Bones Creator Makes It Clear Why He Wanted To Keep Cast Out Of Danger

As a dedicated fan of Bones for over a decade now, I can confidently say that the show has been a constant source of comfort and excitement in my life. The unique blend of suspenseful crime-solving and heartwarming character development is truly unparalleled.


For 12 seasons, from 2005 to 2017, the captivating crime drama “Bones” graced our screens. Spanning more than 200 episodes, this series centered around Dr. Temperance Brennan and FBI Agent Seeley Booth as they tackled intricate murder mysteries. Yet, what truly made it a success was not just the gripping cases but also the deep-rooted friendship between the characters that resonated with audiences.

During the production period, the creator of the show, Hart Hanson, took care to keep the primary characters away from grave peril. This choice contributed to the series’ longevity as it kept audiences engaged for a long time. In recent interviews, he has shared further insights into this decision and its impact on the show’s success. Here, we delve deeper into these points.

Keeping the leads safe

As an ardent admirer of Hart Hanson’s genius, I can’t help but appreciate his keen insight into the heart of Bones. From day one, he made it crystal clear that he intended to minimize the peril faced by our beloved characters, Brennan and Booth. In the fascinating tome, Bones: The Official Companion, Hanson elaborated on this deliberate choice. He believed that subjecting them to excessive danger might jeopardize the very essence of the show itself.

Hanson informed Emily Deschanel, star of Brennan, that she would find herself in peril annually, with Booth coming to her aid each time. Making this decision maintained an appealing sense of familiarity and security for viewers, a quality they greatly appreciated.

One episode broke this norm

Typically, Hanson ensured his characters’ safety, but occasionally he would mix things up to maintain viewer interest. For instance, an atypical turn of events occurred in Season 2’s “The Killer in the Concrete,” where Booth – the one who usually shields others – was unexpectedly kidnapped by a dangerous antagonist, deviating from his usual protective role.

In a typical scenario, Brennan takes charge, stepping up to save Booth. Hanson deemed this action “fair” since it provided an opportunity for Brennan to demonstrate her ability to manage challenging circumstances and exhibit her resilience. This added excitement to the episode and highlighted her strength.

Why danger wasn’t needed?

The series retained its captivating nature through compelling narratives and well-developed personalities. Every episode delved into a fresh mystery, while simultaneously exploring the deepening relationship between Brennan and Booth, ensuring that the plot remained engaging without subjecting the principal figures to continual peril.

Each episode in the series saw Brennan and Booth tackling diverse investigations every week. The peril stemmed primarily from the crimes themselves, not external menaces targeting the characters. Consequently, the program centered on unraveling mysteries and exploring relationships, as opposed to solely generating suspense and instilling fear.

The challenge of keeping Bones interesting

However, maintaining an engaging show without consistently endangering the main characters proved to be a challenge for Hanson and his team. Yet, they successfully achieved this by placing other characters in perilous situations instead. For instance, Vincent Murray was written off, serving as evidence that the threats were genuine, even when Brennan and Booth typically remained safe.

The structure of the show proved effective with its audience. Each installment centered around resolving a murder enigma, where both Brennan and Booth employed their abilities to crack the case. This consistent approach made the series comfortable and relatable, contributing to its enduring popularity. To heighten the drama, the writers occasionally introduced creativity, such as placing secondary characters in peril or even killing them off. This tactic extended the show’s successful run for 12 seasons.

Is there any possibility of a revival

Discussions about potentially bringing back the hit series Bones are being held, with creator Hart Hanson confirming that negotiations are underway. However, he emphasized that for the show to return, both Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz must be on board. In his words, “I can envision it. I can envision it. But everything hinges on whether or not David and Emily choose to rejoin.”

Nostalgia plays a significant role in discussions about resurrecting Bones. A large number of dedicated viewers continue to support the series, and the prospect of a comeback stirs excitement among them. Nevertheless, Hanson and the team are aware that merely reviving the show without due consideration wouldn’t do justice to its rich history.

Additionally, executive producer Stephan Nathan voiced his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that any potential reboot should not simply retread the old series for another twelve years. Instead, it should honor and respect the original.

Stay tuned with PINKVILLA for more updates on Bones’ sequel!

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2024-08-27 20:23