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Season Four Reviews
"deceive, inveigle and obfuscate"
4X01Herrenvolk
Summary"I've seen too many things not to believe." Sigh. I loved the scenes of Mulder with Samantha; I loved the thought that somewhere out there, there was still a real Samantha waiting to be found. Why? Because as one reviewer put it when he indicated that he wasn't giving away the ending of The Search for Spock by describing the reunion scene: "What, they call it "The Search for Spock" and they don't find him??" In this case, ever since episode one, we've been led to believe that it's Mulder's life search to find his sister. And in the long journey leading up to the middle of season seven, we occasionally saw cryptic episodes like this that led us to believe that she was still out there. Best or Worst MomentThe Mulder breakdown moment (and the scene beyond) was very touchingly done and underscored the support between these two, and the best dramatic moment in this one had to be the "offing" of X, but I rather liked the end scene with the mysterious new "source", Ms. Marita Covarrubias. I felt Mulder's pain — still fresh at a distance of one month — and I rejoiced in his being able to hold a little bit of proof in his hands. Home
SummaryI remember my husband and I turning to one another during a commercial break and saying, "Well, that was twisted!" (This remains his personal favourite episode.) I never knew at the time the sort of commotion that this one would ultimately create, despite having said that. While it was indeed violent, sick, and perverse, it still remained true to the X-Files in both story and characterization. I mean, if you ask anyone about this ep, they'll likely tell you that — beyond the "ickiness" — it was a very well done episode from the standpoint of Mulder and Scully. It was one of those "hidden gem" sort of shows that left viewers with a lot of background character stuff. Best or Worst MomentYes, it was an interesting conversation on the bench, full of that lovely flirtatious stuff that used to thrill, prior to the onset of darkness caused by the cancer diagnosis. And I've said it before, but I'll say it again: Christmas Carol/Emily and Requiem notwithstanding, I still don't see Scully as a mother. Teliko
Summary
Summary Best or Worst MomentI don't know about any specific moments in this one other than the lame Michael Jackson reference that evens stands out. That and the Scully mouthful of "Not everyone is plotting to deceive, inveigle and obfuscate." Oh no? Unruhe
SummaryInteresting episode. The guy who played Gerry (Pruitt Taylor Vince — doesn't that seem like a name in reverse to you?) terrified me with his uncanny ability to make his eyeballs quiver like a real madman. Talk about acting! To me, this is the classic X-Files "photography" ep, not the more lukewarm Tithonus. The fact that both ended with Scully potentially getting killed has not escaped me either, although I could "buy" this one more than the other. (Peyton Ritter — what an idiot.) Once again, in true Mulder fashion, our "Spooky" hero shows us why he's an FBI agent and we are not — he can see all sorts of things in photographs that we wouldn't even notice on our best days with the best computer aids. Oh, and I loved the scene with him chasing after the Explorer. I'm sure he could have caught it had he arrived just a bit sooner! Best or Worst MomentI love Mulder's ability to stay inquisitive. I recently read something about the sixteen basic desires of human beings (drop me a line if you're interested in knowing the complete list) and I think Mulder's life desire is focused on curiosity. Supposedly this desire manifests itself in "truth-seeking and problem-solving". Anyway, my point is that scene in the woods after they've found Alice Brandt's body. Mulder is confused about the nature of Gerry's photos and wants to understand. Scully says, "I don't." It's a very telling moment. The Field Where I Died
SummaryI dunno, was this stupid or brilliant? I can't go with the latter because while this one is so Mulder-centric and DD actually does very good work in it, I don't have a copy of this episode and I rarely watch it when it comes on. But I've seen many that are worse, so I guess it's neither stupid nor brilliant. Just that it's hard to sell me on the past life thing and this was the worst example of how Mulder sometimes wants to believe way too much for his own good! And while I didn't necessarily take that "history of always being friends" thing between Mulder and Scully as an affront to a potential future as a couple, I wondered how Mulder could get so wrapped up in Melissa so quickly. Overall, this one failed to make me believe. Best or Worst MomentWas this the last time he addressed her as "Dana"? (I mean outside of the Bad Blood tease and the instances in which he has introduced or referred to her as Dana, like in The End?) This was the only "real" scene to me in this episode, the introspective moment when Mulder asks Scully if she would change anything about their relationship if she had it to live all over again. I really think that she replied honestly and that her response doesn't negate a desire for more. She merely thinks that this is the road on which they should be traveling to get to where they want to be. Sanguinarium
