Episode Summary: "Introducing: Boneheads" on Fail Better with David Duchovny

Introduction

In the episode titled "Introducing: Boneheads," released on December 24, 2024, Fail Better with David Duchovny, hosted by Lemonada Media, delves into the creation and legacy of the iconic TV series Bones. The episode features an engaging conversation with Emily Deschanel, Carla Gallo, and Josh Mankiewicz, who co-host the companion podcast Boneheads. This discussion not only revisits the beloved series but also explores themes of failure, resilience, and growth within the entertainment industry.

Introducing Boneheads Podcast

[02:33] Josh Mankiewicz:
Josh introduces Boneheads, a podcast where Emily Deschanel and Carla Gallo, both cast members of Bones and real-life best friends, re-watch and discuss all 246 episodes of the series. They embark on a journey to laugh, cry, and cringe as they revisit their younger selves and relive the glory of Bones. In this episode, they are joined by Hart Hanson, the creator of Bones, providing insider insights into the show's inception and evolution.

Behind the Scenes of Bones

[07:37] Carla Gallo:
Carla shares her admiration for Hart Hanson, highlighting his extensive work in both Canadian and American television, including shows like Judging Amy, Joan of Arcadia, and Backstrom. She emphasizes Hart's versatility and his contributions to literature with his novels Driver and Seminariania, describing them as "fun, quirky, interesting characters solving a mystery" set against the backdrop of Los Angeles.

[08:11] Emily Deschanel:
Emily recounts her transition from Canadian television, discussing her involvement with the show Traders and the challenges of breaking into the American TV market. She expresses her reluctance to take on roles perceived as "too old" but ultimately embraces the opportunity to create something meaningful in the U.S. entertainment landscape.

Casting and Character Development

[10:09] Josh Mankiewicz:
Josh narrates his audition process for the role of Booth, sharing anecdotes about his deep voice and theatrical background. He reflects on the initial perceptions of his character's demeanor, noting a comment he once read: “I don't like that show Bones. The lead actress sounds like she's yelling all the time. Really?” This sparks a discussion about character portrayal and audience perception.

[14:15] Emily Deschanel:
Emily emphasizes the importance of authentic character development, stating, "Sometimes character descriptions have nothing to do with what you're after. They are for actor, studio, or the network vanity." She elaborates on how Bones aimed to stay true to Kathy Reichs' books while creating distinctive characters suitable for television.

[24:15] Josh Mankiewicz:
Josh reflects on his initial skepticism about character descriptions, asserting, "Don't they describe every character? But it was more specific." This highlights the tension between creative vision and external expectations, a recurring theme in the episode.

Production Challenges and Resilience

[47:02] Emily Deschanel:
Emily shares a personal story about a tense interaction with director Greg Yutanis during the pilot's production. She admits to moments of self-doubt and stress, revealing how the pressure of being a showrunner can lead to emotional vulnerabilities. "If I could go back in time, I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't do that," she confesses, underscoring the episode's central theme of failing better.

[65:35] Josh Mankiewicz:
Josh divulges his own struggles with stress and panic during the show's early days, recounting how he had to navigate personal challenges while maintaining professionalism on set. This candid discussion serves to humanize the cast members, illustrating that failure and setbacks are integral to personal and professional growth.

Memorable Episodes and Fan Engagement

[73:08] Emily Deschanel:
Emily details her favorite episodes, particularly the first Christmas episode, praising its emotional depth and storytelling prowess. She describes a poignant plot where Brennan must confront unfinished business from the past, blending sadness with beauty. This episode exemplifies the show's ability to balance procedural elements with heartfelt narratives.

[75:00] Carla Gallo:
Carla reminisces about guest stars and special episodes, including crossovers with The Simpsons. These creative integrations not only enriched the show's universe but also fostered a loyal and passionate fan base. "Fans would find all of them. They found the Ember thing," she notes, highlighting the interactive relationship between the show and its audience.

Reflections on Failure and Growth

Throughout the episode, Emily, Carla, and Josh intertwine their experiences from Bones with the overarching philosophy of embracing failure as a pathway to improvement. They discuss how setbacks during production led to stronger character development and more resilient teamwork. This aligns seamlessly with the podcast's mission to redefine failure and encourage growth through adversity.

Notable Quotes

• Emily Deschanel [14:15]:
  "Sometimes character descriptions have nothing to do with what you're after. They are for actor, studio, or the network vanity."

• Josh Mankiewicz [24:15]:
  "I realized, like, you probably laughed because I was similar to Brennan and that I'm just, like, blurting out something that's not the..."

• Emily Deschanel [35:25]:
  "It's a completely unthe..."

• Emily Deschanel [53:28]:
  "We have a deep, deep bench. So it wasn't all on David and Emily to be Brennan and Booth and have that one romance."

• Josh Mankiewicz [65:35]:
  "I took it as, like, they don't think I'm professional."

Conclusion

"Introducing: Boneheads" offers a heartfelt exploration of Bones from the perspectives of its cast and creator. By candidly discussing their triumphs and tribulations, Emily Deschanel, Carla Gallo, and Josh Mankiewicz embody the podcast's theme of failing better. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience required in the entertainment industry and the transformative power of embracing and learning from failure.

Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of television production and the personal growth that arises from overcoming challenges. This episode not only honors the legacy of Bones but also inspires audiences to view failure as an opportunity for growth and connection.

Follow-Up

For those interested in delving deeper into the making of Bones and exploring its behind-the-scenes dynamics, tune into future episodes of Boneheads on your preferred podcast platform. Engage with Emily, Carla, and Josh as they continue to celebrate and analyze the moments that made Bones a beloved series.