Bones Review: The Death in the Defense (Season 11 Episode 11)

Bones is finally back after a long, long hiatus and a mid-season finale that left us completely shocked. Now, it’s eight weeks into Hodgins’ rehabilitation, and everyone has different ideas about what’s best for him.

“The Death in the Defense” focuses much of its attention on Hodgins, and rightfully so. To put this character in such a life-changing situation means a chance to see different sides of him and to consider a different perspective. T.J. Thyne handles the challenge incredibly well, and as EP Michael Peterson stated in a recent interview, the actor is very committed to the role.

Of course, Hodgins wants to get back to work immediately. He’s a little stubborn, which fits his character, but he’s also motivated by the need to feel useful in spite of his new circumstances. He doesn’t want to be coddled, and he doesn’t want to take it easy.

Still, there are some things he simply can’t do — like go out in the field when he’d have to be on muddy ground. His wheelchair wouldn’t be able to handle it. It’s moments like those that are going to be especially hard for Hodgins as he continues to face his limitations.

Wendell has learned a lot from Hodgins over the years, though, and they come up with a creative way for Hodgins to be able to be involved. Hodgins is able to help guide Wendell through video conference while Wendell is in the field.

Hodgins really seems to enjoy himself, especially when Wendell slips and falls in the mud. But when Wendell says “King of the Lab,” it’s bittersweet. It’s clear that Hodgins is proud and happy to involved, but also feeling helpless.

Hodgins’ injury also has a profound effect on everyone around him. There’s a fundamental difference in the way Booth sees things versus the way Brennan does, with Brennan focusing on the science of his injury, and Booth holding out hope.

Any situation that brings up that kind of conversation between Booth and Brennan is important. It grounds us in their characters and shows why their dynamic is so fascinating to watch, but it also allows us as the viewers to consider the differing sides for ourselves.

Cam and Aubrey each feel guilty in their own ways. Aubrey doesn’t come right out and say it, but he does tell Caroline he can’t stop thinking about Hodgins in the wheelchair. He was there that night too, and he was the one we were most worried about on “The Doom in the Boom.” The difference is that Aubrey made a full recovery, and that’s something he’s going to carry with him.

That fact is clearly already bringing change for Aubrey’s character — notice that Aubrey makes fewer wisecracks than usual, and we don’t see him eating all the time like we usually do. I don’t think that’s a coincidence; I think that speaks to his state of mind.

Cam admits her guilt at the end of the episode. She already feels somewhat responsible for Hodgins’ injury since she let him work knowing he’d been hurt. Then she feels worse after she makes the decision to send Hodgins home — less because she thinks that’s what’s best for him and more because she doesn’t want to feel like she could be responsible for him getting worse.

Obviously, though, Angela is the one who’s the most affected. We’ve always known she had plans for a big family, and just as Hodgins was on board with the idea of more kids, this happened. Their lives have changed so suddenly, and their relationship is most definitely going to be challenged.

Angela and Brennan have a nice moment where Brennan tries to help in her own way, explaining where the phrase “between a rock and a hard place” originated. That lesson doesn’t actually offer much comfort, so instead, Brennan offers her a hug. I love moments like this between these two women, especially when they show how much Brennan has grown over the years.

Booth and Brennan also have the opportunity to catch a killer together, something we always want to see more of. It’s another way that their differences are important, and ultimately complement each other.

The episode ends on a somber note, when Hodgins gets bad news from his doctor. She believes his situation is permanent, which is not at all what he was expecting to hear. He lies to Angela when she asks, but I just hope he doesn’t keep that news from Angela too long.

What did you think of this episode of Bones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

Bones airs Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.