‘Bones’ season 10 premiere reaction: Exec on John Francis Daley decision
Clearly, “Bones” wanted you to be completely blindsided by their season 10 premiere. While some other shows choose to hype up a character death in advance, it feels almost like Fox’s marketing time misdirected us by talking so much about Booth in prison. We like to think we have a good finger on the pulse, but we never saw this one coming.
So why kill off Sweets in the way that we saw tonight? Ultimately, this decision was made for the primary focus of giving the story a little adrenaline while at the same time accommodating what is a burgeoning career for John Francis Daley behind the camera. Speaking to TVLine, executive producer Stephen Nathan had the following to say about the process that went into figuring this out:
“It was a complicated and very difficult decision for us. John’s career as a writer and director has been taking off over the past few years, and… [this fall he’s helming] a remake of National Lampoons’ Vacation, which coincided with the start of the season. We didn’t know what to do. And then we realized that this fit in very well with the conspiracy arc [that landed Booth in jail]. It gives us something very rich and very emotional to play within the first half of the season. Everybody’s affected very deeply by this. And it also seemed to be a surprising way to start the season. Usually when characters meet their ends on a series it’s at the end of the season.”
By and large we’d say that Nathan is correct about the latter point, though “Chicago Fire” did something similar earlier this week, and while “NCIS” didn’t kill off Ziva, they did write her off in the opening episodes of last season. It’s tough to lose a character that you’ve come to appreciate over the years; it is even harder when that moment ultimately comes out of nowhere.
We’re going to have more news on this and other “Bones” headlines soon, so stay tuned. Also, sign up now to get some further updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: Fox
Lily Jones
September 28, 2014 @ 10:34 pm
Sweets “vacations” and “time off” in previous episodes should have tipped off the departure. Wanting to get back to helping people as in early season 9. I like the comings and goings of characters in Bones. Didn’t like Booths love interest,but luckily that didn’t last long.
Mamdani
September 27, 2014 @ 2:37 pm
I really liked his character and I am sad he left. It will leave a big hole.
When he lived with Brennan and Booth had some of the sweetest moments as they all bonded. It is funny thought when they introduced the new agent, my first thought was Sweet Jr.
Dee
September 27, 2014 @ 4:32 am
Wow. Although I’m happy and excited for this young and extremely talented man. He had become myself and my families favorite character!!! He had a very rare, beautiful soul. Extremely funny & always the ability to make you laugh!!! ( even during times in life, that you had very little laughter left!) Sweets always had a Captivating smile, despite all his hardships in life! I understand a ” great story line”, but my God, couldn’t they have written him off in a happy way. Especially with just learning of the news that he was going to be a Father??? Revealing his beautiful face like that after arriving in a body bag was horrific and completely over the top!! People have enough tragedy, pain & suffering in real life!! I don’t think we will continue to watch this program! Of course the entire cast will be greatly impacted. Once again, taking away from the serious but also very funny, feel good kind of show!! At 40, this is by far the saddest exit of an actor that I have experienced & regret even viewing! I’m sure its down hill for this program from here!
BeefSquatch
September 26, 2014 @ 10:30 pm
I didn’t see it coming until the moment he was leaving Booth and headed out to look into the case, I knew right then he wasn’t coming back. I don’t know why, but it instantly reminded me of the opening episode of House of Cards this year.
BoneIdol
September 26, 2014 @ 9:21 pm
Talk about being blindsided. Great writing and captivating delivery if not a little too loaded with honorific imagery of a much loved character. But that’s what Bones has worked hard to highlight this time. I both commend and condemn this in equal measures. Really conflicted…… Brilliant TV as always but maybe too far for a loyal fan of this character.