Bones Showrunner addresses fans’ concerns
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There have been many things for Bones fans to celebrate this season. The show continues to plug along in its 10th season and it reached a milestone few shows ever achieve: 200 episodes … and counting!
Yet there still exists some unrest in the fandom with complaints surfacing about the lack of screen time and focus on Booth and Brennan, as well as grumblings about the addition of FBI Agent James Aubrey (John Boyd) to the cast this season. Is it that he’s being viewed as a replacement for the beloved Sweets (John Daly)? Or do fans just feel like he’s taking away from Booth and Brennan’s time in the interrogation room together? Regardless, a recent tweet by Booth himself, actor David Boreanaz, seems to show that despite the Bones midseason hiatus being over and done with, the fans’ complaints may have stuck around.
https://twitter.com/David_Boreanaz/status/586390974017839105
However, as is usually the case, sometimes the most vocal opinions are not always the most popular or widespread. “Booth and Brennan are in the way they always have been. I think this is not a widespread opinion,” Bones showrunner Stephen Nathan tells The TV Junkies. While Boreanaz’s tweet may have showed some frustration, it sounds like the show is taking a positive outlook on the issue. “It’s actually a compliment because it means the audience can’t get enough of them,” says Nathan.
The choice to break up some of the Booth and Brennan time fans are used to in the past also allows the show to explore different avenues, something that is very important after 10 seasons on the air. “Yes, we are exploring our other characters in a way we haven’t in the past. They are all such rich personalities and the actors are so brilliant, it’s been fascinating to flesh them out,” Nathan tells us.

As for the other hot button topic among fans, Agent Aubrey, well he also presents a unique opportunity for Booth: the chance to act as a mentor. However, their relationship, just like the one between Booth and Sweets, is not one that will happen overnight. Nathan says that “like any partnership and friendship, it will take time.” Fans will also see that having Aubrey around may be a very good thing later on this season. “We will see how Booth helps Aubrey grow. And in a twist later on in the season, we see the tables turned,” previews Nathan. For us here at The TV Junkies we can’t help but think that may be when Booth faces troubles with his gambling past in future episodes.
Regardless, there’s one thing Nathan is adament about — Aubrey isn’t a replacement for Sweets, though he can understand why fans initially may have felt that way. “You are upset because you lost a loved one. But you don’t have to hate a new person because the old one is gone. It’s possible to love more than one person,” he explains. For Nathan, stopping the comparisons all comes down to one simple fact: “Aubrey is different, very different. If you see him as Sweets, you’re not being very respectful of Sweets. You just miss him terribly. I do too.”
What do you think Bones fans? Have you gotten enough Booth and Brennan time this season? Has Aubrey grown on you as the season has progressed? Sound off with your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
“These are not the droids you’re looking for.” Except that SN is not a Jedi and this doesn’t address the fans’ concerns at all.
It’s not a ‘perceived’ lack of B&B. It’s a fact. Just go back and check out the scenes. Even taking out the wingnuts always whining about Aubrey, there is less of ED and DB in each episode, especially together. If this is how they plan on running a proposed season 11, just go ahead and put the show out of its misery already. If the leads are as bored with their roles as they appear onscreen, it’s time to let it go and move on.
Looks like Boreanaz is getting his wish, too. Judging by the ratings, a lot of people are taking his advice and not watching.
I think it is very stupid to tell your watchers to “tune out” umm…where will your show go if we stop watching? We don’t hate the new guy because he is not sweets, we don’t like him because the are trying to MAKE him sweets. 1. He has a bad childhood..hmm… 2. He is constantly trying to “get in the heads” of his suspects. 3. He seems to be a “random” smart guy oh look he is good at psych, nope science..hey lets make him ditch D and become the new squintern? Or maybe, just maybe, ya’ll killed off one of your most beloved characters because he needed a whole 4 month break…yeah…not smart…sorry.
Well..here I go once again on the negative side. What has drawn me to “Bones” all these years is Booth and Brennan… the used to be leads of this show but not anymore. The spark between these two has gone out. I can’t enjoy the show for being so ticked off by the new relationship between these two. For a while, Brennan had become a more understandable and compassionate person influenced by being a wife and mother. Something is very wrong. She’s just not the same.
In episode 13 Brennan should have picked up on how upset Booth was over the lost picture and been more sensitive to the situation.
