David Boreanaz: “Bones Is At A Great Place And Can Even Get Better”

Bones star David Boreanaz hosted a conference call for reporters earlier this week to talk about the return of new episodes, directing the 100th episode (airing April 8th), and clearing up some comments about the Booth/Brennan relationship. He sounded exhausted and had to keep clearing his throat, evidence of the long hours the cast and creative team are putting in as they film the season finale. Even under the weather, though, Boreanaz was gracious. He extended the call a few minutes to make sure everyone had a chance to ask a question, and closed with heartfelt thanks to the fans and the reporters for supporting the show.

Note: Because we were discussing episodes that haven’t aired yet, there are a few minor spoilers below.

With that milestone 100th episode looming, Boreanaz talked a little about the significance of it and some challenges in filming. Weather forced them to change locations for one scene, which he felt turned out well, and there’s a wide-angle shot at the end that he felt captured his vision. As far as feeling any pressure, he said that while he “was very fortunate to be able to direct [that episode],” it fell to him as part of the normal rotation of directors, and he approached it as he would any other project, with lots of preparation and thought about how to put his own stamp on the episode. Asked about the two kissing scenes in that episode, with a smile in his voice he said, “I think the audience is going to be very pleased; I sure was.”

Bones stars Emily Deschanel & David Boreanaz

It’s obvious from Boreanaz’s comments that he is passionate about Bones. He and co-star Emily Deschanel have put in many hours honing the characters’ relationship, which translates so well on screen that fans are eager for Booth and Bones to move into a romantic relationship. Recently Boreanaz has been quoted as saying he doesn’t want the two of them to get together, which naturally had fans upset. Fortunately he was able to clarify his comments:

“I see them and they really pretty much are together,” Boreanaz said. “I think the two of them kind of work really great off of each other [already] and I’m not saying I don’t want to see them together. I think everybody wants to see them together in a different way, whether that’s as a couple, in a relationship [or something else]. It’s great to see them solve these crimes, it’s also great to see them get into their personal lives. But for right now, I still maintain they should be partners, and we’ll see what happens after the season, where they’ll go.

“The development of the show has spanned from trying to make it a procedural, which FOX wanted in the beginning, to a relationship-driven show. That was the hard work that Emily and I do. It’s really about making the show better by making the relationship better. It’s always about going back to the relationship. It’s at a great place and can even get bigger and better.”

Here are some other Bones tidbits:

Boreanaz’s ideal guest stars: James Garner, Brian Dennehy, and Elaine Stritch

Asked about the upcoming high school reunion episode, “Death of the Queen Bee”, Boreanaz chuckled and said it was “great to go back to [Bones’] space and see how Booth reacted to some of the people she was in high school with.” He also revealed that “there may be a nice dance between me and her.”

On Eric Millegan’s return: “It was great to have him back. He had to wear that suit for quite some time – took a couple blows with a baseball bat. He was a real trooper. I think that his character is really valuable – is, was, has been from the beginning. He was a great addition to have in the 100th and going back and seeing his relationship, how that evolved with Hodgins, was a lot of fun and I think he did a great job and it was great to see him back in his scrubs.”

On the season finale: “There will be a big shift … with everybody. We shot the last scene last week and it was very moving, it was very hard to get through. But I think it’s going to elevate these characters even more so [in] the next season.”

For Bones trivia fans, Boreanaz also revealed the contents of Booth’s pocket and why each item is meaningful to the character, save one:

• Gold zippo lighter – reminiscent of his training days in the Army
• Poker chip – reminds him of his gambling issues
• Dice – carried in right pocket; Booth fiddles around with the dice while interrogating people; another reference to is gambling days
• St. Christopher medal – Booth is “a religious kind of guy”
• Wittenauer watch – bears an inscription, but Boreanaz wouldn’t say what it is because that just might come out in a later episode

Bones returns tonight on Fox at 8/7c.