What’s a Hitchcock homage without the iconic image of smoking? For the creative team behind “Bones,” it meant gravitating towards an alternative vice: alcohol. Executive producer Stephen Nathan shares his perspective:
“The network isn’t fond of smoking, and perceptions have drastically shifted since the 1950s. Back in 1954, you’d come across advertisements praising the virtues of tobacco, complete with endorsements from medical professionals. We wanted to stay clear of that. While it might have been fitting to include smoking, it wasn’t crucial. We thought the essence of the era, at least for our purposes, was encapsulated more in the sipping of dry martinis than in chain-smoking.”
In the special episode titled “The 200th in the 10th,” “Bones” favors a superficial nod to old Hollywood glamour over a critical portrayal of the era’s darker aspects. This approach means that while characters indulge in alcohol, it doesn’t suggest a broader approval of the era’s vices. The series also largely overlooks other historical issues of the time. For instance, while facing sexism as a pioneering detective in the LAPD, Bones does not have other social inequities highlighted, except for the character of Cam (played by Tamara Taylor), who transitions from a leadership role at the Jeffersonian to a housemaid for a wealthy white family, signifying persistent racial prejudices.
Upon reflection, perhaps the episode may have benefited from a more decided tone, choosing to either fully immerse in the nostalgia or provide a grittier, realistic depiction akin to “Mad Men.” Yet, it might also be a relief that “Bones” stayed within its comfort zone instead of attempting to confront themes beyond its established scope.
FAQs
- Why did “Bones” avoid depicting smoking in its Hitchcock-inspired episode?
- The network that aired “Bones” disapproved of smoking, and society’s view on smoking has changed significantly since the 1950s. The showrunners decided it was unnecessary for conveying the essence of the time period.
- Does the episode endorse drinking as it avoids smoking?
- No, the portrayal of characters drinking in the episode is not meant to represent an endorsement of alcohol consumption. It is simply a historical reference to the era’s social norms.
- Does the episode deal with racism and sexism from the 1950s?
- The episode touches on sexism and presents a narrative where the only significant racial inequality depicted is the demotion of Cam’s character from a scientific leadership role to a housemaid, suggesting the persistence of racial discrimination.
- Why might “Bones” have chosen not to delve into deeper social issues of the 1950s?
- The episode seems to aim for a balance between nostalgia and realism without fully committing to an in-depth exploration of the 1950s’ societal problems, possibly to remain in line with the show’s usual themes and tone.