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.

We Bought a Zoo on Blu-ray

From FOX Studios comes Cameron Crowe's (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) latest film, We Bought a Zoo. Based on a true story, the movie finds widower Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon, The Bourne Identity, 30 Rock) needing to make a change. While house hunting, he finds his dream dwelling comes with a closed-down, but still populated, zoo attached, and decides that this might be just the adventure he needs. Together with his two children and the zoo's colorful staff, Benjamin sets out to make the zoo, and his life, mean something again.

We Bought a Zoo is not Crowe's best work, but then, who expects it to be, considering some of the masterpieces the director has made? However, We Bought a Zoo is still damn good. It proves that Crowe still knows how to coax incredible, authentic performances out of his actors. He can still tug a heart string. He develops wonderful visuals, but never forgets that the story is about the characters.

Damon is brilliant in the lead role. He captures the struggle of a father, raising two kids on his own, one of whom he has trouble connecting with because they are too much alike. He also breathes Mee's mission to life with such zeal, that one is left hanging on his every move, rooting for him to succeed, hoping he can find hope and joy in his life again.

We Bought a Zoo is buoyed by an excellent ensemble cast, and that's not just referencing the beautiful animals. Maggie Elizabeth Jones (Footloose) is adorable as Mee's daughter. Thomas Haden Church (Sideways, Wings) brings a realism to Benjamin's brother, who wants to be supportive, but thinks his sibling is off of his rocker. And then there's J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Carla Gallo (Bones, Californication), John Michael Higgins (Bad Teacher, Happily Divorced), Angus Macfadyen (Chuck, Braveheart), Elle Fanning (Super 8), Patrick Fugit (Almost Famous), and Colin Ford (Push, Supernatural), all of whom bring something special to the table. The chemistry between them, and the unique make up of each player, really makes this movie sing in an exciting, interesting way.

Oddly, it's Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation, The Avengers) that is wasted here. Stuck in a boring, predictable, romantic interest role, she gets lost among the others. This isn't because the actress is inferior in any way, but rather, more than anyone else, her presence seems to be there only to serve Benjamin's character. She doesn't have enough personality of her own to really stand out. In fact, Benjamin's relationship with a tiger actually serves the same purpose she does, with slightly more impact, so her part is extraneous. It's a shame, and the movie's only real weak point.

There are plenty of bonus features on the three disc Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy set. There's an audio commentary with Crowe, editor Mark Livolsi, and, weirdly, considering his small role in We Bought a Zoo, the hilarious J.B. Smoove. There are a ton of deleted and extended scenes. A half hour is devoted to the making of the picture, and there is a featurette about the real Benjamin Mee. There's also a gag reel, and more! One can literally spend more time watching the extras than the movie, and that's a nice claim to make. It helps, too, that what is present enriches the movie experience, and is really everything one might want in this release.

In short, We Bought a Zoo is a fantastic film that any movie lover should own. It's an inspiring story, a memorable tale, and just plain fun. Pick up a copy, on sale now.

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Burn Notice is "Damned If You Do"

     As USA's Burn Notice returns to finish their fifth season in "Damned If You Do," Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan) is sent by Anson Fullerton (Jere Burns) to get a computer guy hiding down in Puerto Rico. Michael and Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) make the snatch, but when the guy takes them to his girlfriend (Carla Gallo, Bones, Men of a Certain Age), a cocaine dealer is soon after them. Michael figures out how to get the info Anson wants, let the guy and girl escape, and have the cocaine dealer end up in jail. All in a day's work.

     Carla Gallo should guest star in every series, and she is well on her way, with many credits already under her belt. She is cute, funny, and a pretty darn good actress. Despite her very small role in Burn Notice, she still adds to the episode's enjoyment greatly. Wonderful decision to cast her.

     Anson is making Michael do things that aren't right. Anson isn't the first man that leads Michael down a dark path, but this time, the stakes are considerably high. If Michael doesn't keep doing as Anson asks, his love, Fiona, will spend the rest of her life in prison. But what Anson asks is not only dangerous and illegal, but could get people hurt. In "Damned If You Do," Michael gets a horrible virus for Anson that could cause some real damage. Considering what a psychopath Anson is, there is no telling what he might use it for. Is saving Fiona from being behind bars really worth other lives?