He hugged Cam. We never see this with him and Brennan anymore. There are not many endearing scenes with them anymore. Brennan always seems so serious about everything..even with Christine. I see no joy. I don’t even like that new voice she is using.
There must be a reason why Cam and Angela wear such stylish and cute outfits with fixed hair while Brennan wears her same old outfit..just changes the blouse. Her hair is not styled. She used to be so beautiful.
Although I think there is too much Aubrey, there is just not enough B&B anymore. I want to see the chemistry that these two had at one time. I was so excited about a season 11, but if it’s going to be like the last 11 episodes, I don’t really care anymore. I can’t believe I’m saying this!
Please get Hart back on board. He knows how to treat our beloved Booth and Brennan.
You hit it
I ‘ve been a fan from the beginning and I love Bones but you’re right the chemistry between B & B is missing. Hart is “the heart” of the show. Please, we need him back.
You took every word right out of my mouth!! I will add this: I have loved David since his Buffy days, but I am losing some respect after seeing his heated response to the fans that have supported him (and Emily) all these years! We would not be so upset if he and Emily were not so good together! THEY MADE THE SHOW WITH THEIR SPECIAL CHEMISTRY!! Not every TV couple can captivate an audience the way they did. I don’t understand what their problem is; the fact that fans want to see them together again should tell them how much we love and miss them right now! If I were them, I would be flattered; it would certainly be an indicator of how well I do my job! He should be CONCERNED that fans are becoming more and more upset and not liking the show as well! I believe that we are the reason for their decade of success!! News flash – without us fans, you have nothing – you might want to consider that! I am sorry that many of us are seeing the show in a negative light now, but it sucks that it is being destroyed by taking out the two CRUCIAL components! They used to be capable of dealing with the other characters, without removing Booth and Brennan from the driver (and passenger) seat! After all, they ARE supposed to be the two leads, and they ARE the main reason that everyone tuned in each week! I am tired of hearing about perception!! It is a FACT that Emily and David are not TOGETHER hardly at all anymore; therefore, the chemistry that captured our hearts for so long is gone! It is a FACT that many people are obviously not happy with the direction the show has gone – so it needs to change back in the right direction! I can understand changing things up a bit and keeping the show fresh and interesting, but don’t change the formula that defined the show!! Brennan is always in the lab now looking like granny (with her hair in a bun) bickering with her “squints”, and Booth is always out playing with Aubrey!! It ruins the heart of the show! FANS WANT BOOTH AND BRENNAN BACK NOW, OR WE WILL STOP WATCHING – PERIOD!! Just hang in there, David; you are slowly getting your wish! The fans that have been so loyal for a decade are slowly losing all faith and hope – tuning out one by one! I used to tune in each week to see the Booth and Brennan love story – I didn’t even really care about the cases. Now, there is not any affection between them at all (barely any scenes)! They went through hell to be together, and they don’t even touch each other!! They look more like two friends that run into each other once in a while and talk business, than a newly married couple in love! You show-runners should be concerned by the fans disappointment this season! The fact that you don’t seem to care at all and just keep putting out ridiculous excuses, shows your lack of respect for the viewers that have followed you all these years! You can quit exploring the other characters so much; there is still plenty to explore with B&B – if you would just do it! They are the ones we want to see; your new formula is not working, SO STOP!!!! You could salvage what is left of this season and restore ratings – if you cared enough to take the proper action to do so! We have been telling you this from the start of this miserable “milestone” season. By the way, go back and watch Brennan in season 1. She acted WAY more human (realistic), and had far more skills, and way cooler attire! She did not act ignorant, helpless, or robotic – just a bit awkward around people who were not scientists. I wish we could have season 1 Brennan back – just a softer version who acts like she is in love with her husband!
Exactly. Brennan never even smiled nor patted the hand of her upset husband. This is a trend in season 10 that is disconcerting. The writers are ignoring the emotional development of the characters from the previous years. Last season Brennan told Booth, “You nurture me, you protect me, you’re my home…I love you.” Where is that this season? If the writers don’t supply this, the director and actors can with gestures and expressions. Booth and Brennan’s relationship underpins the entire enterprise, every story and the show’s success. The problem is not Aubrey. The problem is discarding the what worked from the pilot through season 9: the powerful connection of Booth and Brennan. Get it back on the screen.
