Binge Watch --- Bones

 

I originally abandoned Bones during an odd TV boycott a few years back. This year, though, I’ve been watching more television than I have in ages—mainly to finally see how all those shows I once started actually ended.

If you’re unfamiliar, Bones is based on Kathy Reichs’s long-running Temperance Brennan novels (there are twenty-five and counting). Reichs herself is a forensic anthropologist, and the early books were reportedly inspired by her own experiences. I haven’t yet picked up the series—partly because I’ve heard the show handles character development better, and partly because I love these characters so much that I worry the books might not measure up. My TBR pile is already overflowing, so we’ll see if I ever get to them.

The show follows Temperance “Bones” Brennan, a brilliant but socially awkward forensic anthropologist at the Jeffersonian (think Smithsonian), who’s paired with FBI agent Seeley Booth. I’ll admit, I only tuned in at first because David Boreanaz was cast as Booth. As a full throated Buffy and Angel fan, there was no way I was going to miss him in a new role. But by the first half of the pilot, I was hooked—not just on Boreanaz, but on the dynamic chemistry between Brennan and Booth. Think William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles—level chemistry. Pure perfection. 

On paper, they couldn’t be more different. Brennan is analytical, clinical, and baffled by most pop culture. Booth relies on gut instinct, quick judgments, and has deep loyalty to his family. Over time, Brennan slowly grows into one of the most nuanced characters I’ve ever seen on television, while Booth remains her perfect counterbalance. Their dynamic is the heartbeat of the series, and it never stopped being a joy to watch.

Of course, I wouldn’t have made it through 246 episodes if the supporting cast hadn’t been equally compelling. Lance Sweets (a personal favorite), Hodgins, Angela, Camille, Zach, and even the rotating “squinterns” all brought depth and heart to the show. Across twelve seasons, they faced serial killers, bombers, snipers, hurricanes, complicated families—and countless murder cases. Through it all, they had each other. They solved crimes, but more importantly, they saved each other.