
Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who works at the Jeffersonian Institution and also writes books, has an impressive ability to read clues from victims' bones. Consequently, law enforcement calls her to assist with investigations when remains are so badly decomposed, burned or destroyed that standard identification methods are useless. Brennan is teamed with Special Agent Seeley Booth, a former Army sniper, who mistrusts science and scientists when it comes to solving crimes but who has developed respect for Brennan, both professionally and personally.
The burning body of an aspiring writer and director crash-lands onto a passing car; Bones seeks guidance on the meaning of passion in the workplace; Booth allows Aubrey to take the reins on their current case.
Brennan testifies for Zach; Angela reveals some big news; Aubrey and Jessica come to terms about their future; when the team learns Kovac has escaped, Booth rushes to protect those he loves.
After Brennan experiences a setback, the rest of the team must continue the hunt for Kovac without her, putting everything she has ever taught them to the test.
Skeletal remains found at the bottom of a lake turn out to be those of a congressman's former aide.