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.

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' faces a new bump in the road

This week, FOX's Bones presents "The Bump in the Road." Brennan (Emily Deschanel) finds it hard to concentrate on her work, now that her baby is in daycare nearby. Cam (Tamara Taylor) also had a mommy dilemma when her daughter, Michelle (Tiffany Hines), begins dating new-ish Jeffersonian intern Finn (Luke Kleintank). Will these parents be able to compartmentalize their kids and their careers, and still do right by both?

In the fall batch of Bones episodes, the new dynamic between Brennan and Booth (David Boreanaz) does not hurt the series at all. If anything, Bones becomes energized by the shake up. However, the same cannot be said of the past two episodes, which are more baby-centric. Yes, it's nice to see Booth and Brennan have a little family, and the scenes featuring these two are mostly authentic and sweet. Bones has always been good at writing the romantic stuff. It's Brennan-as-a-mommy that they have yet to figure out, and so other parts of "The Bump in the Road" come off as clumsy.

Brennan studies human behavior, without fully understanding how to fit into social interaction herself. It's always been a part of her character, so it's no surprise that being a mother is an adjustment. However, the overwhelming emotion Deschanel lets slip into the part glosses over this. This is not the complaint, as it isn't a surprise that giving birth could change a person.

However, to hear Brennan endlessly talk about motherhood doesn't feel all that authentic. The scene where she catches Angela (Michaela Conlin) hiding her own child in a file cabinet is worse. Sure, it's believable that Angela might sneak her kid into the lab, but the whole thing feels like a staged set up to give Brennan something to babble about. The way Brennan is now being written just seems a bit fake. It's like the writers know how they want her to act, but haven't quite mastered how to make it happen at the same level they were writing the character previously.

Booth fares a bit better, but then, he's not the mommy. His scene with Special Agent Shaw (Tina Majorino), where she admits to having a child, also feels staged. The fact that she acts awkwardly as Booth stumbles for something to say, settling on praising her motherly abilities, of which he has not witnessed, saves it. He act authentically out of step after such a weird confession, and she also looks uncomfortable. This works, even if the initial conversation does not.

Cam, too, is written weirdly in "The Bump in the Road." She is a cheerleader and mentor for Finn, until he wants to date her daughter. Understandable. But then Cam implies that her concerns are about Finn's past, which has already been justified to her and the audience. Why not have Cam express hesitation because of how she sees Finn treat a girl in the diner at the beginning of the episode? That would feel much more real. And without her bringing it up later, instead, using other excuses, why even have that scene?

The lack of focus on this week's case is not a problem. Bones is at its best when it lets its character breathe, and doesn't stick them stringently into the crime formula. But since the characters have all undergone big shifts, and the writers haven't completely adjusted yet, "The Bump in the Road" feels like a mediocre effort. Perhaps it should have been a practice script that didn't see the light of day.

Given the long track record of greatness that Bones has, things will probably get sorted out, hopefully sooner, rather than later. Watch Bones Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Bones reviews. Please click here to purchase DVDs and streaming episodes of Bones.

"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!

     Watch Bones Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

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Bones sifts through "The Memories in the Shallow Grave"

     A woman's body is found by some paintball players in the seventh season premiere of FOX's Bones, "The Memories in the Shallow Grave. The team quickly becomes confused when identifying the remains and solving her murder, since the woman herself lost memories, and lived more than one life. Still, the squints are good, and eventually they sort out the mystery.

     Dead bodies might be interesting, and the meat of Bones's concept, but the one featured in "The Memories in the Shallow Grave" takes a back seat to the relationship between Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel). Picking up months after the season six finale, in which Brennan reveals she is pregnant with Booth's baby, the two are now fully committed as a couple, spending all their personal time together, as well as work assignments. It's a little sad that viewers miss most of the adjustment phase, they two already being a pretty happy couple as Bones resumes the new season.

     There is one major stumbling block to this long-awaited union however, and that is where the couple will live. Brennan thinks it is logical for him to move into her place, but he is angry that she seems to make that decision without him. It's a battle of brain versus emotion, an interaction that plays out many times between the partners over the years. This is merely the latest instance that it manifests in. Of course, in the end, Brennan gives in. She has to, because she's wrong. Maybe not for an intellectual standpoint, but relationships are not about intellect.

     Even more interesting, Brennan and Booth both think the other will end up proposing first. It's about time they got together, and they both seem to have decided that their marriage is a foregone conclusion. Which is kind of a relief after so many years of "will they, won't they?" It also makes sense, because it's not like they both haven't had plenty of time to think it over. Instinct says Booth will probably do the asking, but that may not necessarily be true. Brennan is flooded with hormones that make her more in touch with her feelings than usual. Plus, it would be a fun twist.

     It's awesome that they shut Sweets (John Francis Daley) out of the entire matter. He is a friend, yes, but sometimes he seems them more as an interesting case study than people. This is best left for the two of them to work out, without his interference, as much as he'd like to be in the thick of things. Maybe Sweets just needs to concentrate on his own love life instead of theirs, since they've moved past needing his help.

     Elsewhere on the baby train, Cam (Tamara Taylor) in none too pleased when Angela (Michaela Conlin) sneaks her baby into the lab to visit daddy Hodgins (TJ Thyne). Sure, Cam thinks the kid is cute, like most people. She's not immune to the infant's charms. But she's also the boss, and she is correct that babies don't belong in a place of business. Especially not a place like the Jeffersonian lab, with tons of dangerous and fragile equipment and chemicals. As such, it's hard to get upset with Cam, no matter how sympathetic the new parents are.

     Wendell (Michael Grant Terry) is the lucky squintern to appear in "The Memories in the Shallow Grave." He doesn't get anything particularly juicy to do, but watching him try to sooth Cam's ego when she realizes that pregnant Brennan is far more intimidating is great. Plus, it's nice to see him being OK with losing Angela to Hodgins, after a bit of an awkward period.

     Watch Bones Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here for all of my Bones reviews.

     Please click here to purchase DVDs and streaming episodes of Bones.

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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     Click here for all of my Bones reviews.

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

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 finds "The Feet on the Beach"

     In last night's episode of FOX's Bones, Dr. Brennan (Emily Deschanel) works with Dr. Douglas Filmore (Scott Lowell, Queer as Folk) when eight pairs of feet are found on the U.S. / Canadian border. Filmore is a Canadian forensic podiatrist, a field not recognized. Brennan recently wrote a scathing article, finding forensic podiatry is too specialized to be named a valid job description. In fact, after reading the article, Filmore is so upset that right arm becomes paralyzed. So things between them get off to a pretty rocky start.

    This is a great story because Brennan's friends and teammates are used to her standoffish ways. They don't even seem to notice most of the time anymore when she says something insulting or condescending. Filmore brings a fresh pair of eyes to the scene, reminding us that Brennan still have quite a ways to go when working on her social skills. The rest of the Jeffersonian crew sides with Filmore, praising his work and encouraging him to confront Brennan. Sweets (John Francis Daley) even offering counseling, but it does his appendage no good. They also tell her she should apologize, but she doesn't understand why she should, since she only 'stated facts'. Both stubbornly refuse to budge on their outlook, and so they remain at an impasse.

     In the end, Filmore solves the case, and Brennan praises him for his work. She realizes she can do so without apologizing, since she maintains her rightness. Booth (David Boreanaz) is proud of her for the effort. In fact, Booth is the only one who can get through to her at all, and it likely she only said something nice to Filmore because Booth makes her see that not everyone values correctness above all else, as she does. He can see the type of person she really is, and that she just isn't great at communicating. Brennan has compassion, albeit, less developed than in others, but doesn't know how to exhibit those types of feelings.

     This is one more good argument on why Booth and Brennan should be a couple. They understand each other in ways that no one else does. The complement each other, and help strengthen their weaknesses. Considering the upcoming season finale in six weeks is titled "The Change in the Game", I am hoping that the two of them will move beyond friendship sooner rather than later. We've waited long enough!

     The B-plot isn't nearly as good. Cam (Tamara Taylor) does something wholly unethical to get her daughter Michelle (Tiffany Hines) accepted into Columbia. I haven't liked the Cam's insta-teen-daughter thing from the beginning, and while I applaud the writers with trying to find things to make Cam's personal life more interesting, this isn't a direction I support. The outcome of Michelle rejecting Cam's help, saying she will earn her way in on her own because Cam has taught her better than that, is just plain corny.

     There will be new Bones for the next six weeks through the season finale! Bones airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

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Bones enjoying stride

     FOX's Bones, now in it's sixth season, has solidified its formula and now is luxuriating in its success. Is that a good thing? Bones has always been one of the best case-of-the-week crime shows, owing to an amazing cast of characters. Lately, owing to a long-growing formation of tight social bonds and relationship developments, the show is able to spend just as much time on the personal stories as the case, which I view as a boon. Yet, the cases stay interesting and fun, and actually add to the personal drama, rather than detract from it.