I understand about Aubrey, for me I didn’t want to like him at first, because of the loss of Sweets, but as his character develops I love him. I love that the Bones fairies have made him so different from Sweets. I do love the supporting cast, they add great dimension to the show. But I will always go back to my first love and that is B&B, yes I would love to see more of sexual tension, even if it is innuendos of behind closed door moments. Booth has always been a hands on kind of guy, I can’t believe getting married would change that I think it should give him the chance to be more open with Bones. As for the story lines great as always and very current.
As Joan said there is nothing “perceived” about the lack of affection between B&B. All you have to do is watch the show to see it has become almost nonexistent. Stephen Nathan’s refusal to see this as a problem seems a bit selfish and egotistical to me. As the showrunner he should except he made a bad call and fix the situation before it gets any worse. I will continue to watch my favorite show but I will also keep voicing my displeasure on the recent state of affairs.
I started to love Bones so I afforded through the bellisimos the characters of Booth and Brennan screens and then I like everything around the Jeffersonian. The first five seasons were wonderful very biien achieved, The first chapters of the 6ta.tambien even with the inclusion of the character of Hanna I bring something to the series. What it did not taste like it was resolved pregnancy Brennan, in a chapter she sleeps with Booth and the next becomes pregnant. The 7th interesting short as the 8th, an unforgettable serial murderer as Palant, which did not taste like they took it off the series. The very intense intersante the 9th and estremesedor end, Booth injured, the destuida house, a conspiracy that was to much, with a well established family where love gushed from his eyes and gestures. Now begins the 10th with Booth in jail, and to the astonishment output tam Swets important in the life of Booth t Brennan for me it had sent a mission and then return. On the other hand the conspiracy was resolved without any emotion, very quickly that had nothing to do with how I finish 9th. The inclusion of Aubrey me encata is a cute guy and hooked well. Now the issue is the FEW APPEARANCES OF BOOTH AND BRENNAN, THEY ARE A COUPLE AND DO NOT PROVE, where are those hugs, some kiss, do not ask who are all the time kissing or hugging but we took what more we love, and that no removed to show the problematic of the other characters such as Cam and Angela and Arasto or Hodggins. We also hope as follow the following chapters and how they solve the second pregnancy that is credible in the series, I think you get what I mean. The chemical was deslubrante and that only they could transmit at least for now trailed off, they are unique and Bones was the essence of what caught the viewer. And I mean that the chapter 200 superbly directed by David Boreanaz unfortunately did not have the repercussions they must have had, is very talented. If Bones ends at this season I hope the final is memorable and if the possibility of November 1, will also be recivida with the immense love of all. bones were still stories to tell. If something happened only they know but bet for Bones.
i think what your female fan base want and miss is the romance. The flirting the near hit or miss I like Aubrey he should have a love interest I miss the team and their spinoff lives no one wants to change the channel it’s been a great ten yrs. great writers please consider
I too miss the chemistry that was urging me on to watch upcoming episodes. Will Booth and Brennan ever get married? Will Hodgins and Angela get together? Cam and Aristoo. These matches made the show light and enjoyable. Now, you’ve crippled Hodgins and he’s going back to that angry bastard he was before Angela. It’s depressing and sad. There was a likely ending spot back last year, then the show was resurrected to be ruined, hidden and made unhappy. The show was always like two shows in one, the gross murder investigation and body parts, which I could do without, and the interesting romances and human relations, which I enjoyed. I like the characters that are more humorous. I also liked watching such good looking actors.
Stephen Nathan get out of your donuts and smell the failure….fans problem with Aubrey has very little to do with Sweets and more to do with the fact that you kicked Brennan to the curb as Booths partner to make way for this character, not only that, Aubrey does nearly more frakking FBI scenes than Booth does, I dont want to see Aubrey interrogate more suspects than Booth does, I am not here for 10 YEARS for that to watch Booth get marglinized in HIS FBI …..are you in a sugar stupdor?…also why the frak would you reduce the main draw to Bones which is B&B in its 10th season, you dont know if its the last but you practically ruined the reason why many tuned in loyally….so here we are with very little B&B: airtime, scenes, partnership, and a sexless marriage with little affection….your ratings would suggest that Aubrey with the pick of the day Intern storylines is a SWITCHOFF…fix this mess, stop ruining my show that I have loved since Sep 2005, I pray that you get a season 11 so that you do.
Yes, right on the money this is NOT,I repeat NOT about Sweets.:Z It’s about Bones And Booth and the fact there NOT partners anymore :””(that is what the show is about FBI Agent Booth working with Dr Breannan the forensic anthropologist. Bones is not an ensemble cast DB & ED are the leads that’s why they get $100,000-$150’000+ more then the rest of the cast maybe DB should give some of that enormous pay check to JB.
