No One Ever Said it Would be This Hard - an Arthur/Gwen and Booth/Brennan Comparative Picspam
So my huge summer fandom project this year (...well, okay, this is my FIRST summer fandom project, but bear with me!) is a multi-medium Arthur/Gwen (A/G) (from BBC's Merlin) and Booth/Brennan (B/Br) (from FOX's Bones) comparison. This picspam is part one of three (the other two parts will be a comparative essay and a comparative fanvid). I know that the shows are completely different genres (not to mention that they take place in completely different times), they're intended for very different audiences, and there's a huge age gap between the Merlin One True Pairing (OTP) and the Bones OTP, but nonetheless I have recently noticed many similarities between not only the ships, but the characters as well. Over the next Couple (or possibly several) months I'll be trying to explain exactly why I am so struck by the similarities. I'm beginning with this picspam. Note that some of these comparisons are more general (i.e. I'm sure it could apply to many couples) while others are more specific. Either way, I'll analyze the majority of these moments in my upcoming essay. This picspam is more an introduction to the similarities. =)
I've been thinking about picspamming the couples for a while, but I never got around to it. Then the picspam challenge for this round at merlin_land was posted and, well ... I found my inspiration! I hope you enjoy.
Also note: because some of the moments cannot be justified by pictures and words only I've provided a link (click on the episode number) for some of the scenes I picspammed (and, ngl, I'm hoping that for those of you who have only watched one of these shows the clips will entice you to give the other show a chance ^_^). All of the Bones videos have been flipped so as to avoid the YouTube copyright police.
Finally, this picspam has NOT been beta'd. I've read through it many, many times, but I am sure there are several mistakes. My essay WILL be beta'd, so don't let any writing turn you off. ^_^
WARNING: Saying this picspam isn't dial-up friendly is just about as big an understatement as one can make. There are hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of images under the cut. There are also MAJOR SPOILERS for both shows.
I know that many of you are only familiar with one of these two shows. For the purpose of understanding this picspam, I'm providing a quick background on the shows, the pairings, and the characters in the pairing. For a more in-depth explanation stay tuned for the essay portion of this project! Those familiar with both fandoms, feel free to skip over this part! =)
BONES
Bones is, for all intents and purposes, a romantic comedy with a dash of forensics on the side. Because of this, a huge chunk of the show concentrates on the relationship between Dr. Temperance Brennan and Special Agent Seeley Booth (this is important to note in terms of the development of Booth/Brennan compared to he development of Arthur/Gwen). The basic premise of Bones is as follows: Agent Booth works with Brennan and her colleagues (whom he has dubbed "squints" -- because they "squint at things") from the Jeffersonian Institute to solve cases when all that is left of the victim is their bones.
Dr. Temperance Brennan of the Jeffersonian Institute is a forensic anthropologist (Booth nicknamed her "Bones" because she works with bones) and a best selling crime novelist. She is absolutely brilliant but lacks many social skills (one of her trademarks is to reply, "I don't know what that means," to almost all pop culture references). At fifteen her parents abandoned her and her older brother, and shortly thereafter her brother left as well, leaving Brennan to spend her remaining three years in the foster care system. As one can imagine, this had a great effect on her. She struggles with letting people into her life and fears abandonment by those she loves. She begins the show very distant and unwilling to trust her emotions, but over the years, thanks to the influence of her best friend Angela and especially Booth, she has opened herself up to others and started trusting her heart (though she's still learning).
Special Agent Seeley Booth of the FBI is your modern-day knight in shining armor (or, as Angela calls him, "a knight in shining, FBI-standard issue body armor"). When he was younger he was a sniper for the U.S. Army, but after serving his country with honor he went to work for the FBI where he became one of their best agents. Booth, like Brennan, also suffers from a troubled past. During his childhood he protected him and his younger brother, Jared, from their alcoholic father , and it's the one part of his life that he keep completely hidden from Brennan. He also suffered from a gambling addiction. Booth is Roman Catholic and, while not deeply religious, his religion is very important to him. Booth has one child, Parker (four at the beginning of the series, about nine now), whom he had with Rebecca, his girlfriend at the time (though, save a for a few instances, she is only mentioned in passing and always in connection to Parker). Booth is a romantic at heart -- he believes in that spark when eyes meet from across the room and that miracle when two people become one.
Booth and Brennan's began prior to the pilot. In the first episode we learn that their first case went horribly and resulted in feelings of extreme hatred between the two (though Booth appears to be more annoyed with Brennan than anything else). Despite Brennan's unwillingness, Booth manages to convince her to work with him once again (in exchange she's allowed to work in the field, not just in the lab). Over time they earn each other's respect, and slowly but surely they become friends. By the end of season two they are, without a doubt, best friends, and as early as the middle of season one there are hints that Booth has feelings for Brennan (Brennan's feelings seem to emerge somewhere in the second season). Neither of them act on these feelings, however, until the fifth season, although there are many intense moments between the two in the third and fourth seasons (and many instances of jealousy, especially on Booth's part). Booth and Brennan are very different people: she's the brain, he's the brawn; she's an atheist, he's religious; he believes in fate, she believes in science. Yet day after day they put aside their differences and find a way to not only relate to each other, but also to understand the other's view. In this past season Booth admitted his feelings and told Brennan that he wanted to give their relationship a shot, but Brennan rebuffed him out of fear (all the while making it clear that she returns his feelings). As of this season's finale the two are separating for a year (Brennan to work on an anthropological study and Booth to train soldiers for the army) and it is unclear how their relationship will stand at the beginning of season six.
MERLIN
Merlin is a fantasy, family-oriented show. Don't let that turn you off, however -- as cheesy as the show can be (and oh, dear God, those first few episodes...) it also has its moments of brilliance. I avoided watching this show for a good year because I thought it would be too childish, but after watching several episodes I realized my mistake. Merlin, as I'm sure many of you could guess, is about the legend of King Arthur. Unlike other re-tellings, however, this one takes place before the legend with which we are all familiar -- a Smallville for Arthurian legend, as it's often described. In this version Merlin is Arthur's contemporary, and he lives in a world where magic has been outlawed by King Uther (Arthur's father). In the first episode Merlin discovers that it is his destiny to protect Arthur from all evil (which is rather difficult given the political climate) so that Arthur can unite the kingdoms of Albion. After Merlin saves Arthur's life (the first of many times) Uther names him Arthur's servant. While the two initially do not get along, as the show progresses they build a wonderful relationship. Also present in this retelling is Lady Morgana (or as we know her Morgan Le Fay), Uther's ward, and Guinevere (called "Gwen"), Morgana's handmaiden. The main four members of the cast (i.e. Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, and Gwen) are all in their early twenties (or at least that's what we assume -- Merlin and possibly Gwen might be in their very late teens at the start of the show).
Prince Arthur Pendragon is a bit of a prat, for lack of a better word. At the beginning of the series it appears that he thinks himself God's gift to mankind, though as the show progresses we learn that this is merely a shell hiding a vulnerable young man. Arthur's mother died after giving birth to him, and so he grew up with only a father. Arthur has spent most of his life trying to live up to his father's unreasonable expectations, and he consequently often suffers from bouts of self-doubt. He is an incredible fighter, however, and takes great pride in his skills. In the end, despite his initial selfish appearance, he truly is the knight in shining armor. He is incredibly loyal (often putting his life on the line for not only those close to him, but also for his knights and the people of Camelot), stands by his morals, and sees people for who they are beyond their given titles. Through Merlin and Gwen's influence, Arthur begins to move past his arrogant ways and truly listen to those around him - he learns to accept that he's not always right and that he can learn from those who know better than he. By the end of series two it is clear that he will become the man we all know from the legend (or, as Gwen puts it, "the man [she's] seen inside").
Guinevere (Gwen) begins the series as a sweet and unassuming handmaiden with a penchant for putting her foot in her mouth. As the show continues, however, we discover that Gwen has strong feelings concerning the current state of Camelot, especially the lack of equality (even if we are only shown this in a few instances). Like Arthur, Gwen's mother is not present in her life (although we have yet to discover why), and it is assumed by fans that Gwen grew up as the mother of the house, taking care of both her father and herself. Near the end of series one, Uther falsely accuses Gwen's father of sorcery and executes him, leaving Gwen devastated (and an orphan). After Arthur apologizes for what happened, however, Gwen realizes that a brighter future lies with Arthur. She begins to see Arthur as the man who will change Camelot for the better, and she tries to find ways to nurture his inner goodness (as Angel Coulby, who portrays Gwen, stated). Sadly not much has been done with Gwen save for her role as the romantic interest (though it appears this will change come series three), but we know that she is as loyal as Arthur, cares deeply about the people of Camelot, never strays from her morals, and is incredibly sensible and realistic (perhaps to a fault).
