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Bones: The Archaeologist in the Cocoon (2013)
Bleach Doesn't Work On Blood
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
I feel compelled to write a more favorable review of this episode, to balance out the more critical ones. While I actually sadly do agree with the reviewer who thinks that Season 8 on the whole is one "unwatchable" skip after another, I do enjoy this episode, because it feels like classic "Bones". I also think it's important to note that while I dislike most of Season 8, I personally think that the show gets back on track by the first few episodes of Season 9 and stays good throughout the rest of the series).
Like another reviewer already said, if you are expecting everything in this show to be 100% realistic and factual, maybe you aren't watching for the right reasons. I love "Bones" specifically because it's a little bit silly, and maybe even a little bit dumb at times. I also love it because of its well written characters and because of the romantic relationships we get to see. So, I really don't care if the B plot of this episode is factually accurate or not. The important part for me is that we get to see Clark again, and he has finally been given a full-time job at the Jeffersonian. It is nice to see him in a professional role that plays to his specific strengths as an anthropologist, and while it does cause him to butt heads with Brennan a little bit, I still appreciate their dynamic.
Brennan has always been touted as the "best forensic anthropologist in the world", but sometimes that gives her a superiority complex, and she has difficulty accepting when other people are pioneers in their field too. We see this at the end of S5 when she has a hard time accepting that Daisy has been offered the Miluku job, and is only okay with it once she gets to go too. We see a similar tension between her and Clark in this episode. She has difficulty accepting that she isn't the one who made a significant scientific discovery with the Neanderthal bones, and that she won't be credited on Clark's future paper in a scientific journal. When Brennan shows professional envy towards other people, she comes across as a little bit mean and arrogant. It's not the best look on her, but I also do understand where she is coming from. Before she met and eventually fell in love with Booth, her professional accomplishments and her intellect were how she valued herself, and how other people valued her. In Brennan's mind, not being the best in her field, feels like losing a core part of her identity.
Overall, a better and more interesting episode than some people give it credit for.
Bones: The Bod in the Pod (2012)
All About Camastoo
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
This is one of the stronger episodes of Season 8. The case is interesting and memorable, but also the B plot is significant because it is the first on screen confirmation of Camastoo! I will admit that when this episode first aired, I did not see the romantic pairing between Cam and Arastoo coming, but I was quickly on board with the idea. If you go back and watch Arastoo's episodes from S4-7, you will see that when he is not in a group scene with Brennan and the others, he has almost all of his other scenes exclusively with Cam. I don't know how far ahead of Season 8 the writers decided they wanted to make Cam and Arastoo a couple, but I do think it makes sense, and that they are very cute together. Cam deserves to be happy, and to be with someone who recognizes how beautiful, smart, and kind she is. Arastoo deserves to be happy too, so I am glad they found each other.
I love Camastoo as a couple, but I do often wonder how they got together, because the episode doesn't tell us. Did he ask her out, because if so that is a very bold move to ask out the boss, but it's just as bold if she asked him out. The Jeffersonian obviously has both bad security and non-existent HR, and they are hardly the first people from the lab to date each other, but it is an interesting power dynamic. (One that I don't have an issue with because it's fiction, but in real life I probably would).
Bones: The Future in the Past (2012)
Not A Strong Start
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
I think it should be noted that while Bones is my favorite show, I don't think Season 8 is that good. I think that is evident even with this first episode. It is a continuation of the Pelant arc from Season 7, but at this point, Pelant has already overstayed his welcome and I wish that his arc had ended sooner than it does, (the length of which is a spoiler). While he isn't the root cause of the tension between Booth and Brennan, he certainly exploits insecurities and other cracks in their relationship that then leads to more tension. Brennan is still the one who chose to leave Booth for 3 months, but if Pelant hadn't put her in a position where she felt like she had to go on the run, she of course never would have left Booth.
While you can't expect even fictional couples to have zero problems, (because that would be both unrealistic and boring) it frustrates me that this is how to narrative chose to drive an initial wedge between Booth and Brennan. There are better ways to create conflict for them without it having to be manufactured in such a dumb way.
The scene where Booth and Brennan kiss on top of the washing machine is the highlight of the episode for me. The rest is very meh.
Bones: The Suit on the Set (2012)
So Much Fun!
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
This episode is one of my favorites! It is meta, and silly, and a fun break before the final episode of the season. While the other episodes of season 7 have either been very intense, sad, or very important for to the overall plot, (the birth of Christine or the Pelant episodes, etc.) I enjoy the fact that this one isn't. I appreciate when "Bones" departs from its usual form to give us something a bit different and special, (think "The Double Death of the Dearly Departed", the season 4 finale, or that one episode in season 10 *wink wink*). I also think it's kind of cool that the whole episode was filmed on the Fox lot. I mean, all the episodes are, but this time, they didn't have to pretend that they weren't on a studio lot, and didn't have to make the space look like something else.
It was nice to see the return of Dr. Fillmore, and I think his character lends itself well to sillier episodes. The B plot about Cam being in a campy horror movie when she was younger is cute. Cam is often characterized as being stern and having high expectations, (especially in her role as the boss) that I think people sometimes forget that she also has a softer, warmer side to her, and that she is also capable of being a little silly. The end scene of the episode highlights that well.
Bones: The Bump in the Road (2012)
Finn is annoying
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
This is possibly an unpopular opinion, but I really dislike Finn Abernathy. It doesn't help that he is the first new squint introduced after Vincent Nigel Murray dies, so more than anything, it's jarring to see someone new interact with our established series regulars. Finn is far from the only mildly annoying character on the show, (and a lot of it comes down to his accent) but it is hard for me to find things to like about him. As a result, I find the B plot with Finn wanting to date Michelle to be an aggravating addition to an otherwise solid episode.
The case itself is kind of interesting, and I like that it is a lower stakes episode following the birth of Christine. Keeping the plot relatively simple is a good thing. My favorite part of the episode centers around Booth and Brennan returning to work after taking parental leave, and figuring out how to balance their jobs, with their new responsibilities at home. I appreciate getting to see Booth and Brennan continue to navigate their romantic relationship now that they are also parents, and the scene on the couch at the end of the episode is very sweet.
Similar to Hodgins and Angela, Brennan is dealing with some separation anxiety now that Christine is in daycare. She initially insists that compartmentalizing her life is the only way to get work done, but I am glad that we see a softer side to Brennan by the end of the episode. She can be dedicated to her work, and also acknowledge that her daughter takes top priority in her life now.
Bones: The Crack in the Code (2012)
A Formidable Foe
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
I have to agree with the reviewer who thinks that the Pelant arc is the dumbest timeline. Unfortunately getting into the reasons why, would be a massive spoiler, (I guess I will have to save my actual thoughts for my reviews of those other episodes). However, I do actually like this introductory episode for the most part, and I also know that Andrew Leeds is both a great actor, and a really nice person in real life. I hate Pelant, but I love him.
The episode does a good job of balancing a high energy case, with the smaller interpersonal moments, which include Booth and Brennan finally finding their Mighty Hut. The scene at the end is very sweet, and it makes me happy when they use their imaginations to envision their future life in their home.
While all of the serial killers on the show have been formidable, there is something that is equal parts terrifying and irritating about Pelant's ability to get away with his crimes. He revels in the fact that he gets under Brennan's skin, and thrives on a belief that his intellectual superiority will prevent him from ever being caught.
The Pelant episodes always feel bigger than some of the other serial killer arcs on the show, because the writers intentionally make the stakes comically high. But, I think that is also what makes Pelant simultaneously the best and worst "big bad" of the series. He does, and often gets away with ludicrous and impossible things. But, since "Bones" has always been a little campy, having a cartoonish villain also kind of makes sense. It doesn't make it any less dumb, but I also understand the greater purpose of his arc.
Bones: The Twist in the Twister (2011)
A Fun One
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
I enjoy this episode. It finds a great balance between a reasonably interesting case, and the sometimes silly, interpersonal drama that you expect from an episode of "Bones". The tornado scenes are also visually appealing.
I appreciate seeing both Fisher as the squintern, and the return of ZZ Top as Angela's father. Getting to see Angela and Hodgins navigate the challenges of new parenthood is a welcome addition to the plot. Even when their storylines center around things like coping with separation anxiety, or trying to figure out how to deal with a baby that won't sleep, I appreciate seeing glimpses into their home/family life. Seeing ZZ Top in an episode is always fun, especially when he does kind of unhinged stuff, like giving his grandchild a temporary tattoo that says "gramps" and has a picture of himself on it.
I disagree with the reviewer who found this episode to be uninteresting. I often find that my favorite episodes are ones that are more "run of the mill". Not every episode needs to have an explosion or a serial killer, or something major going on, in order for it to still be enjoyable.