SummaryIt wasn't as bad as some have opined, but on the other hand, I can't see anyone being a huge supporter of this one. There have been, however, worse episodes by far. I did like the not-too-subtle commentary on the whole cosmetic surgery industry, but I doubt that even the graphic displays of the most gruesome outcomes possible will stop people from seeking their perfect bodies and faces. Even if they do have to sell their souls or some such thing. Was that the point of this story? This was quite the blood-fest and was a bit disturbing in that sense, but at no point was I seriously feeling like this could ever happen. (And yes, there are certain x-files that I think can happen...) So while it was sorta scary in its presentation, the episode never succeeded in making me feel it. It was just sorta "icky". Best or Worst MomentPoor David... they should quit making funnies about his nose. Still, that was a bit of a precious scene where Mulder is examining himself in the mirror. I can't otherwise point out any memorable scenes from this one that aren't gruesome. Musings of a Cigarette-Smoking Man
SummaryI'll put it this way — this was entertaining as a script in itself; it was generally well-written, well-made, intriguing, etc. But it's not an x-file and as a TXF episode, it doesn't quite score. I've probably only seen it about three times over the years, as I'm not one to chase after Mulder-free episodes. The big question is: are we to take this hour as pure entertainment and tongue-in-cheek fun or are we to believe that our ever-lovin' CSM has been at the center of every significant political development (and SuperBowl outcome) in the latter half of the twentieth century? Some viewers dislike this episode for the reason that they don't buy this theory. I think it was a fairly decent episode for the fact that it was not meant to be a serious take on history. Come on now, the man was writing a novel! Best or Worst MomentI appreciated the return of Deep Throat in this one, in the scene where they apparently flip a coin to decide who gets to dispose of an alien. Somehow I think among all those little lies and stories that CSM tells during this hour, Accused of being one of those testosterone-fueled episodes made "for the boys", this girl happened to like it. And because of my personal fascination with dinosaurs and outer space prior to becoming a TXF fan, I even knew about the significance of Tunguska before this ep. In any case, what's not to like here? There's intrigue — even foreign intrigue. There's Mulder and Scully taking part in a dramatic military-style takedown. Krycek's back in town and unwittingly serving as Mulder's punching bag. There's confirmation that Mulder did not sleep with Marita. (A silly, cute, and unnecessary detail if you ask me.) Then there's all that running around in the dirt and mud of Russia with a little bit of MulderTorture thrown in for good measure. Just a great example of the type of large-scale movie-like episodes that TXF used to do that — quite frankly — I've missed in recent years. There was true excitement here in this fast-paced episode and I must admit, I had a high hopes for some real answers in part two. (What can I say? At the time that I originally saw this, I was still somewhat naive about getting answers.)
Mulder had some great lines in this one that are quite memorable. To Krycek when he originally encounters him after the takedown: "You're an invertebrate scum-sucker whose moral dipstick is about two drops short of bone-dry." Then, again to Krycek after he (Mulder) and Scully discover the contents of the diplomatic pouch: "What did you get for Halloween, Charlie Brown?"
So Terma didn't quite do it for me. Why? Because in that inimitable X-Files way, it got confusing and convoluted. Generally great stuff again, though — excellent production values in the location scenes. Exciting (albeit unlikely) getaway by Mulder. (Actually this escape from Russia probably ranks right up there with the exit from Antarctica in the movie. Yeah, Chris, we don't need to know details, but it might be informative for us in case we ever find ourselves in similar circumstances.) A fitting "reward" for Krycek. But then the action swings back to North America with the hearing, the old folks' home, and the burial of this mysterious second bomb in a Canadian oilfield... well, it all sort of became muddled for me at that point. The final analysis that we were left with, I suppose, was more government cover-up in terms of the experimentation with the black oil and all that alien jazz. Standard clarity for a mythology ep, all in all. Oh, and does anyone think that Mulder's exposure here has anything to do with his future reaction in Biogenesis? Probably not, right?
