The 'Moonlighting' Effect: Is That Why 'Bones' Refuses to Pair Leads Romantically?

By Denise Warner Posted Apr 9th 2010 12:00PM

Be forewarned -- spoilers ahead. In last night's 100th episode of 'Bones,' audiences were drained of all hope when it comes to the romance between Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz). After five years of the two of them clearly being in love -- 'Bones' is full of longing looks, jealousy and cute moments -- the showrunners still refuse to explore a relationship between the FBI Agent and the forensic anthropologist. But why?

We can only imagine it's the 'Moonlighting' curse. The popular '80s series that starred Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd sizzled in the ratings, until the two of them sizzled in the bedroom in the 14th episode of season three. After that, the ratings took a steep nosedive and the show never recovered.

Personally, we'd like to tell creator Hart Hanson and co. that they shouldn't be worried about 'Moonlighting.' You can have your leads in a relationship without alienating your audience.

It must be said that Hanson swears it's not the 'Moonlighting' effect. "Everybody always mentions 'Moonlighting,' but that honestly never comes up in our discussions on how to deal with them," he told EW's Michael Ausiello. "The 'Moonlighting' curse? Don't believe in it." Well, sorry, we just don't believe him. (Last year, he promised the sex between Booth and Brennan would not be a dream. Only to have us find out it was an "alternate reality." Oh, Hart. How stupid do you think we are?)

'The Office' survived Jim and Pam's wedding and is enjoying some of its biggest numbers. Season six, when the couple tied the knot, is averaging 9.4 million viewers -- a gain over the fifth season.

'The Big Bang Theory' is as popular as ever, even though Leonard and Penny are an item. In the beginning of the third season, the pair sleep together, and yet 14.3 million people watch every week -- more than the 8.3 million who watched season one and the nearly 10 million who watched season two.

Obviously, it can be done. What are the 'Bones' writers and producers afraid of? We'd love to be able to experience an actual relationship between Booth and Bones -- not just a series finale where they finally decide they are right for each other.

Some staples already went that route. Sure, Ross and Rachel on 'Friends' were together-together at the end of the second season and into the third, but they broke up after only a few episodes. And yes, throughout the series, there were moments and nods (they almost got back together in the third season finale, he said Rachel while marrying Emily, they had a Vegas wedding and they had a kid together), but for the most part, Ross and Rachel's happy ending was relegated to the series' ending.

We'd like to make a plea. Let them date! As Brennan says in this very episode, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome." Why continue to have them go back and forth, date other people and expect people to stick around to watch?

That sounds insane to us.

Watch the Full Episode

Tags: bones, david boreanaz, emily deschanel, friends, The Big Bang Theory, the office

Comments

(79)

Friday 09 April

By graycav56

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OK, let's get this straight. The Moonlighting Effect is a myth. The problems with Moonlighting did not, repeat NOT start and end with them getting horizontal. That show lost viewers for a wide variety of reasons, most notably the lack of new shows because of nagging production delays and the untimely writers strike.

The writing for ML started getting disjointed by the way they treated Cybill's pregnancy with twins, effectively writing her character out of the show for the majority of season 4. Without the interaction between David and Maddie, which the show was based upon, ratings nosedived. Some creative decisions made even after Cybill's return doomed the show.

The ratings for "I Am Curious..Maddie" were through the roof.

By Mary

I watched last night and just about decided not to watch anymore if Booth starts "dating" This episode REALLY pissed me off!

Sunday 11 April

By Carol

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I'm about ready to quit watching because of the teasers. Let them get together!

Saturday 10 April

By jpalermo

This article succinctly delivers the message to the writers and producers of "Bones"~ I wish I could say it as well. For the landmard 100th episode, it should have been better. A character such as Brennan who is a "genius" should be able to figure out how to love Booth; and if only Booth had told her He loved her the way she was~ that she didn't need to change for him, it would be a terrific way to evolve into a relationship~ they don't HAVE to end up sleeping together right off- why not have them date each other for awhile and flirt and all the fans will look forward to tuning in and seeing what happens next....... I know I would. But if the show follows this same tortuous path, I am outta here..........