I also strongly disagree with the reviewer who finds Booth and Brennan's relationship this season to be jarring and rushed. They got together after six years of waiting. They are navigating not only what it means to finally be a couple, but also have the added complication of navigating an unexpected pregnancy. Just because there are moments of tension, doesn't mean that there aren't also very romantic moments throughout the season. I find it more romantic to finally get to see them settle into their relationship, instead of holding back some of how they really feel, like they did in the earlier seasons. I don't think the show rushed into showing their affectionate moments either. After 6 seasons with only a few on screen kisses, I was more than ready to see them start to do that all of the time.
Bones: The Male in the Mail (2011)
Dealing with Loss
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
The case is interesting, but ultimately less important than the B plot this week. The central emotional arc of the episode concerns Booth finding out that his father has died. I really appreciate that the episode doesn't shy away from addressing Booth's complex reaction to the news. While initially, he adopts an almost dismissive response, I like that we get more of an emotional reaction by the end of the episode. Booth is allowed to have complicated feelings, (his father was an abusive alcoholic), but even so, he is allowed to give himself permission to mourn his loss. Maybe not the loss of a who he was, but the loss of what their relationship could have been had things been different.
My two favorite scenes are between Booth and Pops, and then the scene with Booth and Brennan at the end of the episode. After insisting for most of the episode that he didn't care that his father was dead, Pops reminds Booth that he is not the only one who is experiencing this loss, and dealing with complicated emotions. Booth's dad was Hank's son. Hank knows that his son made choices in his life that hurt his family. You can acknowledge that and still mourn their loss, (and maybe even be a little sad about it), and that is what Pops is trying to emphasize to Booth in that scene. Booth doesn't have to forgive his father for his misgivings, in order to confront his feelings about the loss.
The scene between Brennan and Booth at the end of the episode is one the most memorable of the series for me. Like Pops, Brennan is not asking Booth to disregard his negative feelings towards his father, or to forgive him for the things he did, but simply acknowledge that he was a person who is now gone. Booth is under no obligation to try to preserve any positive memories of his father from his childhood, but I think that doing so is important for his own healing. The end scene is touching and always makes me a little emotional.
Bones: The Prince in the Plastic (2011)
The Essence of Play
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
This episode isn't a favorite of mine, but it has elements that are memorable and fun. I appreciate when the show embraces how silly it can be, and it accomplishes this by centering the episode on toys and the concept of play. It is nice to see Brennan step out of her comfort zone, and embrace the wonder and joy that comes with being able to play, and how that will help her connect with her future child. The scene of Booth and Brennan playing with the foam guns at the end of the episode is so sweet.
I know it isn't that important to the overall plot, but watching Angela absolutely lose it while trying to put the toy together for Michael Vincent, is a moment from "Bones" that I remember often. I'm not a mom, but I can relate to her in that moment. Getting really frustrated with inanimate objects sometimes just happens. But in all seriousness, I like this episode for Angela, because we get to see a new dimension to her character this season, and moving forward. It isn't just because she is a mother now, and I think has more to do with the fact that she is written better in the second half of the series. She has always been great, but I feel like the show gives her a lot more to do, and is more deliberate about the direction they want her character to go in during the remainder of the series.
Bones: The Memories in the Shallow Grave (2011)
A Good Transition
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
This episode always makes me a little nostalgic, because it was the first one I saw live after joining the fandom earlier that year. I think it does a good job of transitioning the show into the start of its second half, (the half where Booth and Brennan are finally together).
I know that not everyone agrees with this, but I actually really like that the show jumps ahead a few months after the events of the season 6 finale. I often hear the complaint from some that after 6 seasons of waiting, we "skipped" getting to see the early stages of Booth and Brennan's relationship. No we didn't. We saw 6 seasons of them slowly falling in love with each other. This season opens to them making breakfast in their kitchen, kissing each other, and later in the episode saying their first on screen "I love you's". As far as I am concerned, we didn't miss anything.
I also appreciate that we get to see the growing pains in their relationship as they navigate what finally being a couple actually looks like. Real couples have disagreements. Real couples sometimes struggle to effectively communicate. Just because they love each other, doesn't mean their relationship is going to be without conflict. After several seasons of watching them dance around their feelings for each other, it's nice to see them settle into the next phase of their relationship, even if that includes watching them argue about where they want to live as a family.
