There have been many forensic crime shows — “CSI,” “NCIS,” “Law & Order: SUV,” “Crossing Jordan,” “Forensic File,” “24,” and “Body of Proof,” to name a few.
All of these shows have one thing in common, they are serious, and have cases that are sometimes disturbing, and sometimes exhausting to watch. In fact, I felt I needed a drink to relax after every episode of “24.” Not to say that these aren’t great shows, they are. “CSI,” “NCIS,” “Law & Order,” and “24” are all hits. I commend them all, but they are very serious.
Then there is “Bones.” Based loosely on books written by real life forensic anthropologist, Kathy Reichs, “Bones” is a forensic crime show with much more than just crime solving. The main character, “Bones” (a nickname given to her by her partner) a.k.a. Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel), is a genius (and she knows it) forensic anthropologist that has been teamed up with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) to solve crimes.
“Bones” has the gruesome crimes, the forensic team, a shiny high-tech forensic lab, an FBI Agent, and a wide variety of storylines. But what makes this show different is the wonderful and endearing characters, as well as how they deal with crime and life.
This show isn’t just about solving murders; it’s human and has a wonderful charm to it. You get to know the characters (what a fabulous cast), their back stories, and the personal relationships that develop between them.
As the show progresses you come to understand why “Bones” (who is extremely logical, but socially awkward) is the way she is, and how Agent Booth helps her learn more about life and dealing with people.
The characters…
The characters on this show are a big (maybe the biggest) part of the whole package. You get the quirky but brilliant interns; Cam, the focused “boss” of The Jeffersonian Institute; Angela, Brennan’s best friend and craniofacial reconstruction expert; Hodgens, “The King of the Lab” (entomologist and conspiracy theorist), and all of the interesting story-lines that go with them.
Who is a better couple than Angela and Hodgens? And who has better chemistry than Booth and Brennan (Boreanaz and Deschanel). In season 3, a young FBI psychologist, Dr. Lance Sweets (John Frances Daley), was added to the cast. He works with Booth and “Bones” on their issues as partners, and their relationship. He adds fun and interest to the show, and is great as the young Dr. Sweets.
There are also several well-known actors and musicians who have been cast in reoccurring roles – Ryan O’Neal, Cyndi Lauper, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top (Angela’s father), to name a few.
What also sets “Bones” apart from other shows is the humor. There is no other forensic show that can make you “laugh out loud” during an episode like “Bones” does. Sometimes the humor is dark, sometimes zany, and sometimes almost slapstick (“The Woman in the Sand“, “Mummy in the Maze,” “Double Trouble in the Panhandle,” “Passenger in the Oven,” and “The Santa in the Slush,” to name a few.) I love the comedy that is added into a sometimes dark episode. There is humor in every show… and that’s a good thing!
“Bones” has everything. It was recently renewed (yay!) for its ninth season so you know they are doing something right. It’s become like an old friend. Television is for entertainment, and that’s what’s great about “Bones” for me – it’s truly entertaining. The cast and stories are great, and the chemistry between Booth and Brennan is arguably the best on TV.
If you are willing, go to Netflix and start watching “Bones” from the beginning. It will take some time, but it is worth it, and this show keeps me coming back! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Are you a fan of “Bones”? What do you love about the show? Have any favorite episodes? Tell us in the comments below.
Here’s the promo from season eight (which you may NOT want to watch if you’re just starting the show!):
Leave a Reply