For most people, I'm guessing the best parts of last night's episode of Bones, "The X in the File," were the long-overdue Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) references. Booth (David Boreanaz) and Bones (Emily Deschanel) were summoned to Roswell, New Mexico, to examine the remains of an alien-like body. The pair played with UFO toys, snooped around alien-themed diners, and even found a cell phone with an X-Files ringtone—and the episode was obviously a big hit. But the "alien" storyline, however satisfying to Bones and X-Files diehards, left me pretty cold. The episode almost felt like filler, meant to pad the season as Bones nears its 100th episode (which airs in April) and appease fans. A pity, too, because the out-of-state trip could have led to interesting developments in the Booth-Bones relationship.
I think the episode's more interesting storyline was playing out back in D.C. at the Jeffersonian, where love triangle between Hodgins, Angela, and Wendell finally hit a breaking point. While Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Wendell (Michael Grant Terry) were off enjoying each others' company, we saw Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) struggle with real emotions like grief and sadness. Most shows would float a character like Hodgins in a sea of jealousy, but Bones is much more human than its "procedural" exoskeleton would have you believe. Like The Sopranos, Bones employs the use of the "wise psychologist," Lance Sweets (John Francis Daley), to explain what the characters are feeling when they can't say it themselves. And that way, we see the characters grow even when they're suffering, instead of wallowing in self-pity. It's all very mature and very logical—and it wouldn't be Bones without a logical explanation for everything, now would it?
I hope that Cam's (Tamara Taylor) life comes back into focus pretty soon. We saw her mother-daughter relationship with Michelle take flight earlier in the season, but what about her romantic life? She should find herself an intern.
What did you think of the episode?
Follow TV.com writer Stefanie Lee on Twitter: @StefAtTVDotCom
It was a good episode.
I love Wendell. He's super-smart, but also socially normal. He picks up on details that even Zack would have missed. I'm not crazy about the whole Wendell-Angela storyline (there is just something off about it) but I thoroughly enjoy Wendell himself. As for VNM, please, send him back to England.
Did anyone catch the sorta cameo by David Boreanaz's father. When they enter the UFO museum Booth comments on the Rocketship 7 photo. That was his father in the picture, his father hosted Rocketship 7 during the late sixties and early seventies in Buffalo. Priceless.
Did anyone catch the sorta cameo by David Boreanaz's father. When they enter the UFO museum Booth comments on the Rocketship 7 photo. That was his father in the picture, his father hosted Rocketship 7 during the late sixties and early seventies in Buffalo. Priceless.
I liked this episode. Definitley not the best, and I've never watched "The X-Files", but it was definitley enjoyable. I honestly don't like looking into Cam's life. I never liked her character. Never have, doubt I ever will... Sorry to those who like Cam, but that's just my opinion.
I actually liked this episode, made me chuckle quite often. And it took place very close to El Paso TX!!! (I live there)
I enjoyed the episode, I never watched X-'Files but B&B and the sheriff were truly entertaining. Loved the scream and the gun, the sheriff interrupting Booth but not Bones was also a scream. B&B looking at the stars at the end was so cute.
I'm so happy somone like me and my buds want Cam to get a love interest, Hodge will do just fine.
I also liked this episode. It was funny and exciting, kinda mysterious in the X-file way. It was different, but good different. Liked it. But when are Bones & Booth going to be a couple? I'm still waiting for that :)
i loved DB in more relaxed wardrobe this episode rather than his usual FBI suit
There were a Mulder/Scully reference in the very first episode of "Bones"
I liked this episode. It was an interesting story and was quite amusing. Obviously it was a filler episode but that's okay. You need to have filler episodes. Something big can't happen in absolutely every episode.
lexirockford: Bones is not the only work that the actors who play the interns have. Hart was quoted a while ago as saying that VNM got a recurring part or something on another show and that they would try and get him for episodes but obviously they won't be able to get as much because he is busy with other roles. Don't blame the Bones people for not having VNM as much. They aren't able to.
This episode didn't sit well with me at all. I didn't like the whole 'alien' plot or them trying to do an X-Files like episode. To me it isn't what Bones is supposed to be. It was cool that Dean Haglund made a guest appearance, but he was only in the episode for a few minutes. I felt them using the theme as an 'alien nuts' ringtone was cheesy and just a joke.I don't like the Angela/Wendell thing at all. It's just too weird. Although, as you mentioned, I love how Hodgins is showing all these feelings, showing how upset he is. As lexirockford said, I would love to see more from the other interns, Vincent Nigel-Murray in particular. He has always been my favourite intern and I'd love for him to have a bit more screen time this season.Overall Season 5 of Bones hasn't been doing anything for me. I used to love and adore the show, but since Zach left it hasn't been the same and I've been finding it difficult to enjoy it as much as I once did.I'm hoping for better episodes in the rest of Season 5.moreless
I am so tired of freakin' Wendell!! He's already had 3 episodes this season (with at least 1more on the horizon to resolve the love triangle), while fan favourite (and mine) Vincent Nigel-Murray has had a measly 1 episode in which he appeared in 2 lousy scenes! We want VNM back!
overall was a good ep of bones. but not great. but it was funny seeing bones scream with the body floating a bit. first for her
although it was obviously a filler episode, i loved it! but I am much more excited for the upcoming JFK episode!!!
In contrast, I liked the 'case' portion of the episode but was left somewhat cold by the Angela/Wendall thing. I was always in the kitchen looking for a bite to eat when Angela/Hodgins were at the forefront too, and I hope the writers don't go there again. In moderation okay, like Sweets/Daisy, but frankly, outside their 'job' on the show, I don't much care about the lives of the others.
i thought it was a good episode, yes even as a big fan i could see it was filler, and i felt so sad for hodgins seing he has no family in the world and the "love of his life" is now dating an intern right infront of him :(