     For example, this week David Alan Grier guest starred as Bunson Jude the Science Dude, and his assistance to Dr. Brennan (Emily Deschanel) was as comical as it was helpful. Last week, Brennan and Booth (David Boreanaz) investigated a murder at the Jersey Shore. Brennan was fascinated by the culture, which she had been studying in the "documentary series" Jersey Shore. She got to explain creeping and GTL to Booth. Great plots, very entertaining, and showcasing the main characters as well as the murder.

     But why wasn't Bones able to score any big casting gets? An attempt to get some of the Jersey Shore cast members to appear in the episode fell through, and did they even approach Bill Nye the Science Guy about guesting this week? Those types of things are, indeed, stunt casting. But for a long running, semi-popular, well-made show such as Bones, shouldn't they have been achievable gets? Maybe the people behind the show didn't want that, thinking it veered too much into cheese. Yet, they did the plots anyway, with imitations of the real thing, so why not go all out?

     That aside, the series has never been better. Temperance Brennan has lightened up so much that she's almost a normal person. This is due to not only her growing feelings for her partner, but also the real friendships she has forged in the workplace. Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) has gotten markedly happier since he found love, even when he wasn't with her. Angela (Michaela Conlin) has allowed herself to be tied down and start a family. And Sweets (John Francis Daley) and Cam (Tamara Taylor) have been fully accepted into the group that was already established before the arrived.

     And that's not all. Somewhere along the way, the Bones cast has expanded greatly, with a whole host of new characters considered part of the little Jeffersonian family. The rotating cast of interns has been an absolute joy. I miss those that are gone each week, and get excited to see who will come back next. Ms. Julian (Patricia Belcher) has been an important presence in half the season so far. Booth's new love interest, Hannah (Katheryn Winnick), is already making friends with and inviting Cam, Brennan, and Angela over to hang out. One big, happy group.

     That is what worries me; everyone is so happy, gets along so well. Don't get me wrong. Despite the love I had for the clashing between the characters early on, I am pleased to see the maturation. Now, though, the series gets to the point where it may be in danger of floundering. I have no complaints about the plot of sending everyone away at the end of last year, nor the solid premiere that brought them all back together. It punted the point of needing another shakeup down the field a bit. But only a bit. I predict that the next major twist will be when Brennan makes a play for Booth, and the inevitable breakup of Booth and Hannah. I'm not sure that's enough to fill a whole season, though.

     Don't get me wrong. I'm not pessimistic. I love Bones. I'm curious to see where the show will go from here. Just a word of caution to the people that make it: even though the current comfort is a delight, don't get too comfortable.

     Bones airs Thursday nights at 8pm on FOX.


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Article first published as TV Review: Bones Enjoying Stride 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.

Is it the end of the line for Bones and Booth?

    If you watched this week's special 100th episode of Fox's Bones, "The Parts in the Sum of the Whole", you might be thinking that you wasted five years investing in two characters who will never get together.  That might be a logical conclusion, based solely on the conversation between Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel, whom I hope will one day be my sister-in-law. :)  Just kidding.  I know Zooey is married) and Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz).

     The good news, however, is that you would be wrong.  There was a very important clue for the sharp-eyed with good memories.  Just before the conversation took place, the camera planned over a quote: "Nothing happens unless first a dream."  ~ Carl Sandburg.  In last year's season finale, Booth dreamed that he and Brennan were married.  Could I be wrong about the meaning of that quote as used in this episode?  Sure.  But I'm not wrong about the producers talking to Entertainment Weekly and revealing that they aren't done with the pair.

     That aside, it was a fantastic episode.  Getting the revealing parts of their first case together gave their relationship a whole new understanding, for the viewer, as well as for poor Sweets (John Francis Daley).  It was wonderful to see Zach (Eric Millegan) back in the lab, and to see the team come together.  Loved the old hairstyles.  The only part that felt forced was the inclusion of Cam (Tamara Taylor).  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not longer a Cam hater.  Like most fans, I've come to accept her as a valued part of the team.  But she didn't need to be in the flashback, and it didn't feel genuine.  What would have been better would have been to see Bones's old boss from season one, Dr. Goodman (Jonathan Adams).  Where was he in this saga?  Not managing his employees?  At least mention him!

     Bones, the best crime show on television, owing to the development of a group of very interesting characters, has already been picked up for a sixth season.  Here's hoping they get another one hundred episodes!

     You can find Bones on Fox Thursdays at 9pm.

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!