TV.com

Bones Season 4 Episode 9

The Con Man in the Meth Lab

Favorite

Watched It I've Watched This 4

Next
Episode Previous
Episode

9.3

User Rating

511 votes

Your Rating: 10
Your Rating: 9.5
Your Rating: 9
Your Rating: 8.5
Your Rating: 8
Your Rating: 7.5
Your Rating: 7
Your Rating: 6.5
Your Rating: 6
Your Rating: 5.5
Your Rating: 5
Your Rating: 4.5
Your Rating: 4
Your Rating: 3.5
Your Rating: 3
Your Rating: 2.5
Your Rating: 2
Your Rating: 1.5
Your Rating: 1

Rate Now

EPISODE REVIEWS
By TV.com Users

Write A Review

Episode Summary

EDIT

AIRED: 11/12/08

A body is found during a practice police raid and Brennan and Booth go in to investigate. A second body is found, leading the team on a trail of deception as they search for the killer or killers. Meanwhile, Brennan goes on a date with Booth's younger brother Jared, who has just moved to town to work at the Pentagon.moreless

Fan Episode Reviews (23)

Very insightful episode

10

By lrigD, Oct 30, 2011

Well, this was yet another great episode of Bones.

The episode starts as an 'ordinary' case episode, but then the focus is taken away from the case as Booth's little brother Jared shows up. Brennan goes out with him, they have a great time, etc. Until Brennan finds out that Booth's deserved credit on a case has been taken away because he had to bail out his brother. And from then on, wow, intense story. I loved the scene with Bones and Jared. The way she 'defended' (for lack of a better word) Booth, even pushing Jared (which sounds stupid here, but was pretty impressive in the show) was beautiful. We mostly see Booth defending Bones, not the other way round. Of course, the speech... How could we not love it? She basically said "I know who Booth is [as in: the real alpha male] and I love him for it". Really nice.

And the ending... just perfect. Another example of how much can be achieved with a few words. I'm looking forward to getting to know more about Booth's past and/or family. Where does his mother fit into the picture?moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
3 0

Flag
Share Hide
One of the best episodes of any series I have ever seen. Rich in emotion and caring.

10

By boneslover99, Oct 30, 2011

While I think this episode stands well on its own knowing the history of the Booth Bones relationship makes the episode so much more enjoyable. Let me explain:

Bones and Booth have been dancing around the fact they are attracted to each other on a physical, emotional and intellectual basis. But like all things of love they have reasons to not consummate their relationship. So they cling to various barriers to avoid sexual intimacy. They clearly already have emotional intimacy and love and respect. In every episode Bones gets to see the character of Booth in terms of honesty, integrity, and his humanity. She has seen his skills at reading people and solving crimes as well as him being a great father. In turn Booth has seen the brilliance of Bones and despite all her protestations her incredible passion about things. She is, in my opinion, the most passionate person on the show. (A small digression: In the episode "The Hero in the Hold" when Bones realizes where Booth is and she also realizes she no longer needs the grave digger for help she picks up the attaches case and slams the grave digger with it letting out a big grunt. For my money it was one of the most sincerest gestures of love I have ever seen on the tube.)

So if she really loves Booth why did she go out with Jar Head? Well it was part of her never ending (and i think in the end losing) battle to keep from consummating the relationship with Booth. She bought Jar Head's description of Sealy as a loser despite all she knows to the contrary so she would have a good reason not to be with Sealy. Of course when the drug bust credit went to the state troopers she thought Jar Head was correct. When Bones confronted Sealy on the lost credit she really hurt him and instantly knew it. This entire behavior shows true vulnerability on Bones' part.

One of the great aspects of the show is how tightly knit the staff is. The intervention of Cam, Sweets and Angela was touching and awesome. And of course that led to her confrontation with Jar Head.

This scene is one of my favorites in all of TVdom. She realizes she has been had, realizes why I think and then pushes Jar Head off the stool. Now if that isn't love and passion I don't what is. Hard to think of a show where anyone displays that kind of passion.

The scene in the bar where Brennan gives her touch was an awesome apology. I think in her own way it was the best she could do.

