David Boreanaz

Let’s get one piece of information out of the way before I begin: I never saw an episode of FOX’s Bones last season. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to; I’ve been a fan of David Boreanaz for a few years (and became more of a fan since reviewing Season one of Angel for Retro Squad) and really wanted to see how he worked out in his new role. Unfortunately, fearing the show would be canceled after getting emotionally attached to it and the characters, I decided to ignore the show and just go on my merry way.

Something brought me back, though . . . a chance to preview an early copy of the second series premiere to share with all of my adoring fans. After viewing the show I can honestly say that I should’ve watched during the first season, because Bones is a pretty decent, although somewhat visually graphic, show. Plus, seeing David Boreanaz smiling, laughing and wearing something other than basic black was a breath of fresh air after watching him sulk for five seasons on Angel.

For the uninitiated, Bones is an investigative drama starring Boreanaz as FBI Secret Agent Seeley Booth. He is partnered with forensic anthropologist and sideline novelist Doctor Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel). Dr. Brennan (who is loosely based on real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs) works out of the Jeffersonian Institution where she and her colleagues assist in murder investigations where the bodies are too burned, mangled are destroyed beyond recognition for normal autopsies to be conducted. It’s best that you’re not eating a heavy meal when scenes of these bodies are shown.

Boreanaz fits easily into his role as Agent Booth because it’s really an extension of the role he played on Angel. Booth doesn’t seem as smart or worldly as Angel (he leaves the smarts to Temperance, whom he nicknames ’Bones’). He is much more chipper and optimistic than his former alter ego and definitely has an easier time talking to people. Deschanel as Dr. Brennan is the mirror image to Booth. She has some problems with this world and is much happier working with her mangled bodies rather than talking to suspects. Yet, they both respect each other’s professions and are slowly opening up to each other’s investigative skills.

A bit graphic at times, Bones is actually quite amusing. It definitely takes a lighter touch at the procedural drama than, say, CSI or Law & Order:SVU (which has been downright dreary lately). In fact, you could probably compare it to Crossing Jordan in tone and in characterization of the main and secondary characters. In addition, the series probably has the most sophisticated lab of any crime-drama on TV today. The holographic tank, which is used frequently when showing how mangled body parts looked when originally put together, is one of the stars of the show.

If you never had a chance to see Bones, this Wednesday’s premiere at 8:00 on FOX is probably the best place to jump on. Although there is an ongoing plotline left over from last season (the search for the murderer of Dr. Brennan’s mother), you get a good idea of who the characters are as well as their respective personalities. In addition the mystery Booth and Brennan are brought in to solve (the death of a Senator and a high-profile businessman) keeps you interested throughout the entire hour. Oh, by the way, I’ll be watching Bones this season since I’ve taken over the reigns of the weekly review. So, see you all next week.