Arthur and Gwen begin the show with zero interaction. Arthur, for all intents and purposes, has no idea she exists, and Gwen simply sees him as a bully. Through Merlin, however, their paths begin to cross, and while the development of the relationship is somewhat shaky at times (and, to be honest, quite sidelined -- especially when you compare it to the development of Booth/Brennan -- but that's somewhat to be expected in a show with a family demographic), they begin to see each other as more than just a prince and a handmaiden, and as with Booth and Brennan the two begin to earn each other's respect. In the beginning of S2 After Arthur stays in Gwen's house during a jousting tournament (so he can enter the competition as an unknown knight and prove that he can win on his skill and not because of his title). Despite a few arguments the two truly connect and, at the end of his stay Arthur impulsively kisses Gwen (surprising both Gwen and himself). After the tournament Arthur tells Gwen that his father would never allow what happened between them to continue, and Gwen assures him that she understands. Despite this their relationship continues to build through small, yet poignant, moments. Arthur proves himself the romantic in the relationship -- although it was he who first said that they could never be, by episode ten of the second series he admits to Gwen the extent of his feelings for her. This time it is Gwen, the one who constantly sacrifices her heart in the name of rational thinking, who turns him away, claiming that she cannot be his queen. At the end of S2 it appears that the two are possibly going to give their relationship a chance, although recent spoilers indicate that this might not be the case.
1. The first impression of the pairing for the audience (but not the characters' first meeting): not only does the female think the male downright arrogant, but she kind of, sort of hates him (in a not-really-hating-him sort of way).
Brennan: What are you doing here?
Booth: FBI. Special Agent Seeley Booth. […] Bones identifies bodies for us.
Brennan: Don’t call me “Bones”!
(1x01)
Booth: I went through the appropriate channels, but your assistant there, he stumbled.
Brennan: Yeah, well after the last case I told Zack never ever to put you through. He’s a good assistant.
(1x01)
Booth: Can we just skip this part?
Brennan: I find you very condescending!
(1x01)
Gwen: Arthur's a bully.
(1x01)
Gwen: Not that I want to be her [Morgana]! Who'd want to marry Arthur?
(1x01)
***
2. As Brennan/Gwen stand vigil by Booth/Arthur's bedside, a secret about the man she may be losing is revealed ... only for her to vehemently deny her words.
(4x26)
Gwen: You're not going to die, Arthur. I'm telling you. Because I know that one day, you will be king. A greater king than your father could ever be. It's what keeps me going. You are going to live to be the man I've seen inside you, Arthur. I can see a Camelot that is fair and just. I can see a king that the people will love and be proud to call their sovereign. For the love of Camelot ... you have to live.
(1x13)
Arthur: I can remember you talking to me.
Gwen: You can?
Arthur: You stroked my forehead.
Gwen: I was tending to your fever.
Arthur: Never lost faith.
Gwen: I was just talking.
Arthur: Tell me again what you said.
Gwen: I don't remember.
Arthur: Yes, you do.
Gwen: No, I don't.
Arthur: Come on! Something about ... the man I am inside.
Gwen: No, I never said that.
Arthur: Guinevere…
Gwen: I have to get these washed, sire.
[She leaves. Arthur watches her go, a smile on his face.]
(1x13)
***
3. A pretense of hope -- they say goodbye, aware that this is their last moment before everything changes (or changes back, in the case of Arthur and Gwen).
Booth: Sorry. Couldn't get a pass. I had to sneak off the base to come say goodbye.... Listen, Bones. You gotta be really careful in that Indonesian jungle, okay?
Bones: Booth ... In a week you're going to a war zone. Please don't be a hero. Please, just ... don't be you.
Booth: One year from today, we meet at the Reflecting Pool on the Mall. Right by the--
Brennan: --Coffee cart. I know. One year from today.
[A pause, a moment ... and then he lets go of her hand and leaves.]
(5x22)
Arthur: Guinevere. What happened while I was staying with you ... I'm afraid my father would never understand.
Gwen: You don't have to explain. Perhaps, when you are king, things will be different.
Uther: Arthur?
[Arthur looks away, back at Gwen, and then, apologetically, walks away. He looks behind him for one last look before regretfully continuing on. Gwen takes in the moment and, after a pause, leaves herself.]
(2x02)
***
4. After explaining to another why he can never admit his feelings, Booth/Arthur are given a sound piece of advice: wait for her.
Gordon: Temperance Brennan. You're in love with her. You're building a world around her. A family.
Booth: We're not compatible. She sees the world one way, I see it another way.
Gordon: Oh, of course, it's absolutely ludicrous -- the idea of you two together. But the heart chooses what it chooses, doesn't it? We don't really have any say in the matter.
Booth: She doesn't love me. I would know if she loved me.
Gordon: May I counsel patience on this front? Hope and patience.
(5x07)
Arthur: Gaia Berries worked. Huh.
Merlin: You didn't know if they worked?!
Arthur: Not for sure.
Merlin: Now you tell me? "Ooh, ooh, what's that wilderin eating?" "It's all right. It's just Merlin." [Arthur laughs.] You trying to get us both killed?
Arthur: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have risked your life like that.
Merlin: Well ... they do say love makes you do strange things.
Arthur: What are you talking about?
Merlin: Why can't you just admit your feelings for Gwen? It’s so obvious! A blind man could see it! Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it!
Arthur: I can’t! How can I admit that I think about her all the time? Or that I care about her more than anyone? How can I admit that I don’t know what I’ll do if any harm comes to her?
Merlin: Why can’t you?
Arthur: Because nothing can ever happen between us! To admit my feelings knowing that ... hurts too much.
Merlin: Who’s to say nothing can happen?
Arthur: My father won’t let me rescue a servant, do you honestly believe he’d let me marry one?
Merlin: You want to marry Gwen?!
Arthur: No! No! I-I don’t know...! It’s all talk. And that’s all it can ever be.
Merlin: When you’re king, you can change that.
Arthur: I can't expect Guinevere to wait for me.
Merlin: If she feels as you do, she'll wait for you.
(2x04)
***
5. Her faith means everything.
Booth: Bones, how did you know I was going to keep your promise?
Brennan: What promise?
Booth: To get Sean and David back with Margaret Sanders.
Brennan: Maybe I was lying to catch the bad guy. I learned that trick from you - the end justifies the means.... Booth, I knew you'd back me up. I knew you wouldn't make me a liar.
Booth: How did you know?
Brennan: Because you want to go to heaven.
Booth: But you don't believe in heaven.
Bones: But you do
(1x05)
Brennan: I'm trying to help Booth. I can be objective about his brain and he can't.
Gordon: Sometimes you have to help people against their wishes.
Brennan: I can't think of anything I wouldn't do to help him.
[...]
Gordon (to Booth): Take Dr. Brennan to this um, shooting event of yours. You won't fail in front of her. Trust me.
(5x07)
Arthur: What am I doing?!
Gwen: You're in a fight. To the death. You're losing.
Arthur: But....
Gwen: There's no time to explain. Just ... live for me, Arthur. That's all I ask right now.
(2x10)
***
6. Be the man you claim to be.
Booth: A sniper gets to know a little something about killers. Senator Bethlehem, he’s no killer.
Brennan: Oh, and Oliver Laurier is?
[Booth backs Brennan against the wall.]
Booth: The way I read Laurier, he’s unhinged. That makes him dangerous.
Brennan: That’d be your gut telling you that, correct?
Booth: You know, homicides, they’re not solved by scientists. They’re solved by guys like me asking a thousand questions a thousand times, catching people telling lies every time. You’re great at what you do, Bones, but you don’t solve murders. Cops do.
Brennan: Cleo Eller was killed on a cement floor sprinkled with diatomaceous earth. Traces of her blood will still be in that cement. One of us is wrong, maybe both of us. But if Bethlehem wasn’t a Senator, you’d be right there in his basement looking for that killing floor. You’re afraid of him. Your hypothesis is that squints don’t solve murders and cops do, prove it. Be a cop.
[Brennan turns and leaves. Booth's head follows her but then quickly snaps back as he takes out his gun and fires at the target. He's made two perfect shots.]
(1x01)
Gwen: Arthur! Arthur! Arthur, you've got to stop this.
Arthur: I can't, Gwen, you know I can't.
Gwen: Merlin has proof that Gaius is innocent.
Arthur: My father's already passed sentence. There's nothing I can do.
Gwen: You can do the right thing, Arthur Pendragon! You can show some faith in a loyal friend or you can stand by and watch an innocent man die.
Arthur: Guinevere...
Gwen: You did it once before to my father. Are you really willing to let it happen again? [Arthur stares at her.] And you can stop looking at me like that. I know I'm only a servant. I thought you were a prince, so start behaving like one!
(2x07)
*****
7. She always surprises him ... and he always surprises her.
Booth: Look at this! Man, lots of jazz. Wow! I-I think all that free-form stuff would be a little bit too unpredictable for you--
Brennan: --No, I love it! The artist has to live within a set tonal structure and trust his own instincts to find his way out of an infinite maze of musical possibilities and the great ones do. [Booth smiles at her, impressed.] What?
Booth: Oh nothing, I just … I just never expected that ... you would, you know.
