Hey Bones Booth
I've been thinking about What's In the Middle lately because its a staple on my migraine playlist but I couldn't remember what episode it was from. I was very disappointed when I realized it was this episode. So I figured it was worth rewatching to see if its as cringy as I remember.
I'm trying to put myself in the understanding of network TV in 2010, but this really isn't great for me. I remember being an awkward closeted teen changing the channel when this episode came on as a rerun because of its messaging.
I feel like this episode is trying to send the message of "stereotypes aren't real" and "gay men are exactly the same as straight men. So you make Dan have a regular job as a dentist. Make him play football. Make his ex Chris hunt. Make his ex Chris have uneven sideburns. Make the gay football team's coach portray toxic masculinity.
This does more harm than good in my view. Still leave the problem open for the gays that don't conform to the "basically straight" characteristics, think Max from Happy Endings. Kind of normalizes the homophobia of gays not being welcome in the locker room because of supposed glances. What I find the most troubling is Dan's closeted ex Cyd having to explain that he was happy and Booth wouldn't understand. This is where you try to take the moment to explain that love is the part where it is like a straight relationships and its the same as a man loving a woman, but in an episode where they try to normalize being gay by straight washing it, this is the one thing they incorrectly other-ize. Also the way they throw around fag in a way that makes it lose all impactful meaning.
Other random gripes include wasting a Jared re-appearance, final? On a terrible B plot. Booth shaming sex work does not shock me, neither does the show focus on Padme being "reformed". Brennan being not afraid of spiders lines up with her ever changing opinion on snakes.
Also how are you say Angela is not a genius? She makes you a new computer program every week.