Bones: "The Boy with the Answer" (05x21)

This was the last episode before the finale, but that didn’t mean it was just a filler episode. On the contrary, it paved the way for a central conflict that had to be resolved and was a dramatic and compelling episode in itself.
The episode already had a very unusual beginning. Brennan had a nightmare in which Hodgins bled to death and Booth was drowning and she couldn’t save anyone. Of course she later told everyone she was fine, as she does, even her dad who came back to support her. Well, support might not be the right word as he tried to kill Heather Taffet, also known as the gravedigger. Booth caught him at the last minute and put him into jail. I don’t really know what to make of this appearance by him. On the one hand, it was adorable to see Booth with his future father-in-law, on the other hand he was kinda obsolete. But they almost didn’t use him this season, so maybe that’s why.
Anyway, the trial began and there was a huge problem right at the beginning: Most evidence was obtained illegally (remember Jared?) and therefore was dismissed. Caroline looked in her peoples eyes and was still sure she was going to trial. And thank God. This woman was driving me already insane. Cruel b…. She even taunted Brennan that she had missed evidence.
Brennan found the evidence and it was a GPS coordinate leading to a place where another victim, a little boy was buried. But the case took its toll on her, too. I really liked that scene when Booth tried to get her to eat and they talk about how she feels she has lost her edge. She always fears that relationships blur her vision. And Booth is scared that she will revert to her old ways.
When they dig up the boy, Caroline immediately stops the investigation cuz they can’t be witnesses and experts on the case. Brennan suggests that they could pull back their charges and Hodgins vehemently protests. Brennan almost yells at him that he’s not the only one suffering and finally they decide to pull out. That was one intense scene. And poor Hodgins has always suffered the most. It almost broke my heart when he told Angela that he felt as if Taffet was standing in between them and that he was barely holding it together. Man, that guy can act.
Later that night, Booth comes over to Brennan’s apartment and tells her that he has also pulled out as that’s what partners do. Brennan then (surprisingly) tells him that she has nightmares and that she’s afraid she can’t save him. He hugs her and tells her that that won’t happen. Cute. A lot of hugging in this episode btw.
The next day, the lab team finally has a lead on Taffet and finds a dust mite with Taffet’s DNA and Angela can recreate her voice from the ransom tapes. Eventually, all is up for interpretation by the jury. Caroline rules, but Taffet still makes a compelling case. Everyone’s worried she might not be convicted. Hodgins chooses this moment to tell everyone about their wedding and everyone’s pretty happy. Did you see the look Booth and Brennan shared when Angela said it’s love? Wow.
Finally, the jury has decided and fortunately Taffet is convicted as guilty. Had my doubts there for a moment. She tells Brennan that “this is not over” which makes her think. She has struggled with her job for the whole episode, and maybe even since Booth told her he loved her. At an impromptu wedding/conviction celebration she gets really pensive and when everyone else is gone, she tells Booth that she might need a break. He is really worried and begs her to reconsider. He wants her to have another drink with him, but Brennan rides away in a taxi, mirroring the 100th episode. Does this mean she’s really slipping away for a whole year – again?
All in all, this was a really compelling and dramatic episode. I liked it very much and paved the way for a hopefully very good finale. I’m a little scared though. How will Brennan decide?

Best Moment: Booth hugs Brennan when she tells him about her nightmares
Weirdest Moment: That psycho Taffet gives me the creeps.
Favourite Quote:
Caroline: "So, how's your girlfriend holding up?"
Booth: "She's fine."
Pause
Booth: "She's not my girlfriend."
Caroline: "Oh, so those little looks between you....?"
Booth: "Nothing."
Caroline: "Right. Hope you're more believable on the stand."

Current Mood: Intrigued