Brennan: That I would love music? Well, I don't usually get to talk about it but since you brought it up I thought…
Booth: No, hey. I didn't mean to make you feel self conscious or…. [He sees a CD on the table.] Whoa, what's this? Ha.
Brennan: What is it?
Booth: Nice.
Brennan: Booth.
["Hot Blooded" by Foreigner starts playing from the CD player.]
Brennan: Uh, how did that get there?
Booth: Oh please, everybody loves Foreigner. [He bobs his head to the beat.] Hot Blooded? Talk about a guilty pleasure. Check it, baby.
[Booth starts to sing and play air guitar. Brennan watches him, still unsure of herself, and then smiles. She gives in, singing and playing air guitar as well. Brennan's phone rings and she stops what she's doing to answer it. Booth keeps singing.]
Bennan: Brennan. David, hi. I'm fine, thanks. Booth, yeah. I'm still under lock down until we solve these crimes. Yes, Foreigner. Okay, I'll.... Okay, sure. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Okay, thanks for calling. Bye. [Brennan quickly hangs up the phone and rejoins Booth. He stops dancing.]
Booth: Wait, I hope he didn't think....
Brennan: No.
Booth: No, cause I … I wouldn't want to, uh, you know, ruin things for you, or ruin anything.
Brennan: Not a problem.
(1x15)
Arthur: Guinevere!
Gwen: Sire!
Arthur: That thing could've killed you!
Gwen: And it still might! [She tackles him and, once they're safe, realize the position they're in.] Sorry, sire!
Arthur: No, my pleasure.
[ ... ]
Gwen: I'll get you something to stop the bleeding.
Arthur: Guinevere! I wanted to say ... just, uh, you ... always surprise me.
[A pause as Gwen registers what he just said.]
Gwen: Is that it, sire?
Arthur: That's it. Oh, and, uh ... thank you.
(2x01)
Brennan: Given the current environment, the paradigm in which a group of girls band together to raise their offspring has merit.
Booth: Without their fathers?
Brennan: Anthropologically speaking those girls have grown up in an culture that reinforces the sad truism that woman cannot count on men.
Booth: Don't say "men" like that. Men do not like a world without responsibility.
Brennan: Well, that boy -- whom those young girls chose as their sperm donor? -- he seemed more than happy with the arrangement. Booth?
Booth: You're right. [Takes out his cell.]
Brennan: I know. Who are you calling?
Booth: Clinton? Listen, it's Agent Booth. I need to talk to you.
Brennan: The kid?
Booth: Listen, meet me at the Royal Diner, uh, in 20 minutes. Yeah, just get there, okay? Thanks. I'm buying. [Hangs up.] Look, I know you want to come along and all but--
Brennan: No, I get it. Go on, Booth. Guy-to-guy thing.
Booth: Thanks.
[...]
Booth: You're also a real smart-ass kid. Okay? There's something I want you to think about, all right? Sex is never free and easy.
Clinton: I beg to differ.
Booth: 'Cause the fact is, any one of these girls, they could change their mind and you would be paying child support for the rest of your life.
Clinton: Wait, what?
Booth: You see these four girls right here? You are responsible for bringing their children into the world. Whether they think so or not, they are your responsibility. Your children, your responsibility, do you understand? And what you do about that will define what kind of man you are.
Clinton: No, no, hold on a second.
Booth: But if you ignore that -- ignore your children -- that's exactly what you're going to become: A loser. A deadbeat. For the rest of your life. You know what, there's something else that you should think about. Ashley Clark? She was going to have your baby. According to our pathologist, it was gonna be a boy.
Clinton: A boy?
Booth: Mhm. A son. Who died ... with his mother.
Clinton: What did you have to tell me all that for?
Booth: Because you needed to hear it. Do you understand?
Clinton: Yes.
[Brennan arrives, watching Booth from outside.]
(4x17)
Arthur: What do you think you're doing?
Knight: He's refusing to pay the king's tax.
Man: Y-you ... you are ... you are asking for too much. I've given all I can.
Knight: It's not enough!
Arthur: Let me see. [The knight hands over money. Arthur looks, then hands the money back to the man.] Release him.
Knight: The king said--
Arthur: Release him. Give them back their money. All of it.
[Arthur walks away and Gwen watches him, proud.]
(2x06)
Defense Lawyer (DL):Was anyone else present at all three locations?
Booth: Me, but I didn't kill the deputy director of the FBI.
DL: You had motive. He fired you that day and threatened Ms. Julian. By the way, was she at all three locations?
Caroline (the prosecutor): Objection! It's just rude to accuse me of murder.
DL: I count three people in this courtroom, besides my client, who had motive to kill Kirby.
Judge: I'll allow it.
Booth: Ms. Julian was never at the crime scene, so you're stuck with me.
DL: And Dr. Brennan.
Booth: I see where you're going with this.
[...]
Booth: Yes, she had motive. Kirby tried to kill her brother.
DL: Thank you.
Booth: Bones was with me all day.
DL: She didn't have time to commit this murder?
Booth: No, she did not.
DL: How did your son, Parker, get home from school that day?
Booth: Forty five minutes we were apart, but we talked on the phone.
DL: Plenty of time, wasn't it Agent Booth? Dr. Brennan could have burned the body hours later when you were safe at home.
Judge: The witness will answer the question.
Booth (to Brennan): That's a lot of heart, Bones.
DL: Your Honor-
Judge: Answer the question please, Agent Booth.
Booth: Could Bones have killed Kirby? Temperance Brennan.... I've worked with this woman. I've stood over death with her, I've faced down death with her. And Sweets, he's brilliant, he is, but he's wrong. She could not have done this.
DL: I didn't ask you your opinion of Dr. Brennan's character. I asked you, did she have time?
[Booth looks at Brennan and remembers the conversation they had at the diner, about planting doubts in the jury's mind to save her father.]
Booth: Yes. She had time.
(3x13)
Merlin: Witnesses saw nothing but hallucinations ... induced by the belladonna in these eye drops.
Uther (to the girls who brought up charges of witchcraft): And you bought this belladonna from this man? [The girls nod. Uther turns to the man who sold the belladonna.] Where did you get it from? [The man looks around, scared.] Don't be afraid, no harm will come to you here.
Man: The witchfinder. He gave them to me.
Uther: Did he tell you what it was for?
Man: No. Only that if I did not sell it he'd have me burned at the stake.
Uther (to Aredian): How do you answer to these accusations?
Aredian: They're absurd! The boy's clearly concocted these lies in the hope of saving his master.
Merlin: Then you won't mind if we search your chamber, will you?
Uther: Silence! You have no authority here!
Arthur: Father. Let's settle this once and for all. [Arthur steps down at the dais, and as he walks to the other side he looks at Gwen. She smiles as he passes, pleased.] If what Merlin says is wrong ... he must bear the consequences. If there is some truth in what he says....
Aredian: I have nothing to hide.
Booth: Hey, listen, Bones, uh, I got a little something for you.
Brennan: Oh, I got you something too. We can, uh, exchange gifts in a couple days.
Booth: Go to the window and open up the blinds, now.
Brennan: What?
[Brennan goes to the window and sees Booth and Parker. They're standing by Booth's car and next to them is a Christmas Tree.]
Brennan: Hey! Everybody, it looks like we got our tree, after all.
Emma: What? A tree?
Hayley: Oh, my gosh. So exciting!
Parker: Merry Christmas!
Brennan: I love my gift, Booth.
Booth: Merry Christmas, Bones.
(3x09)
(2x10)
Booth: You know, if it weren’t for you, those people would never have known what happened to their daughter. That’s got to be worse than the truth.
Brennan: I know exactly how the Eller’s felt about Cleo. My parents disappeared when I was fifteen and nobody knows what happened to them.
Booth: You know, being a sniper I took a lot of lives. What I’d like to do before I’m done is try and catch at least that many murderers.
Brennan (laughing): Please! You don’t think there’s some kind of cosmic balance sheet… [She stops, realizing what she has just said.] I’d like to help you with that.
Booth (smirking): Eh….
(1x01)
Gwen: Why are you doing this?
Arthur: I fear that people respect me just because of my title.
Gwen: I don't believe that's true of everyone.
Arthur: Would you tell me if it were?
Gwen: No. [She smiles.]
Arthur: When I'm competing as William, my title doesn't matter, nobody gives me any special treatment. So, when I win this tournament, if I win this tournament, it will be because I deserve it. Not because I am ... Prince Arthur.
(2x02)
*****
8. He reminds her of her worth.
Booth: Listen, I’m, uh, sorry I had to arrest your father.
Brennan: Do we have to talk about that right now? You did what you had to do, I understand.
Booth: Yup, but--
[They separate at the alter, promptly ending their conversation.]
Booth (whispering): Bones?
Brennan (annoyed): What?
Booth: He could have gotten away.
Brennan: What?
Booth: We go into a fight and your dad could have escaped capture.
Brennan: So he beat you in a fight?
Booth: No, no I didn’t say that.
Brennan: What, so you beat him but you gave him a chance to escape?
Booth (moving towards her): No, I didn’t say that.
