Exclusive Bones Sneak Peek: What Is Max Hiding From Brennan?

The relationship between Bones' Temperance Brennan and her career criminal father has always been a bit strained. And despite some relative peace in recent years, it looks like more trouble is ahead.

In the exclusive first look at Thursday's episode below, Max (guest star Ryan O'Neal) tells Brennan (Emily Deschanel) he can no longer babysit Christine, but he refuses to tell her why. "Are you in trouble again?" a concerned Brennan asks, before ultimately giving up. "I don't want you to be late for whatever it is you're hiding from me," she says.

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Executive producer Stephen Nathan hints that whatever Max is up to again could ultimately offer some closure for Brennan and her abandonment by her parents. "We're trying to close up loose ends for Brennan and her history, and also for her relationship with Max," he tells TVGuide.com. "Why was she placed in this situation? Why did Max do the things that he did? What are the ramifications of those things, and how do compassion and understanding and forgiveness figure into that?"Bones airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox. Watch the exclusive sneak peek below:

As a bonus, check out this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Bones created Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan's new home this season. (Hint: It involves some special effects trickery!)