The long-awaited return of Bones to TV after the prolonged break due to lead Emily Deschanel’s pregnancy lived up to the expectations of viewers, telling both a fascinating forensic science case and welcoming possibly the most anticipated character of the series’ history (minimal spoilers will be given).
Each episode of the crime drama, which premiered in 2005, tells the story of Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Emily Deschanel), a brilliant but socially awkward forensic anthropologist who uses her skills to identify murder victims and solve crimes where minimal evidence remains (i.e., the bones of the deceased). Together with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Borneanaz) and a slew of other scientists at the fictional Jeffersonian Institution (inspired by the real-life Smithsonian Museum in D.C.), criminals are put behind bars and the mysteries found within the bones are unraveled.
In its seventh season, Bones may be expected to be heading downhill in a manner similar to many other shows who have seen better days, but that cannot be said for Bones – each episode is as strong as ever and the show continues to be fresh and interesting.
The comedic element of the show – which creates a perfect balance with the dark nature of the show – still cracks the audience up. Dr. Brennan’s blunt honesty towards people and situations can be hilarious at times, such as the scene where soon-to-be parents Booth and Brennan are visiting hospitals and Dr. Brennan grosses out the fellow expectant parents with her excess knowledge on the spread of germs in hospitals or when the very pregnant Brennan makes her way through the sea of inmates at a prison in order to gather evidence.
However, Bones is not for the faint of heart or queasy viewer. With the central theme in each episode being murder, some of the gory images push the boundaries of what some viewers may be comfortable watching. It doesn’t make the show bad, however, viewers should know themselves and their comfort zones before tuning in.
The entire cast works perfectly together – the chemistry between the co-stars is spot on, and the friendships between the characters are very apparent during the show. Every actor is equally strong, and the audience grows to really connect with the crime-fighting team.
All in all, Bones lived up to expectations, creating a well-done episode that will entertain even the most skeptical of viewers, and proved that it will be a strong force in TV for several more years to come.
Bones airs Mondays at 7:00 p.m. CDT on Fox Network. Additionally, seasons 1-6 are available for instant viewing on Netflix.