Most memorable moment I guess...! What can I say — I don't particularly like seeing Mulder hurt, but "that man Krycek" is a whole other story. I can't even begin to imagine staying lucid through the act of having your arm cut off, but Krycek didn't really sound like he was going to faint all too quickly. One can only hope for his sake that he did drop unconscious at some point, because that knife certainly didn't seem up to doing the job quickly. Ouch and then some!
Vince Gilligan sets out to pose a more down to earth explanation for Samantha's disappearance and definitely succeeds. This episode is one of the series' most outstanding examples of a self-contained story that allowed both characters to shine. As I write this in "present day" (during the airing of a season eight that is destined to live in infamy), just thinking about this episode is enough to make me ache for times gone by. Has Gilligan even written anything comparable since? (Outside of the apples to oranges comparison to Bad Blood?) His antagonist was perfectly created, slimy yet convincingly "nice". Every single one of Mulder's actions — even the questionable ones — is consistent with what we know of his character. Moreover, every single Scully reaction is supportive, even as she attempts to pull him back at every turn. She succeeds in doing this without being harsh or insensitive. I found it amazing that I was able to feel what every character was feeling, from Mulder's need for a conclusion to his extended nightmare, to Scully's wish that he might find it, to Skinner's concern that he'd risk too much in his search, and finally, to Roche's desperate need for release from his imprisonment, both physical and mental.
The scene that consistently comes to mind when I think of this episode is the one of Mulder in the morgue with the remains of the young girl that he and Scully have just discovered. He's somewhat relieved that it's not Samantha but in the next moment, he realizes with barely contained emotion that it's still someone who likely has family waiting for her. Just another fine display of Mulder's innate empathy towards others. And in the end, he still doesn't know what happened to his sister.
At least John Shiban shows steady progress. By the end of the year, he's redeemed himself with Elegy and in the latter years, he's not done anything similar in quality to this and Teso Dos Bichos. Now that I think about it, perhaps the boys ought to stay away from Spanish names altogether... lump this one together with the former and Agua Mala and you've really got a collection for the bottom of the barrel! On the surface of it — like many TXF eps that fail to deliver — the premise is fine, but something about how it's rolled out just doesn't work. I would have liked to explore the story of El Chupacabra, but the "real life" love triangle aspect of it didn't appeal to me in the least. It had its amusing moments I guess... Erik Estrada should be proud, not to mention the artist now known again as Prince.
"Stella — !" Oops, I mean, "Maria!" Don't ask me what the best or worst part of this one was because nothing really stands out except perhaps Mulder's moment of madness in the car. I suppose the fact that El Chupacabra gets a subsequent mention in one of the series' best eps should count for something, but I dunno — I'm unconvinced.
This one holds the TXF record as the highest rated episode ever, but there have been moments when I've wondered if some other episode shouldn't have been shown in that post-SuperBowl timeslot. Despite the fact that Leonard Betts is a perfectly fine story, it doesn't ever strike me as being that much of a standout on anyone's "all-time" list. The idea is a good one — this entity that needs to consume cancerous by-products in order to survive and is capable of completely regenerating himself. (Why the hell not, it's the X-Files, after all?) But for all his supposed reputation as an outstanding EMT, he surely seems to have little regard for life when he's capable of killing his ex-partner just like that. This was undoubtedly one of those unfortunate plot elements required to move the story along, but I wish they had handled it differently. In the end though, I thought it was a wonderful way to introduce Scully's nasty cancer battle. Too bad the next ep shown — had new viewers been enticed to come on board — was Never Again instead of Memento Mori.
Hiding, hiding, forever hiding? The final scene where Scully wants to go home after Mulder tells her she should be proud of the job that she's done was a nice counterpoint to the opening scene in Memento Mori, where it's revealed that he was the first — and so far, only — person to whom she has disclosed her illness.