The center is gone.
I agree completely, Stephen Nathan’s taking over Bones has been a disaster! since his “butt buddy” Hart Hanson handed it over to him while he works on his new show “Backstrom” which stinks to high heaven especially with Rainn Wilson.
The justice will be both shows going off air!!!!!!
“It’s actually a compliment because it means the audience can’t get enough of them,” .The problem Mr Nathan is that we are not getting ANYTHING OF THEM.
I have been noticing for some time that Booth distances himself from Brennan. No smiles, admiration or fun! Booth seems grouchy most of the time. I know he has PTSD and that should be addressed a little in each episode. Does he go to meetings? Does Bren go also? There could be so many opportunities for education instead of Ms Hottie Tottie Saroyan & her designer outfits. Who would wear clothes like that in her profession? AND, how does she afford them following her ID Theft. Contradictions everywhere. She can be Booth’s “friend” with out all the chumminess. So much has been overlooked in this S10. For the FIRST TIME in BONES history I am sad & very disappointed.
Please help B&B get their spark back & save their marriage & partnership instead of worrying about secondaries so much.
Also, I like Aubrey and can see him settling into his role. He’s funny, too!
I adore Bones! I think all the actors are great and I like Aubrey. I also miss the Booth and Bones special moments. We do need to see some more of those moments. Those two actors have something special. I think the entire cast does a great job.
I love Bones with my whole being! I think each episode is awesome ! I like Aubrey, I think he adds a new great addition to the show! I am also all for Booth and Brennan, which maybe could be a little more romantic at times! However the whole cast is great and I like how the others are getting a little more scene time scenes ,I do think that a kiss at the end of the last 2 episodes may have added to the whole great show!!! I will just die if there no more seasons!!!
i have watched Bones for 10 yrs., have all 9 DVDs, and it is really my favorite show. Bones and Booth have great chemistry shown on screen. As I understand, Emily and David worked hard to make this possible. The other cast members are great also! This cast just makes one feel like they really are the characters they portray, and thus we have a great show! In 10 yrs. There are bound to be changes, and as in real life, deaths. I for one liked Zack, but didn’t miss him. Likewise, Vincent . Sweets was on longer and it is natural he would be missed. But I really like Aubrey!!! He has a really dry sense of humor, is smart, and really is a great addition! But to me, there is entirely too much complaining about supposedly your favorite show. Relax and let the writers do their job. There also was a big change in executive producer when Hart Hanson left to write and produce Backstrom. Mr. Nathan took over and that might be the change in everything. He no doubt is a fine man, but different style than Mr. Hanson. Perhaps that is why things have changed. Think we all should quit complaining and just enjoy our favorite show. This is just my humble opinion.
We can’t enjoy our show anymore because of lack of B&B – that is why we are complaining!!
We get that Emily is Pregnant so she is in the Lab a lot ((Lab Breannan can be cold)) so why not bring Booth to Bones he never goes to the lab anymore.
there’s a real disconnect through the whole show.
Stephen Nathan, wake up and smell the coffee. With all the new writers and HH being away, Bones is unrecognizable. B & B might now be married, but there is no engagement between them. Carolyn’s comments reflect what the fans are feeling. The last straw for me was Booth hugging Cam. Part of the problem is that the new writers of Bones have not done their homework and appear to be writing in a vacuum. Watching all the episodes should be a pre-requisite for writing a script. I felt in love with Bones because of David and Emily. If they are going to play this “disconnect” from now on, and SN finding it fantastic, then may I will take David’s advise. We hardly see Booth interrogating anyone anymore, and we miss it. That does not mean that we do not like Aubrey. I happen to think he is very nice even though there is no chemistry between Booth and him either. I blame Stephen Nathan for the fiasco Bones is in, losing points each and every week.
guys look at the ratings…you wont have you favorite show to watch if Stephen doesnt turn it around…facts are facts…the lack of B&B is a ratings turnoff, the changes made are a turnoff, Aubrey is a big turnoff…stop putting your head in the sand.
As a new Bones fan am loving each episode. The addition of Aubrey in my opinion is one of the best, his character is funny, quirky and adorable plus his dynamic with Booth is magical, I love it. Change is good. Booth needed a friend beyond his wife just like in real life we all have relationships outside marriage it doesn’t weaken it.
