Bones is a television series that first aired on the FOX Network in 2005. The series is a crime drama about an unlikely pair who work together to solve crime, Booth, an FBI agent who uses his gut and instinct, and Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who uses evidence and science, to solve cases. As such, Booth and Brennan work on cases that involves bodies that are burnt, decomposed, or destroyed beyond recognition. Joining them is Brennan's forensic team from the Jeffersonian Institute. The show is partly based upon the fictional novels written by Dr. Kathy Reichs. For more details about the series, refer to DVD Talk's reviews of season one and season two.

Like many other television series, Bones's third season was affected by the 2007 Writers' Guild Strike. Season three has fifteen episodes versus twenty-something. Despite the short season, season three has a lot to offer with exciting cases, character developments, and story arcs. Fans will definitely want to pick up this exciting set. In addition to the excellent season three content, there are some solid extras. The set includes the first four episodes from season four, extended episodes, and an aired & original cut of one episode. Great for fans.

As season three opens, Booth and Brennan are not on great terms. In season three, Zack was asked to go on a special detail in Iraq. He went to Booth for advice about it. Booth did not stop Zack from going, but encouraged him. Brennan made it personal that Booth did not stop Zack. In addition, Cam tries to find a replacement for Zack, but Brennan tears through all of the prospective applicants. Eventually, Zack returns. He was gone for a few months. He had a hard time fitting in and was excused. After Zack's return, things start to get back to normal. Brennan forgives Booth and rejoins him in the field.

The season has several story arcs, which are full of exciting developments. The biggest development is a new villain known as Gormogon. During the season premiere episode, Booth and Brennan discover the skull of a violinist thrown through the windshield of a car. As they investigate, they tie it to a cannibalistic serial killer. The hunt for Gormogon goes throughout the season and gets very intense as the case comes to a close. The events change the lives of everyone involved.

Another story arc, which is character-focused and full of humor, is about Angela and Hodges. After deciding to tie the knot, the couple learns that Angela is already married. In a high stupor, she was married while in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, she has no clue who he is... not even his name. Hodges hires a private investigator to learn his identity. This story arc is a minor development throughout the season, but very fun. It highlights these colorful characters very well.

Brennan's father Max Keenan has been involved in several key plotlines in the show's first two seasons. In season three, he is behind bars and being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's office for murdering the FBI Deputy Director. Brennan and Keenan rekindle their parental relationship with Booth's help. The prosecution is also an important development. Along with it, Dr. Lance Sweets (John Francis Daley) is introduced as an FBI psychologist tasked to analyze their relationship. Since Booth was responsible for capturing Keenan, the FBI does not think Booth and Brennan should work together. Sweets is a solid addition to the cast. He brings, yet another, fun and comical aspect to the Booth-Brennan dynamic.

Overall, Bones' third season is another big success despite having a short season. There are a lot of great developments with characters and storylines. In addition, the cast continues to have great moments with comedy, drama, mystery, and action. This season is a must for the fans.

Episode Guide

1. The Widow's Son in the Windshield: As Brennan searches for Zack's replacement, a human skull dropped from a highway overpass leads to the discovery of a bizarre, cannibalistic, secret society.
2. Soccer Mom in the Mini-Van: The explosive murder of a suburban mom seems to stem from her radical past. Meanwhile, Brennan struggles with her feelings as she visits her father in prison.
3. Death in the Saddle: Things are bound to get weird when an investigation leads to a lodge specializing in sexual horseplay. Elsewhere, hypnotherapy leads to a breakthrough in the ongoing hunt for Angela's husband.
4. The Secret in the Soil: Booth and Brennan must undergo psychiatric evaluation as they investigate the charred remains of the owner of a chain of organic supermarkets.
5. Mummy in the Maze: With Halloween rapidly approaching, the mummified remains of two young girls lead the team through a twisted maze of creepy clues.
6. Intern in the Incinerator: The Jeffersonian Institute is thrown into turmoil when one of its promising interns is murdered in what appears to be an inside job.
7. Boy in the Time Capsule: A body is found when a high school time capsule from 1987 is unearthed, and the investigation focuses on the victim's classmates.
8. The Knight on the Grid: A bejeweled corpse with surgically-removed kneecaps leads back to the case of the Widow's Son and the trail of the Gormogon killer.
9. The Santa in the Slush: It's up to Bones to save Christmas when the body of a shopping mall Santa named Kris Kringle seems to be the real McCoy.
10. The Man in the Mud: At Dr. Sweets' behest, Booth and Brennan reluctantly agree to go on a double-date during an investigation involving the death of a professional motorcycle racer.
11. Player Under Pressure: The murder of a college hoops star leads Booth and Brennan to an investigation involving sex and steroids.
12. The Baby in the Bough: An infant found at the scene of a roadside accident holds the key to solving his mother's murder.
13. The Verdict in the Story: Brennan is conflicted but tries to remain cool as the team prepares for her father's murder trial.
14. The Wannabe in the Weeds: It's open mic night, and the gruesome death of an aspiring singer and personal trainer leads the team to unveil some hidden talents.
15. The Pain in the Heat: While Brennan fumes at Booth, a macabre package with her name on it leads to explosive conclusion of the Gormogon case.

The DVD

Video:
The video in this release is given in anamorphic 1.78:1 ratio widescreen color. The picture quality is generally good with detail looking sharp and no issues with colors. However it does have a slight grain, which is more noticeable during darker scenes. There are also some minor traces of edge enhancement.

Audio:
The audio track in this release is in English 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound. There is also a dubbed track in Spanish 2.1 Dolby digital surround sound. The sound quality is top notch and delivers a strong an audible experience by taking advantage of the 5.1 setup. The dialogue is easy to hear over background music and sounds effects. There are subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.

Extras:

• Director's Take: is a series of featurettes with cast and crew talking about some of season three's tough scenes. They featurettes included are "The Vault" (2:49), "Making of the Body" (2:01), "Car Crash-Exploding Van" (2:21), "Squints" (2:10), and "The Angelator" (2:11).
• Gag Reel (5:22): is a montage of goofs and mess-ups during filming.
• Episode-Specific Extras: There are several episode-specific extras included. "The Knights on the Grid" has an optional extended version, "The Santa in the Slush" has an extended scene, "Player Under Pressure" includes both the aired and original unaired versions, and "The Baby in the Bough" is an extended version.
• Bonus Episodes: from season four are included: "The Yanks in the U.K. (Parts 1 & 2)", "The Man in the Outhouse", and "The Finger in the Nest".

Final Thoughts:
Bones is a fun crime-drama that focuses on atypical homicides with bodies that are burnt, decomposed, or destroyed beyond recognition. An odd couple of an FBI agent and forensic scientist make for the perfect crime solving pair. Season three has several solid developments for the cast, which include a new character and some exciting storylines. Fans of the series will not want to miss out on this fun season. In addition, fans will appreciate the great extras included in this set. It is highly recommended.