May contain spoilers?
http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2744
BONES is returning to FOX with all new episodes starting tonight, April 14th at 8/7 C. iF MAGAZINE was lucky enough to be a part of a phone interview which David Boreanaz did with members of the press. The actor/producer talked about how the season has changed due to the writer's strike and what other interesting twists can be expected as the series returns.
Boreanaz promises a resolution to the overreaching serial killer arc, but not necessarily the original ending as it was intended due to problems caused by the production being halted during the strike.
"I think the whole aspect of the serial killer storyline was effected in how and when we will wrap that up, which is pretty much part of a two-parter that we shot before the writers strike which was a potential season ender which was dangerous and detrimental to a particular character and the second part we finished that up in a way that will keep the audience guessing, he explains. "So, we're keeping that show and we're adding another part to that show. It serves two purposes since we shot that in the event of a wash of a season, now that we can at least get some fresh episodes in we can continue off that."
While the serial killer storyline was a new direction for the series, Boreanaz is not fond of the storyline and is more focused on the individual crime episodes that allow his and Emily Deschanel's characters to grow.
"For me I've always maintained that the show is about relationships and I have always maintained that it's about the characters, the two of us learning through the crimes and that journey we take," Boreanaz explains.
In fact the actor also relies on that relationship between the characters to get through some of the more emotional material that the actors have to deal with on a day to day basis.
"I tap into the relationship with Brennan and Booth if it gets too crazy," says the actor. "There's the flip side of the show that's darker and more horrific compared to the relationship where we go to a crime scene and banter and then stop and realize that it's pretty heavy stuff we are looking at. There is a fine line and it's an interesting balance for our show. Anything to do with children is difficult and they can be quite horrific, but you just block that out. I'm so tuned into my relationship with Bones that I sometimes forget where I'm at and it's ok to be squeamish around the bodies because Booth is kind of squeamish."
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The relationship between the two characters often times seems so natural that the lines might appear to some to be improvised, but Boreanaz says that the interaction comes from intensive rehearsals that when the actual filming takes place lead to some more loosely interpreted lines.
"We work on scripts during the weekends so we come in at the beginning of the week with a sort of improvisational arc and we know where we're going to add stuff," he laughs. "By the time we show up to rehearse and we're shooting, we just throw it all down on the table and a lot of that stuff comes out, but I think that's the beauty of our relationship and our chemistry is only getting better."
However, Booth's therapy sessions do afford the actor more of a chance to improvise in his work. A lot of the lines are his own and he says he is constantly trying to come up with new and more creative material.
"We'll do a lot of improvisation when I am in the therapy sessions and they try to get me to one take that is at least kind of scripted, but it's fun being in that situation and having that freedom," laughs Boreanaz. "A lot of the age comments towards Dr. Sweets are mine, so I need to come up with some new stuff. Some new arsenal is coming out soon."
His character was created primarily from his own sources within. While he did study FBI procedure, he threw most of that out of the window and used his own character development. He does cite some outside sources, but most of the character of Booth was a completely original creation.
"I was given the pilot and I read the pilot and I created everything that you see on screen," he says. "It can't happen without the words obviously, but as far the physicality and the belt buckle and all of that stuff I brought to the character. Everything that they told me about the FBI I threw out the door in a lot of ways. I respected it, but I took the military aspect of the guy working for the FBI rather than a guy who came right out of Harvard who wears penny loafers and gets kicked around a lot. For me it was a lot more interesting to be the military guy who was a blue collar guy and from there everything exploded. I highly respect what the FBI does, and when it comes to using any firearms or entries into buildings, I do it as cleanly and professionally as I can. I do it as close to the way they do it as I can. I work with a great guy Mike Rosso on the show, who is with the L.A. P.D. and he's awesome, but the other stuff is character work that I like to bring to the show."
While Boreanaz is a producer on BONES as well as being an actor, he does have a desire to write and direct upcoming episodes of the series in future seasons. He states that he is in the perfect situation to take advantage of there unique opportunity.
"It's a great opportunity to embrace and you have fun with an episode," he explains. "I have no idea what episode that will be, but I've pitched a lot of ideas. I would like to be a part of the fruition of an idea and maybe even put my pen to paper and do some writing, but those are the opportunities that you have to take advantage of and use them. If you are in the medium and you have an opportunity to do then you should go for it."
He has directed shows that he starred in before, and he cautions that you have to find a balance when directing oneself in a television series.
"I think there's got to be a balance there and it's difficult to direct oneself," he states. "It's a challenge to act and direct yourself in the same thing. I've done it before, and I don't focus on it, I just do it and see what happens."
On the topic of the much rumored England episodes for the series, and the actor states that while they will not be taking place this season, there is at least a good chance they may be in the future season, as well as the possibility of brining back a certain British actor to the series.
"As far as future episodes, since we're only getting six in now, we may be shooting in a different part of the world," the actor says. "Who knows that may be a possibility. There have been some talks about shooting [in England] and I'm pretty confident that the trips will come somewhere for a couple of shows and that's the exciting part. As far as Stephen Fry coming back to the show would be great because he was a really great character and he was great to work with and seeing him interact with Sweets if possible would be great!"
The actor also dropped one more interesting bombshell in stating, "I may dance with the AMERICAN IDOL stars."