     Even scarier, Agent Pearce (Lauren Stamile) ups Michael's security clearance with the government this week. Michael now has more access to sensitive things, and Anson will surely take full advantage of that. Since, somehow, he knows. Is there a leak in Pearce's camp, or even higher up the food chain?

     At some point, Michael is going to decide that it's not worth it. He has to. True, he could end up clearing her name first, but it would be far more interesting if he doesn't, and has to sacrifice Fi. Of course, he wouldn't let her stay in prison. There could be a Prison Break-esque arc where Michael and friends break Fi out and spirit her away. This would make a fantastic final season, as the gang, or possibly just the couple, dodges bad guys and authorities alike. Given Burn Notice's penchant for taking some chances and changes, but not going too far, this probably won't happen. But how cool would that be?

     Instead, Michael and co. will find some way to clear Fiona's name and stop Anson. That's how the series works. On that front, Sam (Bruce Campbell) and Jesse (Coby Bell) get Madeline (Sharon Gless) to break into a police laptop in "Damned If You Do." The point is to discover if there is currently any evidence in the investigation on Fi. Or rather, the bombing Anson promises to frame Fi for. Not only don't they find anything helpful, but Anson reveals he knows what they're doing, and he's too smart to be tricked. His arrogance may be his undoing, but for now at least, he maintains the upper hand.

     For some reason, the opening of Burn Notice remains the same as it was in season one. This isn't cool, because Michael is no longer burned. Plus, Jesse, now a main character for two seasons, isn't a part of it. It's past time to change the opening. It's understandable that the series is going for consistency, but this is one area in which it needs to stop. It used to fill the viewer in on what is going on. Now, it may just confuse them, if they are not up at current plot.

     Watch Burn Notice Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

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Blu-ray Review: Bones The Complete Sixth Season

     Now out on Blu-ray and DVD is Bones The Complete Sixth Season. Year six begins with "The Mastodon in the Room," in which the team comes back together, after many months apart, to help Cam (Tamara Taylor). The absence has made Brennan (Emily Deschanel) realize that she wants to be with Booth (David Boreanaz), but in the interim, he has moved on with Hannah (Katheryn Winnick). Similarly, Daisy (Carlo Gallo) tries to reconnect with a jilted Sweets (John Francis Daley). But back together again, they all understand they are strongest together, no matter what personal woes plague them.

     The sixth season of Bones is an excellent one, with many fun highlights. In "The Maggots in the Meathead," Brennan visits the Jersey Shore to interact with Guidos, a cultural group she is very interested in. "The Body and the Bounty" finds Professor Bunsen Jude, The Science Dude (David Alan Grier), coming to the Jeffersonian to shoot an episode of his popular series. "The Bikini in the Soup" is an amusing Valentine's Day case. Many pairs of dismembered feet wash to shore in "The Feet on the Beach." Also, Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) welcome a child.

     But season six isn't all fun and games. "The Bullet in the Brain" brings with it the assassination of longtime foe, the Gravedigger (Deirdre Lovejoy), and kicks off Booth's hunting down of the shooter, his former friend Jacob (Arnold Vosloo). Even worse, before Booth can stop Jacob, the bad guy kills beloved squintern Vincent Nigel Murray (Ryan Cartwright), a tragedy that hits the entire team pretty hard. In the aftermath, taking comfort in Booth's arms, Brennan ends up (SHOCKER!) pregnant with his baby, a fact that will surely lead to all new chemistry between the leads in season seven.

     Among the other milestones in The Complete Sixth Season, Bones presents a backdoor pilot in "The Finder," introducing a couple of characters who will be headlining their own spinoff later this year or early next. It's a decent episode with an interesting concept. Because Bones will be doing a reduced number of episodes to accommodate Deschanel's real-life pregnancy in season seven, several Bones characters will appear in episodes of The Finder, further tying the two together. As such, this is a very important episode, in the universe of the series.

