What Can We Learn From Bones (Revised)
Can A Television Show Teach Us Important Life Lessons
Fox aired Bones from 2005 to 2017, a television show that is still popular in syndication today. Despite what you may say about crime shows, I feel there was something special about Temperance Brennan, played by Emily Deschanel, who rocked the role. We notice from the first episode that Dr Brennan is a little different, she’s extremely intelligent but has a very low emotional EQ and is more than a little awkward socially. According to an interview with Hart Hanson by Screen Rant, he based Temperance Character on a friend with Asperger’s Syndrome. However, it was only alluded to and never really addressed. The way they handled this was definitely something I felt could have been improved.
It was also unique in that the show borrowed storylines from forensic anthropologist and Best Selling Author Kathy Reichs. In fact, Temperance Brennan was losely based on her too.
As I mentioned earlier, Temperance Brennan was quite socially awkward, blunt often and not thinking about how her statements would affect others, but she was not cold, despite the fact that it may seem that way at first. She simply says what she thinks without thinking about the consequences of her words. For us, it may seem that she wants others to suffer or that she doesn’t want to feel what others do. At times, her awkwardness makes her at odds with her best friend Angela and creates a rocky relationship with her partner and love interest Sealy Booth. In contrast to Temperance, Sealy is more open with his feelings, impressive for a former Navy Seal.
Temperance Brennan has moments when it is evident that she cares, she’s not as cold as others perceive, but we also see that others often abuse that perceived coldness.
As a result of her parents’ disappearance and her mother’s murder, Temperance (Bones) was deeply affected. Yet her pain was often eternalized because she struggled with her own emotions as well as reading others’ emotions. Even though she was all but blind to sarcasm, Booth or Angela helped her understand the situation, and helped her with the emotional aspects.
Booth would risk his life and limb for Brennan, and she would do the same for him. Rather than expressing her love with words, she showed it with actions.
The relationship between Bones and Booth is apparent from the beginning, but Bones struggles to admit it, and for several seasons, we see a lot of hit and misses and how Brennan handles it. While she deals with pain and loss differently than others, we see that she experiences it and tries to understand it.
Through the course of the show, her character develops as well as her ability to handle various situations better. Their love for one another grows as we watch.
Bones teaches us a lot, not only about how others see her, but also about how they see themselves.
Taking a lesson from a TV show called Bones, we can first learn to move past first impressions, and get to know people. Secondly, we learn that some people deal with emotions differently than we consider the norm, whether they possess the same intelligence Brennan does or not, they struggle with emotional intelligence. At the end, we learn that they are also deserving of love and understanding, and that when they say something hurtful, they aren’t trying to hurt, they just don’t understand the pain they’re causing others.
Copyright ©️ Michelle R Kidwell
November.13.2022
Revised Copyright ©️ Michelle R Kidwell
Novembet.14.2024
About the Creator
Michelle Renee Kidwell
Abled does not mean enabled. Disabled does not mean less abled.” ― Khang Kijarro Nguyen
Fighting to end ableism, one, poem, story, article at a time. Will you join me?
Keep reading
More stories from Michelle Renee Kidwell and writers in Journal and other communities.
No Power or Water and -19°C: Kyiv Seeks Relief from Russian Strikes and Cold
Kyiv is facing a winter of unprecedented hardship, as Russian missile strikes continue to ravage the city’s infrastructure while plummeting temperatures push residents to the brink. With temperatures dropping as low as -19°C, the capital of Ukraine is struggling to provide basic necessities like heat, electricity, and water to millions of its citizens, highlighting both the human cost of war and the resilience of a population under siege. The ongoing Russian attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, leaving swathes of Kyiv without electricity and water for days at a time. Energy facilities, power grids, and water treatment plants have been repeatedly hit, exacerbating the already severe winter conditions. For residents, the combination of cold weather and a lack of utilities has created a life-threatening situation. Families are relying on makeshift heating methods, from wood stoves to improvised electric heaters, while authorities scramble to provide temporary shelters and emergency relief. Local authorities in Kyiv are under immense pressure to respond. City officials have activated emergency protocols, opening warming centers and providing water trucks for areas cut off from the municipal supply. Volunteers are delivering fuel and blankets, while international organizations have pledged aid, though logistics remain challenging in a city facing ongoing military threats. The Ukrainian government has emphasized the need for international support, calling on allies to provide both humanitarian assistance and diplomatic pressure to prevent further attacks on civilian infrastructure. The humanitarian impact of this crisis is profound. Hospitals are operating under strained conditions, with some forced to rely on generators to maintain critical care, including for patients undergoing dialysis, neonatal care, or surgery. Schools have had to adjust schedules or temporarily close, further disrupting the lives of children. Residents report that basic tasks, such as fetching water, preparing meals, or keeping children warm, have become daily struggles. The psychological toll is also evident, as families cope with fear, uncertainty, and the constant threat of further attacks. The cold itself is a formidable adversary. Temperatures of -19°C are well below freezing, putting vulnerable populations—particularly the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions—at significant risk. Frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory illnesses are rising concerns. Medical experts warn that the combination of physical hardship, stress, and lack of access to health services could have long-term health consequences for the population if the crisis persists. Despite the dire situation, the spirit of Kyiv’s residents has shown remarkable resilience. Community initiatives have sprung up, with neighbors helping each other stay warm, share supplies, and look after those most vulnerable. Local businesses and NGOs have coordinated relief efforts, setting up temporary shelters and food distribution points. International media have highlighted these stories of solidarity, illustrating how ordinary citizens continue to support one another even amid the dual threats of war and winter. The broader geopolitical context cannot be ignored. Analysts note that targeting civilian infrastructure in winter is a calculated strategy, designed to demoralize populations and strain government resources. Kyiv’s ability to maintain essential services, mobilize emergency response, and keep residents alive under these conditions has become a critical factor in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, global attention to the humanitarian crisis has pressured both governments and organizations to respond more effectively, emphasizing the intersection of warfare, human rights, and climate challenges. The situation in Kyiv also underscores the importance of energy security and infrastructure resilience. Experts argue that rebuilding efforts in Ukraine will need to focus not just on restoring utilities, but on creating systems that can withstand both military and environmental threats. Investments in decentralized energy, emergency water supply systems, and community preparedness could mitigate the impact of future crises. As Kyiv faces this harsh winter, the city’s residents and leaders are navigating a precarious balance between survival and resistance. Relief efforts continue, but the combination of freezing temperatures and ongoing attacks means that every day presents a new challenge. The story of Kyiv is one of both vulnerability and courage, reflecting the human cost of conflict and the extraordinary lengths communities go to preserve life and dignity in the face of adversity. For the world watching, Kyiv’s crisis is a stark reminder that war does not pause for winter. It also underscores the urgent need for global solidarity, humanitarian aid, and robust infrastructure planning, to ensure that populations under siege are not left to endure freezing nights in darkness and silence.
By Fiazahmedbrohi about 11 hours ago in Journal
Comments (1)
Amazing job Michelle. I remember that show, and I watched it all the time. Well done.