Brennan: Well, I don’t see any other alternative.
Booth: No, he didn’t run away because he felt if he abandoned you, he would have lost you forever.... Just thought you should know. [Brennan hugs him and Booth smiles.]
Brennan: Thanks, Booth.
Angela: Um, hi. I’d, uh, like to get married now.
(2x21)
Gwen: You shouldn't have risked your life.
Arthur: I wasn't going to let anything happen to you.
(2x13)
*****
9. The dreaded (yet necessary) triangle -- Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot and Booth/Brennan/Sully
(2x15)
Lancelot: Where are your knights?
Arthur: ...It's just us.
[Gwen looks up, shocked. Lancelot is surprised as well. He turns to look at Merlin, whose eyes confirm Arthur's story.]
Arthur: We gotta keep moving.
[Lancelot turns back and offers Gwen a hand. Smiling, Gwen takes it. Merlin spies their interaction and casts an anxious glance at Arthur, who is dejectedly watching the two. Gwen looks up and, seeing Arthur's reaction, quickly drops Lancelot's hand and leaves. But it's too late -- the feelings of all three are out in the open, and no one has escaped unscathed.]
(2x04)
Sully: You know, Booth, uh, is a really good guy.
Brennan: He says the same about you.
Sully: Really? 'Cause I figured he was the one talking you out of going with me.
Brennan: No. He told me to go. Angela did too. Everyone thinks it's a great idea.
Sully: Everyone except you. But you're not gonna go, are you? [She shakes her head.] Why, Brennan? Sailing around warm oceans with someone who loves you? Please. Tell me what is holding you here. Look. I don't-- I don't want to sound conceited but, um, I think I'm worth the risk.
Brennan: You are. You definitely are.
Sully: All right, well, you're the logical one. What's your thinking?
Brennan: Rationally.... Rationally thinking, I want to go. And I know I should go, but ... I can't.
Sully: What you're doing, it's important. But it's not important enough to be your whole life.
[He kisses her and leaves. Brennan watches him go, and a single tear falls down her cheek. She spies Booth, he smiles at her and gives her a thumbs up -- the case is solved. Brennan laughs and then sobers.]
[...]
Brennan: What are you doing here?
Booth: I'm waving goodbye. See? [He waves.]
Brennan: What do you want?
Booth: Breakfast.
Brennan: I'm not hungry.
Booth: Oh, come on, huh? What are ya gonna vomit when we come across one of those, uh, horrific cases?
Brennan: I don't vomit.
Booth: Give it time, Bones, okay? Give it time. Everything happens eventually.
Brennan: Everything?
Booth: All the stuff, okay, that you think never happens? It happens. You just gotta be ready for it.
(2x16)
Gwen (waking up): Where's Lancelot?
[Merlin is silent. Gwen stands up, worried.]
Gwen: Where is he?
Merlin: He's gone.
Gwen: No.
Merlin: He said that some things can't be. He wanted you to know that you've changed him forever.
[Gwen nods, on the verge of tears. Arthur walks up and watches as Gwen hears the news. After a moment he has no choice but to interrupt -- they must go on.]
Arthur: We have a long walk ahead of us.
(2x04)
*****
9. When they lose faith in each other, all hell breaks loose.
Booth: C'mon, I'll take you back to the lab.
Brennan: What happened with your RECO bust?
Booth: Nothing. Why? [Laughs.] You've been talking to Cam?
Brennan: No. Did you do something wrong?
Booth: What do you mean?
Brennan: You didn't get the credit you deserve. What did you do?
Booth: Life is not always about credit.
Brennan: That's not what you said before. You said life was all about credit and that you were going to Hawaii and they were going to put you on a coin....
Booth: All right, you know, let's just forget about it, okay, Bones? Forget about it.
Brennan: Jared warned me that you tend to sabotage yourself.
Booth: Jared said that?
Brennan: Mhmm. He said that you're afraid of success.
Booth: Hmm. So basically I'm a loser.
Brennan: No, he never said the word loser.
Booth: Do you think I'm a loser? Like that guy in there? Some clown in some dumb-ass uniform who basically can't do any better. Is that what you think?
Brennan: Anthropologically males tend to rank themselves into a hierarchy. There's no shame in not being at the top of the hierarchy.
Booth: You're not answering the question, Bones. Answer my question.
[They stare at each other, both hurt. The phone rings and Booth answers it, eyes still on her.]
[...]
Booth (still upset): Fingerprints belong to Lily Stegman. We know that because she works with kids.
Brennan: She acted like she'd never seen that money before.
Booth: Well, she was lying. [He turns and walks away.]
Brennan (not wanting to leave like this): Booth....
Booth: Bones, let's just go and do our work.
[He leaves. Brennan stares after him, more hurt than before.]
(4x09)
Lancelot: I'm surprised you would undertake such a rescue mission ... just the two of you.
[Gwen's eyes travel from Lancelot to Arthur -- she wants to know as well.]
Arthur (a bit hesitant): Father would not risk the lives of his knights for a servant.
Lancelot: And yet you disobeyed him and came here anyway.
Arthur (desperate to hide his feelings): Truth is I only came because Morgana begged me.
[Merlin's eyes widen in surprise at Arthur's lie. Gwen looks back up at Arthur, hurt, and Arthur immediately looks away, feeling ashamed.]
Gwen (trying to keep her emotions at bay): I think I'll get some rest.
[With one last furious look at Arthur she leaves. Arthur flings aside the piece of wood he's been holding.]
Arthur (leaving as well): We should all get some rest.
(2x04)
*****
10. Booth/Arthur gamble their heart ... and Brennan/Gwen rejects him because they cannot yet see a future and fear being abandoned once again.
Booth: I'm the gambler. [Pause. Brennan smiles slightly, not understanding.] I believe in giving this a chance. [Another pause. Brennan blinks, her expression changing - she's scared.] Look, I want to give this a shot.
Brennan: You mean us? [Booth nods.] No, the FBI won't let us work together-
Booth: Don't do that! That is no reason- [He cuts himself off by kissing her.]
Brennan (pushing him away): No! No!
Booth: Why? Why?
Brennan: You-you thought you were protecting me, but you're the one who needs protecting.
Booth: Protecting? From what?
Brennan: From me! I don't have your kind of open heart.
Booth: Ju-just give it a chance. That's all I'm asking!
Brennan: No, you said it yourself: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.
Booth: Well, then let's go for a different outcome here! All right, let's just- hear me out, all right? You know when you talk to older couples who have been in love, you know, for thirty or forty or fifty years, all right? It's always the guy who says, "I knew." I knew. Right from the beginning.
Brennan: Your evidence is anecdotal!
Booth: I'm that guy. Bones, I'm that guy. I know!
Brennan: I ... I am not a gambler. I'm a scientist. I can't change! I don't know how. [Booth stares at her, heartbroken.] I don't know how. [Brennan's voice breaks as she finishes. Booth is at a loss for words.] Please don't look so sad!
Booth: All right. Okay... [He sighs.] You're right. You're right.
Brennan: Can we still work together?
[Booth stares at her, tears in his eyes, and doesn't answer. Brennan looks like his she's about to burst into tears all over again.]
Booth: Yeah.
Brennan: Thank you.
Booth: But I gotta move on. I've gotta find someone who's ... who's gonna love me in thirty years or forty or fifty.
Brennan (her voice soft, yet sure - she knows what she's losing and it's breaking her heart): I know.
(5x16)
Arthur: I thought I better deliver it myself this time. I'm sorry. For what I put you through.
Gwen: No. You have nothing to apologize for. I too have caused my fair share of hurt.
Arthur: You must believe that my feelings for ... Vivian ... were not real. I've never loved another.
Gwen: One day you will. One day you will find your real princess. One day you will be King of Camelot ... and I cannot be your Queen.
Arthur: You don't know that.
Gwen: I am as sure of that as you are.
Arthur: Things may change.
Gwen: Well, until they do. [She curtsies, restoring the social barrier between them.] My lord.
(2x10)
That's the end of this picspam! I was going to end it on a more lighthearted note (with a section on how each couple has their own personal fanboy -- Sweets for Booth/Brennan and Merlin for Arthur/Gwen), but I'm afraid this took much longer than I anticipated (eek!). I hope you enjoyed this ridiculously long picspam, and stay tuned for parts two and three of this project (which will dissect many of these moments and hopefully provide better analysis as to why these two pairings -- and characters -- are so similar). I have no idea when I'll be able to post the essay and the fanvid (I've just started working on both and I have your typical nine-to-five internship), but hopefully it will be soon! If any other comparisons come to mind I would love to hear them.
CREDIT
~All screencaps and coloring are by me. If for some reason you decide to use any of these images please credit me. =)
~Title of picspam comes from Coldplay's "The Scientist" (which, incidentally, is the song I will be using for my comparative fanvid).
THANKS
~A huge, huge thanks to the members of my f-list who put up with my many "so, can you think of moments when ____ occurred" and provided me with excellent insight.
