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emm-doubleyou · 7 years

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BONES 12x01: The Hope in the Horror - Recap & Thoughts from a Crazed Fanatic

I have decided that I simply cannot spend each and every week dreading the dwindling number of episodes remaining in this season. It’s not a sustainable mindset. Not for me. So, I am going to take a page from David Boreanaz’s script, and live this season “moment to moment.” At least during the actual episodes. I do not want to squander even one millisecond mourning something that is still playing out on my television screen. I’m not going to adjust my countdown each time an episode airs. Maybe I’ll break in a month or two. But for now, I just need to celebrate every precious moment with my beloved Bones.

Now, for the actual episode...

First and foremost, actually witnessing “Directed by Emily Deschanel” appear in the opening credits was just so wonderfully fulfilling and long overdue after all these years. Similar to her brilliant costar, she did an absolutely magnificent job. I have no doubt long hours, hard work, and shrewd attention to detail went into directing this hour. And really, just...Bravo. And that goes for everyone. The cast, crew, and writers- it was all just astoundingly brilliant. Period. NOT just “for a show in its 12th season.” For any show, any age. Bones always comes to play. But I have a feeling the show will be pulling out all the stops this season. The number of callbacks in this episode alone was impressive. And the premiere was an exciting springboard for the season ahead.

I suppose I cannot claim that I am currently speechless as a result of this episode. Because I am likely about to betray that assertion with a deluge of words. But I am completely awestruck. It’s not all that surprising. I have been consistently spoiled by this show, season after season. I always expect to be wowed. But somehow, it really does just keep getting better with age. What’s that saying? Like a fine wine? Disagree with me if you’d like, but my opinion is very much set in stone.

We have waited six long months for the continuation of this story. But in all honesty, it barely feels like as though a week has passed (for reasons I’ve cited above, but will cannot bear to address again). First and foremost, anyone who thought that the show was going to position Zack as an actual villain- well, I hope everyone feels a little better after this episode. To me, it always seemed like an impossibility. And the real story was so much more complex than that. While Zack is not yet fully vindicated, I think he has at least been absolved in our eyes.

The show picks up almost precisely where it left off back in July. Brennan is still stunned to see Zack Addy sitting across from her. At the very least, he lured her into the lab alone so he could take her against her will. The motive is inconsequential, isn’t it? Presumably, it’s not a situation she would prefer to be in regardless of his intentions. So Brennan makes an effort to get up and leave. But Zack had administered a sedative in order to transport her to this undisclosed location. He advises Brennan against moving, and informs her that she has been asleep for nearly two hours. Brennan attempts to persuade her former assistant to let her go. “If you don’t, Booth will find you. And when he does-” Zack interrupts, as he doesn’t wish to talk about “him.” I wasn’t quite sure what to make of that statement. Booth and Zack never had an easy relationship. Sometimes people are just too different. But Booth still respected his intelligence. And more than that, he respected Brennan’s fondness for him. He once gave Zack advice about going to Iraq. And he even sent him overseas with a harmonica. Booth and Zack essentially spoke different languages. But he was still one of Booth’s people. “We are all of us, your squints.” And Booth would have done anything he could to help Zack. Of that I am sure. Booth and Caroline are basically the reason Zack was not put in prison. ��You're gonna give this one to Bones. You understand?” So what was the sudden aversion here? Also of note- Brennan’s confidence in Booth. It’s justified, of course. But she knows he will always find her. And vice versa. We have seen evidence of this time and time again over the years.

Brennan proceeds to ask the million dollar question. The question we have all been contemplating during this hiatus. At least the most physically obvious one: What happened to Zack’s head? Instead of answering, Zack notes that she has not been to see him in quite some time. I do not know the reason why Brennan stopped coming to visit. I’m sure she feels a bit guilty, especially given her current situation. And I know she still cares for Zack. But life happens. The last few years have been quite eventful for Brennan. There have been extreme highs and severe lows. It sounds like a weak excuse, but maybe Zack just fell through the cracks. The reason is really immaterial at this point. It is what it is. The past is the past. And she tells Zack she wants to help him now. He reacts oddly to this, and makes a comment regarding her previous position as his superior. “Today, the shoe is on the other foot.” It’s a bit unnerving. Why does he want to control her? Or at the very least, control the situation at hand. What are his intentions? If he wanted her dead, she would be dead. And I never actually believed that was his endgame.

Meanwhile, in the lab, Angela had been looking through security tapes of Zack’s movements around the Jeffersonian that evening. He turned off a few of the cameras remotely before taking Brennan from the bone room. And what was most suspicious is that there was no footage of the two of them leaving the building. Cam realizes that perhaps Zack is hiding somewhere inside the Jeffersonian. Hodgins is able to use an explosive trace detector to track the glycerin in Brennan’s hand lotion, which in turn helps him to track Brennan's path through the lab. “It’s like a digital blood hound.” He tracks “Brennan” up to an elevator. And a determined Booth takes over from there. While the elevator also goes five floors up, Booth already knows that he will find Zack in the basement.

