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

Bones makes "The Change in the Game"

     FOX's Bones gives viewers a comparatively mediocre season finale, compared to others they have done, save for the final moments. With the take down of the sniper who plagues the team this season, along with a fairly significant death, occurring in the penultimate episode, most of "The Change in the Game" deals with a normal, standard case. Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) go undercover in Max's (Ryan O'Neal) bowling league to find out who has killed a man found among the pins. Angela (Michaela Conlin) goes into labor, but a video link to the Jeffersonian keeps her and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) more or less working the case up until the baby arrives. However, the end of the episode has a big, game changing reveal, in keeping with the hour's title.

     Brennan is pregnant with Booth's baby. Their sexual hookup comes as comfort after losing an intern in the previous episode, and takes place subtly and off screen. In fact, there is disagreement among the fans about what exactly occurs between the two in the bedroom until Brennan makes her announcement. It truly is "The Change in the Game," as Brennan and Booth dance around each other romantically, and have been for years. This development will force them to mature into a couple quite fast, as both are happy about the baby, and want to be good parents to it. The writers are smart to skip the dating phase of their relationship, avoiding pratfalls that can come by changing the characters too much with early stages of love. Instead, strong feelings growing over many years will suddenly manifest in a big way.

     What should be very interesting is how the expecting parents will interact with the new ones. Angela and Hodgins are sure to raise their child very differently from B and B, so all sorts of conflict may arise between the two parenting styles if advice is given. One baby following so closely on the heels of another will shake up much of the team dynamic, and should reinvigorate a show that is going into its seventh season.

     During the labor alone, plenty of humor is provided as Cam (Tamara Taylor) and Wendell (Michael Grant Terry) try to figure out Angela's equipment, and mess it up. For anyone who thinks Angela has the cushy, easy job, being the artist in residence, all such notions are dispelled as the two co-workers discover just how hard it is to operate the various computers that allow Angela to help solve the murders.

     At the bowling alley, there is also a fun story, as Max's bowling teammates include the overconfident Hercules (Kevin Alejandro, True Blood, Southland) and the precocious teenage boss, Chance (Kristin Quick, The Secret Life of the American Teenager), as well as a rival team of colorful characters. The B's go undercover as a lower class engaged couple, and all sorts of hilarity ensues. While this isn't too far off of a standard case, the inclusion of such interesting side characters do make the story pretty entertaining.

     Bones also stars John Francis Daley, and will return for a seventh season next fall on FOX.

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Article first published as TV Review: Bones - "The Change in the Game" on Blogcritics.

Bones Handles Two Major Arcs Awesomely

     This week's episode of Bones, "The Bullet in the Brain", was one of the best they've ever made. For longtime viewers, the infamous Gravedigger (Deirdre Lovejoy), a serial killer who once buried Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) alive, made her fourth and final appearance. Her screen time in her final episodes was brief (she was gone before the opening credits), but more than memorable. In fact, she not only had a profound effect on some of the cast, but also kicked off a brand new ongoing arc that will play out this winter and spring.

     The most effected by the whole incident, in which the Gravedigger's head was graphically blown off, was probably Sweets (John Francis Daley), who was shaken inside and out. His suit was a mess from the splatter, but the biggest problem was what the Gravedigger had said to him before she was killed. Sweets replayed those words over and over again to himself, though, as a trained mental health professional, he should have known it was a bad idea. Her words seeped into his brain and took root, shaking his confidence in himself and his abilities. Thankfully, Ms. Julian (Patricia Belcher) was able to get him out of his funk.

     It makes me wonder, though, how much of the effect she had was multiplied by her sudden death. Did the traumatic experience of standing a few feet from her during the assassination make Sweets more vulnerable? Brennan and Booth (David Boreanaz) have criticized him on plenty of occasions, especially when he first joined the team, though that has lightened up over time. He had to have had a thick skin then to not be wounded. Now, after his talents have proved invaluable over and over again, he was so deeply moved. There was obviously more going on in his head than just some mean comments. I was worrying he might do something drastic, but am so happy it didn't come to that.

     I mentioned Ms. Julian above, and she is one character I can never get enough of. I hope this new arc provides her with plenty of episodes to be in. But another character I love is Max (Ryan O'Neal), Brennen's father. Initially a suspect, until it became apparent just how skilled the assassin was, Max rushed to town to reassure Brennan of his innocence. He was first introduced as such a scoundrel, I'm always touched at how he has evolved into a decent dad. His stint in jail helped that, and now a visit from him is welcome. Though he was on the suspect list, I doubt any of the main characters really considered him the most likely to have done it.

     This was a spectacular Booth episode, as this whole arc apparently will be. We know some things about Booth's past, but his expert sniper skills were driven home when a very short list was made of everyone that could have made the kill, and he was on it. I'm relieved that the writers saw fit to put Booth near the Gravedigger, so that he wasn't seriously suspected for the entire episode. However, some of Booth's past remains a mystery, and while surely the entire team will be involved in hunting the killer, Jacob (Arnold Vosloo, The Mummy, 24), who escaped, this is clearly a showdown between Jacob and Booth. They have a complicated past, as Jacob is someone Booth clearly admires, and Booth resisted even considering him in the crime for awhile. It's nice to see Boreanaz keep getting material worthy of his time and talent, as Bones has so often provided him.

     Another interesting story going on was Angela's (Michaela Conlin) disgust with Hodgins's reaction to the assassination. Hodgins, who was almost killed by the Gravedigger, was genuinely happy that she died. He explored those emotions with both Angela and Sweets. It was a look at another side of the issue, that of a victim who feels justice has been served, and that sometimes murder is acceptable. In a society where the morality of the death penalty is debated, it was a poignant, relevant line of inquiry.

     While I'm writing about the show, I'd like to mention that I am fascinated by just how well adjusted Brennan has become by this seventh season. She has admitted her romantic feelings for Booth, though he is currently involved with someone else. She allows herself to trust her father. She is starting to be able to relate to her friends. Her social skills have improved markedly, as evidenced by how quickly she bonded with new friend Hannah (Katheryn Winnick). She is so much more of a person than the odd bird we first met. The other main characters have grown, too, but as Brennan is the title character, and half of the central heart of the show (along with Booth), her maturation cannot be understated. Seeing how she's gotten better brings pleasure and satisfaction to me as a fan of her and of the show.

     The series also stars Tamara Taylor, who, despite a very limited presence this week, is a very valuable part of the series.

     The rest of this season of Bones will surely have cases of the week, which is the main format of the series, but also a really exciting story as Booth and Jacob face off. Be sure to tune in Thursday nights at 9 p.m. on FOX. That's right after American Idol, in case you're curious, which has given it a welcome ratings boost.

Article first published as TV Review: Bones Handles Two Major Arcs Awesomely on Blogcritics.

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