     Bones belongs on Blu-ray. With its special effects and detailed settings, HD is the best way to enjoy the series. Bones The Complete Sixth Season's Blu-ray release is in 1.78:1 widescreen high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. Which means things look and sound crystal clear. I'm supposed to talk about just how good the picture quality is with any Blu-ray release, but to be honest, if you've seen one recent television show on Blu-ray, you've know exactly what this looks like. That isn't the point, though. Why would you want to watch Bones in anything but the best quality available?

     Extras are a little sparse, but the ones included are chosen well. Two episodes, "The Bikini in the Soup" and "The Daredevil in the Mold," are extended slightly. Audio commentaries are available on two other installments, "The Doctor in the Photo" and "The Blackout in the Blizzard," both heavily emotional entries for the character of Brennan. Additionally, "The Blackout in the Blizzard" has an eight plus minute behind the scenes look at the making of the hour, as the actors talk about doing a bottle episode, and the great elevator set.

     There is a twelve minute featurette on the visual effects of Bones, which will open fans' eyes to just how much goes into the show. After all, it is filmed in Los Angeles, but familiar Washington D.C. landmarks frequently appear in exterior backgrounds. On top of that, the special delves into adding sky and extras in "The Maggots in the Meathead," creating an underwater experience for "The Finder," and making a body explode in a visually stunning way. This will make you appreciate just how much technology and effort goes into each and every episode of the series.

     Plus, there's a four and a half minute gag reel. Those are always fun. And the pilot of AMC's remake of The Killing is included, presumably to entice customers to purchase that series on Blu-ray or DVD as well. If you haven't seen The Killing, it's great, and you really should check it out. Though it is a completely different series than Bones, so not sure about the wisdom of the pairing.

     Buy Bones: The Complete Sixth Season today, and don't miss the Season Seven premiere on November 3rd!

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Article first published as Blu-ray Review: Bones - The Complete Sixth Season on Blogcritics.

Men of a Certain Age attempts "The Great Escape"

     TNT's Men of a Certain Age is back. Although the first season is uneven, the second is solid, including the mid-season premiere tonight, "The Great Escape." In the episode, Owen (Andre Braugher) considers an offer to sell the dealership. His wife, Melissa (Lisa Gay Hamilton), is totally on board when she realizes Owen will be home with the kids, so she can pursue her writing career. Joe (Ray Romano) comforts his sick friend, Manfro (Jon Manfrellotti), on the eve of his chemo. He also offers solace to his ex-wife, Sonia (Penelope Ann Miller), who has just broken up with the guy she left Joe for. Terry (Scott Bakula) is ready to get serious with Erin (Melinda McGraw), just as she decides to go back to her ex.


     While much of the series is not about the three central men's love life, this episode very much is. And why not? Two of them are single, one by divorce, one because he's a habitual bachelor. At this point in their lives, it's time to settle down, not sow the wild oats. As such, it is perfectly reasonable that both Terry and Joe are interested in long-term relationships.

     Joe should not go back to Sonia, no matter how much he wants to. His wife cheated on him, and he is far too willing to forgive her mistakes. She trades a stable married life to Joe for a mid-life crisis that is now falling apart. Joe is a nice guy, and he deserves better. While both feel it would be awkward to act on their rekindled feelings now, Joe is certainly planning on letting things build, and trying again. If he does so, Owen and Terry should stage an intervention and stop it.

     Very touching is Manfro's story. It is nice that the bookie is back in Joe's life, despite Joe's gambling problems, because Manfro is a good, non-judgmental friend. Unlike Terry and Owen, he has not known Joe his entire life, so his judgment is not clouded by history. He, more than the other two, could possibly talk Joe out of a reconciliation with Sonia. Or at least keep an open mind about it, if that's what Joe needs.

     Even better, Manfro gets his own love interest this week. On the eve of receiving chemo treatment, he meets a kind stripper with a heart of gold. While she does keep relating Manfro's situation to her father's, at least she knows what she is getting into, so there will be no surprises. She won't leave him halfway through treatment. It's just what Manfro needs, and hopefully more of the happy couple is on docket for later this season.

     Sadly for Terry, Erin is not going to happen. While she appears perfect for him, she's already taken. Perhaps he can go back and see Annie (Carla Gallo), who he runs into this week, at the coffee shop to help him get over Erin? As delightful as Gallo is, she is likely not poised to join the cast full time, and so a long-term relationship between the two probably won't happen. But in the meantime, any episodes Gallo wants to do will be welcome.

     Terry needs to find a girl like Erin, but one who is not in love with someone else. His potential mate will likely be divorced, as it is unrealistic to expect a nice, pretty girl good enough for Terry will still be single at fifty. Unless this woman is in the same boat as Terry, ready to settle down after a long time of playing the field. Her past may make Terry uncomfortable, and provide some growth. Honestly, the second option might be better in the long-term.

     Poor Owen cannot escape from his father's shadow. As much as he'd like to sell the dealership for his family, when the times comes for Owen to tell Owen Sr. (Richard Gant), he only says he is determined to bring a body shop into the mix. Is this the truth? Or he is avoiding a difficult situation? It appears Owen and Melissa have made up their minds, but then Owen chickens out when announcing the decision. It's hard to tell if he is serious with his father or not.

     If Owen does go through with selling, it will likely wound his father very deeply, and justly so. Owen Sr. only recently gives Own the dealership, and if Owen parts with it so quickly, it's kind of being rude with a gift. On the other hand, Owen Sr. springs a bad financial surprise on Owen post-deal, so it's understandable that Owen is tempted to get out from under the debt. It's a complex situation with no right answer. Unhappiness will follow either decision. Let's hope Owen and Owen Sr., who are finally getting along, can weather the storm and keep their relationship on firm ground.

     Melissa, of course, is also a part of the equation. She has given up her life to take care of the kids for many years, and she is right to expect Owen to take a turn when a good opportunity arises. As his wife, Owen should likely put more weight on hurting Melissa than his father. She deserves the chance to do something she is passionate about, and not selling will deeply disappoint her.


     Men of a Certain Age is off to a great start! Tune in Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on TNT.

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Article first published as TV Review: Men of a Certain Age - "The Great Escape" on Blogcritics.

Fractured Bones

       Fox's Bones ended with a season finale more unexpected, and world changing, than any they have before, and that's saying something, after the last couple.  (Not many people really believed Booth (David Boreanaz) was dead after being shot two years ago).  No, this time, in an episode called "The Beginning in the End", most of the cast has gone their separate ways, to spend a year doing things away from each other.  Booth is heading to Afghanistan to train the troops, Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Daisy (Carla Gallo) are heading to Indonesia.  That means Daisy and Sweets (John Francis Daley), who stayed behind, despite her urging, have called off their engagement.  Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne), not wishing to break in Bones and Booth's replacements, have fled to Paris, France.  That leaves only Cam (Tamara Taylor) behind with Sweets.

     I was a little disappointed to learn that when Bones picks up next season, a year will have passed.  Sure, the show wouldn't work with everyone split up for an entire season, but at least give us one episode.  A few could have been better.  I only hope they'll be a few flashbacks.

     That is not to say, however, that things will not have changed.  The season premiere will begin with Booth and Bones at the coffee stand, as they agreed upon, however rumor is that at least one, if not both of them, will not be returning to Washington alone.  There will be one or two news recurring characters next season.  I'm guessing Booth will be the one with the girlfriend, as I really felt that Brennan was already feeling his loss in their emotionally charged goodbye.  I fully expect her to come back eager to be with Booth romantically, despite recently turning down his overtures, and, as is now typical in television, she will have to wait for him to be single again.  Perhaps Sweets and Daisy will be the happily reunited couple instead.  Unless Daisy brings someone back, and that could be some good plot, as opposed to just the frustration viewers will surely have with the lead couple.

     The others shouldn't be changed too much.  Sure, Hodgins and Angela will have settled in as a stable, married couple (I assume), but they can return to their work.  My guess is that Cam will be glad to have her best people back, though if the writer's are really smart, perhaps at least one of our main characters will not seem nearly as irreplaceable anymore.  For their job at the Jeffersonian, not the show.  I don't want to loose anyone else from this fantastic cast.