Booth stealthily makes his way through the halls of the basement, so as not to startle an unpredictable Zack while he has Brennan. We see the infamous vault from so long ago, and already I love the callbacks this season. The old gilded skeleton makes an appearance as well. It’s certainly been a while. He finally hears Brennan’s voice echoing in an adjacent room. She’s pleading with Zack not to do something. Booth makes his move and comes face to face with the missing pair. He quickly points his gun at Zack, who happens to be holding a syringe near Brennan. But all is not what it seems. As Booth counts to three (before he shoots), Brennan lunges in front of Zack. She explains to Booth that Zack was not going to use the syringe on her. Zack chimes in and informs Booth that he intended to inject himself with the syringe- which actually contains a truth serum. “I need Dr. Brennan to believe me. I didn’t kill anyone.” And just as I suspected, Brennan’s disappearance is resolved before the credits. So how will the rest of the episode unfold? Short answer- in a strange, wonderful, and exhilarating way.

The episode resumes outside of the lab. The parking lot is flooded with law enforcement and flashing lights. With a solemn look on her face, Cam watches an officer escort Zack to the back of a car in handcuffs. Wendell shows up and asks Cam if she’s sure she wants to watch this particular scene unfold. “I needed to see him with my own eyes.” Had anyone been visiting Zack? Wendell admits he didn’t really know him, but just looking at Zack- “You’d think he was as harmless as a child. That’s what we all thought.” Cam finishes his thought. Wendell wonders what finally caused him to crack, as the lobbyist was killed years ago. Cam has no answer. She always knew “Zackarooni” would cause her pain. She was right.

Booth is frantically trying to get Brennan to see a doctor. I know she wasn’t missing for an objectively significant period of time. But once again, Booth truly felt as though he had almost lost her. Yet again. Even 12 seconds would feel significant. These two people have had to fear each other’s demise more than any normal couple can even fathom. Brennan assures Booth that she is fine, and nothing is wrong with her. Booth is upset because Brennan admitted to him that “maybe Zack didn’t do it.” But she doesn’t want to talk about Zack right now. She only wants to go home and see her kids. THEIR kids. They have kids together. Sorry, I never take that for granted, no matter how many years it has been. It honestly doesn’t matter if Brennan had been missing three minutes, three hours, or three weeks- there is always that chance that something more sinister can occur in their line of work. Booth promises her that their kids are fine. Hank and Christine are safe. But she so desperately wants to see them. He tells her that she just needs to calm down. By the sound of his voice, he sounds as though he is actually trying to convince himself to calm down. He must have been terrified beyond belief. Brennan shuts her eyes and nods. She knows she needs to take a moment. And a breath. The past few days, weeks, and months have been extraordinarily stressful- Worrying about this serial killer, and wondering when and where he would strike again. She was taken by someone who is unpredictable at best. This early in the episode, we don’t yet know Zack’s role in the serial murders. Brennan needed to take pause before throwing herself back into the case. Booth is of the opinion that Zack is guilty, and he reminds her of her nightmares featuring the “guy with burnt hands.” “I had nightmares because of evidence that insinuated Zack.” Booth gets worked up again and yells that “Innocent people don’t escape from sanitariums to proclaim their innocence!” I find it interesting how Booth’s opinion shifts over the course of this episode. For the moment, Brennan agrees with him to a degree. “What Zack did was completely illogical, I know.” Booth interrupts before she can finish her thought. “No, this is not right. There is no other way of looking at this. Zack is a convicted murderer. He tried to kidnap you, and he wanted to kill you.” Brennan responds with the question I think we were all asking ourselves at this point. “Then why didn’t he?” She goes on to point out that Zack could have killed her at any time, especially while she was passed out for two hours in front of him. But he didn’t. She is right. There is something more going on. There is an alternate explanation to all of this. Brennan attempts to maneuver around Booth and out of her office to go talk to Zack. But Booth pulls her into a hug. He tells her to stop talking. He just needs a moment with her. To hold on tight. And she surrenders to it, and falls into him. She softly tells him she loves him too. Because she needed this as much as he needed it. Booth had to feel her. To know she was there with him, and that she was safe. She needed that reminder as well. This ordeal was far from over. But these two will always find a way of giving me hope in even the darkest or most confounding moments. Always. They are so special. And I have watched this hug about 400 times by now. It will go down as one of the most beautiful moments between these two. Okay, there are about a million of those. But ask any Booth and Brennan fan what they thought about this particular instance and you will most likely be met with a series of guttural sounds and ear-piercing squeals.

Something else to consider here: This is essentially one of the scenes that was cryptically teased prior to airing. An interaction some people seemed to be unnecessarily concerned about. Booth and Brennan- AT ODDS regarding Zack. But in reality, it was exactly how I expected it to go. Because I know this couple. They would continue to disagree on how to approach this situation. Because they see the world a bit differently. They always have. Though, their individual viewpoints would adjust a bit as the episode progresses. At this moment, Brennan wants to know the entire story before ultimately making a determination. She wants to speak to Zack and hear what he has to say before concluding with any certainty that he is guilty. Something about his behavior is inconsistent with that of this serial killer. And maybe a small part of her would like to irrationally give him the benefit of the doubt. Though, remember, she still believes he killed the lobbyist. The bottom line is that Zack could have killed her, but he didn’t. So why did he take her? If his goal was to kill, then logically, that’s what should have happened. But it didn’t. That’s how her mind works. This would have to play out further before she can make a fair assessment. And Booth is still reeling from Brennan’s disappearance. Tensions are still through the roof. Right now, he only sees a possibly unstable man who kidnapped his wife. It’s not the last time they will disagree in this episode. But it’s also not something that will break them either. I fail to understand why people are so fearful of these types of scenes. It all ultimately comes from love. It’s passion. They can both be stubborn when they believe they are right. Especially as it pertains to the safety of their family. But it’s that heat that initially brought them together. The point is, let’s remember to take these teases with a grain of salt. Because this isn’t some marriage-threatening fight in which the two of them are engaging. It’s not going to forge a rift between them. Booth and Brennan are going to disagree. We have seen that enough over the years. But they are eventually going to come together, and at least make an attempt to understand from where the other one is coming. It’s how it’s always been. There is no reason to think that these two characters would act any differently at this point. Also, can I just point out the hug once again? In those few seconds, I could feel the love radiating between these two people. These characters are so deeply in love. These actors are so talented. And we are so lucky- and spoiled.

Hodgins has also been greatly affected by this situation. Zack was his best friend. And he really had a difficult time adjusting to the fact that his best friend murdered someone (remember, no one but Sweets knew that this was not the actual truth) and was put in an institution. For a while, he had no interest in getting to know the new interns. He didn’t want to work in Zack’s space. It really hit Hodgins hard all those years ago. And to have to revisit this pain, it’s not easy for him. He’s angry. And that is why he says that he would have shoved the syringe in Zack’s throat if he had caught him in the basement. But his anger would have to be put on hold, as his legs began to pulsate with pain. Wendell is there to help him through the spasming. Hodgins admits the pain in his legs is nothing like the pain he is feeling in his heart. He truly thought Zack was going to kill Brennan. Wendell wonders if there is any possibility Zack could be telling the truth. “Stop it, listen to me. Zack is guilty. End of story.” It’s the end of the conversation, but certainly not the end of the story. Hodgins is hurting. I’m not sure he ever really made peace with what Zack “did.” He thought he knew his friend. He trusted him. But his trust was betrayed. I think it does have to be said that Zack kept Hodgins from being injured in that explosion. Zack’s hands were never supposed to be charred. That was not part of the plan.

At the FBI, Aubrey is more than relieved to see Brennan. He envelopes her in a hug, which she does accept. But adds “so much hugging.” I just love these people. She jokes “perhaps I should be kidnapped more often.” But Booth and Aubrey are quick to disagree. Aubrey asks how the kids are. Moment to once again celebrate the fact that Booth and Brennan have kids. Should I be over this yet? It doesn’t matter. I will never be. Max had been taking care of Christine and Hank during this time. And Brennan added that they didn’t even realize she was gone. “Which...is a good thing.” Of course.

Aubrey leads the partners into a conference room to meet Dr. Roshan- the doctor in charge of Zack’s facility. Brennan inquires as to how Zack managed to escape the facility. Dr. Roshan does not know. But he does provide a box of Zack’s personal effects. “As you can see he was very fond of you, Dr. Brennan.” I have yet to determine whether Zack’s affection for Brennan has crossed the line at this point. Dr. Roshan adds that he is glad to see that Brennan is unharmed. They ask about the three victims who Zack allegedly murdered. The doctor doesn’t believe that Zack could have conceivably and continuously slipped out of the facility undetected to kill these people. But Aubrey shows him photographic evidence that Zack has been regularly “escaping.” There is no way to gauge how long Zack has been coming or going. Aubrey finally asks how Zack managed to sustain the scar on his forehead. It’s disturbing, as far as scarring goes, as it looks almost like a lobotomy scar.

The story starts becoming a bit clearer. We learn that Sweets was regularly visiting Zack over the years. And not just a handful of times. Sweets was there nearly every week. This leads me to believe that no one else in the lab had been visiting their old colleague. Bones time is always a little dicey, but it has been at least a couple years since Sweets was killed. And the others would have undoubtedly noticed his scar, had they been visiting. So why did Booth know precisely where to find Zack’s room in the finale? I cannot speak to that. My best guess is that he called ahead while en route to the institution that night. Maybe he had been there years ago, maybe he hadn’t. There is some sort of logical explanation for it. And no sense in dwelling on on something that is just not essential to the story at hand. Bottom line- it has been a while since even Brennan has seen Zack. Presumably much longer than just a couple years.