As always the writing is entertaining, the pace of the show is quick yet they make great points. I for one like how all the characters are portrayed.

My personal thanks to all involved in making this show for providing me with such wonderful entertainment.moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
8 0

Flag
Share Hide
this was an unbelievably amazing episode. that at time had me bursting out with laughter, and then at times almost in tears.

10

By xxjenxx89, Oct 30, 2011

This episode was unbelievably AMAZING. The relationships were very much the centre of this episode. The case was interesting, but nothing totally captivating. To me the interaction between characters was the draw card. Yes, I love every episode of Bones, but this one was one of those outstanding episodes like aliens in a spaceship, and verdict in the story where they could just remove the case and the episode would still be just as successful. I found myself bursting out with laughter when Brennan confronted Booth's brother Jarrod in the bar. and when she was yelling at him for what happened I had tears in my eyes, cos you could see just how much she really does care about Booth. The last scene was so sweet. When Bones made the speech to Booth and acknowledge that anthropology was wrong about the alpha male was such a special moment. She is always so certain about her field of study, yet her she was admitting that it might have gotten it wrong. And the last line it that speech where she promised never to look at shiny ball balls again was perfect. To me it was like she was saying to Booth that she is his.moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
4 0

Flag
Share Hide
The perfect combination of character and case. Booth and Brennan have a huge development in their relationship, as well as a nice case to go along with the story.

10

By chocolatecurls9, Oct 30, 2011

The case opens up and shortly afterwards takes a new turn when two dead people are involved. I liked the introduction of Jared Booth, as well as the funny moments when Jared called Sweets an Agent and when Sweets and Cam staged an "intervention" because brennan was beginning to believe that Booth was a loser for sabotaging himself. In the end, you can really tell how booth and brennan care for each other as Booth allows Brennan to sit with him. They even share a piece of cake and Booth begins to open up more about his personal life. IT was really sweet to see how much they truly appreciated each other, although it took a while for Brennan to realize that perhaps anthropology is not always correct, and that perhaps she should avoid being distracted by the "baubles". This episode also develops Booths character, and we see what a caring older brother he is. I really recommend this episode... it was probably one of the better ones in a while. Very Very nice episode, especially if you're into character development. Oh, did I mention that Clark came back?moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
3 0

Flag
Share Hide
Though the case is interesting, it's the Booth boys that are fascinating.

9.5

By whiteraven2005, Feb 28, 2011

A big surprise to find out Booth has a little brother but in hindsight, it makes complete sense: his over-protectiveness and self-sacrifice. Traits of a responsible older brother, it's how he treats those he cares about without even being conscious of it.

After a series of disastrous interns, Clark returns, thank goodness. Another surprise guest is Booth's brother Jared played by Brendan Fehr. Interestingly, Jared is Navy as opposed to Booth's Army. Very handsome in uniform and dress uniform. He's certainly more bold than Booth, he actually kisses Brennan on their first date.

The writers do an excellent job of rapidly establishing the big brother/little brother relationship in two scenes. Jared gets caught on DUI, Booth bails him out by losing the credit for his big case. Jared's comments to Sweets are the final touch on the relationship. Neatly done.

Cam and Sweets handled the 'intervention' very badly, they weren't convincing and didn't actually tell Brennan what they wanted her to do about it. Thankfully she confronted Jared by herself and I was very proud of her. As Booth pointed out, Brennan is hardly one to talk about saving your family, but the alcoholic father did explain why when she pointed out next time Jared could hurt someone, Booth immediately went to talk to him. Jared has gotten used to being bailed out by his big brother and it has to stop, because this was just the most recent of the times Booth has sacrificed for Jared.

At first, I wondered about the intelligence of the inventor's wife – admitting to knowing about the $20k they had already found is one thing, volunteering information about an additional $150k they didn't know about is just stupid! Then it comes out the money is stolen so the serial numbers would have been registered with the banks and it would probably be traced back to them.

