Bones actress Emily Deschanel is currently rewatching the popular Fox series and openly addressing various flaws and criticisms associated with it. Despite having concluded in 2017, the show still maintains a strong fan base, which became evident when discussions about a Bones revival recently gained significant attention. Deschanel, who portrayed Temperance "Bones" Brennan alongside David Boreanaz, is actively keeping the support alive by collaborating with fellow actor Carla Gallo, who had a recurring role as Daisy Wick, on a Bones rewatch podcast.
During a recent interview with TV Insider to promote their podcast titled "Boneheads", Deschanel shared her ongoing experience of revisiting episodes of the Fox drama. While she expresses her genuine affection for the show, she does acknowledge certain aspects that she doesn't particularly appreciate. Specifically, Deschanel refers to the storyline in Bones that involves terrorism. Her complete statement can be found below.
I appreciate the fact that I can now watch the show without being overly critical. I have developed an affection for both the show and myself during that time. My perspective on it has changed and I have gained a newfound appreciation for the show. It was a significant part of my life, so I hope to enjoy rewatching the episodes, which I actually do now. It has been a journey of personal growth for me to revisit the show.
However, I have also noticed some challenging episodes that contain elements I don't particularly like. Looking back, I realize that there were instances where the show addressed terrorism in a way that didn't resonate with me. I can't recall how I felt about it at the time, but it may have made me uncomfortable. As we revisit the episodes, we are examining them through a lens of both affection and criticism. While I haven't formed a complete perspective on the show as a whole yet, I can say that overall, my fondness for it has increased and I now appreciate it even more.
Bones Was Sadly Part Of A Common Approach At The Time
Deschanel does not provide specific details on what troubled her about these particular episodes. However, when considering the television landscape at the time, it is possible that the actor is referring to the ways in which Bones and similar shows portrayed Muslims in a simplistic and negative manner. Shows like 24 and The West Wing were particularly guilty of this, given their political nature, but Bones also had its own shortcomings.
Muslim characters on the Fox show were frequently subjected to demeaning jokes or outright Islamophobia. Sometimes, this was done in a way that allowed the Muslim character to educate other characters on their prejudices. Even if this was well-intentioned, it often reduced the Muslim characters to simply reacting to the hate directed towards them.
Shows like The Terminal List continue to perpetuate reductive and insulting portrayals. However, there is a glimmer of positivity with the emergence of dramedies such as Mo, Ramy, and Ms. Marvel. These shows authentically depict Muslims as fully developed characters with their own complexities. Additionally, it is commendable that Deschanel acknowledges the shortcomings of Bones, and it will be intriguing to witness how she addresses them in the rewatch podcast.