Bones Review: The Jewel in the Crown (Season 11 Episode 21)
I’m a little disappointed that Booth won’t be keeping those glasses.
“The Jewel in the Crown” is another fun, light-hearted episode of Bones, with Booth’s temporary eye problem, Aubrey’s childlike joy of trying to catch a jewel-thief, and Daisy nearly convincing Hodgins that he’s being haunted by a poltergeist.
It has me wondering what’s in store for the season finale, though.
I enjoy the balance of Bones — how it can offer a light-hearted, easy to watch episode one week, and then a suspenseful or more serious episode the next.
But I’m ready for the latter, and that’s what I’d have rather seen leading into the season finale.
Booth denying his need for glasses and insisting that he still has the vision of a much younger man gets at something that we’ve seen in several episodes this season.
He’s continued to try to prove something to himself — focusing on having fun, even in ways that might be a little dangerous, and continuing to risk himself on the job.
Brennan was worried recently when he wanted a jet ski and a motorcycle, and then was a little too excited about going undercover. Angela’s explanation was that maybe he needed some excitement in his life, but he also seems to need to feel young.
Brennan: Excellent idea. Let’s risk the lives of both of our children’s parents so you can feel manly, and virile, and young.
Booth: I am manly, virile, and young!
Brennan: And I’m driving.
So any suggestion that his eye-sight is failing isn’t one he wants to entertain, because it’s tapping into some insecurity. It’s also important to his job — he says his perfect vision is what makes him a perfect marksman.
Meanwhile, Hodgins has reached a place of acceptance. So much so, that when things start to move around him, his go to explanation is obviously an earthquake.
Daisy’s explanation, though, is quite different. She insists Hodgins is being haunted by a poltergeist. Because, of course he is.
Bones often reaches into this idea of the supernatural without fully going there. It’s a common theme to explore both sides of a faith vs. argument, and Daisy is happy to assume a poltergeist makes sense. She even brings up Sweets, saying he came to her after he died.
RIP Sweets. I’m still not over it.
Luckily, Daisy continues to investigate and learns the real cause. There’s no poltergeist. Instead, there’s hope for Hodgins to be able to walk again.
As happy as I am to see hope and watch a beloved character catch a break, I kind of wish it didn’t look like Hodgins was going to have a miraculous recovery.
Okay, it’s not entirely miraculous since it’s happening in large part because Hodgins has been working hard in physical therapy, but I still almost wish the show was committing to the wheelchair for good, because I think it’s done so many interesting things for Hodgins’ character.
The case-of-the-week is definitely a unique one. It has Aubrey excited, and it’s a good excuse to bring out some classic movie references. In that way, it almost feels a bit magical.
One thing is for sure, every time I take out the recycling from now on, I’m probably going to have an image of that dead body in my mind.
What did you think of this episode of Bones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Bones airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox.
Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
4 comments
Great synopsis and review! bravo! I wasn’t able to watch last night cuz i was really depressed about it ending. So reading your review was exactly what I needed today!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. I hate for the show to end, but I think they are really going to do it justice.
What if Booth’s eye issues are a symptom of something more serious?
And if his eye problems are only temporary, why go to the expense of buying glasses so soon? Won’t he have to get his eyes tested again (and again)? Then again, this is tv, so the expense and hassle involved in buying glasses is no big deal, I suppose.
I have to tell you, I couldn’t help but think about that brain tumor he had. But then I thought maybe I was reading too much into it. You’re right though, it does seem like it’s something that will have to be addressed again.
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