The end of the premiere is a big taunt to Pelant. While the slight at the madmen is not intentional or meant to provoke, it will certainly bring him out of hiding sooner, rather than later, promising a somewhat fast pace for this fall’s larger story arc.

Of course, this being BONES, there is a case of the week in “The Secrets in the Proposal.” A CIA agent is murdered, and despite their personal problems, Booth and Brennan must work together to solve the case. There isn’t anything super special about this investigation, nor would one expect there to be after so many seasons. But it succeeds in being somewhat interesting, and not distracting from the story most fans really care about, so the episode is a good one.

The case also introduces us to Danny Beck (Freddy Prinze Jr., 24, Scooby-Doo), a CIA agent whom Booth is familiar with, and who sort of helps out. Though he is only briefly in the episode, Danny is said to be potentially recurring, so this could be the beginning of another story larger than one hour, something BONES has got to deliver more frequently as it becomes an aging procedural. Even if he only makes this one appearance, though, it’s a treat for Sarah Michelle Gellar fanatics to see her current husband on screen with her one-time-TV-lover.

The reason I watch BONES, while detesting most other similar shows, is because of the chemistry of the cast, and the entertaining way the supporting players interact. “The Secrets in the Proposal” contains some wonderful examples of this draw, such as when Hogins (T.J. Thyne) tries his latest experiment, despite Cam’s protestations, or when Daisy (Carla Gallo) tries to assert that her own failed relationship with Sweets can serve as an example Brennan can aspire to. This is why the show works, even when ithe plot does become rote for weeks at a time, and when combined with the bigger stories in this premiere, it positively soars for most of the hour.

I also liked the cross promotion for new FOX drama Sleepy Hollow, less intrusive than most of BONES’ implanted marketing.

Though, I do not really understand the title of this episode, or how it applies.

BONES returns Monday, September 16^th at 8 p.m.

"Secret" Kept From Bones

Article first published as "Secret" Kept From Bones on TheTVKing.

FOX's hugely popular Bones completes its eighth (!) season, still going strong, this week with "The Secret in the Siege." Pelant (Andrew Leeds) resurfaces, and this time he's using Sweets' (John Francis Daley) work against the team. But when Brennan (Emily Deschanel) proposes to Booth (David Boreanaz), Pelant is upset by the draw of focus away from him, and takes revenge in a very cold way.

Pelant is an intriguing and complex villain. It's incredibly hard to predict his next move, for both the audience and the characters. Yet, each new development makes sense for the character and the story. I know the bread and butter of Bones is procedural, case-of-the-week junk, but the good stuff is always when Bones goes a bit deeper than that. Bringing in a personality like Pelant has given intrigue and movement at a time when many series would start to go stale, keeping the show interesting, and rising it above its other, lesser peers on television.

"The Secret in the Siege" reveals just how involved Pelant wants to be with the main group of the series. His games get more and more personal each time, and it's like he wants to be a big part of their lives. Even though he only resurfaces every few months, he always tries to make an impact, and interact with them as if they know each other well. It's disturbing, but it works, as by this point his presence screws with everyone's heads, and often causes unfortunate mistakes when passion for revenge overrules common sense.

Pelant's main target is always Booth and Brennan, perhaps sensing that they are the leaders of the group, though he's fair enough to give focus to other cast members from time to time, such as invading Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins' (TJ Thyne) home. Sweets is a vulnerability, dealing more with the inner workings of a mind than the other characters. This presents a ripe opportunity for Pelant to not only mess with, but mess up, a main player mentally, without having to worry about inflicting physical harm, thus risking removing him permanently.

Rumor is, what Pelant does in "The Secret in the Siege" will have lasting impact on Sweets. I don't believe this episode really sets that up. Yes, we see Sweets grow frustrated, but by the end of the hour, he seems to be OK, even as everyone is disappointed at still not having caught Pelant yet. I could see this working if we are shown that Sweets spends a lot of time mulling over what Pelant has done, but that doesn't come through in this season finale itself.

An on-going theme, especially early in the series' run, is that Brennan is out of touch with human emotion and motivation. She deals much better in logic and fact. This bites her in the butt hard now, just when viewers may think she's made progress with a child and steady partner, by not taking into account Pelant's feelings. If she were more empathetic, she would know not to hurt Pelant's feelings, and that asking Booth to marry her would do so.

