Bones "The Santa in the Slush" #3.9 (2007) (TV)

Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like the rat-chewed body of Santa Claus!, 26 November 2008

What an excellent way to kick-off the Holiday Season! The wife and I have been making our way through the first three seasons of Bones and so far, "The Santa in the Slush" just might be one of my favorite episodes. In this one, Booth and Brennan are called in to investigate the death of a man they later identify as Kris Kringle. In full Santa regalia, Kringle is found dead, his body decomposing, lying in a sewer. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like the rat-chewed body of Santa Claus!

There are other episodes of Bones that are more realistic, that take their subject matter more seriously, and that toy more with the emotions of the viewer – but there are few that are this much fun. A lot of the usual drama is pushed to the side in favor of a more comedic tone – and with excellent results. Don't misunderstand, I realize there is a touch of comedy in almost every episode, but here it takes center stage. And just the notion of a temp agency specializing in Santas and Elves is hysterical. The interplay between Bones and Booth was never better. The subplots dealing with Bones' attempt to give her father his dream Christmas in jail and Booth's desire to spend the Holiday with his son add just the right touch of humanity without ever becoming schmaltzy. Altogether, this is one fine episode of a wonderful show. A 9/10 seems right to me.

9/10