Bones Review: The Head in the Abutment (Season 11 Episode 19)

Everyone is basically geeking out on this episode Bones, and it’s wonderful.

“The Head in the Abutment” is one of those classic, light-hearted episodes that Bones knows how to do so well. It also brings back a bit of nostalgia from early seasons as Booth and Brennan try to get rid of clutter, only for Booth to insist on keeping his “Cocky” belt-buckle, beer hat, and silly socks.

That beer hat is so memorable that Booth just putting on his head feels like a flashback.

Brennan, on the other hand, doesn’t want to part with any of her books, even with the possibility of reading on a brand new e-reader. (Don’t worry, Brennan. I get it. I’m the same way.)

But it’s the case of the week that has Booth geeking out this week, though he certainly doesn’t want to think of it that way.

Booth: Don’t even think about calling me a squint.

The joy on his face tells me David Boreanaz thoroughly enjoyed filming this episode, and it’s so much fun to watch. Booth becomes genuinely excited even talking about hockey, and then doesn’t hesitate to throw on a pair of skates to interview a witness right on the ice.

It also gives him a chance to show his competitive side, with Brennan by his side to support him. There are really just a lot of happy moments in this episode, despite the, you know, murder and flying heads and all.

Yeah, so speaking of flying heads — Hodgins is back to his old self again, thank goodness. His bitterness has subsided, and he’s back to enjoying his work in the lab. There are even some really creative ways for him to conduct experiments, like using a drone to find someone’s head.

It’s a little silly and weird, but not out of character for Bones, and certainly not out of character for Hodgins. He also shows a lot of joy in this episode, even if the people who witness the head flying around the city may be scarred for life.

At least Aubrey doesn’t want to scold the team so much, but he really just wants to geek out with them too.

Cam has her own reasons to be in a good mood, showing off the ring that symbolizes her engagement to Arastoo. It’s almost too bad there isn’t more talk about the engagement, since it’s such a turning point for those characters. Still, her happiness feels pretty contagious.

So here’s the thing. There are only three episodes left this season, and we know we’re still contending with another big-bad. So a light-hearted episode like this? It’s the calm before the storm. We need an episode that’s easy to watch, and one that shows each character just being themselves and being happy.

It makes me nervous that everyone seems so content, because I know the other shoe is about to drop. But for now, I’ll take it, because it’s still nice to see.

Other thoughts:

• I’m proud of Brennan for the three books she does decide to part with. It’s something, right?
• Somehow, Oliver Wells manages to be a little more tolerable in this episode. Pairing him with Hodgins works well.
• This quote from Aubrey might be my favorite of the episode: “Social media. It’s a cop’s new best friend.” Be careful what you post online, kids!

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

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Bones Review: The Movie in the Making (Season 11 Episode 18)

Bones airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox.