The Evolution of Bones: A Unique Approach to Storytelling
Bones captivated audiences for an impressive 12 seasons, but one strategic alteration significantly contributed to its longevity and overall quality. Centered around forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz), the series intricately details their investigations into crimes involving skeletal remains. As the head of anthropology at the fictional Jeffersonian Institution, Dr. Brennan benefits from the expertise of numerous specialists who collaborate with her and Agent Booth to unravel complex cases.
The ensemble cast includes key figures such as Angela Montenegro, an artist; entomologist Dr. Jack Hodgins; and pathologist Dr. Camille Saroyan. These characters, along with Dr. Brennan, form the “Squints,”a term used throughout the series to denote the scientists assisting in criminal investigations. Agent Booth affectionately refers to his team at the Jeffersonian as “his squints.”As the series progressed, Dr. Brennan frequently had interns by her side to aid in cataloging skeletal injuries and uncovering critical details about the victims, a group eventually dubbed the “Squinterns.”
The Squintern Revolution Begins in Season 4
The Aftermath of Eric Millegan’s Dr. Zack Addy
In season 3, the Jeffersonian team, with Booth, was engrossed in a hunt for the notorious “Gormogon,”a cannibalistic serial killer. The shocking season finale disclosed that Gormogon had enlisted the help of Zack Addy, Dr. Brennan’s intern, as his apprentice. This revelation came after Zack suffered a severe injury to his hands during an experiment intended to create a diversion at the Jeffersonian. Zack had been a beloved character, and his departure created a significant void as Dr. Brennan struggled to find a worthy replacement.
Following Zack’s arrest, the series introduced a rotating cast of graduate students specializing in forensic anthropology, who helped maintain the narrative momentum. Although these characters never became main cast members, many developed their arcs, enriching the overall storylines. Their contributions enabled Dr. Brennan to engage with Booth in the field, with individuals like Wendell Bray becoming a staple in the seasons that followed Zack Addy’s exit. Audiences witnessed several Squinterns, such as Arastoo Vaziri and Colin Fisher, earn their PhDs over time, while former Squintern Dr. Clark Edison ultimately took charge of the historical anthropology exhibit at the Jeffersonian.
The Freshness of Squinterns Kept Bones Thriving
Squinterns as a Key to Narrative Focus
The presence of Squinterns significantly influenced which main characters would take center stage in particular episodes. For instance, the relationship between Lance Sweets and Daisy Wick hinted at specific storylines, while Arastoo’s appearances often indicated a focus on Cam. This dynamic kept the storytelling fresh and ensured a continuous evolution of character relationships across seasons.
While there have been discussions regarding a potential revival of Bones, no official announcements have been made yet.
Another compelling benefit of having Squinterns in the mix was the opportunity for high-stakes emotional storytelling. The series adeptly handled character deaths that resonated with the storyline without altering the core dynamics. For instance, the death of Vincent Nigel-Murray in season 6 added significant emotional depth yet did not disrupt the show’s continuity. This decision to implement a rotating cast was a strategic move that ultimately served Bones well over its extensive run.
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