Bones Review: The Price for the Past (Season 12 Episode 4)

Brennan explaining to Booth that there’s fecal matter in water parks and public pools (and that this is a great thing for young children’s immune systems!) is the pretty much the only light-hearted moment in an episode that is otherwise incredibly dark.

On Bones Season 12 Episode 4, “The Price for the Past,” the case of the week turns out to be the murder of someone incredibly important to Booth — Aldo.

These two have a significant history together, and the pain on Booth’s face is enough to make you want to grab for a box of tissues. Not only was Aldo a friend and a counselor to Booth when he was in the military, he’s also the one who married Booth and Brennan.

But it only gets worse from there. I don’t even want to spend time thinking about the way Aldo was tortured before he died. It’s horrific — and probably one of the worst ways we’ve heard of a person being killed on this show.

Aldo’s death sends Booth back to old friends, some who hold grudges toward him for not being there enough.

This is a part of Booth’s life — a soldier, a veteran — that I wish we got to see more often. It’s such an important part of his character, yet at times when it’s brought up for a storyline it can feel disjointed.

It seems the same for Aldo, who I wish we’d spent more time with before being hit with his death. Yes, we’re told Booth hasn’t been in contact with him for a year, but this still feels like it comes out of left field.

That said, I marvel at how Booth’s character continues to become more developed and more complex despite the fact that we’re nearing the end of a 12-season run.

What seems to be coming next is going to continue that, and yet again we’re going to find Booth and Brennan in some serious danger.

Booth figures it out right away once they realize how Aldo actually died. No, it wasn’t suicide. Not exactly.

According to Booth, it was a sacrifice.

Aldo sacrificed himself to save someone he cared about.

That someone? It was Booth.

The x-ray Booth and Brennan find in that old recording studio is from a Bosnian general who Booth shot decades ago. Now, someone is trying to find out who the sniper was that killed him, and something tells me they’ll find out soon.

Meanwhile, the past is finding its way back into the present with Aubrey as well. It’s a shame the series is ending when we’ve barely scratched the surface of Aubrey’s character, but I’m glad it looks like we’ll be digging in a little more at least.

Jessica expresses concerns over how Aubrey will deal with his father’s return, and it reminds us that Brennan and Aubrey have something in common on a deep level. Brennan managed to make peace with her father, but I’d be surprised if Aubrey had a similar experience.

I’m also still concerned about Max’s health, by the way, and somehow I think these things could be tied together.

Other Thoughts:

• Aubrey puts chips on a sandwich, which only makes me adore him more.
• Booth taking that video doorbell is actually one of my favorite moments. I love that side of Booth. (I also googled video door bells. Admit it, you did too, didn’t you?)
• Booth and Brennan have some nice moments in this episode, and this quote from Booth is one that stands out: “But you’re in my corner. That’s the difference.”

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

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Bones airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX.

 

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Photos from the 2017 Fox Winter TCA:

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