The case itself is pretty standard for "Bones". Nothing too exciting, but I also don't think that it needs to be. The episode largely focuses on Booth and Brennan's relationship, and that is where the focus should be. It is nice to also see Wendell again and to see Hodgins and Angela interact with their baby. Overall, a solid start to the season.
Bones: The Sin in the Sisterhood (2011)
He Was A Bonehead
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
This is an episode that I would probably never re-watch if it didn't include the final conversation between Booth and Brennan. I don't care for the plural marriage storyline, nor do I care about Cam's relationship with Paul. Yes, Cam and Paul both have very important jobs that keep them busy, but she deserves to be with someone who will prioritize her. Their relationship feels forced. The case of the week is weak. It was obvious who the killer was, and I just didn't like the sister wives plotline. We get to see Wendall again, but he isn't given a lot to do, and the storyline wouldn't have been impacted at all, if he had been omitted from the episode.
Upon re-watching, I feel like this is one of the episodes that Maggie was talking about when she said that some season 6 episodes were switched around. Other than a one sentence mention of Hannah during the final scene, there is nothing that ties this to the continuity of the first half of the season. It is part of what makes this episode feel so forgettable. The only redeeming part of the episode comes from the conversation between Booth and Brennan when he says "you can love a lot of people in this world, but there is only one person you love the most", before he stares at her meaningfully. I love this moment, because of course Brennan is the person Booth loves the most. I want them to be together, but it's like we all forget in that moment that they can't be together yet, because he is still with Hannah. Booth, you have a serious live-in girlfriend who you claim to really love! Maybe if you find yourself giving heart eyes to Brennan, it's a sign that you shouldn't be with Hannah anymore. If you know you will never love her the same way you love Brennan, why continue a relationship that is only going to end up hurting both of you in the long run?
Bones: The Maggots in the Meathead (2010)
The One Where Hannah Moves In
Hi Bones Booth Pod!
I know this episode isn't a favorite for most people in the fandom, but I don't hate it. Yes, the Jersey Shore storyline is silly, but I am not opposed to ridiculous storylines, especially if they provide some much needed levity to an episode. If nothing else, it certainly is one of the most memorable episodes of the series. It is also nice to have Fisher back, since his appearances in S5 were few and far between.
The most important aspect of the episode revolves around Booth and Hannah's decision to move in together. To reiterate some points I made in my last review: I do not dislike Hannah or her relationship with Booth. However, opening the episode on an intimate scene between the two of the them feels intentionally cruel for Booth and Brennan shippers to have to see, especially when it's presented in a way that feels like it's being shoved in our faces. On the one hand, I understand that Booth is in the "honeymoon phase" of his relationship with Hannah, and with that, comes the desire for lots of physical intimacy. But, I am just not sure why we as an audience need to see it happen every single time. The entire scene could have been cut from the episode, and the story wouldn't have been impacted.
It's hard not to feel like much of Booth and Hannah's relationship is built upon their physical attraction to each other, and not much else. Maybe that is why we see so many of their intimate scenes? Despite the fact that she is willing to move in with Booth, Hannah doesn't know him that well. She hasn't met Parker yet, and she doesn't seem to understand a lot of his motivations, and vice versa. Without Brennan's help, I am not sure that Hannah and Booth's relationship would be able to sustain itself long term. That is evident by the fact that when given the opportunity, they invite Brennan to be a third wheel on all of their dates. They don't seem to know how to have alone time as a couple, when it doesn't involve physical intimacy. That's a red flag.
As usual, Sweets serves as the voice of reason, by pointing out that Booth and Hannah's dynamic has changed now that they are back in D. C. and even if Booth is not ready to listen to those observations, I am still glad that Sweets voices his opinion.
Bones: The Couple in the Cave (2010)
All About Hannah
Hi Bones Booth Pod,
The case of the week is not the most memorable or exciting, but it doesn't matter when the interpersonal/relationship stuff arguably is the A plot of the episode.
When the normally very buttoned up and restrained Clark serves as the audience proxy and says what we are all thinking about Booth and Brennan's relationship, it is one of my favorite moments throughout all 12 seasons! It is also one of the many reasons he is my favorite squint.
Clark prides himself on maintaining a clear separation between his professional and personal life, and yet even he cannot keep his opinions about Booth and Brennan to himself. If Clark's momentary lapse of professionalism had happened earlier on in the series, it might have felt out of character for him to say those things, but I also don't think that hearing it from any of the other squints, would have had the same impact. At this point in the series, allowing Clark to open up more, feels earned and I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about him as a result.