Brennan does pay the price, having to endure Booth's canceling of their engagement without being told the reason why. This is extremely hard on Booth, to be sure, but at least he has the knowledge that he is doing the right thing and saving lives. Brennan is just hurt by the person she cares most about, with no clue as to why. I wish Booth could give her some sort of signal, but given the stakes, I understand why he doesn't want to risk it.

Normally, throwing an obstacle in a key romantic relationship is a desperate move shows make to extend the tension. It doesn't feel desperate here. Maybe it's because we know Bones will forgive Booth when the truth comes out, loving him more for his nobility. Or maybe it's because Pelant is a brilliant foe whom I can't wait to see the team tussle with again. Whatever the reason, as painful as it is to watch the scene where Booth breaks Brennan's heart, there's an underlying impression that, despite tribulations, the couple will be all right in the end, and this makes the story good, rather than weak.

The only disappointment "The Secret in the Siege" brings is that Ms. Julian (Patricia Belcher) shows up with no mention or sign of her new love interest, one of the best developments on the series in recent months. But she's busy, so it's forgivable that he isn't on her mind right in this moment.

Bones has already been renewed for a ninth season, and will return to FOX in the fall.

You might be tempted to join this CULT

Article first published as CULT Series Premiere Review at Seat42F.

Grade: 88%

As the CW’s new pilot of CULT, entitled “You’re Next,” begins, Detective Kelly Collins (Alona Tal, Supernatural) searches for her missing sister, whom was last seen in the company of cult leader Billy Grimm (Robert Knepper, Heroes, Prison Break). Kelly thinks Billy has taken her little sis to strike a blow against Kelly personally, since she also used to follow Billy, and he didn’t take her leaving well.

So CULT is a crime drama then, with the heroes having to do battle against a mysterious sect that brainwashes their followers and makes them disappear?

Not even close. Instead, the version of CULT that stars Kelly is a series called CULT that exists within the world of CULT, both of which air on the CW. And Billy, while just an actor named Roger Reeves, also pops up everywhere in the real world, presumably mostly in advertisements for the show, layering the same level of creepy that he has done on screen, until one is convinced he may be connected to actual crimes. Confused yet?

Well, that’s not even the half of it. Former reporter Jeff Sefton (Matthew Davis, The Vampire Diaries) is looking for his own brother, Nate (James Pizzinato, Alcatraz), whom has gone off the grid in a large and bloody way, and, get this, Nate is a super fan of the CULT within a CULT. All of the clues Jeff finds point to the fact that the show is more than just a show, and there are shady people out there who take the whole thing very, very seriously.

Plus, both the fictional and real CULT bear the same title and ending cards.

CULT is the epitome of meta in an internet age where meta is the trend. The makers of CULT are hoping that real life fans get involved in the show, though hopefully not in a criminal way, as the fans in the show do, and make this part of their lives. Every word supposedly means something, every scene contains a clue, and an intricate web of mystery is being spun. This is pounded in viewers’ heads so fervently that there is no way to miss the point.

Now, this is the CW, so there are limits into what CULT will do. However, given that the cast isn’t dominated by a bunch of teenagers, romance is barely a whisper in “You’re Next,” and the writing in the first episode seems smart and tied together, this could just be something different that broadens the network’s appeal.

Obviously, the CW is hoping to capture the same population segment who enjoy The Vampire Diaries and other supernatural dramas, even reusing performers from their other franchises. But they are also building something special, something that could itself garner a cult following, and something that might make a splash in the television landscape.

One example of what I am talking about is when, late in the hour, we learn that Jeff is fired from his job at a reputable newspaper because he fabricated a source for a story. This means that Jeff is not a reliable witness, and thus, even viewers may doubt his sincerity and motivations. It’s a nice twist that could keep the direction of the plot shrouded in darkness. But instead of embracing it full on, the show has a character named Skye (Jessica Lucas, Melrose Place, Cloverfield) who believes in Jeff, and thus, we believe in him, too.

Skye works for the network, which gives the series an excuse to venture on set frequently. She is a lowly researcher, though, so her position is expendable, and she can miss work for periods of time without arousing suspicion. It’s a good role to cast her in, someone who has reason to be suspicious about the real-life following, who is open to conspiracy theories, and who has a believable inside track.

