I. Introduction
If you’re a fan of crime procedural shows, you’ve probably heard of Bones. However, a common problem for fans is the confusion about the number of seasons the show has. Was it 11 or 12? The answer is 12. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to all 12 seasons of Bones, breaking down the best and worst ones and analyzing the show’s impact on the crime procedural genre.
II. A Comprehensive Guide to All 12 Seasons of Bones
Bones follows Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, as they investigate crimes using forensic evidence. Over its 12 seasons, Bones had an extensive list of main and recurring characters. Each season had its own unique storylines, which made it hard to keep up with all the details!
Here’s a brief analysis of the main and recurring characters, and major plot points per season:
Season 1 introduced viewers to Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz). We also meet Brennan’s team of forensic anthropologists, including Dr. Jack Hodgins (TJ Thyne), Dr. Zack Addy (Eric Millegan), Angela Montenegro (Michaela Conlin), and Dr. Daniel Goodman (Jonathan Adams). The first season set the foundation for the show, where we saw the evolution of Brennan and Booth’s relationship, as well as the growing chemistry between Hodgins and Angela.
Season 2 continued to build on the main cast’s relationships while introducing new recurring characters such as psychologist Dr. Lance Sweets (John Francis Daley). The season ends with a cliffhanger where Brennan and Hodgins are left buried underground, with their survival in question.
Season 3 brought back fan-favorite character, Zack Addy. The season had some of the most intense storylines, such as Booth’s brain tumor and the introduction of Booth’s younger brother, Jared (Brendan Fehr).
Season 4 introduced new temporary character Dr. Camille Saroyan (Tamara Taylor) and explored the consequences of Zack’s involvement in a crime. The season ends with Brennan and Booth finally expressing their feelings to each other, leading to a cliffhanger involving Booth’s coma.
Season 5 started with a flash-forward that revealed Brennan and Booth slept together and had a baby. The season is filled with comedic moments and sees Angela and Hodgins getting married. We also met new recurring character, Vincent Nigel-Murray (Ryan Cartwright). The season ends with a shoot-out in the lab that leads to Sweets’ and Booth’s deaths.
Season 6 brought back Booth, alive and well, as he and Brennan continue to raise their child. The season introduced new recurring character, Hannah Burley (Katheryn Winnick), as Booth’s girlfriend. The season also explored storylines involving the sniper and the return of Brennan’s father.
Season 7 delved deeper into Brennan’s past with the introduction of her long-lost love, Pelant (Andrew Leeds). We also saw the aftermath of Hodgins and Angela’s break-up, and Sweets and Daisy’s relationship hitting a few bumps.
Season 8 dealt with the aftermath of Pelant’s death and the team confronting the truth about what happened to Sweets. New recurring character, FBI Agent James Aubrey (John Boyd), was also introduced. The season ends with Brennan and Booth’s wedding, but there’s a twist: Booth is arrested for murder.
Season 9 continues to explore Booth’s incarceration, and the introduction of new recurring character, Dr. Oliver Wells (Brian Klugman). The season also explores Brennan’s pregnancy and evolution of the Jeffersonian team.
Season 10 dealt with the aftermath of Sweets’ death, the return of Dr. Zack Addy, and Brennan’s promotion. The season also explored storylines involving the Ghost Killer and Pelant, as well as Aubrey’s backstory.
Season 11 takes a different approach, where it includes fictionalized versions of Brennan and Booth as their characters become part of a television show. The season also deals with their retirements and ultimate return to the FBI.
Season 12 is the show’s final season, and it explores the team solving their last case before parting ways and Brennan and Booth’s ultimate decision to retire.
III. Breaking Down the 12 Seasons of Bones into the Best and Worst Ones
Now that we’ve covered all 12 seasons, it’s time to break down the best and worst ones.
A. Discussion of the criteria used for evaluation
The criteria used for evaluation includes overall season plot, character development, guest characters, and rewatchability.
B. Analysis of the seasons that worked and those that didn’t
1. Best seasons: The consensus among fans and critics is that Seasons 2-5 were the strongest. These seasons had the most memorable cases, character development, and the ever-growing chemistry between Brennan and Booth.
2. Worst seasons: The general opinion is that Seasons 6-10 were the weakest. These seasons had a lack of direction, and some of the storylines felt forced and unnecessary.
IV. The Reasons Why Bones Was Able to Keep Going for So Many Seasons
Bones had an appeal that set it apart from other crime procedural shows. Its mix of forensic science and quirky humor, combined with the appealing lead characters, made it hard to resist.
Factors that contributed to its longevity include the show’s willingness to address topical issues, such as LGBT rights, immigration, and gun control. The show’s emphasis on characters was also a major contributor to its longevity, as viewers became invested in their relationships and growth. The showrunners’ ability to integrate cast members’ ideas and suggestions, such as TJ Thyne’s contribution of Hodgins’ character’s obsession with bugs, was also a factor in the show’s success.
V. How Bones Changed Over Time
Bones underwent several changes throughout its 12 seasons. It started as a straightforward procedural with character-driven moments, only to evolve into one of television’s most emotionally satisfying shows.
The series tackled various social issues throughout the years, such as LGBT rights, immigration, and gun control, which made it stand out from other crime procedural dramas. The show also explored its central characters’ personal lives, which allowed viewers to become more invested in their lives.
VI. Retrospective on the Impact That Bones Had on the Crime Procedural Genre
Bones had a significant impact on the crime procedural genre, paving the way for shows like CSI and NCIS. Its use of science mixed with humor and heart made it stand out from other shows in the genre. The show’s ability to tackle topical issues, such as immigration and LGBT rights, also set it apart.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, Bones has been an excellent crime procedural television show that viewers have enjoyed through its 12 seasons. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive guide to all 12 seasons of Bones, breaking down the best and worst ones and analyzing the show’s impact on the crime procedural genre.
If you’re a fan of the show, you’ve probably rewatched some episodes countless times and can’t get enough of the show’s main and recurring characters. However, if you’re new to Bones, we recommend starting with Seasons 2-5 to see why fans fell in love with the show, and watch how the characters and storylines evolved over the years.