This one is somewhat painful to watch for anyone who's ever thought "shippy thoughts", but it's a half-decent X-File and the surrounding tension was probably a very realistic scenario for M&S at this point in their partnership. For some reason, this ep gave rise to major screams of protest from Scullyists over her partner's apparent treatment and ignorance of her needs, but anyone who has any basic understanding of men knows that Mulder had no idea what had gotten her panties in a knot. (The question of why Scully doesn't have a desk in this office or a nameplate on the door wasn't the issue of this episode and shouldn't have been an issue among fans.) This was the story of a woman who hides her insecurities well and appears to be in control of her destiny, but in truth — underneath the facade — she is plagued by needs that she doesn't understand and doesn't know how to fulfill. Too bad she didn't learn enough from this outing to have figured it out, because we eventually see it repeated in future experiences. Oh, and with regards to the overnight stay — did she or didn't she? I've heard tell GA seems to think so (although perhaps she was projecting what she would have done in Scully's position) but as a viewer, it was my interpretation that she didn't.
Loved that bittersweet moment at the very end of the episode where both agents are wondering where to go from here. Life shouldn't be so difficult, should it? Well, stay tuned, because the difficult part has only just begun.
Once again, at a distance of three, almost four years later, it's somewhat bittersweet to reminisce on TXF's better days. Definitely one of the series' major successes, this episode let us in on some interesting moments and created some indelible memories. And it was supported by outstanding performances all around, from the guest spots to the semi-regulars to David and Gillian. At times, it hurt to watch, but I think that's always been one of the X-Files' strong points: its ability to wring true emotion out of viewers without being manipulative about it. This wasn't a sob-fest, but the seeming futility of Scully's condition was always just close enough to the surface to make us acutely aware of Mulder's barely-controlled frustration as well as her tightly controlled fear. Observations post-airing? Well, I wonder if CC and the boys remember that Mulder took samples of Scully's ova. He could have ensured that they remained viable. Might this be how the awful pregnancy from hell started?
I'll go with one of the defining M&S moments of the series: the next to final scene in the hallway of the hospital. One complaint though — having seen the first or alternate version of this, I wish someone had taken the time to write the scene so that it didn't have the overly mushy tone of the original, but also not the sterile impersonal tone of the final (which I say doesn't match well with what Scully wrote in her journal). True, this woman is repressed without bound, but this was actually a very open moment between the two of them and knowing that Mulder had read some of what she wrote, she should have been able to speak in kind.
Even though this one ventured into the "let's play with whether or not Mulder is Jewish" irrelevancy, I've found things to like about this story over time. It did not originally strike me as a strong episode of course, and it would hardly make anyone's "most memorable" list, but as I read somewhere, the love story aspect of this one was compelling enough to make it interesting. Otherwise, the cultural myth that presented itself as an x-file — which reminded me of Hell Money in a way — wasn't quite fleshed out enough to make it successful.
As I write these in present day season eight with nothing better to do with my TXF time, I've gotten into the habit of studying DD's reaction work. He's impressed me several times in scenes or portions thereof where he says absolutely nothing. This episode features one such instance which — by itself — guarantees that I'll occasionally watch this again. Ariel is describing the significance of the wedding "ring" (let's not get into the logistics of wearing that thing and not killing someone, but it was a good story) and at various moments, the camera catches Mulder looking at Scully from behind. You can come up with a lot of interesting interpretations about what he might have been thinking.
I was recently discussing with a mutual fan how this series used to be unique and thoughtful even when the stories weren't exactly "great". We weren't specifically talking about this episode, but I think this is a good example. Nothing about this ep really stands out but underneath it all, the sub-text was admirable. Was Teager really bad or were his actions somehow warranted? War is horrifying in a way that many of us cannot comprehend, which is both good and bad. I think we need to be reminded every now and again of its impact — beyond the battlefield — to ensure that we make the right decisions and understand the consequences of those decisions. This was a great example of how The X-Files used to have a bit of a social conscience even within the confines of its paranormal story-telling. Sure the "invisibility" thing was a bit of a stretch, but God knows I'd buy that more than I'd buy something as "mundane" as a year-long pregnancy.
