Starring Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz
Written By: Hart Hanson
Directed By:
Studio: 20th Century Fox
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Every so often a television series appears that is fresh, lively, and full of wit. Such is the case with the Fox crime drama, Bones. From the very first scene, of the very first episode, character personalities are laid out, front and center. And, they are most intriguing.

Unlike some televisions series, it did not take weeks of viewing to discover what makes the regulars on Bones tick. The dynamics of each character were established immediately, and they were immediately appealing to this reviewer.

There is a level of honesty portrayed in this program that I have not seen since Buffy the Vampire Slayer (don’t groan.) Most every character in the show knows what their purpose is. The work they do is very specialized. Most people think they are weird for doing what they do (examining the bones of dead people.) Some might call them nerds (or squints, as FBI personnel are fond of calling them.) However, these people know who they are. They are scientists. Their work demands that they be objective. Fantasy has no place in their world. This carries over into their conversations and self-perceptions. They do not delude themselves about who they are, nor do they try to delude others. They are unapologetic about what they do for a living. They are extremely bright individuals who have formed a bond with each other, through their work.

The actress, Emily Deschanel, plays the title role of Bones, or Dr. Temperance Brennan. She is an anthropologist at the Smithsonian Institute. David Boreanaz, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel fame, plays FBI Agent Seeley Booth. Agent Booth often requires the help of Dr. Brennan in murder investigations.

Dr. Brennan is no ordinary sidekick; she is an expert in martial arts and knows her way around a handgun. Agent Booth is a former assassin in the Army Special Operations Corp. Together they form a most unlikely, and very interesting, partnership.

Dr. Brennan (Bones) heads her own department at the Smithsonian. Her staff includes a small and interesting group of people. There is Zack Addy, played by Eric Millegan, a sweet, awkward, 24 year old student/assistant whose IQ is off the charts. TJ Thyne, plays Dr. Jack Hodgins. His specialty is bugs and dirt. Dr. Hodgins has two, maybe three, doctorates. He has a sharp tongue, and an interesting secret that is revealed early on in the season.

Michaela Conlin plays Bones’ best friend, Angela Montenagro. Where Bones is serious, Angela is carefree. She is the big sister to the group, and frequently reminds them that there is a world outside of the lab. Finally, there is Dr. Brennan’s superior, Dr. Daniel Goodman (Jonathan Adams.) Dr. Goodman is an archeologist. However, in the Smithsonian, he is an administrator. He keeps the department alive, and often bumps heads with staff over budget and assignment issues.

I found all 22 episodes engrossing. Mr. Boreanaz and Ms. Deschanel have wonderful chemistry. They exude a sexy professionalism on screen. They could almost be buddies, except… well, you know…he’s a hetero man and she’s a hetero wo-man…and they are both attractive in an Esquire/Vogue sort of way. They are smart, intelligent, and down right fun to watch as they bicker their way from the crime scene to solving the case.

Don’t get me wrong. Most of the scenarios are deadly serious (like the case of the murdered 3 year old boy.) And, bodies can appear in different stages of decomposition. (Do you eat dinner in front of the television, like I do?) However, the caring these people show toward each other, their loyalty, and the smart, witty dialogue, all make for very good television viewing.

On a rating scale of 1 to 5 stars, Bones gets a great big 6 from me. Happy watching.

Features:
Features:
Audio Commentary on the Pilot Episodes
Character Profiles

DVD Featurettes:
Squints – Cast members reveal how they prepare for their roles as forensic scientists
The Real Definition – A squint’s guide to forensic terminology
Bones: Inspired by the Life of Forensic Anthropologist and Author Kathy Reichs

Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 CC

Video:
Widescreen 1.78:1 Color

Subtitles:
Spanish, French

Favorite Scenes:
Rating: NR
Running Time: 946 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: