BONES Season 5 Premiere: “Harbingers in a Fountain”

Photo Credit: Richard Foreman/FOX

My take on Bones 5×01, aired September 17th:

It’s no secret that I was pretty unhappy with the season finale of Bones last season.  I am not a fan of dream sequences–be they coma-related or just a product of eating too much pizza.  I think it’s an overused story device, that allows writers to have fun in an artsy way (which is a good thing) without having to bother with any real consequences for otherwise well-developed characters (a bad thing).  Thus, I was in a snit over the finale all summer, but now I have to eat my words.  This dream DID matter, and it has real consequences for Booth and Brennan this season.  I was very happy that last week’s premiere chose to address the finale directly, rather than just leave it hanging in the breeze. That said, here are my thoughts on “Harbingers in a Fountain”:

• Cam to Brennan: “Would you like to hug?”  Ha!  I love socially-awkward Brennan, and there were lots of great moments on that front.  One of my major gripes last season was that there was not enough classic Brennan.  Problem solved.  Another gem was Brennan to Booth: “If you were reinstated, why are you dressed like a furniture mover?”  Also, Brennan in response to Booth being smiley at the crime scene: “You’re the one who told me never to look happy at a crime scene.”  Then, in response to Angela’s comments to Booth: “Oh, she’s being you and herself.  I don’t know why.” Ha!  Oh, I missed you, Temperance Brennan.
• Cyndi Lauper!!!  I used to listen to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” over and over as a child (and still do, when I have dance parties in my apartment to take a break from research).  Loved her as the kooky psychic Avalon Harmonia.  Fabulous lady. Fabulous role.  She also had some real insight into Bones and Booth’s relationship, which I quite enjoyed.
• I also really appreciated Cam’s warning to Booth, about being careful with Brennan’s heart.  I like that she cares so much about Brennan, after working with her for so long.  And Cam wasn’t alone–the consensus seemed to be that Brennan was fragile underneath her protective shell.  I’m glad that her co-workers love her enough to look out for her, despite her prickles.
• There was a tiny little moment during one of the musical montages, in which Booth wiggled his stripe clad feet. Loved it.
• I loved seeing Booth openly in love with Brennan.  He’s always been somewhat obvious about his feelings, at least in my opinion, but it was so sweet to see him really try to put himself out there.  Sweets was not as thrilled as I am.  He argues that the feelings are a result of Booth’s coma: “Conclusion: your feelings are not real. They’ll fade away with all the other symptoms of your coma.”  Shut up Sweets!  I usually like you, but you’re testing me.
• Hodgins referenced “King of the lab.”  Anytime that phrase is said, I’m happy.  But then I think of Zach, and then I’m sad.  Sigh.
• Booth saved Brennan’s life again.  I don’t mind his white knight heroics on this show, because Brennan always gets to kick butt and save him back too.  After Booth shoots the bad guy, Caroline tells a rather sorry Booth: “You killed the bad guy dead. I know you hate that, but it always makes me a little glad. Does that make me a bad person?”  If so, it makes me a bad person along with Caroline.
• I also loved Brennan’s visit with Avalon.  When the psychic asks Brennan how she’s doing, Brennan’s response was hilarious: “Well they gave me medication, so I feel how I imagine people of average intelligence feel all the time.”  Classic Brennan.  Avalon digs a little deeper, however, and tells Brennan that the only riddle she can’t solve is how somebody could love her.  Brennan: “Well, I’m beautiful, and very intelligent.”  So true.  Then Avalon goes cryptic: “The answer to the question that you’re afraid to say out loud is ‘Yes, he knows the truth of you, and he’s dazzled by that truth.’”  I like the sound of that.
• Booth’s attempt to tell Brennan how he feels was inevitably interrupted.  It had a sweet beginning, though: “I have something that I want to say to you that is inside my heart.”  Aawww.  Cue the clown.  However, Booth is no longer afraid of clowns.  Whatever.  I’d rather see him shoot another clown truck.
• Later Booth tells Brennan that he loves her in an “atta girl kind of way.”  After a confused pause, Brennan reciprocates.  Sigh.
• The ending scene was definitely a winner, and gives me hope for the future.  Avalon to Brennan: “The cards say only your top layer is rational.  Deep down you’re as crazy as I am. And that’s a compliment.”  Brennan: “It doesn’t sound like one.” Avalon: “My cards tell me that this all works out eventually.”  Brennan asks, “What works out eventually?” … but I bet I know …