This episode is significant, because it marks the first on-screen appearance of Booth's new girlfriend, Hannah. I know that it might be an unpopular opinion within the fandom, but I don't actually hate Hannah as a character, nor do I entirely hate seeing Booth in a relationship with her. He expresses his need to move on from his feelings for Brennan at the end of S5, and while it felt forced and awkward to see him try to do that at the end of last season, the 7 month time jump helps make the reality of him having moved on, a lot more believable.
Hannah possesses a lot of the same qualities that Brennan has, (she is beautiful, smart, capable, and professionally successful) so it is clear that even if we aren't using Brennan as "the standard", Booth does still have a type. He is attracted to confident, self-assured, and independent women. Hannah is great, and it is easy to see why Booth likes her. While we would all prefer to see Booth and Brennan together at this point in the series, I also know why it can't happen yet. Therefore, it isn't too painful to see him with someone else in the meantime.
While I support Booth and Hannah's relationship, it isn't my favorite thing to watch their scenes of physical intimacy/when they talk about physical intimacy. It is a part of their relationship that feels intentionally aggressive, almost like the writers are shoving Booth's alleged happiness in our faces, or rather, Brennan's face. See audience, Booth has really moved on from Brennan! You can tell because he and Hannah make out and have acrobatic s*x every chance they get! I don't know, but it seems a little bit like overcompensating to me. Yes, Booth's feelings for Hannah are genuine, but that doesn't mean that his years long love for Brennan just magically went away over night, just because he is now in a relationship with someone else. Saying "I love Hannah" ten times per episode makes it seem like he is trying to convince himself that it's true, not because other people like Sweets and Brennan actually need to be told that.
Regardless of whether or not people like seeing Booth and Hannah together, it is still important for Booth and Brennan's relationship to see him with someone who isn't her. It forces Brennan to start earnestly confronting her feelings for Booth, (something she wasn't ready to do last season), and it allows Booth to consider what a life without Brennan might look like. Even though it is necessary, that doesn't always make it easy to watch. The look of sadness/regret that plays across Brennan's face as Booth leaves with Hannah at the close of the episode is a little heartbreaking. But, I also know that getting Brennan to confront her feelings, will make what happens in the future very well earned.
Bones: The Rocker in the Rinse Cycle (2010)
Silly and Fun
Hi, The Bones Booth Pod!
When I think of memorable, "classic" episodes of Bones, this is one of the episodes that comes to mind, and is one that I re-watch frequently. It has all of the components that make for a great episode. It's written by Karine Rosenthal for starters, (yes I am biased but I think she was the best writer on the show). The case is interesting, and the A and B plots don't feel disjointed the way they sometimes do in other episodes. The episode fully utilizes every character. While I am all for Booth and Brennan centered episodes, it's nice when an episode focuses on the rest of the cast too, and reminds us that the show functions best as an ensemble.
The episode is silly in a way that feels appropriate given what the case is about, and is also fun break in between the harder-hitting or the darker/serious/sad episodes of the season. I also love watching Booth and Brennan move past some of their awkwardness post-kiss, and that they are able to let loose and sing "their" song "Hot Blooded", together.
Bones: The Predator in the Pool (2010)
Bones, You Are The Standard
Hi The Bones Booth Pod!
While I wouldn't consider this to be one of the stand-out episodes of S5, I do appreciate it for how aesthetically beautiful it is. Part of the episode is filmed on location at an aquarium in Long Beach, CA. I have been there before, and it really is a lot of fun.
The episode is a frustrating watch, because we see Booth attempt to move on from his feelings for Brennan, by flirting with and agreeing to go on a date with someone new. Simultaneously, we see Brennan continue her "relationship" with Booth's boss, Andrew Hacker. It is clear that despite Booth's insistence that he has to move on from Brennan (since she is unable/unwilling to return his feelings), he clearly isn't ready to do so yet. As a result, every scene where he flirts with Catherine feels forced and awkward. Also, I don't really want to see Booth on a date with another woman, just two episodes after he kisses Brennan and declares his feelings for her. It's weird!
Additionally, it is frustrating to have the recurring presence of Andrew Hacker, when he really doesn't do a lot to enhance any of the scenes he is in. It is clear that while Brennan isn't ready for a relationship with Booth, she also doesn't really like Hacker romantically and their scenes together also feel forced. Even though Hacker would like a relationship with Brennan, she does a lot to subconsciously push him away. It also doesn't help that they have even less chemistry than Wendall and Angela. But, I guess that is does serve at least one purpose. Showing her lack of chemistry with Hacker, demonstrates how much better and more meaningful her connection with Booth is, (not that it was ever really in doubt).
