Bones' Most Influential Guest Star That Altered the Show Dramatically

Article Summary

Max Kennan's criminal past adds a level of moral grayness to Bones, forcing Brennan to question her values and understand criminals' motivations.

Played by Ryan O'Neal, Max's recurring appearances hold great significance as they contribute to a more profound narrative conclusion, offering insight into Brennan's motivations and the justice system.

Through his limited yet impactful presence at pivotal moments, such as Brennan's wedding and the birth of her daughter, Max highlights his crucial role in shaping the series and fostering Brennan's personal development.

The appeal of procedural crime dramas like Bones lies in the fact that each episode revolves around a unique case that the characters must solve. While some cases may be more intriguing than others, it is rare for an episode to introduce a larger storyline that unfolds throughout an entire season. This format allows new viewers to jump in at any point, but it can be challenging for loyal viewers to feel a sense of progression after investing years into the show. How have the characters evolved over the course of ten seasons? What experiences have shaped them into the individuals they are today? These questions were answered by the introduction of Max Keenan, portrayed by the renowned actor Ryan O’Neal, who played Temperance Brennan’s (Emily Deschanel) father. Through his limited presence on the show, O’Neal brought about a change in dynamics and shed light on the protagonist's upbringing.

Image via FOXBones

Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, partners with F.B.I. Special Agent Seeley Booth to assemble a team dedicated to solving murder cases. In many instances, their investigations revolve around decaying flesh and skeletal remains.

Release Date: September 13, 2005

Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, John Boyd, Michaela Conlin, Tamara Taylor, T.J. Thyne

Main Genre: Comedy

Seasons: 12

Who Is Max Keenan?

Fox

Throughout Bones, it is revealed that Max and his wife, Ruth, were career criminals who went into hiding after a series of bank robberies. Despite Max's dangerous skills, he was originally guilty of burglary rather than murder. Their crimes exposed a corruption conspiracy interconnected with the FBI, showing that Max and Ruth had motivations beyond personal gain. Despite considering himself a Robin Hood-like figure, Max's actions led to his absence during Brennan's childhood. As a result, Brennan grew up unaware of the truth behind her father's actions and blamed him for his absence.

In Bones, the gradual revelation of information surrounding Max is skillfully done. Brennan's first heartfelt discussion about her father coincides with a crucial point in her relationship with her partner, Agent Seeley Booth. Both Booth and Brennan come from broken homes and have taken responsibility for their younger siblings. Brennan has lost contact with her brother Russ, and Booth has been looking after his alcoholic brother Jared, who has had legal troubles. Booth empathizes with the difficulty Brennan faces in acknowledging her upbringing. She fears that she may follow the same path as her father, which strengthens her determination to use her skills for the greater good and bring the most ruthless serial killers to justice in the show.

Max’s Backstory Explains Brennan’s Motivations

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Max's backstory sheds light on Brennan's determination to solve crimes. She believes that the justice system failed her in her youth, as her parents' crimes had a negative impact on her upbringing. As she grows older, Brennan realizes that her father's actions, despite being misguided, were meant to protect her. Although Max's unconventional ways of expressing it, he felt compelled to adopt a criminal lifestyle in order to provide for his family when other options were limited. This reinforces Brennan's belief in the importance of uncovering the truth in every case she solves; she believes that knowing the truth from the start would have improved her relationship with her father. Seeking the truth requires proof, and Brennan has dedicated her entire career to using scientific principles to decipher human behavior.

While earlier seasons of Bones focused more on episodic content, Max's recurring appearances hinted at a more significant overarching narrative. Max only appeared in a few episodes each season, as the show remained true to its procedural format. His presence brought a moral complexity to the show, forcing Brennan to question her values. She realizes that the law isn't always just, that criminals sometimes have valid reasons, and that truth and justice are not always synonymous. Within his limited capacity, Max challenges the core concept of the series and makes Brennan more relatable as a character. Although Brennan's blunt nature could have made her less appealing as a protagonist, Max's appearances demonstrate why she struggles to understand human emotions. Her emotional barriers stem from her stunted development as a result of her past experiences.

Max Appears in the Most Important ‘Bones’ Moments

Max, while not suited for a leading role in the series, played a significant part in several impactful storylines that altered the series' tone. Booth's arrest of Max in the second season led Brennan to delve deeper into her father's history, ultimately prompting both her and Booth to question the FBI's methods. As they realized that a more unconventional approach was sometimes necessary to solve crimes, Max gradually became their ally, albeit with limited opportunities to interact. Max's infrequent appearances only served to emphasize his importance; whenever he did show up, it was evident that it was for a pivotal moment in Brennan's life.

Max arrives at Brennan's wedding with Booth, implying that he will seek revenge on Booth if he fails to take care of her. This moment exemplifies the series' talent for blending dark humor and emotion. Max's presence at the birth of Brennan's daughter, Christine, marks a significant progression in their relationship. O'Neal delivers a remarkable performance in this role, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Despite his previous success in 1970s classics like Love Story, Paper Moon, and What's Up, Doc?, his recent filmography has been somewhat lacking. Bones provides him with the opportunity to portray a crucial fatherly figure, altering the overall mood of the series. Bones can be streamed on Hulu in the United States.

Editor's P/S

Max Keenan, portrayed by Ryan O'Neal, is a pivotal character in the crime drama series "Bones" who significantly impacts the show and its protagonist, Temperance Brennan. Max, Brennan's father, is a career criminal who went into hiding after a series of bank robberies. Despite his absence during Brennan's childhood, his influence on her life and the show is undeniable.

The introduction of Max Keenan in "Bones" adds depth and moral complexity to the series. Through his limited yet impactful appearances, Max challenges Brennan's values and forces her to question her understanding of criminals and the justice system. Brennan's complicated relationship with her father and her desire to uncover the truth drive her determination to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice.