Bones Review: The Brother in the Basement (Season 11 Episode 2)

It looks like everything is going to be just fine.

Booth has faced a long list of life-threatening situations throughout the years on Bones, and he faces yet another on “The Brother in the Basement.”

My main concern with this storyline was originally that Booth has lied to Brennan again. After Season 10’s gambling issues that almost broke the two of them up, I wasn’t prepared for something similar to happen again so soon.

But this time, it’s different. This time, Booth lies because he’s trying to protect his brother. He lies to try to keep his family safe. And when he’s finally recovering safely in the hospital, Brennan is quick to forgive him. Why? Because this is who Booth is. He saves people. In a recent interview, executive producer Michael Peterson stated that the writers like to think of Booth as Superman, “Superman can’t just sit by and watch as people suffer.”

She’s accepting of the fact that this speaks to Booth’s core, and the fact is, that’s the man she fell in love with in the first place. She understands it personally in her own way, too, since she realizes she can’t stand not working at The Jeffersonian. It’s a part of her, and her competitive side won’t just accept the fact that The Jeffersonian’s reputation has suffered since she left.

Unfortunately, this also relates to a problem for Cam and Arastoo. Before Brennan even asks for her job back, Arastoo tells Cam he’s going to start looking elsewhere, and really, who can blame him? The problem is that he’s going to be applying for jobs everywhere, as far away as Dubai. So it may just be the end for their relationship.

Either way, I hope this is the last difficulty they face for a while, whether that means breaking up for good, or a resolution that allows them to go ahead and just be happy. What I think will be interesting either way is to see how Cam reacts. There’s certainly some possibility there for her to resent Brennan.

We’ve seen a lot of growth and development for Brennan over the years, due in large part to her relationship with Booth. She’s softened and she’s become more accepting of other ideas. When faced with the possibility of losing him again, she even suggests having a little bit of faith.

Cam: So you’re saying you have faith?
Brennan: I’m saying I can’t imagine a world where booth doesn’t come home.

We can’t either, Brennan. These past two episodes have also given Brennan an extra opportunity to shine. She’s been fully involved in the case and she even lunges across a table at a murder suspect. We’re reminded of everything we love about her — her toughness, her tendency to take things too literally, and her ability to change.

Of course, we’re also reminded of everything we love about Booth. He’s in this predicament because of trying to help his brother. Then, when he’s told the van has to be burned, along with his brother’s body inside, he insists that he at least be the one to do it. It makes it seem honorable, somehow.

Booth also remains cool and calm, even when he carterizes he own gunshot wound. Come on, that’s impressive.

We’re given a happy ending, and as I mentioned above, Booth and Brennan will now be returning to their old lives, and their relationship will be stronger than ever. They’ve overcome yet another hurdle, and in doing so this time, they each learn something about themselves and about each other.

Other Thoughts:

• Kim Raver makes an excellent addition to the show. I hope we see her get the chance to see her again.
• You know what’s really creepy? Seeing Cam slip on a dead finger over hers. I really didn’t need that image.
• I love Aubrey more and more and more each time I see him. Of course, he thinks a refrigerator is a good place to look for clues, and he happens to be correct.

Brennan: Agent Aubrey, this is not the time or place for a snack.
Aubrey: No, I’m not hungry. Okay, that’s a lie, but I always say that if you really want to understand a man, look in his fridge.

What did you think of this week’s episode of Bones? Share your thoughts in the comment below!

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Bones airs Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.