While CULT only boasts four main characters, there are a myriad of other players, such as: Marc Segal (Andrew Leeds, Bones), a network executive who wants to help CULT blow up; Kirstie (Marie Avgeropoulos, The Inbetweeners), an apparent cult member who arranges for Marc’s kidnapping; Detective Sakelik (Aisha Hinds, True Blood), the cop assigned to Nate’s disappearance, and who has a tattoo that might connect her to the villains; and Gary Fisher (Tom Amandes, Parenthood, Eli Stone), who works for CULT and dismisses Skye’s concerns out of hand.

What this means is there are a lot of different directions that the story can go, and keeping viewers guessing will be a main draw of CULT.

Only time will tell if CULT can pull off what they’re trying to do. The first episode is promising, but sustained surprises over time is much more difficult, and it’s unknown if it can maintain the quality. A great genre series is a marathon, not a sprint. But at least CULT is coming strong out of the gate.

CULT airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on the CW.

Bones is the future and the past

Grade: 94%

BONES is back! Not just the series, which returns to FOX this week, but also the character affectionately nicknamed Bones by her partner, Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel).

The eighth season premiere, “The Future in the Past,” begins months after last spring’s finale. Brennan is still on the run with her baby, Christine, and father, Max (Ryan O’Neal), and she has been replaced at the Jeffersonian. But she hasn’t just been hiding. Instead, she has found one of Pelant’s (Andrew Leeds) early victims. She leaves clues for her old gang to find, and works discretely to help them in the goal of clearing her name and taking down a true monster.

As sad as it is to see Brennan’s office redecorated, it’s cool that one of her own interns, Clark (Eugene Byrd), gets the promotion. Sure, there is some push back by the rest of the staff, who don’t want to adopt his binder system. But at least he’s one of their own. It could have been some selfish outsider who wants to do things their own way, and would resist giving up the job if Brennan re-emerges. This would have been predictable and boring. With Clark, he takes his more experienced co-workers’ flack with grace, and works diligently to help Brennan, even if that means losing his prime spot. I’m not sure every squintern could have done as well in this situation.

Everyone on the team helps in their own way. The one who is the most fun to watch this week is Cam (Tamara Taylor). As the boss, she can’t act as openly in Brennan’s interests as everyone else. That doesn’t mean that she is an obstacle, though. She gets out of their way, even when she knows they are blatantly going against the rules and the law, and even stirs up a bit of mischief when she thinks she can get away with it. She’s really come a long way since joining the cast, and this attitude cements her as a humorous and important character.

These two character shifts, more than anything else, change the dynamics in the group. With Brennan in command, everyone is focused on a specific goal, and while they have quite a bit of freedom, their activities are pretty structured. Since Brennan is gone, Cam can’t lay the hammer down, and Clark has no desire to make friends into enemies, there is a wildness in this episode not usually present in the series. Characters keep secrets from one another in order to protect everyone, but it also strains relationships as loyalty and trust are tested. It’s a great, solid way to build a story, and it keeps things interesting eight seasons in. Better yet, we finally get to see just how smart and capable these people are individually!

It’s too bad as it’s not going to last. I won’t spoil the ending of the episode by revealing if Brennan’s name is cleared yet, or if things return to normal. But as a formulaic procedural, every fan knows that this is exactly what will happen, sooner rather than later. BONES is allowed to stray a bit from the weekly structure because its long tenure and high ratings have earned it the right to do something bold every once in awhile. But it refuses to change the foundation of the series because that could drive away long-time viewers, so status quo will be restored.

That being said, it’s still entertaining to explore various changes. Booth (David Boreanaz) is not only is missing his family, he’s been demoted. Flynn (Reed Diamond) is an intriguing new element, taking Booth’s spot, and proves to be a person whose motivations are hard to pinpoint. Ms. Julian (Patricia Belcher) is still suspended, which might make her a tad grumpier than usual. Angela (Michaela Conlin) is more determined than we’ve probably ever seen her. All of these things add up to make “The Future in the Past” special.

In “The Future in the Past,” we discover something very shocking about Hodgins (T.J. Thyne). Hodgins is many things, but a dangerous or violent man is not one of them. How much can a person take before being pushed to their breaking point? What is a good man capable of when people he cares about are threatened? This episode not only opens the door on a fresh side of the character, but also asks some tough questions, and exposes who Hodgins is at his core.