The case itself isn't the most exciting, and at times is also unnecessarily convoluted, especially with the addition of the Russian mobster storyline that arguably didn't need to be there. But the episode does have Clark in it, which is always a good thing, and I also appreciate that in the end, the murderer has no remorse for what she's done. The line deliver of "ever since I shoved his lying face into that poisonous fish, I haven't felt any pain" and the little smirk she does, is my favorite thing!
The true highlight of the episode comes from the conversation between Booth and Brennan near the end. "Catherine is easily as pretty as me, assuming you are using me as the standard". "Bones, you are the standard". I mean, I know he says that before they both go on dates with other people, but that line is still incredibly romantic! It also further cements the fact that he is still very much in love with Brennan and is not ready to move on from those feelings. Booth might date other people in an attempt to get over Brennan, but he is also consciously or subconsciously comparing ever new person to her, which is ultimately a futile endeavor because no one else will ever compare to her.
Bones: The Dentist in the Ditch (2010)
The Dentist in the Dull.
Hi The Bones Booth Pod!
When a show has as many episodes as "Bones" has, even the most hardcore of fans is bound to forget the details of some of them. This is one of those episodes. I have seen it at least ten times, but for whatever reason, I can never remember what it's about. It gets a lower rating than I would normally give to "Bones", because it just doesn't do enough to move the overarching plot forward, nor is it a strong enough episode to exist as a stand alone. The true definition of non-essential/skippable. It doesn't help that I really don't like or care about Jared Booth. The only semi-memorable and good part of the episode comes at the end, when Brennan gives a toast about love. That's pretty much it.
Bones: The X in the File (2010)
Aliens Are Nice Anthropologists
Hi The Bones Booth Pod!
Compared to the heavier hitting episodes of season five, I think this one tends to get overlooked, but I wish it didn't, because it's still a really great episode. I know most people like it for some of the overt "X Files" references, but since I am more of a "Roswell" fan, I appreciate it for those aspects.
Like most of the cases that take place outside of D. C., this one allows Booth and Brennan to have a bit more fun than they sometimes get to when they are at home. The case is interesting, and I like that it feels like a companion/sister episode to "Man in the Bear". I don't know how best to explain what I mean by that, but Andrew, you get it, right? I enjoy Booth and Brennan's on-top-of-the-car chat (TM) that takes place at the end of the episode. Every opportunity for a flirty moment between the two of them, is a good time.
As a Hodgela shipper, I am not a fan of seeing Angela and Wendell together. It never felt right, and unless I am actively re-watching, I conveniently "forget" that it ever did. Wendell is a nice guy, but they have no chemistry. I spend the episode feeling much like Hodgins does towards their relationship. Sad and a little angry.
Spoiler Alert: I am glad that their relationship doesn't last too long after this episode.
Bones: The Dwarf in the Dirt (2009)
Hope and Patience
Hi The Bones Booth Pod!
The case itself is not one of my favorites, (it's pretty forgettable) but the episode gains some points with the addition of Gordon Gordon Wyatt. Every episode that Stephen Fry is in, is automatically a better one!
"Bones" is at its strongest when it centers its core relationship between Booth and Brennan, and this episode gives us a lot of forward momentum for their relationship, particularly where Booth's feelings are concerned. Getting Booth to admit to Gordon Gordon how he feels towards Brennan is an important and earned conversation. We as an audience already understand Booth's hesitancy to admit his feelings, (which is at least in part due to a fear that Brennan doesn't love him the way he loves her), but getting him to actually vocalize his fears, is significant. When Gordon Gordon tells Booth to have "hope and patience" when it comes to his relationship with Brennan, it sends a little thrill through my shipper heart every single time! That, and the final scene, are the highlights of the whole episode.
Additionally, I appreciate the conversations between Gordon Gordon and Sweets, and it's nice to see him continue in his mentoring/advice giving role that was introduced in "Mayhem of the Cross". Wyatt helps make Sweets both a better psychologist and better friend to Booth and Brennan.
Fun Fact: Jeremiah Birkett, who plays one of the suspects in the episode, also plays an important role on "Lucifer". It isn't the first or the last time that the two shows will share cast members. I just thought it was an interesting coincidence, seeing as "Lucifer" on the whole, is very much an homage to "Bones".