Oh my dear you have to watch 1-8 Bones LOL- Jess 😉
yeah, watch ALL of Bones and get back to us….then you may get why so many fans are upset with how B&B are beìng treated….I see you are Supernatural, would you watch that show if Sam & Dean brotherhood got pushed to the background, and 90% of the epi they had no shared screentime…. nope. 🙂
Right on with everyone who is saying everything that is wrong about this season. Boreanaz should know better to tweet something like that. Apparently they are listening because their ratings are atrocious. David and Emily, if you are seeing any of this, we understand about needing time off but WE WATCH THE SHOW for you two together. The last two episodes were better, but start acting like Booth and Brennan love each other again. Horrible year and with David’s reaction he probably knows it too. He barely does press anymore except for stupid tweets like this
well unless all of David’s followers are Nielsen Family members, I doubt they are, it doesnt really matter in the grand scheme of things what he tweets AFTER we have watched it…Bones got adjusted up yesterday in finals and whilst low, they are still better than Foxs other current scripted shows, perspective….I do hope that Bones gets a final season so we can all say goodbye in style with the cast & crew who deserve the fanfare….I think Stephen Nathan needs Hart back, he is the HEART of the show, the HEART OF B&B, Hart always said Stephen was the case/crime guy and he the relationship guy and I think S10 has proved this in spades….Thank you Bridget for this article, is there any chance of a follow up interview with Stephen Nathan, where you can actually present to him the REAL fans concerns as posted here? Stephen is rather out of touch with why we are so upset. He needs to do serious damage control. Thanks.
SN drinks tea. So he needs to wake up and smell the tea! Bones is way off the mark this season. For me it’s not Aubrey. It’s the lack of B&B, the joy as someone said. They are like robots going through a formula of the show. Honestly, if ED and DB need so little time onscreen, then it is time to stop. Not interested in squint lives or Cam’s life or anyone else.
I’m over Cam. I wish they would change the ‘boss’ of the lab. Let Brennan do it. That would keep her there and I we could save the salary $.
I was ok with Cam getting Booth’s advice in her quest all about HER…..she’s selfish, I get it. But when Booth starts talking trash about his wife with her…..well that got on my last nerve. Brennan does nothing but support him and take all his gruffness and what does she get? Him insulting her behind her back. He was a creep in this past weeks episode. I don’t think I’m going to like gambler Booth either…….ggrrr s10 just isn’t a very good season. It’s made more than ready to accept the end of Bones. Which is sad because I was an ardent fan.
Booth has PTSD hence his edge on/off….he never dealt with nearly getting murdered, false imprisonment, FBI betrayal, Sweets death, and we never get to see it either…and we all know why, because Stephen Nathan in his “wisdom” thinks its more important to see Wendells lovelife, an intern drug smuggling, Aubrey’s daddy issues pity party, Christines imaginary friend, Jessica’s housing issues, Daisy & her Doula, Arastoo & his dying brother who we dont even know, Brennan joining twitter…need I go on? doesnt matter that Booth & Brennan went through something life changing, we dont need to see how it affects them emotionally in a storyarc…because all these other characters are so more worthy of airtime & focus than B&B *sighs*…thats what SN showrunning 101 is telling me.
Hit the nail on the head!! I ‘m with you, Sister!!
David Bore anal comments don’t surprise me.I met him and Emily at the last three ComicCons and he is a class A jerk.Emily is a class act all the way.For Booth to bad mouth Brennan after all she has done for him is piss poor writing at its worst.Cam is one of the most useless characters in the history of television.SN ego destroyed Bones.The bottom line is Booth and Brennan are Bones.If Castle doesn’t get renewed maybe they could get their writers who know how to write a married loving couple.Maybe replace Bore anal with Nathan Fillion.
seek medical help “david” I have seen you and your alias name all round the Bones articles/blogs & I fear for your mental health “david” …your genuine insistance that Nathan should replace David is further proof that your mental health is to be pitied more than laughed at.
I don’t care what you think,at least I got the guts to put my name out there.Sorry,if I don’t live in your little Bones fantasyland.
