Bones

With witty dialogue, likable characters and intelligent stories, the Fox Television series Bones debuted on September 13, 2005. Executive producers Barry Josephson and Hart Hanson have given audiences a freshly styled mystery and crime drama that is both entertaining and gripping. The series, inspired by the novels of real-life forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs and created by Hart Hanson, combines science and crime fighting with just enough humor to engage audiences each week. Set in Washington, D.C., the hit series centers on the unlikely partnership of the pragmatic Dr. Temperance Brennan and cocky FBI Agent, Seeley Booth.

Emily Deshanel ("Glory Road") portrays Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan with intelligence and strength. A character with many layers, Brennan is a well-respected professional, but lacks certain social graces due to her years spent dealing primarily with human remains instead of living people. We often find her perplexed by Booth's references to modern pop culture as she sincerely states one of her most popular lines, "I don't know what that means." In addition, her comparisons of modern society to ancient ones often provide several of the series' humorous moments. Brennan is feisty, adventurous and highly valued by her scientific colleagues as well as her partner, Booth.

David Boreanaz (Angel) brings to life the character of Special Agent Seeley Booth. Boreanaz's characterization of the street-smart FBI agent is believable and always fun to watch. Although opposite in personality, he is just as complex as Brennan.

Boreanaz offered his personal insight into the relationship of Dr. Brennan and Agent Booth, "The potential for their personal lives entering their professional lives is, I just think dynamic. I think we all remember when we would watch "Moonlighting" (1985.) You never remember what crimes the characters were solving, and to me, that is character work." (Nov. 22, 2006. IMDb)

Religious, loyal, and patriotic, the character of Booth heralds from a family of military men and served as a sniper for the Army Rangers. A recovering gambling addict, this character never appears onscreen without a poker chip and die somewhere on his person.

A good series will allow the history of its main characters to emerge over several episodes. Throughout the first three seasons, Bones has given its audiences subtle insights as well as entire episodes that reveal the characters' personal histories. Two such episodes that stand out and reveal important background regarding title character, Bones are "The Woman in Limbo" (episode 22) and "Judas on a Pole" (episode 33), each written by series creator Hart Hanson.

The talented supporting cast of Bones is key to the series' ability to produce quality television viewing. The supporting cast consists of five characters that work primarily out of the fictional Jeffersonian Institute, with the exception of season three newcomer, Dr. Lance Sweets played by John Frances Daley (Freaks and Geeks.)

As Brennan's closest friend, confidante, and voice of reality, actress Michaela Conlin (Enchanted) charmingly portrays the intuitive and sensitive Angela Montenegro. Angela works on Brennan's forensic team creating facial reconstructions, but considers herself an artist foremost. She is the inventor of the Angelator, a holographic device used to create 3D images of victims or to replay case scenarios.

Broadway alumnus, Eric Millegan (Jesus Christ Superstar) portrayed Dr. Brennan's assistant, Zack Addy intelligently but with a boyish charm that allows the audience to relate to him even when he was most unstable. Over the course of the series, audiences can watch Dr. Addy mature from a blue jean wearing, wide-eyed, prodigy to the slightly subdued scientist and then into the assistant to a serial killer.

Actor T.J. Thyne (Huff) plays Dr. Jack Hodgins, the series' character that provides the necessary foil to the other characters. An incredibly fun character, Thyne's portrayal of the Jeffersonian's "bug and slime guy," is wonderfully likable, quirky character. The story arcs for the intensely smart Hodgins have been entertaining, leaving the viewer anxiously awaiting his next adventure and evolution.

Tamara Taylor (Party of Five) joined the cast at the start of season two as Dr. Camille "Cam" Saroyan, the new boss to Brennan and the "squints." The administrator position during season one had been held by actor Jonathan Adams (American Dreams) as the character Dr. Daniel Goodman. The addition of the talented Taylor provides several interesting character interactions and another strong female character. The early friction between Cam and Brennan, as the two vied for the "alpha" position with the team, was often humorous and intriguing to watch.

In addition to the outstanding supporting cast, Bones has featured two repeating characters that are integral to Brennan's personal plot lines. Veteran actor Ryan O'Neal (Love Story) appears as Max Keenan, Brennan's dad and actor Loren Dean (Space Cowboys) appears as Russ Brennan, her older brother.

Notable episodes include episode 9 (season one), "The Man in the Fallout Shelter" written by Hart Hanson, episode 22 (season one), "The Woman in Limbo" written by Hart Hanson, episode 31 (season 2), "Aliens in a Spaceship" written by Janet Tamaro, and episode 49 (season 3), "Mummy in the Maze" written by Scott Williams.

Each episode is rated TV-14 and runs one hour in length.

Throughout the years, mysteries and crime dramas have found their niche with the television viewing public. Bones has taken the genre of mystery-crime drama to the next level with its well-constructed stories and excellent direction and acting.