Bones – Characters or just the sex?

It’s almost like the writers of this week’s Bones had talked to me. I’m the guy that rails on about characters all the time, and this week’s installment had an interesting subplot that brought up the same point. Procedural shows are a dime a dozen these days. Three different CSIs, two different NCISs (Which was first a spin off of a lawyer/procedural hybrid), and who knows how many Law & Order’s (Which, yes, I know I could find at IMDb.com pretty quickly, but what’s the point). A very important step into making the good ones stand out, though, is characters that the audience connects to. That’s why NCIS gets killer ratings, and I haven’t watched an episode of NCIS: LA in months.

Bones is one of those shows that gets the characters right. There isn’t a more perfect example than watching Sweets this week. Watching someone find the ultimate joy, only to have their life ended so quickly was depressing to watch on TV, let alone to have it happen in your arms. The rollercoaster that we saw him go through isn’t something you’d see happen on other shows. At least, not nearly as well done. John Frances Daley slow played it, not overselling his emotions, and really landed a great performance.

The reporter (what I originally wrote there was “the annoying as hell reporter” but I thought better of it, but then decided to put this aside in anyways) brought up good ideas, but in the end, missed the point. The reason this show is good, and, presumably Bones’ books, isn’t solely about the characters (as important as they are), but the integration between dynamic characters and a great story. Sweets’ journey was set in motion by what he experienced, but followed a path unique to who he is (And what he is is getting hitched!). It is only when these two pieces are mixed so perfectly do you have that a result that is still going strong after 99 episodes.

Or, it could all just be what’s on Page 187 that keeps us coming back.

Notes & Quotes:

• The teaser felt like a ride at Universal Studios, until Sweets’ new friend met a very tragic death.
• The reporter was pretty damn annoying.
• Directed by Chad Lowe? More please.
• “You seem to know your poop.” (Honestly though, Daisy’s reaction was even better than the line).
• Page 187?  Inquiring minds want to know!
• Sophie was played by Stephanie Childers, whom I almost didn’t recognize (She played Hallie Gallaway on Studio 60, which either you’re dumb for not watching, or I’m very dumb for loving).
• Cam awarding ‘King of the Lab,’ with a “touch of modesty” really didn’t work.
• Bones has got to be the worst shows on TV’s for product placement.
• “Why would Lance break up with me? I’m awesome.” And humble, too, Daisy.
• Band of Brothers actor alert (Which, I do all the time): This week it’s Frank Perconte (James Madio) who played the pawn shop owner.
• “All anyone cares about is the characters.” / “It’s what they related to. It’s what makes it real.” That’s what I said!
• “It’s just a modest ring, but it represents sixty years of love.”

Clacked by Ivey West
on Apr 01, 2010 @ 21:00 EST5EDT