BONES: Stephen Nathan Previews Brennan’s ‘Emotional Upheaval,’ the Sniper’s Victim(s), a Valentine’s Day Episode and More
November 18, 2010 by Marisa Roffman
In the months since the powers-that-be behind BONES started teasing the upcoming Brennan point of view episode, fans have been speculating what the heck will go down.
BONES star Michaela Conlin was hesitant to discuss it during our chat. Thankfully, executive producer Stephen Nathan was far more willing to talk about the hour. Based on what he said, it appears the final result is a bit different than what they initially intended to do when the episode was first conceived. Regardless, it sounds as if the hour will be getting a definite reaction from viewers.
Read on for Nathan’s take on that, the return of the Gravedigger, the sniper, when Cyndi Lauper might return, their Valentine’s Day episode and much more…
How do you feel things are going on BONES this season?
Stephen Nathan: I think they’re fine! Last I looked, nothing has collapsed.
The ratings seem to be holding up, so that should be a good sign.
SN: We’re happy with where the season is going and where we’re going in the future. It’s nice to be in the middle of season six and still be excited about doing the show.
Yeah, so let’s talk what’s coming up! Last season, we saw Booth struggle a bit under the weight of his feelings for Brennan. He was really only able to hold out until episode 16, when he told her how he felt. Brennan has an exceptionally steep learning curve but it seems like she’s becoming more aware of her own feelings for him this year. Would it be fair to say that she might crack sooner than he did?
SN: [pause] Ah, yes. Yeah. I think that within the next few episodes, there’s a big, emotional upheaval coming for Brennan. Something where she is forced, because of a case, to examine her own life, to examine the…I wouldn’t say “sheltered” way, but the kind of hyper-independent way she’s led her life. Seemingly not needing anyone.
On that note, let’s talk about episode nine. Is it actually told from Brennan’s point of view?
SN: It’s all from Brennan’s point of view, basically. It’s an episode where she is investigating a murder of a person she believes is so [much like] herself that she views it almost as herself. And she’s forced to look at herself in a way she never has before.
Will we be seeing exactly how she views the other characters?
SN: Well, it’s very difficult to describe. It’s a traditional BONES episode on one hand, but it’s very different on another: in tone, in mood and the real introspective nature of it for Brennan. It is all how she sees it, but it’s not one of those episodes where it’s shot in a bizarre way where we’re inside her head and it’s literally from her point of view from a visual sense. But emotionally, the whole thing is from her point of view. You’re with her the whole episode.
And everyone seems to be hyping up how huge this episode is and how much fans are going to be talking about it…
SN: I think people who have been fans of the show for quite awhile will like it because it really draws you in to Brennan. It gives you a whole new perspective on her and it’s an episode where she sees something new. For somebody who feels like they have the whole world in control, who feels that they have a logical explanation for everything, she is forced to confront the fact that we aren’t in control and sometimes a logical explanation is not enough.
It seems like this is leading to a big moment for Booth and Brennan —
SN: Yeah.
Do you anticipate a reaction as big as the reaction the 100th ep received?
SN: I don’t know. That’s up the fans. I can’t really say. We’re just thrilled with the episode. We think it came out very, very well. Emily [Deschanel (Brennan)] is just spectacular. Ian [Toynton] did a wonderful job directing it and we’re just really happy with it. This year has been a surprise for us, as well. The show has taken us to a whole new place. We’re not just spinning our wheels. We feel it’s forced us to examine new things and — it’s new to us, the show again. We’re really lucky. BONES is the show that keeps on giving. [Laughs] At least to us!
Indeed. And I know you’re bringing back the Gravedigger in early ’11. Did you write that episode?
SN: No, I didn’t write that one. That episode is — that’s going to set up a whole new thing with the sniper for Booth. Because Booth was a sniper, so now we have a sniper confronting another sniper. And there aren’t very many who were as adept as Booth, who is coming to terms with what it means to be a sniper and how [this other person] has perverted that profession. And in such a huge way. This is something that’s going to be gnawing at Booth for the remainder of the season, it’s going to be his mission to get this guy for numerous reasons. One, to bring him to justice and two, to understand what happened inside the mind of this sniper to make him the way he is.
Of course you know I have to ask whether Brennan’s letter is brought up, given the fact that the Gravedigger is returning.
SN: The Gravedigger has a very different function in this episode.
So the letter isn’t brought up?
SN: No, it’s not really about Brennan. It’s not a traditional Gravedigger episode.
The alleged identity of one of the sniper’s victims has leaked online. Will that be the only person whom we know that is killed off or is one of our own still in danger of being killed?