Zack’s reaction to Sweets’ murder was apparently startling. He could not process the trauma. In a fit of rage, he caused the injury to his head, himself. “Since then, Zack has been different. ‘Withdrawn’ I think is the best way to describe him.” Aubrey wishes to speak to Zack first. But Brennan wants to be present. And of course, Booth is not on board with that. “Aubrey’s right. Zack wants you, which is the last thing we should give him.” I can certainly see the logic in that. Until they know his true motive, it’s safer to keep Brennan away. She, Booth, and Dr. Roshan watch Aubrey interrogate Zack from behind the glass. Zack has no desire to speak to Aubrey, however, due to his “lesser intellect.” I’d say it was insulting, but Zack only meant it as an objective statement. Aubrey takes no offense, and asks Zack to explain why he told Brennan he was innocent. “I am innocent.” He claims that the “escaping and kidnapping were necessary evils. I knew her life was in danger.” Aubrey then wonders why Zack didn’t just call Brennan. “I’m not well-versed in social etiquette.” That may be. But kidnapping seems a bit less rational and rather extreme. He only wanted to see her face to face. I suppose this seemed like the most sensible way to him? Booth wants to know how Zack even knew about the killer if he’s innocent. The case has been kept well under wraps and out of the news. Zack admits that he has been routinely reading Brennan’s emails. “Given the evidence (contained in her emails), it was only a matter of time until I was considered the prime suspect.” Zack goes on to explain how he has been “allowing” himself free time outside of the sanitarium. He broke into a library and accessed the computers so he could keep tabs on his “friends and colleagues.” He names Brennan, Hodgins, Angela, and Cam. I don’t quite understand why he initially decided to start hacking into his friends’ accounts. Was it just because he wanted to feel close to them? Did he miss them? Was he worried about them? This appears to have been going long term. Aubrey notices that Zack left out Booth off his list, and asks if he has been spying on the agent as well. “No. Agent Booth and I are not friends.” This was more than a little disconcerting. “So, how did you feel about Agent Booth marrying Dr. Brennan. And then having two children with her?” Another moment to remember that these two characters are married with children. I don’t care if it’s irritating. I couldn’t be more proud. Aubrey produces one of Zack’s photos of Booth and Brennan from their wedding. And it was quite clear that Booth’s head had been ripped off. Now I’m a bit more disturbed. Zack may be innocent of this crime. But he was never really bitter about Booth when we knew him. More often, he was seeking approval from the agent. It’s all a bit eerie.

Angela is now in possession of the library’s computer, and is able to sift through all of Zack’s activity. He created sub folders for each member of the team in his email account. Angela was slightly relieved that Zack didn’t open any of the photo attachments between Hodgins and herself. Firstly, what in the world are those two sending each other? I can only imagine... And secondly, why were they using their Jeffersonian accounts to send promiscuous material? Maybe Zack accessed all email accounts- personal and professional. We’ll go with that explanation. Lucky for Cam, she and Arastoo don’t exchange any illicit material- at least not over email. Cam asks Angela to look through an “untitled” folder she notices on the screen. And the two of them discover that Zack has been masquerading as a Dr. Bancroft. A mystery for the time being.

Back on the platform, Hodgins is showing Brennan all the evidence they have gathered from The Puppeteer’s lair. Wendell is examining the bone shards they found, and subsequently matching them to the appropriate victims. Angela then rushes to the platform to talk to Hodgins. She tells him what she found on the computer Zack was utilizing. Not only was he reading their emails, but he set up a dummy account under an alias- Dr. Alexander Bancroft. Wendell recognizes the name from speaking with Hodgins- he is a “world renowned neurosurgeon” with whom his physical therapist has been consulting. But not so fast. Dr. Bancroft is actually Zack. “He’s the one who developed the protocol to restore feeling to Hodgins’ legs.” Zack had been emailing and calling on a burner phone. “Zack is the one who is going to make it so that Hodgins can walk.” Well that’s certainly a twist. One of a few, in this episode.

Booth remains undecided as to whether Zack is guilty or not. But he is of the opinion that what Zack did for Hodgins was nice, regardless. Aubrey reminds Booth that it doesn’t necessarily mean that Zack is innocent. They run through the killer’s M.O. once more. And while the evidence all still points to Zack, Booth is simply not convinced. He wants some outside help from a profiler. As if on cue, Karen Delfs walks back into Booth’s office. She’s back from Kansas City and wants to lend a hand.

Wendell lets Brennan know that he has identified the majority of the bone shards. She wants to know if he has found any evidence to either “exonerate or convict” Zack. He hasn’t. And he informs her that he wasn’t looking for any. “You always taught me to examine the evidence without any preconceived bias.” Brennan is quite pleased with his answer. It cannot be denied that she is an excellent teacher. And the is really proud when she sees the impact she’s made on her students. Brennan then asks for Wendell’s opinion. She has been examining a chipped tooth fragment and found tetracycline banding- evidence of antibiotic use prior to age 8. This banding was not present on any of the victims. So there must be a fourth victim. The plot thickens.

After pouring through the evidence, Karen posits that the killer could have Dissociative Identity Disorder. Although Zack has never been diagnosed, it could be a result of his head trauma. He wouldn’t necessarily be aware of the additional personality, and memory loss is a symptom. “One personality isn’t cognizant of what the other is doing.” Booth wonders about Dr. Faulk, the rather unnerving psychologist from the finale. Karen believes that he too is a viable suspect. His parents were killed when he was 7 years old, and that’s the kind of trauma that could bring on Dissociative Identity Disorder . There was definitely something off about that man, when last we saw him. But a motive remains elusive. Booth wants Faulk to be tracked. At that moment, Booth receives a call from Cam letting him know that Brennan had left the lab.

