Bones frees "The Patriot in Purgatory"

This week's installment of FOX's Bones is one of the best stand-alone episodes the series has ever made. I do not say this lightly, as despite it's procedural format, I highly enjoy the show most weeks. It may be the only procedural I hold in such esteem. The credit goes to a truly fantastic ensemble cast, and the quirkiness of the various characters. In "The Patriot in Purgatory," these people are taken to new levels of emotion.

The hour begins with Dr. Brennan (Emily Deschanel) bringing together her five best interns so that she can try out some coaching skills she learned from reading Phil Jackson's book. Yes, Brennan is finally into some small aspects of pop culture, most likely thanks to her ever-deepening relationship with Booth (David Boreanaz). She assigns these five to examine old bones with new technology in the hopes of identifying many remains that have never been named.

At first, the squad humorously argues and gets competitive, each trying to outdo the other ones. This is to be expected, as Brennan has, until now, created a fiercely competitive environment. Each jockeys for Brennan's favor, and tries to prove they are better than the others. Had this been the way the rest of the episode played out, it still would have been good, because seeing these personalities clash is entertaining.

Yet, "The Patriot in Purgatory" soon deepens when Vaziri (Pej Vahdat) becomes obsessed with a homeless man. Taking the ignored case to heart, as the police clearly didn't do a thorough investigation the first time around, Vaziri becomes obsessed with figuring out who this man is, even if he neglects the other bodies in the process.

It isn't long before his fellow interns are also drawn in by the mystery. Wendell (Michael Grant Terry), Clark (Eugene Byrd), Finn (Luke Kleintank), and even, eventually, Fisher (Joel David Moore) each lend their strengths, which differ from person to person, to the case. Only together, can they solve the puzzle. This is not only a display of what a great team the Jeffersonian has, and more proof that Brennan picks the right interns, but also an inspiring tale about a quest for justice.

Before long, the guys decide that their bones belong to a man who died shortly after 9/11 due to injuries suffered on that fateful day. Not only that, he is a soldier. This quickly draws Booth into the mix, becoming just as determined to solve the case as the squinterns, and everyone else helps, too. Thankfully, this time murder isn't involved, but there is a huge disservice being done to a guy who should be a national hero, and Booth will not rest until the truth comes out, and the body is honorably buried.

"The Patriot in Purgatory" is a holiday episode. Not many shows tackle a Veteran's Day theme, but Bones shows that an inspiring tale can be told at this time of year. It took such a series, with a character like Booth, who is devoted to the military, to do it right. While not based on anyone that actually lived, at least, not that I know of, it is a spotlight on the sad tragedy of what happens to many soldiers who return from war, and the neglected heroes living among us.

This also provides an opportunity for each of the squinterns to share their 9/11 story. Wendell's, in particular is sad, but Vaziri also gets to give voice to many an American Muslim who suffered on that day because of the actions of extremists. He reminds us that we should not hate the religion, which isn't really to blame, but the people who take it and twist it into something ugly. Christian history has plenty of similar examples. Let's not forget that.

In the end, tears flow, and viewers are left feeling deeply moved. There is some serious drama and character development here, all perfectly executed. This is why "The Patriot in Purgatory" deserves to be watched and remembered. And maybe, like the best of Christmas-themed specials, dusted off every few years to be rewatched and enjoyed again on the holiday it celebrates.

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

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

How Shameless spends its "Summertime"

     Showtime's Shamesless returns with "Summertime." The Gallaghers are busy earning money to get them through the year, including a scheme involving Kelvin's (Steve Howey) monster pot harvest. But the unexpectedly large electric bill from said crop, as well as V's (Shanola Hampton) disapproval threaten their plans. Then things get even dicker when Frank (William H. Macy) makes a big bet and loses, leading to the debtors holding Liam (Blake Alexander Johnson and Brennan Kane Johnson) hostage.

     "Summertime" finds the family almost exactly as they were last left, still getting into the same types of trouble, which is great for fans who love the snow's story structure. As such, it is easy to jump right back into the world without missing a beat, a must considering how long Shameless's hiatus has been.

