Bones Review: The Radioactive Panthers in the Party (Season 12 Episode 10)

Perhaps the most important part of Bones Season 12 Episode 10, “The Radioactive Panthers in the Party,” is seeing the leadership and mentorship skills that both Brennan and Booth have developed over the years.

Brennan worries about Wendell, who can’t decide on a topic for his dissertation, and realizes that he doesn’t possess the passion that she did when she was at that stage of her career.

It’s too bad she couldn’t have helped Wendell realize this a little sooner, of course, but her advice to him, as difficult as it is, is important for him to hear.

I also can’t help but wonder if Brennan is losing her passion for her own work, especially considering her conversation with Dr. Meyer (hey, Betty White!).

Meanwhile, Booth gives Aubrey lead on a case, testing him along the way. Aubrey proves he can handle it, just as Booth knew he would, and then his motive is revealed.

Aubrey’s getting a promotion. It also means that he’ll be leaving D.C.

It’s nice that we’ve gotten to see Booth mentor someone to the point of getting a promotion and going out on his own. My favorite thing about the dynamic between Booth and Aubrey has been seeing Booth act as a mentor, so it’s satisfying to see how that’s paid off.

And the parallel of Booth acting as a mentor and sending someone off in new direction just as Brennan does the same makes it feel like we’re heading to a nice conclusion.

The rest of the episode, however, falls flat.

Look, it’s a perfectly good episode. It’s entertaining and fun, it has both Betty White and David Faustino, and Hodgins gets to geek out over watching bad movies. If it were an episode that took place during any other time, I’d likely feel differently about it.

But I’m disappointed at how typical it is considering the fact that we’re so close to the end of the series. The case isn’t all that interesting, and there’s little interaction between Booth and Brennan.

While it’s satisfying to watch them both acting as mentors, what’s neglected are the chances to see them work together.

In fact, with Aubrey taking the lead on the case, it feels like there are missed opportunities for Brennan’s input regarding him as well.

I’m even disappointed with how little of Betty White we get. Dr. Meyer’s presence is great, and it’s important in helping Brennan come to a realization, but it’s nothing like the first time we saw her.

Maybe I’m putting too much pressure on the fact that it’s the final season, but I don’t think it’s wrong to have high expectations for a farewell season.

The good news? From the looks of things, the final two episodes are going to be very different.

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

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Bones airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

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