No longer scattered, the Team is back in Washington's prestigious laboratories for twenty three more intriguing cases.
As ever, "the puke factor" is high - human remains often in advanced stages of decomposition, with flies, bugs, maggots, rats (and whatever) gorging. Bodies turn up in unexpected places, including a tanning bed and a giant chocolate bar. World expert Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) remains hilariously humourless, FBI's Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz)never missing an opportunity to tease - they still one of television's most unlikely and entertaining double acts. Awesomely talented colleagues continue to work their magic - complemented by highly skilled but quirky interns.
Two storylines run through the season: Angela's pregnancy, health of the unborn baby a concern; a vigilante sniper eradicating villains who have escaped justice - Booth to be targeted if he stands in his way.
Stand-outs? Ep.6 The Shallow in the Deep - a slave ship movingly revealing its secrets. Ep.11 Positively last appearance of that chilling Gravedigger, who caused such misery in earlier seasons. Ep.16 The Blackout in the Blizzard, which Boreanaz directed. (An interesting background feature and, in the commentary, a revelation about Deschanel.) Ep.22 The Hole in the Heart - the sniper again devastatingly at work. Episode 19 deserves a mention. The Finder. For once, the usual cast members are peripheral, focus instead on three very colourful new characters - almost as though this is a trial run for a spin-off series.
Bonuses? A Gag Reel. A feature on special effects - including how so convincingly in Washington although not filmed there. There is also the pilot of "The Killing" (American version).
When BONES 6 appeared on television, some critics were sniffy about various aspects. This boxed set is my first encounter with the season. I can only speak as I find - five stars awarded for a series which from its start has been a favourite and continues most greatly to please.