Ep 16. The Parts in the Sum of the Whole

The Parts in the Sum of the Whole is the sixteenth episode of the fifth season of the American crime drama television series Bones. The episode is a special one, as it explores the history of the relationship between the lead characters - forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth.

The episode begins with Booth and Brennan being sent to investigate the murder of a businesswoman in a park. As they investigate the case, they come across evidence that suggests that the killer may have been a serial killer who they had encountered earlier in their careers.

As they delve deeper into the case, the episode flashes back to six years prior, when Booth and Brennan first met. The flashback follows their initial meeting and their first case together - a case involving the murder of a college student.

The flashbacks also explore the early stages of Booth and Brennan's dynamic and how it evolved over the years. The episode gives us a glimpse of Booth's initial frustration with Brennan's lack of understanding towards the emotional aspect of their cases and how she initially perceived him as a simple-minded brute.

As the flashback sequences continue, we see how their relationship evolved and how they started to work together as a team, combining Booth's street smarts with Brennan's scientific expertise to solve their cases.

The episode also introduces a new character - Dr. Lance Sweets, a young psychologist who was assigned to evaluate Booth and Brennan's working relationship. Sweets, played by John Francis Daley, became a recurring character in the show after this episode.

As the past storylines come to a close, the show shifts back to the present day and Booth and Brennan's investigation of the current case. They eventually solve the case and realize their first case together was connected to the current one, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, The Parts in the Sum of the Whole is a delightful episode that offers a glimpse into the origins of one of the most iconic television partnerships. The episode beautifully captures the romantic tension between the two characters and their evolving dynamic over the years. The storytelling seamlessly switches between the past and the present without feeling too forced or jarring, and the addition of a new character in Dr. Lance Sweets adds a welcomed depth to the show. The episode offers a satisfying conclusion to both the current case and a backstory of Booth and Brennan's partnership, making it a must-watch for any fans of the series.