SN: We didn’t say killed off. We never said killed. We said there would be a victim, something would happen to them. And there is still a threat out there for one of our own and there will still be a threat throughout this season for one of our own.
Very interesting. And is Emily still set to direct episode 14?
SN: She’s still set to direct it at this point, definitely.
Do you know what her episode will be about?
SN: Well, we’re actually in the process of constructing that episode now. That episode is going to be very complicated because she’s in it and directing it. We’re not exactly sure which one it’s going to be, but there are a couple we’re dealing with right now.
Is there any word on when Cyndi Lauper might make her return as Avalon?
SN: We’re trying to figure out Cyndi’s schedule. We’re thinking about maybe episode 17, which would be [shooting] in February sometime. We’re trying to line up all the people that we love to bring them back, [like] Billy Gibbons. Billy Gibbons is going to be a grandpa!
I know!
SN: We gotta get Grandpa Billy back!
Right! When I talked with Hart back in September, he mentioned that you guys really wanted Cyndi back for the 8th episode so she could deliver a piece of crucial information. Did you find a way to deliver that without her, or is that being put on hold until she can come back?
SN: We still want to use Cyndi in a very, very specific way. So we haven’t taken anything away from her yet. We haven’t taken something away from Cyndi and given it to somebody else.
Very good to know. And will Elon Gold return as Paul? I know you mentioned you hoped to have him back, but a recent episode seemed to suggest that Cam is looking for a boyfriend…
SN: He is coming back, he will be in the next episode we’re shooting. We’ll find out what’s been happening with them. It’s kind of been an off-again, on-again thing. They like each other very much, but they’ve both been very busy and they’re going to have to deal with that. We love Elon [Gold (Paul)], he’s fabulous so we’re just thrilled to have him back.
Absolutely. He and Cam were cute together. And I know it’s in the early stages now, but is there anything you can tease about the Valentine’s Day episode?
SN: The Valentine’s Day episode at this point is going to be something about a wedding planner.
Oh, the episode that Josh Berman has been working on?
SN: Yep!
You have gotten some great guest stars this year. Is there anyone you hope to have on in the second half of the season?
SN: Well, you know, there are all the people we would love to have back: Billy Gibbons, Cyndi Lauper. David Alan Grier, we just loved. We’d love to be able to get him back as well. There’s no one we have set at this point because it’s all in the future and, with network television, it just happens in that week or two. But you’ll know when we get a good person.
–
So what do you think, BONES fans? Are you looking forward to Brennan’s point of view episode? The Gravedigger’s return? The start of the sniper arc?
Let’s chat.
And keep coming back to Give Me My Remote for more on BONES, including a second installment of our chat with Stephen Nathan.
Related:
BONES: Michaela Conlin on the Brennan-Angela Friendship and the Hannah Factor
BONES: Michaela Conlin, TJ Thyne and Tamara Taylor Talk a Bumpy Pregnancy and Baby Hodgela
BONES: Do Booth and Brennan Love Each Other?
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In regards to the Brennan-centric episode, I have not been this excited to see an episode since rumors about the premise of the 100th started circulating.
For the first time this season I am absolutely giddy! 🙂
brennan will not admit her feelings for booth till hannah gone.
for show 7 hope hannah keeps traveling with the president,if we are lucky.
I hope Hannah gets pushed off a cliff. I want her to get lost, but I’ll always love Bones.
Completely agree with Alanna on this one. This is the first episode I’m truly stoked about this season. I haven’t been overly impressed with Bones so far. I think things have been a little off. But this sounds like a really interesting and intriguing premise. Can’t wait.
This also is the first episode I have anticipated since S6 began. I think ED can pull all this emotion off realistically and with ease. I don’t think she’ll tell Booth she loves him, but she might tell him she’s open to love and letting someone into her life, and that might bring thoughts to Booth that she has changed. God, I hope so. I’m so tired of this dance.
I’ve made a promise to myself that if B&B aren’t “together” and/or obviously getting there by the end of the season; or, if Booth or HB proposes and the other accepts, I’m outta there. I’ve already lost interest in the show, no longer anticipate it like a completely obsessed fan, so turning the channel will not stress me out. Come on, SN & HH, bring us some B&B.
dont expect hannah to be around for the proposal,hate the idea of a 5 week hiatus,but expect better show in january,.
I just can’t imagine Hannah is going anywhere. The producers seem to really, really LOVE her. Despite what anyone else says.
UGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the sniper really made me upset! when i heard that someone was going to die, i was excited! they could really pivot from that point, lots of drama without being too soap-opera. now, i hear there just going to be shot? BLECHH! im dissapointed, but I STILL LOVE BONES<333 and i hope hannah leaves soo, i mean seriously, the 7th ep is on tonight, let her go.
