Ep 1. The Loyalty in the Lie

After a cliffhanger ending to season 10, Bones season 11 episode 1, titled "The Loyalty in the Lie," picks up right where we left off. Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan and her team at the Jeffersonian Institute deal with the aftermath of a car explosion that leaves Booth missing and presumed dead.

The episode begins with Brennan, played by Emily Deschanel, frantically searching for Booth (David Boreanaz) at the site of the explosion. However, after finding no evidence of him, the FBI declares him dead. Brennan, in disbelief, refuses to believe that her husband is gone and begins conducting her own investigation.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team is dealing with their own emotions surrounding Booth's death. Angela (Michaela Conlin) is struggling to come to terms with the fact that her best friend is gone, while Cam (Tamara Taylor) is dealing with guilt over the fact that she was the last person to see Booth before the explosion. Hodgins (T.J. Thyne), who was also injured in the explosion, is dealing with the prospect of never walking again.

As Brennan delves deeper into her investigation, she begins to uncover clues that suggest Booth may not be dead after all. Desperate for answers, she turns to her old flame, CIA agent James Aubrey (John Boyd), for help. Together, they begin following a trail that leads them to a surprising discovery.

While the episode is centered around Booth's disappearance, it also deals with the aftermath of other ongoing storylines. One of the most significant is Hodgins' paralysis, which is explored in depth throughout the episode. The show also introduces a new intern, Dr. Oliver Wells (Brian Klugman), who adds a new dynamic to the team.

"The Loyalty in the Lie" is a tense, emotional episode that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. The performances from the cast are exceptional, particularly Deschanel and Boreanaz, who have a palpable chemistry on screen. The episode manages to balance the intensity of the search for Booth with moments of heart and humor, making for a well-rounded viewing experience.

Overall, "The Loyalty in the Lie" is a strong episode that sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season. Fans of the show will not be disappointed.