Amen – let em have it folks!!! They need to do some house cleaning in the management department! You also can’t tell me that ED & DB have no say over the show – if they actually think that this has been a good season, then I am very disappointed in them too! They have removed the heart and soul from the show, and then have the nerve to get upset with the discouraged fans! I believe that the reason they are paid a hefty chunk of money is to entertain; and obviously, that is not happening this season! They need a seson 11 just to fix the mess they have made; bring Hart Hanson back!!! We tuned in from the beginning to see B&B; all of those tender moments between them was what drew viewers in. It put them on magazine covers, remember that? People love romance – especially when it involves two people who have had so many hardships! They need someone in charge who has some heart and common sense, and understands (and cares about) what people want to see! I am more interested in the heart of the show than the crimes! Did they ever think about exploring more of Brennan’s past in the system; lately everything seems to be about (cranky) Booth, but Brennan has some demons too! I am tired of the focus being on everone but the two leads!!!! They would have to have a lot of B&B romance and intrique from this point on for me to return to the fanclub! We have been in a drought for a LONG miserable time! Listen to the fans and fix it! If people lose all respect and become too bitter with all of you, they may not even support you when you take on other projects – consider that! Stop trashing Bones!!!!!
I think the show is trying to distance us from Booth and Brennan.They know what loyal fans we are. Their romance seemed so real.But, before the end of the show we need to accept,what we do not want to accept.That by distancing ourselves we may hurt a bit less in the end.
I’m totally on the same page as you, Lois! Interesting so many of us are expressing similar observations. I hope they read these and make changes. I AM A TRUE BLUE BONES LOVER!!
Love Bones Show. Need HH back to put love back between B&B. I love the story lines but need more glances of admiration. Aubrey is FBI Agent , not Sweets at all. Get that and is not replacement. I, too, had to learn to like Aubrey. Love that he will eat anything, new take on show. You know us fans that have watched since beginning, miss the conversations between B&B, Booths facial answers. Know good times are coming along with bad, but this is human life. Never easy, just more touching needed. When will expecting new baby be brought into play? This should be as hilarious as with Christine. Thank all of you for the hard work put in and believe David was just worked up on negative remarks as he has busted his ass for this show and fans need to understand it is not just what is on for 60 minutes. Thank you for letting me vent.
I agree with all of the comments above. During the hiatus I watched all 200 episodes of Bones for the second time. It was interesting to go back to the beginning (although Brennan went from being an NRA registered sharpshooter in the first episode to a bad shot several years later – which drives me crazy) and to really pay attention to the chemistry between the actors and the development of all the characters. I thought season 10 started out well. Like most fans, I was dismayed over the long hiatus but expected great things upon the show’s return. I have been very disappointed. I like Aubrey but don’t want to watch a show about him. If I didn’t know what the show was about and watched the last episode I would have assumed he was a lead character. Perhaps he is. Like the other commentators, I want to actually see Booth and Brennan in scenes together. There are a dozen shows on TV where two male detectives solve crimes. Putting Booth and Aubrey together makes Bones no different than CSI, NCIS or any number of shows. Even the lab time seems to have been reduced. The show is supposed to be based on Kathy Reich’s books. That means Temperance Brennan should be the focus. And yes, Booth is unhappy, angry and suffering from PTSD, but since the show returned the two main characters have not only not touched each other, they don’t seem to like each other. The chemistry is gone and the humanizing of Brennan’s character that took place after they got married seems to have evaporated. This has been my favorite show since it started. I am not a fan who minds change. But I am saddened that a show I have watched and enjoyed for ten years has turned into something that I am no longer excited about watching.
Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz made him so much propaganda to the 10th. and now no high expectation none. They are producers and can comment. They are primarily in Bones, love vanished, like a sexless couples and pregnant suddenly seems as if by magic, happens to the writers? All kiss and sleep with everyone and they ?, until the 9th had hugs, kisses and now nothing and no eye contact. I think that determined the fall of Bones a real shame.
I actually like Aubrey as a character. Didn’t like him at first, but I warmed up to him quickly and he is a good fit. But Aubrey is not the problem with season 10. The complete lack of chemistry between Booth and Brennan is the problem. Emily has changed the way that Brennan talks and acts, and with how stilted and stiff Brennan is now, it’s annoying to watch or be sympathetic to. This is supposed to be the softer, more humanized Brennan? David has changed the way that Booth responds to Brennan – instead of looking at her quirks with amusement, he rolls his eyes at every quirky thing she says or does. Now that they are married they have less physical interaction with each other than they did when they hated to love each other back in S1. There is no touching. If there is a kiss, it’s an awkward peck. The directors seem to purposely block scenes to limit the physical contact between them this season. That sweet ending scene in The Lost Love in the Foreign Land (I think?) – where they kiss each other, but only because there is the big dining room table in between them. I really hate the tonal change in the show since Stephen Nathan took over. As it is now, if Fox decides to pull the plug on the show, I won’t be upset. I’d rather have it go out holding on to at least a little bit of dignity.
