Review: Bones, Season 6, Ep 18 - "The Feet on the Beach"

Air Date: Thursday, April 7, 2011 9PM E/P

Grade: ★★★★★

FINALLY! After what seemed like ages, Bones is finally back with all new episodes and they did not spare any disgusting details for our longing eyes to feast on. Watching Bones makes me wish I were better at math and science. I want to be a science geek!

Ah, the sweet stench of ‘de-FEET.’ “The Feet on the Beach” – after seven pairs of dismembered feet wash up on the shore of the US-Canada border, Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) run into some interference when one of the pairs ends up on the Canadian side. The scorned Dr. Fillmore (guest star Scott Lowell), resident Canadian forensic podiatrist, refuses to relinquish them to Brennan. I don’t blame him especially considering Brennan previously degraded his life’s work in a medical journal. Lowell’s portrayal of an embittered and slated man of science is extraordinary. I really enjoyed him in this episode and wouldn’t mind seeing him return for future episodes. The constant mantra of “I’m Canadian” is just so funny because of the preconceived notion that ALL Canadians are super nice. However, I do so enjoy Brennan’s arrogance because she really believes her point of view is the correct one and refuses to apologize. Watching the humorous diatribe between Fillmore and Brennan cracks me up; it’s so entertaining to see these two try to one up each other over analyzing the rotting feet. It’s obvious she deems herself superior but she does it so endearingly, it’s difficult to be mad at her.

Review: Bones, Season 6, Ep 18 - "The Feet on the Beach" 1

L-R: Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) work with a forensic podiatrist from Canada, Dr. Douglas Filmore (guest star Scott Lowell)

Dr. Sweets (John Francis Daley) and Booth insist Brennan apologize to Fillmore especially knowing her refuting his work caused paralysis in his arm. She’s literally paralyzed the poor man with her words. Sweets also tries to help Fillmore by telling him he needs to confront Brennan. But, he’s Canadian. (chuckle)

One pair of the feet lead to a pair of $2000 sneakers and their murdered owner, a grad student at the University of Hogansburg, which also houses a body farm. What’s a body farm you ask? It’s a whole field of decomposing bodies in varying stages of decomposition from water, garbage, or the most disgusting – sitting in a damp environment while under the sun. The child-like enthusiasm Brennan displays is so gosh darn cute. It reminds me of a kid who’s going to Disneyland for the first time. When one of the bodies explodes from distension, she jumps up and down excitedly while Booth is trying to not lose his lunch.

Review: Bones, Season 6, Ep 18 - "The Feet on the Beach" 2

Do you really need me to describe this photo? (barf)

The usual suspects are rounded up: the professor, Dr. Peter Simpkins (guest star Tahmus Rounds), who runs the body farm; the PhD candidate, Norman Hayes (guest star Michael Welch); the deceased’s former roommate Kent Durham (guest star Hank Harris); and the grounds keeper, Mr. Wolfram (David Ury). I’ll admit, I immediately suspected Professor Simpkins and Norman because they worked at the body farm with the deceased, but after seeing Mr. Wolfram and Kent, I wasn’t so sure anymore.

One of the other story lines tonight is the revelation of Cam’s (Tamara Taylor) secret when Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) accidentally receives the acceptance letter from Columbia for Cam’s daughter Michelle (Tiffany Hines). Hodgins slays me with the “disappointed look” he gives Cam. Sweets flat out refuses to give Cam advice because he thinks she’s wrong for “cheating” to get Michelle into Columbia. Cam is new at being a mom and it’s so funny how she fumbles when giving advice to Michelle on her break-up. I find it interesting how all the major science geeks have some issues with comforting others in distress. Their logical minds take precedence rather than letting their compassion lead the way.

It makes me smile to see how Booth tries to help Brennan be more “human,” to show more compassion, and to try and let others see what he sees. In turn, Brennan shares her wealth of knowledge, which, as we know, is extremely valuable in solving cases for the FBI. The resolution of the case is surprising and Fillmore finally tells Brennan what he thinks of her – “you are a close-minded and thoughtless person.” Although Brennan does admit she was a bit harsh in her assessment of Fillmore in the article, she doesn’t actually say “I’m sorry,” which I think is a key point in her continued struggle with her own feelings of compassion.

One of my favorite lines of this episode comes from Fillmore when he tells Cam her shoes are lovely.

“The average increase in the protrusion of a woman’s buttocks is 25% when wearing high-heeled shoes.”

I love how “The Feet on the Beach” explores such a wide range of scenarios to fully illuminate the importance of the field of study in the forensic sciences. It’s so fascinating to me because I barely passed Algebra II and squeaked by with a C+ in both chemistry and biology. I had no idea there were such insects like green tea ants and drone flies. I’m more into world history and English. Bones is my weekly window into letting the inner wanna-be science geek in me frolic.

Tune into Bones, Thursdays at 9PM E/P only on FOX

[nggallery id=19]

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.