     Frank has been having a run of luck since shacking up with Sheila (Joan Cusack), but that good fortune is about to run out. Sheila is making big progress in her therapy, making it a full 100 steps from her house. Her ultimate goal, since she loves Frank dearly, for unknown reasons, is to make it to the Alibi to spend time with her sweetie. That should be all it takes to end their relationship, as she will finally see the real Frank, and what everyone else thinks of him. To make matters even worse for Frank, he can no longer go home after the stunt endangering Liam, which infuriated his other children, so he will likely be let homeless when Sheila kicks him out. That is, until he comes up with another scheme.

     The character of Frank is a despicable lowlife, and he finds ways to be even worse on "Summertime." It's one thing to neglect himself, but it's quite another to endanger his children. The older ones have learned not to count on him, but again, letting a baby be kidnapped by gangsters takes things to another level. There isn't a redeemable bone left in his body now, and it will be interesting to see how Shameless tries to make him sympathetic now, if an attempt is even made.

     Besides Frank, the rest of the family is very loving, and willingly hand over all their hard earned savings in order to rescue the youngest member of their clan. It's just such a shame that they have to, considering how hard their lives are. They struggle, and are just seeking some happiness, which, once again, intentionally or not, Frank sabotages.

     Bad timing, too, as Fiona's (Emmy Rossum) is having fun being a player. Too hurt by Steve (Justin Chatwin) to consider anything serious, she finds sexual satisfaction in the arms of a hunk or two. At her age, she deserves some casual, entertaining rebound if she desires it. Hopefully she will get the chance for it without family responsibilities or a would-be commitment minded guy dragging her down.

     Poor Kevin. He has a great looking crop in "Summertime" until V rains on his parade. She is right to do so, though. Selling a little weed is one thing, but the legal consequences of following through with his harvest, should he get caught, are just too big to risk. With this in mind, he does the right thing in trashing most of it. But what of the two bags he secretly buries in the yard? V will be furious. And with a cop, Tony (Tyler Jacob Moore), as a neigbor, it's pretty dumb.

     Kash (Pej Vahdat, Bones) is also dumb. Not for leaving his bitch of a wife, Linda (Marguerite Moreau), as he should never have been with her on the first place. But for abandoning his kids. It may not be immediately obvious, but Cash is proving.extremely selfish and no better than Frank.

     What is going on with Lip (Jeremy Allen White) in "Summertime?" Sure, his friendship with Professor Hearst (Dennis Boutsikaris, W.) is proving beneficial, and the ice-cream truck he is running with Kevin should prove profitable. But what is he doing with Karen (Laura Slade Wiggins)? It's nice, though a bit naive to forgive her for Frank; it's foolhardy to try to carrying as normal when she is so obviously moving on. Things will never go back for them. Lip should either make a serious romantic play for her, a questionable move given their history, or just let her go.

     Ian (Cameron Monaghan) is lucky to have Lip. He is the supportive elder brother every younger boy wishes for. First with the coming out of the closet,.and now with the dreams of Westpoint, Lip stands by him. Lip may not be crazy with either thing, but that doesn't matter; this is what Ian wants, and Lip will work tirelessly to make it a reality. Sk what major bad circumstance will disrupt this great relationship?

     If one is looking for concrete proof that the children of Shameless have to act beyond their years, look no further than Debbie (Emma Kenney) in "Summertime." Still a young kid herself, she runs a daycare with close to ten tots! She pretends Fiona is in charge in front of the parents, then does everything herself as Fiona sleeps the day away. That's not a complaint against Fiona, who works hard, too. But for a little girl to step up and do so much, she deserves some serious credit. Debbie is minimized in season one to some degree, but if "Summertime" is any indication, she will not stay that way for long.

     Recasting sucks. It's wonderful that Jane Levy now gets to staring a major network sitcom, Suburgatory, but it's terrible that a different girl (Emma Greenwell) has to play Mandy. Couldn't she just have been written out? If the part is vital to Shameless, couldn't a replacement character be introduced instead? Very disappointed about this.


     Watch Shameless Sundays 1t 9 p.m. ET on Showtime.

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