I have been perplexed by the 10 th season; I liked 2 first episodes which were very emotional but true to the characters and I loved the 200th episode- visually brilliantly done which showed that Booth and Brennan still have a great chemistry…The remaining episodes or most of them look lik a different show to me.That wonderful combination of drama, dark humor and romance is gone and has been replaced by one tone crime drama with a social or a political message.I do not mind tackling a serious subject ( one of my favourite episodes is 9/11 one) but it seems to me the heart of the show has been replaced. I also like Aubrey and Booth should be a mentor after all these years.Plus, it gives an opportunity of different perspective on B&B relationship and a bit of humor ( a car conversation between Booth and Aubrey about sex in the books). Exploring other characters is fine by me and I wouldn’t mind temporarly less B&B time if the quality of their interraction would not suffer. I no longer recognize them: Brennan only seems to lecture Booth in that awful tone of voice and he looks mostly angry or even resentful. If the show runners going with PTSD story that they need to be consistent- he only acts like this with Brennan! That brings me to the Booth and Cam scene with his arm around her! ??? WTH? B&B have had no physical contact whatsoever-not even pecks on a cheek nor hand touching. It is unrealistic knowing their history! Let me give a couple of examples: Booth after finding a photo says to Brennan “you are wonderful” and they both walk away(?) and before Brennan twets #besthusbandever and they sit to dinner without any contact (?). Their body language is just off all the time. The upcoming pregnancy has to be an immaculate conception because these two dont even look like they want be in the same room together! I finish my vent with more trivial issue -the wardrobe. Who chooses clothing for ED?! She is so beautiful and yet they menage to make her character look unatractive.Brennan used to wear interesting clothes and pretty dresses and now she is stuck in that awful “uniform” which btw accentuates now her pregnancy changed body even more. On the other hand, Cam who supposed to be on the mend after her identity theft looks like she just returned from “fashion week” in Paris. Go figure!
Evelyn. I could not have written that any better myself. Spot on in every department.
bones is always looking has been a series that has entertained us, the five seasons were very good and we leave you with the mouth open, then I get season 6 and a new girlfriend of booth were the plot in general was good, then I get pregnancy that was solved in a very bad way but was solved with a season 7 of the more tender but with a very interesting ending , then I get season 8 was not in general evil and a worthy finale. then came the season 9 was one of the best seasons with an excellent finish and included wedding and finally came the season 10 that was solved by the plot’s booth for my taste in two chapters was horrible and to make matters worse the death of sweets. well I get lso 200 chapters, was one of the best chapters of the season, had a three-month hiatus and returned on March 26 with a partner without chemistry and look and without physical contact, I wonder how it might that they have changed so much.
I have to say, I am so glad to hear that I am not alone in seeing the lack of Bones and Booth chemistry. Like many of you have already mentioned – this season, in particular, has had very little B & B interaction. And I get it… they have progressed as characters, but I feel this has less to do the ’emotional development’ of Bren and more to do with the actors disinterest with each other. Like most fans, I have watched interviews and read the articles… and in my opinion the pretense these actors maintain on screen is a reflection of their true selves and after 10 years working together, I suppose it stands to reason you aren’t going to love everything about your co star.
And while I love ED, I do feel like her acting has seen a decline since Season 6 (when she got married and when she got pregnant in real life.) Given she is an Exec. Prod, I feel she should recognize that the stilted and awkward way she speaks now is not in keeping with her character in S1-5. The earlier version of the character had so much more depth and compassion than the quoting, stick straight Bren we see now. I have no idea how the writes can argue she has grown in the last 10 seasons, when I barely recognize this Bren from the one I learned to love in earlier seasons.
Now, they are married and their history is all but non existent. While I can understand that there might be a preference not to kiss onscreen, I don’t feel like eye rolls and hash tags (#besthusbandever) help demonstrate their romantic relationship. You know what they say, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ So show us… have them embrace, have her brush her hand along his shoulder, have him come up from behind her and hold her, have her rest her chin on his shoulder while he completes the crossword puzzle … Or maybe prove her ‘development’ by having her be the one that helps him emotionally, instead of him always being the one who knows best.