I have to agree, the brennan episode sounds like the first that I’ll actually want to watch this season. Hannah has killed what I loved best about the show, the booth/brennan moments. Tonight I actually hated Booth when he said he was ditching his friends to go be with Hannah, that is not the Booth we know. Somewhere after season 4 the show became so much more focused on the comedy and separating booth/brennan that it lost all the qualities that made it must watch tv for me. I used to wait for the show each week, but honestly that spot has now been taken over by castle, which makes me miss what bones used to be even more.
Thank you Steven Nathan for giving us news that wants me to watch Bones forever. Episode 9 is going to the first episode in season 6 that would be worth watching and loosing sleep over. I have DVD of all the seasons but I was hesitating to get season 6 but with all the interesting episodes coming up, I might change my mind. Keep it up, Steven Nathan.
The Brennan-centric episode is the first one this season that I actually want to watch…the rest of the season? Let’s say I just trying to resist every episode, but with Hannah in the middle, Booth being an ass and all this stupid desire of HH and SN to make Hannah lovable (without success of course) are making this show so hard to watch…I am so tired of this, I used to enjoy Bones, lately the show only cause me pain and make me angry…angry like never before.
I love seeing Brennan evolve, but the new Booth and his GF is horrible…and they think Hannah is a strong woman…please…the way she acted in the hospital, like a spoiled child is just annoying beyond words.
In order to fix my crushed heart, I watch The Big Bang theory…but you know, I am just a noisy bone’s fan, and for that, according to HH my opinion doesn’t matter…
Alleged sniper victim’s identity leaked online???? WTH???? Where???? If anyone knows pls let me knw!
Didn’t? Brennan deal quite a bit with her independent-not-needing-anybody tendency in the season five Christmas episode. I loved that episode. She came to the conclusion that she needed people in her life, no one should be alone, goes to that guy’s funeral…. Oh, that’s right, the 100th was a reset so anything before it never happened. My bad.
I’m sure this point of view episode will be interesting for it’s own sake. Watching Emily get to really shine is always great. As for the new insight, it doesn’t seem that new, nor does it make me interested in what comes after. No matter what strides Brennan might take, the writers can reset characters whenever they want – and they do. Heck, they can completely change a character’s core believe system if they want – just look at Booth this season. There used to be consistency in character development, but this is the second major reset they’ve done. Once bitten, twice shy.
as much as I DONT see the booth,hannah relationship as a positive ,i AM going to changed my way of thinking about it and just try to accept that hannah is BRENNAN peter or MICHAEL AND WHAT MISTAKES THEY WERE FOR HER.
Not going to watch episode 8 as I’m so over Hannah and rude, boorish Booth. No humour or lightness in the show at all at present. Episode 9 will probably be interesting but having listened to SN and HH mislead fans for 5 series I’m not in the mood to believe SN and I doubt much will change. They’ve ruined what used to be the best show on tv.
Here’s been the layout for each season of Bones so far:
Season 1- friendship, sexual humor, and a bit of tension near the end
Season 2- friendship, sexual humor, and a bit more tension
Season 3- friendship, sexual humor, and much more *sexual* tension
Season 4- ” “, ” “, SEXUAL TENSION
Season 5- borderline relationship, lots of emotion, and S-E-X-U-A-L T-E-N-S-I-O-N
Season 6- …um… maybe some humor?
After last season’s ending, I honestly didn’t expect much for Bones. I felt a character like Hannah was going to come into the picture and I knew the producers/directors were going to drag out B&B as long as possible. And… they’ve done it.
Instead of stopping all of my plans like last season (to which I refused to go to a free concert because of the 100th episode), this one I admit I’ve slacked on watching the new episodes. The intense pressure to turn on the TV an hour ahead of time to make sure I don’t forget which channel, to set an alarm on my phone, and to write the event down in my planner has faded.
Now, I *might* catch up on the epis on hulu, or just read through the recaps and see if it seems like a good episode to waste my time on. So far, I’ve come to the conclusion that if SN & HH don’t let at least a tiny *inkling* of B&B this season, I just want Sully to come back, sweep Bones off her feet (ha! that’d be a sight to see) and they can go cahoozle all the way to the Caribbean. And then Booth and Hannah can be miserable together, because we can all see that he’s just trying to find someone that’s not like Brennan so he doesn’t have to think about her constantly. Which… I wish he would, because now my favorite F.B.I. agent is becoming some nagging, old man. *sigh*
All in all, I’m not pumped for the new Brennan-centric epi, per say, but since it seems to be a change in the storyline for once, I will definitely watch it. I might even set an alarm…
I think someone with Hannah’s looks, smarts, and abilities has a past bigger than Booth and Brennan put together. I think someone like Sully or even better, should come out of the woodwork and sweep her off to an island somewhere and make her wildest dreams come true…leaving B&B to make their own dreams a reality. What a nice way to end the interlude Booth has, so he can be the strong man he normally is (Hannah has a way of making him mush) and insist that Bones deal with her feelings for him.