Another plot point of note is when Booth needs someone he can trust to offer protection when he can’t, he calls Sweets (John Francis Daley). The mind doctor has often lived up to his last name, and the relationship he has built with Booth is touching. The season premiere really tosses that in a different light, stripping away the goofiness and the ribbing to reveal what Booth really thinks of Sweets. Moments like these define a series, and this is merely one example of the strong emotions that bond the entire central cast.

Also, it must be said that BONES picks fantastic music! When a perfect song is needed for just the right moment, the series delivers, and this episode is no different.

All of this praise might make one think that the episode is perfect. It isn’t quite there, of course. The most glaringly obvious mistake is the wig that Emily Deschanel is forced to wear in this episode. Yes, it’s supposed to be hair dye, but it’s pretty obviously a fake, and an unattractive, poorly made one at that. Surely BONES could have spared a little budget to give its lead some decent hair?

Overall, BONES remains arguably the best procedural on television. The smart writing and brilliant ensemble raise it a notch above other case-of-the-week shows, and at times even put it up as a valid contender among those series that don’t stick to a formula. Eight seasons in, not only has the show lost nothing, it continues to grow better, adding more complicated situations, relationships, and villains. It won’t likely run for another eight seasons, but if it bows out anytime soon, it will do so at the top of its game, rather than just being put out of its misery.

BONES returns to FOX Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

Broken Bones

FOX's Bones does something unexpected with "The Past in the Present," this spring's season finale: it does not solve the case in one hour! As enjoyable as Bones is, mostly due to the colorful, talented cast of characters, it is still a procedural. Recently familial developments keep things moving along from week to week, but each episode still makes time to solve a murder. Except in "The Past in the Present."

Christopher Pelant (Andrew Leeds, Major Payne), whom viewers might remember from this year's mid-season finale, returns. Pelant previously matched wits with the Jeffersonian team, still managing to mess with them and control the investigation while under house arrest. For those hoping for Pelant's return after that first, brilliant installment, "The Past in the Present" comes a little late, almost after he is forgotten. But being set up as such a formidable foe, Pelant will surely return again at least once, hopefully several times, more.

In "The Past in the Present," Pelant murders Brenna's (Emily Deschanel) friend, Dr. Ethan Sawyer (Darin Toonder), then pins the killing on her. Evidence begins stacking up, first circumstantial, then concrete. The F.B.I. even finds Ethan's hair in Brennan's trunk! Due to Pelant's manipulations, Brennan is soon thrown off the case, followed closely by Booth (David Boreanaz), Sweets (John Francis Daley), and Ms. Julian (Patricia Belcher). Max (Ryan O'Neal) encourages his daughter to flee, but she hesitates, knowing that Booth would not approve, as he trusts the system that he devotes his life to working for.

In the end, Brennan makes a run for it with Max's help, taking her infant daughter, Christine, with her. Booth is furious, having been kept out of the loop, and knowing that it makes Brennan look guilty. Yet, as Booth refrains from punching Max, there's also a sense that he knows this is what Brennan has to do, and an understanding the Max is helping to protect the woman they both love. The case against her is too strong, and there have not been any breaks. Brennan would be found guilty and locked up if she stays. So running is her only choice.

This will be a huge disappointment to Cam (Tamara Taylor). She insists on working this investigation by the book, following every rule, even when it leads to casting more suspicion on Brennan. Hodgins (T.J. Thyne), Wendell (Michael Grant Terry), and especially Angela (Michaela Conlin) are bothered by this, wrestling with the moral dilemma. But Cam's actions are what keeps them on the case, when everyone else is removed, and her tears prove that it's not easy for her to betray her employee and friend. The only way they can help Brennan is by doing their jobs as thoroughly as possible. Brennan running away will not make the task of proving her innocent any easier.

There is an interesting moment in "The Past in the Present" where Brennan insists on Christine being christened before she is arrested. One might assume that her friends' unwavering faith in her innocence sparks a little bit of belief within Brennan as well. But as the episode ends, this does not seem to be the case. Maybe Brennan just wants to do right for the baby by Booth before she takes Christine away from her father.

But why does Brennan run with Christine? Couldn't Booth protect her more comfortably, not being on the lam? It's not like Booth would have to leave Christine with someone else while he looks for clues. Booth is off the case. Surely, taking the baby along is not a smart decision. Which is another sign of Brennan acting more irrationally, more human, since she has become a mother.

