BBC really served up a load of Carp with the recent series of Bonekickers.  But now the US has given us something just as bad with the first double length episode of the latest series of Bones. 

The Season four opener is set in England, with Booth speaking at Scotland Yard and Brennan lecturing at the Oxford University.   We are introduced to a parallel british  team consisting of a female detective and male forensic anthropologist who appear to be almost, but not quite, as good as the main characters.    Much hilarity and discussion of various mutual attractions ensue.  Most of which falls a little flat

There is a murder, with the body dumped in the Thames.  This is too much for the British Police who are unable to cope with a body in an SUV, so the whole kit and cubudle (anyone know what a cabudle is, and how you spell the word?) are shipped of the Brennan's lab in the states.

From there on it goes down hill.  We are treated to a view of England that owes more to an episode of Murder She Wrote or Poirot than the world as it is now.  Lots of jokes about  small cars - they hire a Mini - the class system, and british teeth. 

FBI agent is permitted to question members of the Royal Family while a detective from scotland yard stands by silently.  The same FBI agent who has been supplied with a gun by Scotland yard.    

I'll be interested to see how this goes down when it plays on Sky, but to me it was the most patronising and jingoistic bit of american drama I have seen for quite some time.  I suspect the intention was a light-hearted romp, not intending to be offensive or patronising.  But in that regard it was a failure.  Bones is usually a good entertaining show, but I get the impression that as this was a special double episode they just tried a little too hard.  I'm hoping normal service will be resumed for next weeks episode.