Bones reached a milestone this year when it aired its 10th season. Very few shows manage to reach that kind of longevity and with season 11 already underway in the US, it looks like Bones could be around for quite a bit longer. Season 9 finished with Booth (David Boreanaz) in prison after being framed as a conspiracy continued to grow inside the FBI. The 10th season picks up after a little time has passed with Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and the team trying to uncover the conspiracy and get Booth out of prison.
The first episode of the season, The Conspiracy in the Corpse, sees the Jeffersonian team racing against time to help Booth but in the midst of their efforts they suffer a tragic loss of one of their own. To say who that is would be to give far too much away but believe us when we say it’s a death that really hurts. The episode also introduces new regular character James Aubrey (John Boyd), a junior FBI agent who starts to work alongside Brennan and her team as they solve cases.
After 10 years on air, it can be hard to keep a show fresh but Bones makes it look easy. The show has never been particularly ground-breaking but it follows a simple formula every week and that works for the show. Character development has always been in the background giving preference to the cases of the week but there’s a real focus on Booth and Brennan’s relationship this season. The married couple face hard times with Booth in prison and his struggle with addiction is a theme that is explored later in the season. They also have to deal with their ever-expanding family and a huge decision that could change the rest of their lives.
During Bones’ 10th season the show also celebrated its 200th episode, The 200th in the 10th, putting all of the characters you know and love into a Hitchcockian film noir story. It’s an interesting way to celebrate the show’s long-running success and whilst it doesn’t really fit into the rest of the season, it’s a welcome break from the tried and tested formula much of the show operates on.
Elsewhere in the season Cam (Tamara Taylor) has to deal with commitment issues when it comes to her relationship with Arastoo (Pej Vahdat), Wendell (Michael Grant Terry) tries to rebuild his life following a near fatal illness, Andrea (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) make a huge decision about their future, and Jessica (Laura Spencer) starts to bond with Brennan and new agent Aubrey.
Extras on the 6-disc DVD boxset include a featurette on popular character Sweets, a look behind-the-scenes at the 200th episode, deleted scenes and a gag reel.
Bones knows the kind of show it is and it plays to its strengths; for that it should be commended. The show isn’t trying to compete with anything else out there and it succeeds in making a gripping weekly show that’s a joy to have in your TV calendar. The chemistry between the cast is one of the biggest draws for the show and after 10 years they all still work really well together. We’re a little apprehensive about the upcoming season 11 Sleepy Hollow crossover but if anyone can get it to work it’s Bones. This is the perfect boxset to keep you company as the temperatures drop and the nights start to draw in.
