"Bones": The Ring in the River, February 2011

Seeley Booth has just not been on the lucky end of love. He finds himself ready and willing to take the next step in a relationship only to be met with a partner that is not the marrying kind. The episode "The Daredevil in the Mold" was interesting enough in forensic investigation. The engineering required to catapult a bike onto the roof of a building showed just how far a BMX rider would go for the rush of glory. However, this episode of "Bones" was far better for the interpersonal relationships of the characters and outshined all of the forensics and technology that is normally captivating.

Booth and Dr. Sweets have both decided to ask their respective partners to marry them. When the originally enthusiastic Sweets is face to face with engagement rings in the store he has a realization. He is not truly ready to take this step in life or his relationship. It may also be that he wonders if Daisy is ready. She has been the one to be more flighty over the course of the series. On the other hand the less sure Booth gains confidence and chooses a ring that would impress almost any woman.

Unfortunately Seeley is to be faced yet again with rejection. When he presents Hannah with the ring she declines marriage as she is not the marrying kind. She wants things to be the way they had been all along. For Booth to have been able to take this step, stepping backwards is not an option. This is certainly a mystery to viewers, how could a man that has so much to offer be subject to constant rejection and what attracts him to unobtainable women?

Booth may be able to gain insight from Dr. Sweets but he as often indicated his dislike for psychological discussions. Maybe Stephen Fry will briefly return as Dr. Gordon Wyatt. He and Booth did find a rapport that worked. Hopefully Angela and Hodgins can help him in the right direction. They do seem to have gotten a relationship right. Perhaps Booth will give Brennan a second chance. That is something only time and script writers can tell. Brennan has realized that love is just as important in life and that it is missing from hers.

In the meantime there is a diamond ring in the river and an unhappy Seeley Booth. The next episodes should be interesting as he deals with his anger and confusion.

"Bones" airs on FOX Thursday evenings at 9 pm ET.