~Major hugs to starry_laa, who urged me to write the Booth/Brennan&Arthur/Gwen comparison essay, which inspired this picspam.
~Much love to sgmajorshipper, who has been a constant cheerleader, has continually reminded me to work on this project, and has taken part in several "Booth/Brennan vs. Arthur/Gwen" convos with me. Also, a huge hug for letting me snag that gorgeous Booth/Brennan&Arthur/Gwen icon.
~To everyone who read this entire picspam (according to Word, it's 21 pages long, so REALLY, thank you!). It means more to me than I can begin to say.
I've been thinking about picspamming the couples for a while, but I never got around to it. Then the picspam challenge for this round at merlin_land was posted and, well ... I found my inspiration! I hope you enjoy.
Also note: because some of the moments cannot be justified by pictures and words only I've provided a link (click on the episode number) for some of the scenes I picspammed (and, ngl, I'm hoping that for those of you who have only watched one of these shows the clips will entice you to give the other show a chance ^_^). All of the Bones videos have been flipped so as to avoid the YouTube copyright police.
Finally, this picspam has NOT been beta'd. I've read through it many, many times, but I am sure there are several mistakes. My essay WILL be beta'd, so don't let any writing turn you off. ^_^
WARNING: Saying this picspam isn't dial-up friendly is just about as big an understatement as one can make. There are hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of images under the cut. There are also MAJOR SPOILERS for both shows.
I know that many of you are only familiar with one of these two shows. For the purpose of understanding this picspam, I'm providing a quick background on the shows, the pairings, and the characters in the pairing. For a more in-depth explanation stay tuned for the essay portion of this project! Those familiar with both fandoms, feel free to skip over this part! =)
BONES
Bones is, for all intents and purposes, a romantic comedy with a dash of forensics on the side. Because of this, a huge chunk of the show concentrates on the relationship between Dr. Temperance Brennan and Special Agent Seeley Booth (this is important to note in terms of the development of Booth/Brennan compared to he development of Arthur/Gwen). The basic premise of Bones is as follows: Agent Booth works with Brennan and her colleagues (whom he has dubbed "squints" -- because they "squint at things") from the Jeffersonian Institute to solve cases when all that is left of the victim is their bones.
Dr. Temperance Brennan of the Jeffersonian Institute is a forensic anthropologist (Booth nicknamed her "Bones" because she works with bones) and a best selling crime novelist. She is absolutely brilliant but lacks many social skills (one of her trademarks is to reply, "I don't know what that means," to almost all pop culture references). At fifteen her parents abandoned her and her older brother, and shortly thereafter her brother left as well, leaving Brennan to spend her remaining three years in the foster care system. As one can imagine, this had a great effect on her. She struggles with letting people into her life and fears abandonment by those she loves. She begins the show very distant and unwilling to trust her emotions, but over the years, thanks to the influence of her best friend Angela and especially Booth, she has opened herself up to others and started trusting her heart (though she's still learning).
Special Agent Seeley Booth of the FBI is your modern-day knight in shining armor (or, as Angela calls him, "a knight in shining, FBI-standard issue body armor"). When he was younger he was a sniper for the U.S. Army, but after serving his country with honor he went to work for the FBI where he became one of their best agents. Booth, like Brennan, also suffers from a troubled past. During his childhood he protected him and his younger brother, Jared, from their alcoholic father , and it's the one part of his life that he keep completely hidden from Brennan. He also suffered from a gambling addiction. Booth is Roman Catholic and, while not deeply religious, his religion is very important to him. Booth has one child, Parker (four at the beginning of the series, about nine now), whom he had with Rebecca, his girlfriend at the time (though, save a for a few instances, she is only mentioned in passing and always in connection to Parker). Booth is a romantic at heart -- he believes in that spark when eyes meet from across the room and that miracle when two people become one.
Booth and Brennan's began prior to the pilot. In the first episode we learn that their first case went horribly and resulted in feelings of extreme hatred between the two (though Booth appears to be more annoyed with Brennan than anything else). Despite Brennan's unwillingness, Booth manages to convince her to work with him once again (in exchange she's allowed to work in the field, not just in the lab). Over time they earn each other's respect, and slowly but surely they become friends. By the end of season two they are, without a doubt, best friends, and as early as the middle of season one there are hints that Booth has feelings for Brennan (Brennan's feelings seem to emerge somewhere in the second season). Neither of them act on these feelings, however, until the fifth season, although there are many intense moments between the two in the third and fourth seasons (and many instances of jealousy, especially on Booth's part). Booth and Brennan are very different people: she's the brain, he's the brawn; she's an atheist, he's religious; he believes in fate, she believes in science. Yet day after day they put aside their differences and find a way to not only relate to each other, but also to understand the other's view. In this past season Booth admitted his feelings and told Brennan that he wanted to give their relationship a shot, but Brennan rebuffed him out of fear (all the while making it clear that she returns his feelings). As of this season's finale the two are separating for a year (Brennan to work on an anthropological study and Booth to train soldiers for the army) and it is unclear how their relationship will stand at the beginning of season six.
MERLIN
Merlin is a fantasy, family-oriented show. Don't let that turn you off, however -- as cheesy as the show can be (and oh, dear God, those first few episodes...) it also has its moments of brilliance. I avoided watching this show for a good year because I thought it would be too childish, but after watching several episodes I realized my mistake. Merlin, as I'm sure many of you could guess, is about the legend of King Arthur. Unlike other re-tellings, however, this one takes place before the legend with which we are all familiar -- a Smallville for Arthurian legend, as it's often described. In this version Merlin is Arthur's contemporary, and he lives in a world where magic has been outlawed by King Uther (Arthur's father). In the first episode Merlin discovers that it is his destiny to protect Arthur from all evil (which is rather difficult given the political climate) so that Arthur can unite the kingdoms of Albion. After Merlin saves Arthur's life (the first of many times) Uther names him Arthur's servant. While the two initially do not get along, as the show progresses they build a wonderful relationship. Also present in this retelling is Lady Morgana (or as we know her Morgan Le Fay), Uther's ward, and Guinevere (called "Gwen"), Morgana's handmaiden. The main four members of the cast (i.e. Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, and Gwen) are all in their early twenties (or at least that's what we assume -- Merlin and possibly Gwen might be in their very late teens at the start of the show).
Prince Arthur Pendragon is a bit of a prat, for lack of a better word. At the beginning of the series it appears that he thinks himself God's gift to mankind, though as the show progresses we learn that this is merely a shell hiding a vulnerable young man. Arthur's mother died after giving birth to him, and so he grew up with only a father. Arthur has spent most of his life trying to live up to his father's unreasonable expectations, and he consequently often suffers from bouts of self-doubt. He is an incredible fighter, however, and takes great pride in his skills. In the end, despite his initial selfish appearance, he truly is the knight in shining armor. He is incredibly loyal (often putting his life on the line for not only those close to him, but also for his knights and the people of Camelot), stands by his morals, and sees people for who they are beyond their given titles. Through Merlin and Gwen's influence, Arthur begins to move past his arrogant ways and truly listen to those around him - he learns to accept that he's not always right and that he can learn from those who know better than he. By the end of series two it is clear that he will become the man we all know from the legend (or, as Gwen puts it, "the man [she's] seen inside").
Guinevere (Gwen) begins the series as a sweet and unassuming handmaiden with a penchant for putting her foot in her mouth. As the show continues, however, we discover that Gwen has strong feelings concerning the current state of Camelot, especially the lack of equality (even if we are only shown this in a few instances). Like Arthur, Gwen's mother is not present in her life (although we have yet to discover why), and it is assumed by fans that Gwen grew up as the mother of the house, taking care of both her father and herself. Near the end of series one, Uther falsely accuses Gwen's father of sorcery and executes him, leaving Gwen devastated (and an orphan). After Arthur apologizes for what happened, however, Gwen realizes that a brighter future lies with Arthur. She begins to see Arthur as the man who will change Camelot for the better, and she tries to find ways to nurture his inner goodness (as Angel Coulby, who portrays Gwen, stated). Sadly not much has been done with Gwen save for her role as the romantic interest (though it appears this will change come series three), but we know that she is as loyal as Arthur, cares deeply about the people of Camelot, never strays from her morals, and is incredibly sensible and realistic (perhaps to a fault).
Arthur and Gwen begin the show with zero interaction. Arthur, for all intents and purposes, has no idea she exists, and Gwen simply sees him as a bully. Through Merlin, however, their paths begin to cross, and while the development of the relationship is somewhat shaky at times (and, to be honest, quite sidelined -- especially when you compare it to the development of Booth/Brennan -- but that's somewhat to be expected in a show with a family demographic), they begin to see each other as more than just a prince and a handmaiden, and as with Booth and Brennan the two begin to earn each other's respect. In the beginning of S2 After Arthur stays in Gwen's house during a jousting tournament (so he can enter the competition as an unknown knight and prove that he can win on his skill and not because of his title). Despite a few arguments the two truly connect and, at the end of his stay Arthur impulsively kisses Gwen (surprising both Gwen and himself). After the tournament Arthur tells Gwen that his father would never allow what happened between them to continue, and Gwen assures him that she understands. Despite this their relationship continues to build through small, yet poignant, moments. Arthur proves himself the romantic in the relationship -- although it was he who first said that they could never be, by episode ten of the second series he admits to Gwen the extent of his feelings for her. This time it is Gwen, the one who constantly sacrifices her heart in the name of rational thinking, who turns him away, claiming that she cannot be his queen. At the end of S2 it appears that the two are possibly going to give their relationship a chance, although recent spoilers indicate that this might not be the case.
1. The first impression of the pairing for the audience (but not the characters' first meeting): not only does the female think the male downright arrogant, but she kind of, sort of hates him (in a not-really-hating-him sort of way).
Brennan: What are you doing here?
Booth: FBI. Special Agent Seeley Booth. […] Bones identifies bodies for us.
Brennan: Don’t call me “Bones”!
(1x01)
Booth: I went through the appropriate channels, but your assistant there, he stumbled.
Brennan: Yeah, well after the last case I told Zack never ever to put you through. He’s a good assistant.
(1x01)
Booth: Can we just skip this part?
Brennan: I find you very condescending!
(1x01)
Gwen: Arthur's a bully.
(1x01)
Gwen: Not that I want to be her [Morgana]! Who'd want to marry Arthur?
(1x01)
***
2. As Brennan/Gwen stand vigil by Booth/Arthur's bedside, a secret about the man she may be losing is revealed ... only for her to vehemently deny her words.
(4x26)
Gwen: You're not going to die, Arthur. I'm telling you. Because I know that one day, you will be king. A greater king than your father could ever be. It's what keeps me going. You are going to live to be the man I've seen inside you, Arthur. I can see a Camelot that is fair and just. I can see a king that the people will love and be proud to call their sovereign. For the love of Camelot ... you have to live.
(1x13)
Arthur: I can remember you talking to me.
Gwen: You can?
Arthur: You stroked my forehead.
Gwen: I was tending to your fever.
Arthur: Never lost faith.
Gwen: I was just talking.
Arthur: Tell me again what you said.
Gwen: I don't remember.
Arthur: Yes, you do.
Gwen: No, I don't.
Arthur: Come on! Something about ... the man I am inside.
Gwen: No, I never said that.
Arthur: Guinevere…
Gwen: I have to get these washed, sire.
[She leaves. Arthur watches her go, a smile on his face.]
(1x13)
***
3. A pretense of hope -- they say goodbye, aware that this is their last moment before everything changes (or changes back, in the case of Arthur and Gwen).
Booth: Sorry. Couldn't get a pass. I had to sneak off the base to come say goodbye.... Listen, Bones. You gotta be really careful in that Indonesian jungle, okay?
Bones: Booth ... In a week you're going to a war zone. Please don't be a hero. Please, just ... don't be you.
Booth: One year from today, we meet at the Reflecting Pool on the Mall. Right by the--
Brennan: --Coffee cart. I know. One year from today.
[A pause, a moment ... and then he lets go of her hand and leaves.]
(5x22)
Arthur: Guinevere. What happened while I was staying with you ... I'm afraid my father would never understand.
Gwen: You don't have to explain. Perhaps, when you are king, things will be different.
Uther: Arthur?
[Arthur looks away, back at Gwen, and then, apologetically, walks away. He looks behind him for one last look before regretfully continuing on. Gwen takes in the moment and, after a pause, leaves herself.]
(2x02)
***
4. After explaining to another why he can never admit his feelings, Booth/Arthur are given a sound piece of advice: wait for her.
Gordon: Temperance Brennan. You're in love with her. You're building a world around her. A family.
Booth: We're not compatible. She sees the world one way, I see it another way.
Gordon: Oh, of course, it's absolutely ludicrous -- the idea of you two together. But the heart chooses what it chooses, doesn't it? We don't really have any say in the matter.
Booth: She doesn't love me. I would know if she loved me.
Gordon: May I counsel patience on this front? Hope and patience.
(5x07)
Arthur: Gaia Berries worked. Huh.
Merlin: You didn't know if they worked?!
Arthur: Not for sure.
Merlin: Now you tell me? "Ooh, ooh, what's that wilderin eating?" "It's all right. It's just Merlin." [Arthur laughs.] You trying to get us both killed?
Arthur: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have risked your life like that.
Merlin: Well ... they do say love makes you do strange things.
Arthur: What are you talking about?
Merlin: Why can't you just admit your feelings for Gwen? It’s so obvious! A blind man could see it! Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it!
Arthur: I can’t! How can I admit that I think about her all the time? Or that I care about her more than anyone? How can I admit that I don’t know what I’ll do if any harm comes to her?
Merlin: Why can’t you?
Arthur: Because nothing can ever happen between us! To admit my feelings knowing that ... hurts too much.
Merlin: Who’s to say nothing can happen?
Arthur: My father won’t let me rescue a servant, do you honestly believe he’d let me marry one?
Merlin: You want to marry Gwen?!
Arthur: No! No! I-I don’t know...! It’s all talk. And that’s all it can ever be.
Merlin: When you’re king, you can change that.
Arthur: I can't expect Guinevere to wait for me.
Merlin: If she feels as you do, she'll wait for you.
(2x04)
***
5. Her faith means everything.
Booth: Bones, how did you know I was going to keep your promise?
Brennan: What promise?
Booth: To get Sean and David back with Margaret Sanders.
Brennan: Maybe I was lying to catch the bad guy. I learned that trick from you - the end justifies the means.... Booth, I knew you'd back me up. I knew you wouldn't make me a liar.
Booth: How did you know?
Brennan: Because you want to go to heaven.
Booth: But you don't believe in heaven.
Bones: But you do
(1x05)
Brennan: I'm trying to help Booth. I can be objective about his brain and he can't.
Gordon: Sometimes you have to help people against their wishes.
Brennan: I can't think of anything I wouldn't do to help him.
[...]
Gordon (to Booth): Take Dr. Brennan to this um, shooting event of yours. You won't fail in front of her. Trust me.
(5x07)
Arthur: What am I doing?!
Gwen: You're in a fight. To the death. You're losing.
Arthur: But....
Gwen: There's no time to explain. Just ... live for me, Arthur. That's all I ask right now.
(2x10)
***
6. Be the man you claim to be.
Booth: A sniper gets to know a little something about killers. Senator Bethlehem, he’s no killer.
Brennan: Oh, and Oliver Laurier is?
[Booth backs Brennan against the wall.]
Booth: The way I read Laurier, he’s unhinged. That makes him dangerous.
Brennan: That’d be your gut telling you that, correct?
Booth: You know, homicides, they’re not solved by scientists. They’re solved by guys like me asking a thousand questions a thousand times, catching people telling lies every time. You’re great at what you do, Bones, but you don’t solve murders. Cops do.
Brennan: Cleo Eller was killed on a cement floor sprinkled with diatomaceous earth. Traces of her blood will still be in that cement. One of us is wrong, maybe both of us. But if Bethlehem wasn’t a Senator, you’d be right there in his basement looking for that killing floor. You’re afraid of him. Your hypothesis is that squints don’t solve murders and cops do, prove it. Be a cop.
[Brennan turns and leaves. Booth's head follows her but then quickly snaps back as he takes out his gun and fires at the target. He's made two perfect shots.]
(1x01)
Gwen: Arthur! Arthur! Arthur, you've got to stop this.
Arthur: I can't, Gwen, you know I can't.
Gwen: Merlin has proof that Gaius is innocent.
Arthur: My father's already passed sentence. There's nothing I can do.
Gwen: You can do the right thing, Arthur Pendragon! You can show some faith in a loyal friend or you can stand by and watch an innocent man die.
Arthur: Guinevere...
Gwen: You did it once before to my father. Are you really willing to let it happen again? [Arthur stares at her.] And you can stop looking at me like that. I know I'm only a servant. I thought you were a prince, so start behaving like one!
(2x07)
*****
7. She always surprises him ... and he always surprises her.
Booth: Look at this! Man, lots of jazz. Wow! I-I think all that free-form stuff would be a little bit too unpredictable for you--
Brennan: --No, I love it! The artist has to live within a set tonal structure and trust his own instincts to find his way out of an infinite maze of musical possibilities and the great ones do. [Booth smiles at her, impressed.] What?
Booth: Oh nothing, I just … I just never expected that ... you would, you know.
Brennan: That I would love music? Well, I don't usually get to talk about it but since you brought it up I thought…
Booth: No, hey. I didn't mean to make you feel self conscious or…. [He sees a CD on the table.] Whoa, what's this? Ha.
Brennan: What is it?
Booth: Nice.
Brennan: Booth.
["Hot Blooded" by Foreigner starts playing from the CD player.]
Brennan: Uh, how did that get there?
Booth: Oh please, everybody loves Foreigner. [He bobs his head to the beat.] Hot Blooded? Talk about a guilty pleasure. Check it, baby.