Wow, all this hate for Hannah! I kinda like her, actually. And I think it was absolutely necessary for the Booth/Brennan relationship that Brennan see him with someone. It’s been the opposite virtually the entire time, with Brennan hooking up with guys here and there, and Booth sitting quietly on the sidelines. So it’s a very welcome change of pace.
And, really, did any of us expect the writers to put Booth and Brennan together before the show was coming to an end? Are you really surprised that it’s being dragged out? It’s as if you all haven’t watched any show on television for the last thirty years. This is how it always goes. The show has been as good this season as just about any other, in my opinion.
I’m really disappointed in Booth’s response to Brennan.
Also, what happened to the sperm that she was going to use of Booth’s?
I’d like to see Brennan hook up with Sully. They were great together. If Booth asks Hannah to marry him, I’m out of here.
Oh My !! All of us hate Hannah. Look closely……she’s NOT Booth’s type, he just hasn’t realized it yet. Typical man, go where it’s free and easy. Sadly, Brennan hasn’t been aggressive enough. She has now been slapped back to reality. Maybe too late. Nope, the writers won’t let that happen. I, too, have been very disappointed as to where this has gone. Hannah HAS TO HAVE some skeletons in her closet that just might open Booth’s eyes. She has not revealed the real Hannah…yet. She’s not that crazy about Booth’s son either. That won’t last with Booth. And don’t forget, she probably can’t do a cannonball in the pool.
Honestly, I don’t care anymore. I got tired of the tease. I don’t know why writers do these “will they/won’t they” romantic plots. Why can’t they get together, solve crimes as a couple, and have other problems to deal with that challenge them as individuals?
If the writers don’t want Booth and Bones together that’s fine, but end the tease. Its irritating especially in season 6. IMO I don’t think they will ever get together. I do like Hannah and I think that the writers have ended it for Booth and Brennan.
I think Hannah is a way for the writers to make fans realize that Booth and Bones won’t be together. I like the actress, she’s a good actress, and a very strong, independent character. I also think there’s a small chance that she might get killed off on one of her investigations, and Booth and Bones will be together eventually. But I don’t think they will be together.
The writers have shown that over and over again. Do I care if Bones and Booth are together anymore? Nope. I like Hannah and I think she’s a great match for Booth. Katheryn is a great actress, she’s pretty, smart, talented, passionate. I hope they keep her.
In life people have regrets, they miss some chances in life, and I think that’s what’s happening with Bones. In this way the show is realistic. I actually like that Booth is staying loyal to Hannah and not ditching her. With this last episode I hope that Bones takes a chance on love with a good guy, because who really wants to be alone without someone to love?
I don’t even care if its not with Seeley, she needs to find and accept love.
Brennan & Booth each have their own way of dealing with things yes things do drag on but so does life in the every changing busy paced lives we lead. We notice thru each season there is changes. Brennan is just now noticing her “heart-muscle” missing Booth’s presence more and more but we also see Booth absolutely HATES Brennan with another man like the episode with the cougar get-together he got protective. Those protective feelings will show with the Gravedigger return and the sniper bc this is Bones people. Bones are connected in the skeleton as are these characters in these scripts in the heart by the writers. We all have different options No I didn’t agree with the Hannah move but I think since they played that off that Brennan needs a new evaluation and a good “make over or event day” to change how he see these woman so Booth recognizes the difference in these women.(Maybe a gala event where she gets to doll up and show off and Booth has to bring Hannah to show the difference in their attitudes) Hannah truly earned disrespect when the Demand of Brennan’s sunglasses in the hospital scene. I think Brennan broke down in her recent dr in the photo series crying for the first time about matters of the heart scene so it is Booths terms now. We all know we can’t have our cake and eat it too that’s kind of like what this series shows us in life not everything just comes to us when we want it. Bringing Sully back may play out well or frind someone that Booth doesn’t know and start separating them more between their new lives. So they can see each other only while at work in a hurry to get back to the person they are interested in. Brennan needs someone that would make Booth jealous..tell his pride…maybe someone built like him but less demanding of Brennan like Mark Wahlberg played off as a military man himself meeting her at a nice event someone that Booth couldn’t protest against without a very good reason of his own. But forgive me this is only my opinion these two main character are great actor/actresses they maintain the parts well.