     Bones will return to Fox next fall.

Men of a Certain Age finishes strong

     Men of a Certain Age finished it's first season Monday night on TNT, though it has already been picked up for a second, so it shouldn't be gone too long.  The drama was pretty good, so far.  At first, I was a little turned off by the fact that the plot was so slow moving in some episodes, but it really found it's place and it's voice by the end of the ten episodes.      I like the realism, that they're good friends, but they don't hang out every day, unlike most other buddy shows on television.  They each have their own lives and own things going on, and their main plot points rarely cross.  Of course, since the season ended with Terry (Scott Bakula, Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Enterprise) deciding to go work for Owen (Andre Braugher, Homicide: Life on the Street), that may change a bit.  But it came about naturally in a progression that made sense.  It might be interesting to see how Joe (Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond) reacts being left out of that equation.
     I am disappointed by the quick dissolution of both Joe and Terry's relationships.  I guess I get Dory (Sarah Clarke, 24) leaving Joe, as he did confess to making a huge gamble, but Terry's girlfriend, Annie (Carla Gallo, Carnivale) encouraged him to get back in the movie business.  She practically forced him into the job that took him out of town.  And despite his promise to teach her surfing, him taking the job appeared to be what she wanted.  Also, perhaps the time line wasn't real clear, but it seemed to me that Terry was only gone for a week or so.  Two max.  Why would she give up on him so easily?  And then be so vindictive at the coffee shop after?  Let's hope it was only done so that she can appear more frequently on Bones.
     All in all, the show had a good first year out.  Be sure to watch for the second season to premiere on TNT, and if you missed the first, surely reruns will be showing, though only one is showing up in the listings at this time, so keep an eye out for that.

Bones's Christmas Visitor

     Recently, Fox's Bones went away for 2009, but it ended on a high note.  The biggest story was the guest star appearance of Zooey Deschanel, Emily Deschanel's real life sister, playing Brennan's cousin.  Several characters commented that they "looked like sisters", and this is why.  I make no secret of the fact that of all the celebrities in Hollywood, Zooey is my dream girl, especially after I heard her sing in Elf.  If you aren't familiar with her work, I would recommend checking out her many movies and her album under the band name She & Him, entitled Volume One.  Her appearance as the habitually quoting Benjamin Franklin relative was wonderfully fun, and hopefully she will return to clash with Brennan again.

     The episode, though, was not just about Zooey.  Brennan is finally starting to wake up to reality, and her finding the holiday spirit was certainly a bright spot.  The series started strong and has only gotten better.  Why Emily has not been nominated for anything for playing the brash, blunt Bones remains a mystery.  Her slowly blossoming romance with her partner, Booth (David Boreanaz, Angel) is surely to credit for her softening, and it seems to finally be going somewhere.  This season, Booth has been dealing with his feeling for her, though not actually talking to her about them.  Surely, they feeling is mutual, as Brennan defended him to her cousin, saying she found him "pleasant to look at".  Hopefully, after five season, the wait may almost be over.  Though, I wouldn't hold my breath for it to happen before the end of the season.

     The only complaints I have with the episode deal with two of the supporting characters.  The entire plot where Cam (Tamara Taylor) adopted a daughter has been strained.  It was sort of unrealistic to begin with, and while I applaud the show's writers for giving the character some plot in her personal life, I question the method in which it was done.  Fans were slow to warm up to Cam when she joined the cast in season two, but by this point, she is accepted and deserves a bit more.  Secondly, while Sweets (John Francis Daley, Freaks and Geeks) has been an absolute joy to see added to the cast, his girlfriend Daisy (Carla Gallo, named Daisy as well on Californication), also a welcome addition in the rotating pot of assistants, seemed to loose all character this week.  The abnormally hyperactive woman was kicked out of the program for too much enthusiasm, and this was dealt with in her last appearance, where she earned her way back in.  However, while this episode had much to get to without giving her development, in her sixth appearance she seems totally normal.  This was a mistake, and should it continue, she would no longer be needed or wanted on the show.  Please fix Daisy quickly!