Booth reaches his wife while she and Wendell are descending the staircase to The Puppeteer’s basement. Booth is more than a little upset that Brennan left without telling himself or Cam. Brennan wasn’t aware she needed permission to leave. She doesn’t. But it’s only been a day since the kidnapping. Booth is understandably upset at this point. They are all under a lot of stress to solve this case. It’s personal. The cost of being wrong about anything at this stage could be detrimental. She assures Booth they are safe since “in all likelihood” Zack is guilty and he is in custody. To be fair, that is the same assumption she made at the end of the previous episode. Brennan went off alone because they believed Dr. Faulk was the killer, and he too was in custody. And we know how that turned out. There is no room for error here. And none of them could be too careful. Booth is not having it. He wants her out of the basement, and rushes out of his office to go get her. We hear Brennan in the background telling him she’s fine, just as Wendell appears to have found something. For some reason I truly expected something awful to happen at that moment. It was a combination of the music and the camera angles (EMILY!). But Wendell had actually just discovered a hidden door. And when the two of them pry open this door, the skeleton of the fourth victim is waiting inside.

At the lab, Brennan and Wendell discover that the victim was a teenage male. This is actually inconsistent with the other victims in this case. Angela wants to make sure to point out that he is (quite obviously) missing the lower half of his body. Evidence on the bone suggests that the victim was killed 10-20 years prior. “So that means this victim predates the others.” And that Zack could have feasibly been in his teens when this young man died. Brennan asks Hodgins to swab for particulate evidence, but has not realized that Hodgins had left long before. Cam got a laugh at the fact that Brennan only now noticed he wasn’t there. “We couldn’t stop you from going.” Even in the most stressful of times, Bones always find a way to properly and appropriately infuse humor.

After learning that Zack was the one consulting on his medical case, Hodgins decides to speak with him face to face. Zack already appears to be acquainted with Karen, which struck me as a little odd. She is surprised he remembers her. Apparently Zack allowed her to interview him for her dissertation. Interesting. “Ms Delfs is just one of many who came to see me. It is odd, but being perceived as a murderous cannibal does have some advantages” I would have to wait to infer anything meaningful from this statement. Hodgins has questions, but refrains from speaking at first. He just stares at his former best friend. He finally asks Zack to look at him. And he tells him that Angela found the emails he sent under Dr. Bancroft’s name. Zack admits that he understands Hodgins’ anger. And I fully expected the entomologist to unleash some degree of rage. But instead, Hodgins commends him for his work. Thanks to his “medical” advice, Hodgins now has feeling in his legs. Zack informs Hodgins that he shouldn’t really be thanking him. Because ultimately the treatment is unlikely to succeed. Zack goes onto explain the science behind the pain he has been feeling. And tells him that he only has a slim chance to ever walk again- “less than 1% that you’ll regain mobility.” Zack’s emotions are coming out, which is sometimes a rarity. I can truly sense that he is saddened by his old friend’s prognosis. He wanted to help him in the only way he knew how. So he tried to give Hodgins “hope,” as he understand that hope can occasionally have healing powers. Everything else aside, it’s really admirable. The lengths he went to in order to help his friend are impressive. Zack is remorseful over his actions at this point, as he fears that all he has done is brought Hodgins pain. I feel as though Hodgins is reconsidering his feelings about Zack and his role in this case.

Hope is really quite an interesting phenomenon. Zack is not usually one to believe in the intangible, but he can believe in scientific evidence resulting from one’s belief in the intangible. Was it wrong to give his friend false hope? Hodgins originally hoped that he would walk again, before losing hope completely last season. He fell into a dark state, and it almost consumed him. Only after he finally made peace with his prognosis did he regain some of that hope once again (a result of “Dr. Bancroft’s” recommendation). But this time I do not believe he will endure that same fate. He is in a good place. And he is too touched by Zack’s actions. Hodgins now understands that his paralysis isn’t a death sentence. It was an adjustment, sure. But he knows he can still live a full life. Would he want to walk again, given the chance? Of course. But if not, he still has it all. I’ll wait to comment more on this, as the story is still developing. But I don’t think it was wrong of Zack to provide Hodgins with a glimmer of hope. Because it came from a good place.

Booth and Brennan return to Dr. Faulk’s office, looking for the suspicious psychiatrist. But the office is dark. As Booth is calling Aubrey to put an APB out on this man, he suddenly emerges from the shadows. He notes that he is glad to see that Brennan is unharmed. But it all seems a bit disingenuous. Or maybe I’m just really turned off by this character at this point. Regardless, I don’t think he cares much about Brennan’s current state. Booth and Brennan question the doctor’s prior relationship with Zack. Dr. Faulk shares that the average murderer has an IQ of 90, and he wanted the chance to confer with one who boasts an IQ twice that. He believes there is nothing strange about his reluctance to mention he had seen Zack in previous interrogations. It wasn’t pertinent. Though I disagree with that. It’s entirely relevant to the case. But Dr. Faulk does find it strange that Brennan didn’t equate the man in her nightmares with Zack- “which could either be denial, or you think Dr. Addy is innocent.” I suppose this is why he was essentially screaming “who is he” at her in the previous episode. Because he knew Zack’s past. And he knew her involvement in Zack’s life as a result of talking with him. Brennan considers the doctor’s words. You can always tell when her brain is hard at work. Is there a part of her that believes Zack is innocent? The evidence certainly isn’t conclusive. Time will tell.