[Booth starts to sing and play air guitar. Brennan watches him, still unsure of herself, and then smiles. She gives in, singing and playing air guitar as well. Brennan's phone rings and she stops what she's doing to answer it. Booth keeps singing.]
Bennan: Brennan. David, hi. I'm fine, thanks. Booth, yeah. I'm still under lock down until we solve these crimes. Yes, Foreigner. Okay, I'll.... Okay, sure. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Okay, thanks for calling. Bye. [Brennan quickly hangs up the phone and rejoins Booth. He stops dancing.]
Booth: Wait, I hope he didn't think....
Brennan: No.
Booth: No, cause I … I wouldn't want to, uh, you know, ruin things for you, or ruin anything.
Brennan: Not a problem.
(1x15)
Arthur: Guinevere!
Gwen: Sire!
Arthur: That thing could've killed you!
Gwen: And it still might! [She tackles him and, once they're safe, realize the position they're in.] Sorry, sire!
Arthur: No, my pleasure.
[ ... ]
Gwen: I'll get you something to stop the bleeding.
Arthur: Guinevere! I wanted to say ... just, uh, you ... always surprise me.
[A pause as Gwen registers what he just said.]
Gwen: Is that it, sire?
Arthur: That's it. Oh, and, uh ... thank you.
(2x01)
Brennan: Given the current environment, the paradigm in which a group of girls band together to raise their offspring has merit.
Booth: Without their fathers?
Brennan: Anthropologically speaking those girls have grown up in an culture that reinforces the sad truism that woman cannot count on men.
Booth: Don't say "men" like that. Men do not like a world without responsibility.
Brennan: Well, that boy -- whom those young girls chose as their sperm donor? -- he seemed more than happy with the arrangement. Booth?
Booth: You're right. [Takes out his cell.]
Brennan: I know. Who are you calling?
Booth: Clinton? Listen, it's Agent Booth. I need to talk to you.
Brennan: The kid?
Booth: Listen, meet me at the Royal Diner, uh, in 20 minutes. Yeah, just get there, okay? Thanks. I'm buying. [Hangs up.] Look, I know you want to come along and all but--
Brennan: No, I get it. Go on, Booth. Guy-to-guy thing.
Booth: Thanks.
[...]
Booth: You're also a real smart-ass kid. Okay? There's something I want you to think about, all right? Sex is never free and easy.
Clinton: I beg to differ.
Booth: 'Cause the fact is, any one of these girls, they could change their mind and you would be paying child support for the rest of your life.
Clinton: Wait, what?
Booth: You see these four girls right here? You are responsible for bringing their children into the world. Whether they think so or not, they are your responsibility. Your children, your responsibility, do you understand? And what you do about that will define what kind of man you are.
Clinton: No, no, hold on a second.
Booth: But if you ignore that -- ignore your children -- that's exactly what you're going to become: A loser. A deadbeat. For the rest of your life. You know what, there's something else that you should think about. Ashley Clark? She was going to have your baby. According to our pathologist, it was gonna be a boy.
Clinton: A boy?
Booth: Mhm. A son. Who died ... with his mother.
Clinton: What did you have to tell me all that for?
Booth: Because you needed to hear it. Do you understand?
Clinton: Yes.
[Brennan arrives, watching Booth from outside.]
(4x17)
Arthur: What do you think you're doing?
Knight: He's refusing to pay the king's tax.
Man: Y-you ... you are ... you are asking for too much. I've given all I can.
Knight: It's not enough!
Arthur: Let me see. [The knight hands over money. Arthur looks, then hands the money back to the man.] Release him.
Knight: The king said--
Arthur: Release him. Give them back their money. All of it.
[Arthur walks away and Gwen watches him, proud.]
(2x06)
Defense Lawyer (DL):Was anyone else present at all three locations?
Booth: Me, but I didn't kill the deputy director of the FBI.
DL: You had motive. He fired you that day and threatened Ms. Julian. By the way, was she at all three locations?
Caroline (the prosecutor): Objection! It's just rude to accuse me of murder.
DL: I count three people in this courtroom, besides my client, who had motive to kill Kirby.
Judge: I'll allow it.
Booth: Ms. Julian was never at the crime scene, so you're stuck with me.
DL: And Dr. Brennan.
Booth: I see where you're going with this.
[...]
Booth: Yes, she had motive. Kirby tried to kill her brother.
DL: Thank you.
Booth: Bones was with me all day.
DL: She didn't have time to commit this murder?
Booth: No, she did not.
DL: How did your son, Parker, get home from school that day?
Booth: Forty five minutes we were apart, but we talked on the phone.
DL: Plenty of time, wasn't it Agent Booth? Dr. Brennan could have burned the body hours later when you were safe at home.
Judge: The witness will answer the question.
Booth (to Brennan): That's a lot of heart, Bones.
DL: Your Honor-
Judge: Answer the question please, Agent Booth.
Booth: Could Bones have killed Kirby? Temperance Brennan.... I've worked with this woman. I've stood over death with her, I've faced down death with her. And Sweets, he's brilliant, he is, but he's wrong. She could not have done this.
DL: I didn't ask you your opinion of Dr. Brennan's character. I asked you, did she have time?
[Booth looks at Brennan and remembers the conversation they had at the diner, about planting doubts in the jury's mind to save her father.]
Booth: Yes. She had time.
(3x13)
Merlin: Witnesses saw nothing but hallucinations ... induced by the belladonna in these eye drops.
Uther (to the girls who brought up charges of witchcraft): And you bought this belladonna from this man? [The girls nod. Uther turns to the man who sold the belladonna.] Where did you get it from? [The man looks around, scared.] Don't be afraid, no harm will come to you here.
Man: The witchfinder. He gave them to me.
Uther: Did he tell you what it was for?
Man: No. Only that if I did not sell it he'd have me burned at the stake.
Uther (to Aredian): How do you answer to these accusations?
Aredian: They're absurd! The boy's clearly concocted these lies in the hope of saving his master.
Merlin: Then you won't mind if we search your chamber, will you?
Uther: Silence! You have no authority here!
Arthur: Father. Let's settle this once and for all. [Arthur steps down at the dais, and as he walks to the other side he looks at Gwen. She smiles as he passes, pleased.] If what Merlin says is wrong ... he must bear the consequences. If there is some truth in what he says....
Aredian: I have nothing to hide.
Booth: Hey, listen, Bones, uh, I got a little something for you.
Brennan: Oh, I got you something too. We can, uh, exchange gifts in a couple days.
Booth: Go to the window and open up the blinds, now.
Brennan: What?
[Brennan goes to the window and sees Booth and Parker. They're standing by Booth's car and next to them is a Christmas Tree.]
Brennan: Hey! Everybody, it looks like we got our tree, after all.
Emma: What? A tree?
Hayley: Oh, my gosh. So exciting!
Parker: Merry Christmas!
Brennan: I love my gift, Booth.
Booth: Merry Christmas, Bones.
(3x09)
(2x10)
Booth: You know, if it weren’t for you, those people would never have known what happened to their daughter. That’s got to be worse than the truth.
Brennan: I know exactly how the Eller’s felt about Cleo. My parents disappeared when I was fifteen and nobody knows what happened to them.
Booth: You know, being a sniper I took a lot of lives. What I’d like to do before I’m done is try and catch at least that many murderers.
Brennan (laughing): Please! You don’t think there’s some kind of cosmic balance sheet… [She stops, realizing what she has just said.] I’d like to help you with that.
Booth (smirking): Eh….
(1x01)
Gwen: Why are you doing this?
Arthur: I fear that people respect me just because of my title.
Gwen: I don't believe that's true of everyone.
Arthur: Would you tell me if it were?
Gwen: No. [She smiles.]
Arthur: When I'm competing as William, my title doesn't matter, nobody gives me any special treatment. So, when I win this tournament, if I win this tournament, it will be because I deserve it. Not because I am ... Prince Arthur.
(2x02)
*****
8. He reminds her of her worth.
Booth: Listen, I’m, uh, sorry I had to arrest your father.
Brennan: Do we have to talk about that right now? You did what you had to do, I understand.
Booth: Yup, but--
[They separate at the alter, promptly ending their conversation.]
Booth (whispering): Bones?
Brennan (annoyed): What?
Booth: He could have gotten away.
Brennan: What?
Booth: We go into a fight and your dad could have escaped capture.
Brennan: So he beat you in a fight?
Booth: No, no I didn’t say that.
Brennan: What, so you beat him but you gave him a chance to escape?
Booth (moving towards her): No, I didn’t say that.
Brennan: Well, I don’t see any other alternative.
Booth: No, he didn’t run away because he felt if he abandoned you, he would have lost you forever.... Just thought you should know. [Brennan hugs him and Booth smiles.]
Brennan: Thanks, Booth.
Angela: Um, hi. I’d, uh, like to get married now.
(2x21)
Gwen: You shouldn't have risked your life.
Arthur: I wasn't going to let anything happen to you.
(2x13)
*****
9. The dreaded (yet necessary) triangle -- Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot and Booth/Brennan/Sully
(2x15)
Lancelot: Where are your knights?