But if you are determined to just use words to ‘show’ their relationship then have Bren say, ‘Its a good thing you married someone with an archaeology background.” And instead of the ongoing diatribe and rushed eye roll, she could have then said something like, “don’t worry, you can pay me back tonight!” Followed by a Booth smirk.
You can’t tell me the Booth we saw with Hannah was just Booth with Hannah. The affection they showed between those character was far more than anything we have seen with married Booth and Bones. And that has always bothered me.
Booth used to be her white knight, He used to defend her because he saw her at her emotional worst and understood her like no one else…now he rolls his eyes and shakes his head at her antics as if she’s annoying him. If that’s love remind me never to get married.
Oh and I also agree that this has nothing to do with Aubrey. I actually like him better than Sweets!
I agree with what you say you Stacy and I think there lost interest, because beyond the post traumatic stress Booth me as Reaver not cause me anything, it’s a shame because the show I like. The quinnica disappeared and it is a reality that nobody can deny. Aubrey’s character I like is cool.
Stephen Nathan, Just remember.No matter how far you’ve gone down the wrong road, you can always turn around. We need our BB back.
This comment section disturbs me quite a bit. While I totally get what you guys are saying about B&B – I see the lack of them and some other issues, and I can’t say I don’t miss S9 (which got us spoiled bad) and B&B from other seasons, but I personally ascribe a lot of it to Emily being pregnant, she has fewer scenes, so I think she might have had worse time being pregnant this time, and that she might be less comfortable doing all the touching and kissing with a baby in her belly, but that’s just how I see it – but to say the show is unrecognizable is disturbing because the show does not have two characters. It has six main characters, many B-characters and all of them have been totally fine this season, and the cases are ok too, so while I understand your issues with B&B, you can’t say S10 is all bad, that’s just ridiculous. And I wouldn’t blame Stephen Nathan so much, he doesn’t go and tell the writers: write episodes with no B&B, just for fun. There must be a better reason for it (like I said, I think it has a little something to do with Emily’s pregnancy). Plus Hart Hanson is still an executive producer and his office is literally right next to Stephen’s… While in S7, when Hart worked on The Finder, he wasn’t there, it was shot in a different location, and Stephen was in charge. And it was okay, it had some shortcomings obviously, it was the first time the writers had to deal with writing Booth and Brennan as a couple plus pregnant/with a baby (I think they made a wonderful progress in since then). And I can’t help but notice the change between episodes with Brennan/Emily pregnant and not. It seems to me the second half has more of contat and chemistry, that’s why I think the current situation is also temporarily, for reasons stated above. (I absolutely don’t blame Emily, quite the opposite, that’s why I don’t really have issues with Booth and Brennan this season, because I chose this as explanation and now I respect that.)
As for Aubrey, I enjoy him a lot, so I don’t mind him “replacing” Brennan as you call it, because I believe in S11 all goes back to normal.
Ummm, there is no announced S11, so this may very well be the last times we see B&B. I think many fans would really be sad to see this lackluster season, ending with angst between B&B, be the end of the road for this fabulous love story we’ve all been privileged to witness. I know I will be.
That’s true but I doubt it’s the last season. Everything points to Bones getting at least one more season.
I’m with you on this. And most of the other stuff.
Personally I’ve liked S10 better than a few others that came before. Minus all the over-Sweetened (pun intended) storylines that draaaagged.
That’s why she is in the lab a lot so why not bring Booth to her why does Booth not go to the lab anymore in early season he was there all the time up to 5 times an episode working with the team as a team.
Bones is not an ensemble cast, I think 10 seasons is enough it has lost it’s spark. 🙁
I do miss Booth in the lab more, that’s for sure. But then again, I get it, because those “in the lab” scenes are replaced by Booth and Brennan family scenes, romantic scenes etc at the end and beginning of the episodes, and they are sometimes quite long, but they still have cases to solve. So I get it that they had to cut him hanging around in the lab. But then when he is in the lab, I’m super happy. 🙂
I forgot to mention, Brennan has been absolutely amazing this season. I think this is my favourite “Brennan” seasons, she’s awesome.
It’s official…I can’t watch John Boyd any longer! I’m out!
bye bye, Bones…….
My favorite characters were Angela and Hodgins, especially as they evolved. I watched the show for the relationships and humor and never really cared ‘who done it.” I sure don’t care about cutting up the cadavers, and try to race over that part when possible.