There is something really unsettling about this man. He seems skittish, and quite nervous. He called some uniformed men into his office, and instructed them to escort Booth and Brennan out of the building. But what is he afraid of? What is he hiding? He has also gotten himself a restraining order against Booth for pulling his gun on him. There is just something off. Booth is not giving in that easy. “We’re not done here.” And that is when Dr. Faulk gets nearly sinister. “Word of advice- the person you’re searching for has a pathological need for control. He or she will want to get as close to you as possible to manipulate you.” He smiles at Booth, and warns him to be careful. Brennan lightly puts her hand on her husband and tells him they should go. But Booth stares the psychiatrist down before he leaves. I suspect this was an attempt to both convey he will not be intimidated, and to also get a better read on the man. But Brennan’s touch has a calming effect on her husband, and they leave the room.

Karen comes up with the idea that Zack should consult on the case. But Booth is not having it. Karen assures him that it could go two ways: Either Zack is innocent and doesn’t find anything, or he finds something that they missed. I think there are probably a few more permutations here, but I suppose there is really no harm at this point. Karen believes Zack is guilty, and wants to confront him with what he has done. “Because then maybe his other personality will present itself.” Karen is eager to talk to Zack, and Booth eventually consents. But Booth has other plans. He pulls Aubrey aside, and tells him to investigate why Karen left the Kansas City office. No stone left unturned. No one can really be ruled out in this case. And to be honest, her return was a bit coincidental.

Wendell discovers evidence of severe scoliosis on the most recent (oldest) victim, and Cam notes that she sees no indication of corrective surgery. As for the severed spine, a surgical saw was the likely tool. Cam finds traces of propofol in the tox screen, so it is reasonable to hypothesize that this man died on an operating table. This definitely strays from the pattern of this particular killer. And Angela has found no missing person matching her facial reconstruction. As Hodgins states, they basically have nothing.

Zack has been going through all the evidence in the interrogation room for hours. Brennan comes in to check how he’s doing. And there has been no evidence of any other personality surfacing. Brennan wants to speak with him. Booth thinks it’s a bad idea, while Karen thinks it’s necessary. She wants to keep pushing Zack so that his “alternate” identity comes forth. “What if it’s not him?” “Well...then your wife will be in no danger whatsoever.” Brennan asks Booth once more, as she feels she needs to do this. But Karen pushes her out of the room before he can answer. I suppose the decision has been made for both of them. Zack is happy to see Brennan. He notes how long it’s been since they have worked together. She smiles back at him. While I’m sure she is feeling a “jumble” of different emotions, she is able to keep them in check and calmly engage with her former assistant.

In the interrogation room, Karen asks Zack what he thought of her profile of the killer. But Zack informs her that his opinion is “immaterial.” “My expertise is in forensic anthropology, not psychology.” Karen apologizes but wants to ask one more question- blackouts. She inquires as to whether Zack recalls experiencing any in the last year. He refrains from answering. But Brennan tells him that he must answer the question if they are going to continue working together. Zack admits to certain “lapses in memory,” and attributes them to changes to his medication. He wants to continue. But he appears to be far more agitated than he was when Brennan and Karen first entered the room. She hit a nerve. He continues to “confer” with Brennan on his observations, and seems to violate any semblance of personal space she may have had. It is a bit startling. Why did he need to get so close to her? Karen adopts my own reaction, and looks toward the two-way mirror in Booth’s direction. Aubrey enters the observation room with Booth, and relays some information relative to Karen. When he called the Kansas City office, they said they legally could not comment on why she left. This could imply a number of scenarios, and Booth wants her to remain on the case for the time being. Dr. Roshan then joins the agents with some suspects he wants to run by them. The folder he hands Booth contains profiles of former inmates who all spent a considerable amount of time with Zack during their time at the sanitarium. And each of these inmates suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder. As Booth hands the folder off to Aubrey, there is a frantic knock on the mirror coming from Karen. Booth runs into the interrogation room with the other two men in tow.

Brennan is fine, thankfully. But Zack appears to be in distress. Brennan explains that nothing happened, but that they “may have come to a conclusion.” In tears, Zack tells Dr. Roshan he would like to return to the institution. “This time to maximum security.” After reviewing all the evidence, Brennan and Zack came to the same conclusion- “The evidence is conclusive. He’s guilty.” This was initially a shock to me. Because I knew that Zack could not be the villain. And he definitely had no plans to harm Brennan. Then how could two highly intelligent geniuses come to the same conclusion regarding his guilt? How would this all be resolved without ultimately implicating Zack. The short answer is, whoever was behind all of this knew enough about Zack’s history to set him up.

Aubrey wants to help Booth with the paperwork, but Booth claims he is fine. Even though all the evidence points to Zack, Booth still isn’t so sure Zack is guilty. “It’s just a gut feeling.” But so often, Booth’s gut feelings are spot on. It’s definitely something they should not disregard. “Maybe your gut needs a probiotic.” Thank you, Agent Aubrey. Booth isn’t in the mood for jokes. He understands that Aubrey believes Zack is guilty, but “once again” his gut is telling him something else. The “once again” didn’t get past Aubrey who asked Booth if he thought Zack wasn’t guilty of that first murder either. If that’s the case, his gut is entirely accurate here.

