The unexpected pregnancy of lead actress Emily Deschanel led to a significant overhaul of the seventh season of “Bones.” Showrunner Hanson and his team had to scrap a substantial portion of the storylines they had outlined for the season. Instead of following the anticipated romantic developments between the lead characters Bones and Booth akin to the style of “When Harry Met Sally…,” the narrative took a sharp turn towards the challenges of impending parenthood.
“Emily letting us know about her pregnancy required a creative change in direction for season 7. The original plan explored the dynamic between Booth and Brennan as they navigated their new, intimate relationship. With the pregnancy news, we discarded more than half of our season’s story to focus on them having a baby together.”
This shift to a more family-oriented plot resonated well with audiences, as evidenced by the show’s consistent viewership over its subsequent six seasons. The series delved into the characters’ romance and personal backgrounds, touching upon their parental experiences without fully exploring the deeper issues, much to overall fan appreciation and engagement. The show’s ability to adapt the classic will-they-or-won’t-they dynamic and successfully incorporate elements of early parenthood into the storyline reflects the evolution of romantic television tropes.
FAQs About the Impact of Emily Deschanel’s Pregnancy on Bones
- How did Emily Deschanel’s pregnancy affect “Bones” Season 7?
- Emily Deschanel’s pregnancy led the showrunners to change the planned storyline, focusing instead on the characters dealing with the ramifications of becoming parents soon after beginning their romantic relationship.
- What was the original plan for “Bones” Season 7?
- The original storyline was meant to explore Booth and Brennan’s romantic relationship development, likened to the third act of “When Harry Met Sally…”
- Did the show continue to be successful after the change in storyline?
- Yes, “Bones” sustained its viewership for six more seasons, indicating that the audience was receptive to the new direction.
Conclusion
The seventh season of “Bones” is a testament to the show’s resilience and the writers’ ability to pivot creatively in response to real-life circumstances. Emily Deschanel’s pregnancy prompted a major course correction in the series’ narrative, which successfully captivated the show’s loyal fan base. By incorporating the element of parenthood into the mix, “Bones” was able to refresh its approach to the long-standing television trope of romantic tension, resulting in a storyline that resonated with viewers for several more seasons.