This is a rare time (not connected to the Brennans) where the personal story is far more interesting than the case itself. It's actually amazing that this is really the first major Booth episode and even more so that it took four years for them to do it.moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
5 0

Flag
Share Hide

See All Fan Reviews

Cast & Crew: STARS

EDIT

Michaela Conlin	Angela Montenegro
T.J. Thyne	Dr. Jack Hodgins
Tamara Taylor	Dr. Camille Saroyan
John Francis Daley	Dr. Lance Sweets
David Boreanaz	Special Agent Seeley Booth
Emily Deschanel	Dr. Temperance Brennan

See All Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

EDIT

Brendan Fehr	Jared Booth	Guest Star
Mandy Freund	Lily Stegman	Guest Star
Eric Ladin	Paul Stegman	Guest Star
Eugene Byrd	Clark Edison	Recurring Role

See All Cast & Crew

Watch Online

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

FILTER BY TYPE

TRIVIA (3)
ADD TRIVIA
- Goof: When Booth is inside the bar at his birthday party he's wearing white running shoes, but when he's outside with his brother, he's wearing brown shoes.
  EDIT SHARE
- In this episode, the Scotland Yard mascot Booth brought back from London (back in the fourth season premiere - "Yanks in the U.K.") can be seen on his desk.
  EDIT SHARE
- We learn in this episode that Booth's father was an alcoholic, and his younger brother Jared also seems to have problems with alcohol.
  EDIT SHARE
QUOTES (17)
ADD QUOTES
- Jared: There is nothing worse than somebody who always thinks they're right, and then they're right. Right?
  EDIT SHARE
- Booth: Well, since you were last here, Angela ran into her ex-girlfriend, who is now her ex-ex-girlfriend.
  Clark: Well, the only ex I care about are X-rays.
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: I would like to propose a toast, to my partner, Seeley Booth.
  Everyone: To Booth!
  Brennan: I know who he is, but I forget sometimes, because ... because he never shines the light on himself. He shines it on other people.
  Booth: Yeah, right after I conked 'em on the head with it.
  Brennan: Anthropology teaches us that the Alpha male is the man wearing the crown, displaying the most colorful plumage, and the shiniest baubles, he stands out from the others. But I now think that anthropology may have it wrong. In working with Booth, I have come to realize that the quiet man -- the invisible man, that man who is always there for friends and family -- that's the real Alpha male. And I promise that my eyes will never be caught by those shiny baubles again. Happy Birthday.
  EDIT SHARE
- Bones: (to Jared Booth, about Seeley) You took advantage of him. You know, you made me think that he's a loser. And what really makes me angry is that I believed you! I wouldn't blame Booth if he never talked to me again. You're the loser!
  EDIT SHARE
- (Brennan pulls Booth aside)
  Booth: Ugh Bones, alright what are we doing?
  Brennan: Look, come here.
  Booth: What?
  Brennan: Just come here for a second. What you're doing for your brother ... isn't fair.
  Booth: C'mon Bones. Don't get me mad, at you after that great speech alright? Not after I got you shot.
  Brennan: You didn't get me shot. I got me shot.
  Booth: I don't want to talk about my brother.
  Brennan: Would you prefer Sweets do it? (Booth looks over at Sweets, and they make eye contact)
  Booth: I'm listening.
  Brennan: Well I forgot all the psychological stuff, but basically, when you rescue somebody all the time, if you keep, getting them out on bail ...
  Booth: Bail them out Bones, if you bail them out.
  Brennan: You're thwarting their ability to help themselves. (Booth makes a growl) Now you're angry.
  Booth: C'mon Bones, you have to admit. Getting a psychological lesson from you is like ...
  Brennan: Getting an anthropology lesson from you?
  EDIT SHARE
- Police Instructor: (after a body is flung from an exploding trailer and lands on a car's windshield) We're gonna need uh, um uh ... a fire extinguisher ... and then, maybe some sort of trauma counselor.
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: What did you find?
  Clark: It's what I didn't find that's interesting. (Clark looks at Brennan, who's dressed up)
  Clark: (murmurs) You have got to be kidding me.
  Brennan: What?
  Clark: Oh nothing, nothing, nothing Dr. Brennan, I just uh didn't know that you were so ... uh ...