Brennan attempts to enter the bone room, but Karen seems glued to her side. Brennan is not one who appreciates someone shadowing her, and is clearly irritated at this point. She asks Karen to stop following her. But Karen won’t leave, as she just wants to "help” her. I will admit this scene got me for a minute. Thinking back to what Dr. Faulk said, Karen could be a viable suspect. She has definitely influenced the direction of the investigation with her ideas. And her departure from Kansas City is still something of a mystery. But it also just doesn’t feel right. Especially thinking back to her previous episodes. She’s quirky for sure, but a killer? Brennan very gravely requests that Karen leave. This woman is clearly making her nervous. Karen speaks to her in a very “soothing” voice. She assures Brennan that that it’s over, and there’s no more work to be done on this case. She’s safe. Brennan finally comes right out and tells Karen to stay away from her. Karen then requests that Brennan come with her. And that’s about the moment I was yelling expletives at the television because I did account for this particular scenario. Brennan removes herself from Karen’s grip and tells her about Dr. Faulk’s warning. “Someone would insert themselves into the case, manipulate it...the killer would need to feel in control.” Brennan ensures that there is enough space (and a table) between herself and Karen. Karen begins laughing, which could either be because what Brennan is saying is so absurd or because she’s maniacal. It’s not immediately clear. “Are you serious?” Brennan is very serious. She demands to know why Karen left her last job. That’s actually an easy answer- her married boss was hitting on her. So she hit him back. Simple explanation. And now I feel foolish for playing into the show’s hand. For just a moment, they truly had me considering this woman.

Wendell enters the bone room at that moment and wants to make sure Brennan is okay. Karen comments that everything is fine except for “a whole lot of crazy” going on. And Brennan assures him that she’s fine. He actually found something probative on the bones. With Wendell’s discovery, Brennan figures out why there is no lower half to this body. It’s not missing. It never was. This victim was a conjoined twin. Karen chimes in. After being separated from his brother, the killer likely adopted the “dead twin’s” personality. “Zack didn’t do it. Aside from the one on his forehead, he has no scars on his body.” Karen’s mind went a bit too far into the gutter on that one, and notes that she has no desire to learn how Brennan knows this information. I don’t think it’s odd at all. Brennan has a clinical side to her. She undressed Booth in the lab once in order to collect evidence. Though I think that one got her a bit flustered, actually. So I’ll just move on.

The team turns to Angela for the final piece of the puzzle. As Angela is aging her reconstruction of the victim, Hodgins admits he cannot believe Zack didn’t do it. “The killer manipulated us into believing that he did.” Yes, that is right. So whoever really committed these crimes knows Zack “intimately” and knew how to steer the evidence in his direction. He also had to be more intelligent than the average murderer. It was in that moment that everything became clear. With the necessary alterations made to the reconstruction, Brennan also knows exactly who the killer is. She rushes to call Booth.

Side note: I don’t know why it gives me such pleasure to see that her name is “Bones” in Booth’s phone. Why would it be anything else? It wouldn’t. To him, she’s “Bones.” But just to see it makes me incredibly happy. Brennan informs Booth that Zack didn’t commit the murders. It was Dr. Roshan. She has proof, and asks him to trust her. But with both Brennan and his gut telling him the same thing, Booth doesn’t need much more than that. He makes a dramatic U-turn, and is on his way to the sanitarium.

It’s interesting when you finally know who the killer is. I mostly didn’t give this man much thought, though at times he and Dr. Faulk seemed like the only plausible alternatives to Zack. But now he seems so sinister. And Zack appears both doomed and helpless. The doctor wants to administer something to help Zack relax. But we all know that he has other plans. Right before Dr. Roshan can inject the drug, Zack notices the label. It’s succinylcholine, which induces muscle relaxation during surgical procedures. Though when I googled it (yes, I am that serious when I watch this show), there were some articles about how it’s the “world’s most discreet murder weapon.” Because if you’re not in a hospital with respiratory support when the paralysis sets in, you will die. That was a good learning experience. Zack shoves the doctor away from him, and they get into a scuffle. He knocks Roshan to the floor and picks up the syringe. But he cannot inject the doctor. Dr. Roshan takes that opportunity to stab Zack with his pen, and attempts to inject the syringe once more. But Booth shoots Dr. Roshan before he can proceed. Another strike on the cosmic balance sheet. But as always, it was to save another life. Booth saved Zack. And Zack confesses to Booth that he couldn’t kill this man. He was faced with the opportunity, and he couldn’t do it. If he could not kill this man in self-defense, then he likely couldn’t kill the lobbyist in cold blood all those years ago. Well, we already know he didn’t. But Booth is on the same page. My heart aches for Booth every time he is forced to end a life. I know the episode doesn’t dive into that, but every life has a price. Every kill weighs heavily on his heart. And this is why I will always support Brennan’s frequent reminders that he is a good man.

