Much of this episode is about a relationship Hodgins had with a victim's wife. They were actually once engaged. Because he wanted to be involved in the case, he didn't come forth. Of course, once a suspect was arrested, his actions were going to be exposed. And they were. To the point where this became a firing offense. Everything depended on the verdict. Booth becomes a total ass, having no respect for what Hodgins went through. He seems to conveniently forget that Hodgins has been responsible for saving Brennan and others with his acuity. But that's sort of a typical "what have you done for me lately" thing that happens on TV dramas.