  EDIT SHARE
- Jared Booth: (talking about Seeley) He doesn't like to be visible above the ridge line, so he keeps his head low. Instinct. Me on the other hand, well ... I cannot help but run that ridge.
  Brennan: Can you give me an example? (Jared kisses Brennan)
  Jared: I bet ya Seeley never took that risk.
  Brennan: (smiles) Nope.
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: (walking in, after receiving a phone call from Cam, asking to meet her at the Jeffersonian) Hello.
  Cam: Dr. Brennan, I ... don't want you to think this is an intervention.
  Brennan: I, don't know what that means.
  Sweets: An intervention is when a group of loved ones bands together to help, one of their own make a difficult decision.
  Cam: Oh! Then ... then it is an intervention.
  Brennan: (confused) Are you my loved ones?
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: We're all scientists here, right? Well, (points to Sweets) not you. What is your evidence?
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: Are you thinking of leaving lesbianism behind?
  Angela: I prefer not to be labeled, okay?
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: It is nice to meet you Jarhead. I can see the family resemblance. Your ... facial structure is, even more symmetrical than Booth's.
  Jared: Is she coming on to me?
  Booth: No it's just the way she talks.
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: People make stupid, irrational decisions.
  Booth: They act from the heart sometimes Bones, it's not a crime.
  EDIT SHARE
- Cam: Can I ... offer you a little insight into Booth's little brother?
  Clark: Oh God, why am I always standing precisely in the wrong place?
  Brennan: I didn't have sex with him Cam.
  Angela: (walking in) Didn't have sex with who?
  Cam: Jared Booth.
  Angela: Good.
  Brennan: Why good?
  Cam: Because. Because ...
  Angela: Because he's Booth's little brother, and it would just be a creepy way to have sex with a Booth without having sex with the real Booth.
  Cam: Kudos, Angela, I would not have had the guts to say that aloud.
  Brennan: Jared is a real Booth.
  Cam: Hmmm ...
  Angela: Jared's Booth-lite. Booth is the real Booth.
  Brennan: Well what if Booth is Booth-lite?
  EDIT SHARE
- Brennan: What happened with your RICO bust?
  Booth: Nothing, why? Have you been talking to Cam?
  Brennan: No. Did you do something wrong?
  Booth: What do you mean?
  Brennan: Well, you didn't get the credit you deserve. What did you do?
  Booth: Life is not always about credit.
  Brennan: Well, that is not what you said before. You said life was all about credit, and you're going to Hawaii, and they're going to put you on a coin ...
  Booth: You know what? Let's just forget about it, okay, Bones? Forget about it.
  Brennan: Jared warned me that you tend to sabotage yourself.
  Booth: Jared said that?
  Brennan: Mhm. He said that you're afraid of success.
  Booth: Hmm. So basically I'm a loser.
  Brennan: No. He never said the word loser.
  Booth: Do you think I'm a loser? Like that guy in there? Some clown in some dumb-ass uniform who basically can't do any better? Is that what you think?
  Brennan: Well, anthropologically, males tend to rank themselves into a hierarchy. There's no shame in not being at the top of the hierarchy.
  Booth: You're not answering the question Bones. Answer, my question. (Booth's phone rings)
  EDIT SHARE
- Booth: Jared, this here is my partner Dr. Temperance Brennan, and that, back there (points at Edison) is a squint.
  EDIT SHARE
- Hodgins: (looking through papers with Angela) So, these are from the notebook found in our victim's windbreaker?
  Angela: Blueprints, schematics, sketches ...
  Hodgins: "Automatic toilet scrubber." Huh. Like those little vacuum cleaners that move around on their own.
  Angela: Things in a toilet bowl should not move.
  EDIT SHARE
NOTES (1)
ADD NOTES
- International Air Dates:
  Denmark: January 27th, 2009 on TV3
  Sweden: February 1st, 2009 on TV3
  Spain: April 3rd, 2009 on Fox
  Australia: May 3rd, 2009 on Channel 7
  Finland: May 15th, 2009 on Sub
  Norway: June 11th, 2009, on TV3
  Germany: September 24th, 2009 on RTL
  Slovakia: October 28th, 2009 on JOJ
  Czech Republic: October 11th, 2010 on Prima
  EDIT SHARE
ALLUSIONS (0)
ADD ALLUSIONS
- ADD ALLUSIONS from this episode.