Moment of poignancy at the end when Mulder — being ever so Mulder — is disgusted with how the government is bent on covering up the latest event tied to Nathaniel Teager. Mulder says to Skinner that they're "denying his death... and with all due respect, he could be you."
Was this the last of the true X-Files "motion pictures" that we used to get once or twice a season? All of a sudden I find it amazing that we got both this two-parter and Tunguska/Terma in the same season. Nice to see the return of Max Fenig, even though the return ends in his almost immediate demise. He somehow made being a nerd seem somewhat cool. At the very least, he struck a chord with Mulder. I must admit that this episode continues to be a bit baffling to me — in a good way, though — but I'm always carried away by the plot and the "what if's" every time I watch it. It's full of intrigue and excitement, the way an X-Files episode should be. Throw in some tremendous production values and nothing much more needs to be said. Except maybe, "Poor Pendrell."
What can I say? "Back in the day" (to coin a phrase from a so-so season seven episode), I liked those classic Mulder and Scully moments just as much as the next person. The opening sequence at the pub was cute and sweet and more along the lines of how I'd like to remember M&S than anything that I've seen in season eight.
The confusion continued for me at the beginning of this conclusion to Max Fenig's tale. The military involvement and the corresponding cover-up story was almost less interesting to me than the trailer park reality of Max's choice of lifestyle. As the episode played out, however, it had me on the edge of my seat as the pieces sorta fell into place. The airplane abduction sequence was great — very chilling and realistic. Seeing it play out again during Mulder's plane ride was — for me — one of the most exciting X-Files moments of all time. All in all, though, this episode was aptly named for its central character. We were originally presented with the concept of this weirdo who had to be a loner, a bit of a loser, and someone who might not be missed if he ever disappeared for real. But we saw in these revisitations that Max Fenig's world included people who cared about him. In Scully's words, he and Mulder seemed like "kindred spirits". Her line, "Men with Spartan lives. Simple in their creature comforts, if only to allow for the complexity of their passions," described Mulder totally.
This is neither a best nor worst moment, just a classic Chris Carter moment. I liked how the agents parted company with Sharon Graffia in the next to final scene, but the ensuing Mulder and Scully "conversation" was a mishmash of something that tried hard to be sweet and touching but ended up being — in my humble opinion anyway — laughable, pompous and bombastic.
I'm generally intrigued by time travel stories even though I have a hard time wrapping my brain around the concept of it ever being done (whether or not the laws of quantum physics allow it). The teaser caught my attention and admittedly, led me to anticipate a better story than what we were ultimately served. I don't know if this one went too deep into the scientific aspects (although I had actually done some reading about tachyons many years ago) or whether it just wasn't a very cohesive script, but despite the intrigue of that opening sequence, the episode fell flat. On the surface, it seemed a simple enough idea — scientist sees opportunity to correct a perceived evil through time travel (isn't that always the case?) — but I don't think I ever connected with the players in this story and therefore didn't care as much as I should/might have.
I liked how Mulder was portrayed as having paid so much attention to Scully's graduate thesis that he can quote broadly from it. Also, "You were a lot more open when you were younger." Ah. That explains a lot. A lot, a lot.
This has just got to be on everyone's top ten list, as it is on mine. While the case itself was not original (as Mulder had occasion to say during the episode itself, we've "seen this before"), the presentation was brilliant. The acting was top-notch and the humour just came naturally. And you had to love Eddie "the loser", even though the thought of someone impersonating your husband or significant other during such intimacy is horrifying to say the least. I guess you could say that his heart was in the right place. I like how Vince Gilligan is able to give our little Scully a realistic sense of humour in his scripts. ("On behalf of all the women in the world, I seriously doubt that this has anything to do with consensual sex.") This one rolled along so fabulously that the plot holes were rendered inconsequential. Now that's good story-telling!
