The Prince in the Plastic

This was a pretty ordinary (but fun) episode. A refrigerator rolls into a dump and the door flies open, releasing a decomposing body in plastic wrap. It is quickly identified as a major toy company research and development person. She has had a rough life, having survived a plane crash which left multiple skeletal breaks. But the thing that killed her was crushed lung which was struck with great force by something very heavy. Found in her body was a Prince Charmington, a doll all the little girls cherish. In minor points we have Angela trying to assemble a walking toy, following Chinese directions. Sweets gettin certified in firearms. And Bones romping through cluelessland when it comes to child's toys. The final scene is pretty funny.

Hi Bones Booth Pod!

This episode isn't a favorite of mine, but it has elements that are memorable and fun. I appreciate when the show embraces how silly it can be, and it accomplishes this by centering the episode on toys and the concept of play. It is nice to see Brennan step out of her comfort zone, and embrace the wonder and joy that comes with being able to play, and how that will help her connect with her future child. The scene of Booth and Brennan playing with the foam guns at the end of the episode is so sweet.

I know it isn't that important to the overall plot, but watching Angela absolutely lose it while trying to put the toy together for Michael Vincent, is a moment from "Bones" that I remember often. I'm not a mom, but I can relate to her in that moment. Getting really frustrated with inanimate objects sometimes just happens. But in all seriousness, I like this episode for Angela, because we get to see a new dimension to her character this season, and moving forward. It isn't just because she is a mother now, and I think has more to do with the fact that she is written better in the second half of the series. She has always been great, but I feel like the show gives her a lot more to do, and is more deliberate about the direction they want her character to go in during the remainder of the series.