The mood is a somber one back at the Jeffersonian. Cam enters Angela’s office to tell Hodgins and Angela the good news- Zack and Booth are fine. Though Dr. Roshan is clearly not. She notices that the two of them look devastated. Cam asks if Hodgins is okay. He tells her that he’s just really relieved that the case is over. But that’s obviously not it. Angela urges Hodgins to let her know what’s really going on. But he cannot speak the words. So Angela informs Cam that Hodgins has officially lost all feeling in his legs. And it’s probably a permanent change. These people have just been through so much. I know Zack wanted to give Hodgins hope. Hope can be healing. But it can also lead to disappointment as well. When you allow yourself to consider a certain outcome, even if there’s only a slim chance, it hurts just a bit more when it doesn’t turn out the way you imagine. Hodgins is obviously sad. But this isn’t like the last time his dreams of walking again were dashed. He looks at his wife and tells her that he’s okay. “I’m not in pain.” And I think that’s enough for her. She loves Hodgins whether he walks or not. She was just devastated for him. Once again, they have to face another disappointment. It breaks her heart to see him in pain. But like he said, he is okay. He will not revert back to those dark days from all those months ago. They are going to just go on living their life together. This is not a setback. On the bright side, he doesn’t have to endure that excruciating pain any longer. I am still of the opinion that there shouldn’t be a magical miracle cure. This is life. And they are going to go on living their lives, just as they have been. Hodgins paralysis is inconvenient at times. But he doesn’t need to be “fixed.” I don’t care for the implication that people with disabilities are constantly searching for a way out. He lives life a bit differently than he used to. But he still does most everything he used to do as well. I know there are those who just want Hodgins to be happy. And these people cannot seem to catch a break. But Hodgins is happy. Angela makes him happy. His son makes him happy. His friends make him happy. And his job makes him happy. He loves his life. And I think that we should consider that before mourning on behalf of him.

In the final scene, Booth and Brennan are visiting Zack at the institution. Finally. Zack appreciates that it’s not an “adversarial climate.” Brennan informs Zack that given everything that has happened, she is looking into having him transferred- but only if that’s what he wants. Zack goes a little too far and tells the couple that he believes he’s ready to reenter society. But Booth emphasizes that this is just a transfer. "I never killed the lobbyist.” Zack adds that he confessed because he thought he would kill if instructed. We knew that much. But now we have seen firsthand that he cannot kill someone. He had the chance, and his life was threatened. Even then, he could not kill another human. “I’m not capable of killing. Not even to save myself.” Brennan looks at him and tells him she doesn’t believe it. “You confessed!” He did. But he reiterates that he did not kill anyone. And that the evidence from that case should be reexamined. Booth believes him. And assures Zack that they are going to help him. “You served your time.” Zack goes to hug Booth, (I guess he is past whatever disdain he harbored for the man earlier in the episode) but Booth stops him in his tracks. “He doesn’t like hugs.” Unless they are from Brennan. Brennan pats Zack’s shoulder with an open hand. And we know what that communicates from years ago. And that’s it. That’s the premiere.

It was complex, exciting, and dramatic. It was as brilliant as I imagined it would be. That’s a lie. It was obviously more than I ever thought it could be.

I will be the first to admit that I was never dead set on having Zack return. Life is just a lot of loose ends, and closure is an illusion. But I trusted in the writers, and knew the story would make sense. And having seen this episode now, I appreciate this particular loose end being tied up. It has yet to reach a full conclusion. But I thought the story unfolded in a really smart way.

Back to my earlier statement about the teases for this episode. Booth and Brennan still remain on opposite sides of this issue. While Brennan understands that Zack was exonerated for The Puppeteer murders, he still confessed to killing the lobbyist. Why would he lie? The evidence was clear. She will need to be the one to examine the evidence before she can believe him. But Booth understands people- even Zack in this case. That’s really all the tease meant. Booth and Brennan are different. In turn, they are looking at this situation different. Rather than fight about it, I think Booth will find a way to help Brennan reach an objective conclusion about Zack’s innocence based on the evidence. Maybe that’s what the whole “I have faith in you” line is about. The case has been closed for years, but she’s the best. And she can find something to help her friend. Just as with Clark, she will remain objective. But she will search tirelessly for the evidence. That’s the best way she can help Zack.

I have such mixed feelings about this season. Not in terms of quality- NEVER. I absolutely know this will be a gift of a season. I’m not prepared for the emotional toll some of these stories will take on me, but the performances will undoubtedly be stellar. These actors are the most underrated on television. These writers are clever and creative. Everyone on this show wants it to be the best most quality program it can be. Maybe every other show seems that way. But there’s something about the way people talk about the cast and crew of Bones- it’s the real deal. It always has been. From start to...finish? I am not ready to say goodbye. I will never be. Maybe some people can handle it. But it’s a profound loss. This show is a part of me. A part of my life (my REAL life). It’s the only “place” I truly feel at home. It’s the reason I have met some of the best people in the world. It’s the only thing that makes me feel whole. It’s my best friend. It’s my family. And it will be that way forever. Whether it’s today or 50 years from now. But I AM ready for more Bones. I am ready to see these wonderful characters continue their journey through life. Together. I’m ready to witness the laughter and the love. And even the heartache. I’ll reiterate an earlier point- even in their darkest moments, these characters come together and endure. Always. They give me hope. They have inspired me, and will continue to do so throughout my life. It is because of them that I have this life today. It’s because of them that I have any life at all. I digress. All I am saying is that I am ready for ALL of it. Levity and angst. Because every single second we have left is precious. And every moment will be brilliant.

#bonestv #bones #12x01 #the hope in the horror #recap #review #thoughts #dunno #i'm baaaaack

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