With spunky Betty White guest starring as Dr. Beth Mayer, a brilliant forensic anthropologist who steps in as the squint-du-jour to help Brennan solve a case, it would be impossible for “The Carpals in the Coy-Wolves” not to be one of Bones‘ most wet-your-pants-laughing-out-loud episodes in recent history. Add Brian Klugman to the mix as mega douchey Dr. Oliver Wells, the condescending polymath squintern with a stratospheric IQ, and the atmosphere explodes with unabashed inappropriate subject matter, professional rivalry, double entendre (of a sexual nature, of course) and lots of snark.
Also hysterical is our very own Bones Superman, Special Agent Seeley Booth. Playing straight man to Brennan and her absurd view of the universe, Booth had me bursting with laughter at the seven minute mark of “The Carpals in the Coy-wolves,” and it didn’t stop there. One has to wonder how many takes it took for these two actors to get through their scenes without cracking completely up. You want even more detail-y clues about what makes this episode such a stitch? Here they are.
Bones Recap: Who Stole Jared’s Cremains? >>>
#1 Booth Wins an Award for Best Hockey Metaphor of the Season
I already mentioned that Booth as Brennan’s straight man is fantastic in this episode. Well, it’s not just in his interactions with his partner and wife. The Philadelphia Flyers-obsessed fan uses his hockey terminology to accurately describe a pretty wild situation very early in the episode, and he isn’t wrong.
#2 Hodgins in the Field Is a Disaster
Yes, bug boy gets into the field and he’s even given a gun. What? Of course, one could say it’s on the Q.T. because Booth doesn’t know about it and I’m not sure Angela does at first either. Worse yet, he gets himself nearly killed. It ends up being an Abbott and Costello meets Bill and Ted meets Adam and Eve sequence (Did I actually just write that?) and you will appreciate, well, everything about these scenes.
Quiz: Which Special Agent TV Hunk Would You Date?>>>
#3 Dr. Beth Mayer, Doctor of Animal Husbandry, or Just Husbandry?
Dogs. Horses. Lions. What do these three animals have in common? They can all smell fear and insecurity. Dr. Beth Mayer puts the four-legged furry foes to shame in her ability to sense human frailties. That is all I can say on the matter, but gentlemen, beware the 93-year-old’s fierce olfaction!
#4 Bones, Bones, Who’s Got the Bones?
Condescending and mega douchy Dr. Oliver Wells joins Brennan and Dr. Mayer for this madcap case, though he’s not nearly as much help as usual. Believe it or not, he actually loses … yes, I said loses … a bone. How does he deal with it? Well, it nearly incapacitates him. Wait, that’s not entirely accurate … it completely incapacitates him. This is truly a first. Does he ever find it? Watch and see, or, whatever.
#5 Booth Tries to Write a Book
Okay, he doesn’t actually try to write a whole book, but he does have definite ideas about what Brennan should have Agent Andy doing in the current manuscript. Needless to say, the New York Times Best Selling author isn’t interested in her husband’s suggestions … until Dr. Mayer gives her a little talking-to. And then Brennan goes whole hog. Thank you, Dr. Mayer!
Bones Season 11 Official Cast Photos>>>
#6 Dr. Mayer Resembles Another Wildly Popular Expert
Betty White’s character has more than a little (pardon the pun) in common with another famous pocket-sized doctor when it comes to her frankness in “The Carpals in the Coy-wolves.” Rivaling her contemporary in height, wit, and verve, this unnamed German doctor and cultural icon provided the world with a new perspective on her subject matter in much the same way Dr. Mayer and Betty White have redefined what it means to be a little old lady, yet no where near finished kicking buts and taking names. Metaphorically, of course.
#7 Bones Takes the Higher Ground, Or Is It the Middle Grind?
Throughout its 215 episodes, Bones has championed many causes. For example, the never-ending battles against childhood obesity, rape, animal cruelty, and bullying. They’ve also educated us about Neurofibromatosis, Cancer, PTSD, and addiction. “The Carpals in the Coy-wolves” takes on another serious cause that affects 6.6% of Americans and their families on a daily basis. Using humor, Bones brings the facts to the forefront without professing to have a solution … or do they? Be ready to howl when this issue surfaces.
Tune in October 22 for “The Carpals in the Coy-wolves” at 8pm on FOX and keep Lovin’ Bones.
(Images courtesy of FOX)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