Brennan's feelings for Booth are confirmed fully in "The Past in the Present" when she tells Booth that she isn't with him just because of Christine. It's something fans are pretty sure of anyway, but one can see how Booth might have doubts, especially considering what Brennan is about to do. As such, this is a fantastic moment that really sells their relationship in a very real way, and shows Brennan's growth as a character, as she thinks of Booth's feelings. Great job!

The one thing that doesn't gel with this episode is why Booth is so hostile towards Agent Flynn (Reed Diamond, Dollhouse, Franklin & Bash), who takes over the case. If the two have a past, it's not been seen by fans, since this is Flynn's first appearance on Bones. Flynn is just doing his job, and surely Booth knows this. Brennan doesn't blame Cam and the others for continuing to work, so why does Booth blame his colleague? This could be chalked up to the stress of the situation, but it doesn't really seem in character for Booth to act this way.

Finally, what of the alarm clock that Pelant replaces in Booth and Brennan's home? Is it a bomb? Will the writers really destroy this new home that the couple have just built? So soon? Certainly, Booth will not be killed off, but taking away this sanctuary would be regrettable. Please don't!

Any way you slice it, "The Past in the Present" makes an exciting cliffhanger for Bones! Anticipation will be extremely high for next fall's premiere.

In the meantime, there is also the question of what to do with the extra, "stand-alone" episodes that were filmed this year. It wouldn't really make sense to air them this summer. Might next season be even longer than fans are accustomed to? Because that would be awesome!

Bones will return to FOX next fall.

Click here for every Bones review I've ever written. If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Please click here to purchase DVDs and streaming episodes of Bones. Article first published as Broken Bones on TheTVKing.com

"The Crack in the Code" doesn't help Bones

     FOX's Bones ends its current run of episodes with "The Crack in the Code" this week. A partial body is left on a Lincoln statue, and an examination reveals a cryptic message. The team uses this information to find the rest of the remains, as well as the murder site and who the killer is. The problem, though, is that the guilty party, Christopher Pelant (Andrew Leeds), is a tech genius who is confined to his home, which gives him an airtight alibi, as his ankle monitor says he has been there the entire time. Yet, his toying with the team, and scenes shown to viewers, indicate he has a plan that isn't even close to done. Also, Booth (David Boreanaz) finds a new home for Brennan (Emily Deschanel), himself, and their unborn daughter.

     It's been a little while since Bones faces a might foe. Sure, there was the sniper last season, but he only did a few episodes, and was caught relatively quickly, with little personal interaction. By contrast, Pelant seems more like an earlier villain, who is well developed, a worthy match for our heroes, and also might engage in a contest of wills as much as of smarts. His taunting of Booth and Sweets (John Francis Daley) in "The Crack in the Code" is creepy enough. But Pelant's remarks about Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) are downright worrying.

     As far as brains go, Brennan may have met her match. Pelant fries Angela's (Michaela Conlin) computer with a fractal pattern carved into bones! Who can do that? His clues trip up the whole team, and any progress they make, such as finding the scene of the original crime, is what he allows them to make. He seems to be steps ahead, and acts incredibly confident during his interrogation. He even takes down a well-known reporter to cover his tracks, a bold move few would attempt, as it only draws more attention. He has tricked his monitor somehow, and it really calls into question how the Jeffersonian crew will be able to prove he is involved in anything. They fail at that in "The Crack in the Code."

     Pelant also seems pretty scary. With one squintern biting the dust last year, Pelant's higher stakes, more complex game puts the main characters into jeopardy. Who is really expendable? Might Bones consider ditching a beloved favorite after so many seasons? While it would hurt considerably, it's hard not to hope for a big time murder, considering it would really shake things up and breathe new life once more into the series. Not that new life is needed, but it's always welcome.

     The development of Booth and Brennan finding a house is much more heartwarming. The two search high and low, but are unable to find something within their price range that meets the wants of both partners. Until Booth buys a really rundown place at an auction. It needs work, but he's handy enough. Also, it's a great deal, financially, something necessary because Booth wants to put in at least half, and he makes considerably less than Brennan. Her comments about the house's "bones" may be a little on the nose, but it also makes one smile. It's so exciting to see where these two are heading next, as they are on a wonderful path at the moment!

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