By Inkling

Why should they have to date? There are others on the show that have romantic interactions, and that is enough for me. I feel their business relationship works out better than if they were dating. If the producers made them date it would lead to a bunch of other drama that I really don't care to see. I'm glad they are continuing to keep them separate and yet provide sexual innuendoes between them. In reality, it is the mystery of being with someone that is more intriguing that actually being with them repeatedly, (ad nauseum...). Once you are with somebody the mystery is gone, and then either you face the dilemma of how to end it, or the relationship changes into something more real. It will NEVER be the same as it was before, though. NOPE, as much as I would like to see them get together I'm happy they aren't. It keeps me longing for more.

I TOTALLY AGREE!

By xcincorporated

OMG! I ran around the house like an idiot, whooping and hollering when Booth said he wanted to try a relationship with Bones and kissed her. Only to have the biggest let down when she denies him the chance.

I LOVE THIS SHOW and I REALLY think that the personality differences they exhibit would make for a GREAT dating/relationship season!!! LET THEM DATE!!!!!

By damwg

I definitely agree with Denise (the writer of this story)! I have been watching Bones since the beginning and me & my friend Jenny watch religiously every week, but we are constantly let down & agitated by the "will they/ won't they" dynamic of Bones & Booth!I think it has been clear all along that the two are perfect for each other and obviously care deeply about each other, so all of us fans are just stuck waiting for SOMETHING to happen & it always turns out to be nothing!

I think the show is strong enough with its plotlines, characters, and stong fan base that it doesn't need to worry about the ratings dropping. Last night's episode definitely shook me up because Booth put his heart out there & Brennan ( who is obviously in love with him!) flat out rejected him...really sad because you develop a love for these characters! Especially when Booth said he had to move on it was disheartening because everyone loves their flirty & playful dynamic, which doesn't seem like it would be the same after the rejection & if he moved on. A little long, but I had to share my opinion on one of my favorite shows! Hope someone from production or writing on the show cares about what the fans think!

Thursday 29 April

By ec

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Do not let Booth date other women! It's been too long and now is tiring to have tension....Booth and Bones should get together at last and show will still be just as good.Won't be watching much if they don't. It was silly ending.

By J

Don't stress!! The creators say this is NOT closing the book on the relationship and instead is opening up new possibilities! I am SURE they will get together, and as hard as last night was to watch, I think having it all on the table like that will make it easier for Bones when she finally realizes she is ready. So don't get mad, don't stop watching!

By Raine

First of all, does anyone know two people in REAL life who drag an obvious attraction/love for someone they are around constantly on for years? Why do TV shows think this is a believable or even enjoyable plot device. I hate it in every show it's done with.

Give Bones a chance to break out of her steely reserve, get her out of her head a little and let her find herself in love. Bones and Booth should be together, as a couple and as a working team.

Monday 12 April

By lisa

you are absolutely right! drives me crazy too!

By Riley

Not that I want to be the poster child for it, but I had my head up my youknow for the greater part of a year before waking up to my love for my best friend. We're now together. ;) [Hint, hint to Hart Hanson: It can work.]

By Lynda

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No, no, no. I don't want them together. I'm not interested in their romance, that is not what the show is about. I'm tired of this insinuation that men and women can not work together and keep it professional. If they start dating, I'm not going to want to wash it anymore.

By geniab

totally agree. professionals do it every day. the show is about solving the crime. if you want romance, watch something else.

By Pat

I agree Lynda. The show is not a romantic drama.
There is nothing wrong with sexual tension in a show. Just let it stay there.
I fear the same about the show "CASTLE". If they head to bed, I'm heading to another show.

By Karen Petherbridge

We watch because of the character development and interaction. When the relationships grow old and stale they are too close to reality and we no longer care. Writers should not be afraid of the growth and development of interpersonal relationships, without them the show is nothing but gory interludes interupted by scientific claptrap.

Thursday 22 April

By Marty

Well said!

By julie

Im glad they didnt get together. ANGEL BELONGS WITH BUFFY!

By Becca

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LOL....
Angel should be with Cordy!! & Booth with Bones!

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