Arthur: ...It's just us.
[Gwen looks up, shocked. Lancelot is surprised as well. He turns to look at Merlin, whose eyes confirm Arthur's story.]
Arthur: We gotta keep moving.
[Lancelot turns back and offers Gwen a hand. Smiling, Gwen takes it. Merlin spies their interaction and casts an anxious glance at Arthur, who is dejectedly watching the two. Gwen looks up and, seeing Arthur's reaction, quickly drops Lancelot's hand and leaves. But it's too late -- the feelings of all three are out in the open, and no one has escaped unscathed.]
(2x04)
Sully: You know, Booth, uh, is a really good guy.
Brennan: He says the same about you.
Sully: Really? 'Cause I figured he was the one talking you out of going with me.
Brennan: No. He told me to go. Angela did too. Everyone thinks it's a great idea.
Sully: Everyone except you. But you're not gonna go, are you? [She shakes her head.] Why, Brennan? Sailing around warm oceans with someone who loves you? Please. Tell me what is holding you here. Look. I don't-- I don't want to sound conceited but, um, I think I'm worth the risk.
Brennan: You are. You definitely are.
Sully: All right, well, you're the logical one. What's your thinking?
Brennan: Rationally.... Rationally thinking, I want to go. And I know I should go, but ... I can't.
Sully: What you're doing, it's important. But it's not important enough to be your whole life.
[He kisses her and leaves. Brennan watches him go, and a single tear falls down her cheek. She spies Booth, he smiles at her and gives her a thumbs up -- the case is solved. Brennan laughs and then sobers.]
[...]
Brennan: What are you doing here?
Booth: I'm waving goodbye. See? [He waves.]
Brennan: What do you want?
Booth: Breakfast.
Brennan: I'm not hungry.
Booth: Oh, come on, huh? What are ya gonna vomit when we come across one of those, uh, horrific cases?
Brennan: I don't vomit.
Booth: Give it time, Bones, okay? Give it time. Everything happens eventually.
Brennan: Everything?
Booth: All the stuff, okay, that you think never happens? It happens. You just gotta be ready for it.
(2x16)
Gwen (waking up): Where's Lancelot?
[Merlin is silent. Gwen stands up, worried.]
Gwen: Where is he?
Merlin: He's gone.
Gwen: No.
Merlin: He said that some things can't be. He wanted you to know that you've changed him forever.
[Gwen nods, on the verge of tears. Arthur walks up and watches as Gwen hears the news. After a moment he has no choice but to interrupt -- they must go on.]
Arthur: We have a long walk ahead of us.
(2x04)
*****
9. When they lose faith in each other, all hell breaks loose.
Booth: C'mon, I'll take you back to the lab.
Brennan: What happened with your RECO bust?
Booth: Nothing. Why? [Laughs.] You've been talking to Cam?
Brennan: No. Did you do something wrong?
Booth: What do you mean?
Brennan: You didn't get the credit you deserve. What did you do?
Booth: Life is not always about credit.
Brennan: That's not what you said before. You said life was all about credit and that you were going to Hawaii and they were going to put you on a coin....
Booth: All right, you know, let's just forget about it, okay, Bones? Forget about it.
Brennan: Jared warned me that you tend to sabotage yourself.
Booth: Jared said that?
Brennan: Mhmm. He said that you're afraid of success.
Booth: Hmm. So basically I'm a loser.
Brennan: No, he never said the word loser.
Booth: Do you think I'm a loser? Like that guy in there? Some clown in some dumb-ass uniform who basically can't do any better. Is that what you think?
Brennan: Anthropologically males tend to rank themselves into a hierarchy. There's no shame in not being at the top of the hierarchy.
Booth: You're not answering the question, Bones. Answer my question.
[They stare at each other, both hurt. The phone rings and Booth answers it, eyes still on her.]
[...]
Booth (still upset): Fingerprints belong to Lily Stegman. We know that because she works with kids.
Brennan: She acted like she'd never seen that money before.
Booth: Well, she was lying. [He turns and walks away.]
Brennan (not wanting to leave like this): Booth....
Booth: Bones, let's just go and do our work.
[He leaves. Brennan stares after him, more hurt than before.]
(4x09)
Lancelot: I'm surprised you would undertake such a rescue mission ... just the two of you.
[Gwen's eyes travel from Lancelot to Arthur -- she wants to know as well.]
Arthur (a bit hesitant): Father would not risk the lives of his knights for a servant.
Lancelot: And yet you disobeyed him and came here anyway.
Arthur (desperate to hide his feelings): Truth is I only came because Morgana begged me.
[Merlin's eyes widen in surprise at Arthur's lie. Gwen looks back up at Arthur, hurt, and Arthur immediately looks away, feeling ashamed.]
Gwen (trying to keep her emotions at bay): I think I'll get some rest.
[With one last furious look at Arthur she leaves. Arthur flings aside the piece of wood he's been holding.]
Arthur (leaving as well): We should all get some rest.
(2x04)
*****
10. Booth/Arthur gamble their heart ... and Brennan/Gwen rejects him because they cannot yet see a future and fear being abandoned once again.
Booth: I'm the gambler. [Pause. Brennan smiles slightly, not understanding.] I believe in giving this a chance. [Another pause. Brennan blinks, her expression changing - she's scared.] Look, I want to give this a shot.
Brennan: You mean us? [Booth nods.] No, the FBI won't let us work together-
Booth: Don't do that! That is no reason- [He cuts himself off by kissing her.]
Brennan (pushing him away): No! No!
Booth: Why? Why?
Brennan: You-you thought you were protecting me, but you're the one who needs protecting.
Booth: Protecting? From what?
Brennan: From me! I don't have your kind of open heart.
Booth: Ju-just give it a chance. That's all I'm asking!
Brennan: No, you said it yourself: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.
Booth: Well, then let's go for a different outcome here! All right, let's just- hear me out, all right? You know when you talk to older couples who have been in love, you know, for thirty or forty or fifty years, all right? It's always the guy who says, "I knew." I knew. Right from the beginning.
Brennan: Your evidence is anecdotal!
Booth: I'm that guy. Bones, I'm that guy. I know!
Brennan: I ... I am not a gambler. I'm a scientist. I can't change! I don't know how. [Booth stares at her, heartbroken.] I don't know how. [Brennan's voice breaks as she finishes. Booth is at a loss for words.] Please don't look so sad!
Booth: All right. Okay... [He sighs.] You're right. You're right.
Brennan: Can we still work together?
[Booth stares at her, tears in his eyes, and doesn't answer. Brennan looks like his she's about to burst into tears all over again.]
Booth: Yeah.
Brennan: Thank you.
Booth: But I gotta move on. I've gotta find someone who's ... who's gonna love me in thirty years or forty or fifty.
Brennan (her voice soft, yet sure - she knows what she's losing and it's breaking her heart): I know.
(5x16)
Arthur: I thought I better deliver it myself this time. I'm sorry. For what I put you through.
Gwen: No. You have nothing to apologize for. I too have caused my fair share of hurt.
Arthur: You must believe that my feelings for ... Vivian ... were not real. I've never loved another.
Gwen: One day you will. One day you will find your real princess. One day you will be King of Camelot ... and I cannot be your Queen.
Arthur: You don't know that.
Gwen: I am as sure of that as you are.
Arthur: Things may change.
Gwen: Well, until they do. [She curtsies, restoring the social barrier between them.] My lord.
(2x10)
That's the end of this picspam! I was going to end it on a more lighthearted note (with a section on how each couple has their own personal fanboy -- Sweets for Booth/Brennan and Merlin for Arthur/Gwen), but I'm afraid this took much longer than I anticipated (eek!). I hope you enjoyed this ridiculously long picspam, and stay tuned for parts two and three of this project (which will dissect many of these moments and hopefully provide better analysis as to why these two pairings -- and characters -- are so similar). I have no idea when I'll be able to post the essay and the fanvid (I've just started working on both and I have your typical nine-to-five internship), but hopefully it will be soon! If any other comparisons come to mind I would love to hear them.
CREDIT
~All screencaps and coloring are by me. If for some reason you decide to use any of these images please credit me. =)
~Title of picspam comes from Coldplay's "The Scientist" (which, incidentally, is the song I will be using for my comparative fanvid).
THANKS
~A huge, huge thanks to the members of my f-list who put up with my many "so, can you think of moments when ____ occurred" and provided me with excellent insight.
~Major hugs to starry_laa, who urged me to write the Booth/Brennan&Arthur/Gwen comparison essay, which inspired this picspam.
~Much love to sgmajorshipper, who has been a constant cheerleader, has continually reminded me to work on this project, and has taken part in several "Booth/Brennan vs. Arthur/Gwen" convos with me. Also, a huge hug for letting me snag that gorgeous Booth/Brennan&Arthur/Gwen icon.
~To everyone who read this entire picspam (according to Word, it's 21 pages long, so REALLY, thank you!). It means more to me than I can begin to say.