What can I say — I loved the "Eddie as Mulder" moments. In particular, my favourite sequence was his "introduction" to the basement office and the realization of what this G-Man does for a living. (Of course, the "Eddie as Mulder" and Scully encounter was quite memorable, but to pick that "moment" would be too obvious.)
It's the annual Skinner episode and we get the continuation of the mysterious "bee connection" that was started back at the beginning of the season in Herrenvolk. Oh, and mustn't forget about the smallpox thing too; we first heard about that back about a season ago. (This much I do understand.) Anyway, from what I can make of the proceedings, Skinner does some "dirty" cleanup work for CSM in payment for whatever favour was done for him regarding Scully at the end of Memento Mori. (Although as Skinner himself says here, what the heck was actually done for Scully since she's in the hospital undergoing tests during this adventure?) While this episode gave us some intriguing scenes between Mulder and Skinner and showed us some of the fuzzy boundaries that the latter has to deal with in his life, we also got some of that "when a man digs a hole, he risks falling into it" crap. Not to mention yet another gun being waved ceremoniously in CiggybuttMan's face. This one seemed to be all about setup with no real resolution... hmmm — maybe it's "classic" TXF??
I'm going to leave the "tighty whiteys" alone and just mention a fun bit of dialogue. Finding Skinner at home after he's been trying unsuccessfully to phone him, Mulder understandably senses that his superior's explanation of "I needed some sleep" is a tad weak at best. "That's why you were taking the garbage out at four in the morning?" Nice to know that Mulder cares enough to drop by Skinner's place at four in the morning.
I've gained appreciation for this episode as time goes on. The "I see dead people" angle is not my favourite part (because it merely adds to Scully's "list of paranormal experiences I've lived that I'll totally ignore") but I will admit that it made a lot of sense within the context of this show. We're gradually leading up to the immediacy and seriousness of Scully's illness and the fact that she's had this "inner window" opened to death is significant. Loved the entire overlay of tension that blankets our heroes as the story progresses. I liked the character of Harold and most of the supporting players at the psychiatric center — they seemed both funny and real. If anything, it was the climax of this one that was lacking. While the attack on Scully was unexpected, it was textbook cliche to have the culprit be no better than a "scorned woman". Okay, scorned woman on drugs...
Gotta say that Mr. Shiban created some very poignant moments between Mulder and Scully in this episode. (The actors gave it their all, in my humble opinion.) There are several good ones (including the "confrontation" scene near the end) but the one I want to highlight happens just prior to Scully entering the bathroom and having her "vision". A drop of red blood drips onto a white page as she leans over it. The fear, sadness, and anxiety expressed by Mulder/DD as he whispers, "Oh, Scully..." said it all.
I can't help but describe this one as compelling and idiotic at the same time. I've long since had this episode saved on tape, but every time I watch it, I admit to asking, "What the hell were you thinking, Fox William Mulder??" (In a tribute to bad fanfic.) On the one hand, I do think that Mulder's desperation was in keeping with his character. I only wish that his chosen "procedure" had been a little less ridiculous so that I could believe that the intelligent FBI agent that I "know" would willingly submit to it. In any case, the personal mythology of Fox Mulder has always been interesting to me, hence the reason for tolerating the silliness of drilling a hole in one's own head. In the context of the fourth season to this point, it's not difficult to see him as being emotionally and psychologically tormented. He's been given "answers" this year that have been arguably more puzzling than his questions. It's not a great leap to think that he might be tempted to revisit his past, one which - for the viewer, anyway - is even more intriguing by way of the tidbits that were given in this episode.
The opening and closing scenes of this episode were memorable for totally different reasons. The former is worth a mention as one of DD's famous "gratuitous nudity" sequences (we didn't see anything but we suppose Scully did and therefore live vicariously through her). My pick, however, is the final scene in the summer house at Quonochontaug. Yeah, yeah, I knew Mulder wouldn't shoot Scully, but the drama was still real and the emotional impact intense.
Do I even know what Gethsemane's about? An alien corpse discovered encased in ice, providing "proof" within reach... Mulder at his stubborn, obsessed "worst"... but then, whoa - hint of yet another conspiracy aimed at... what? Creating and then destroying this man named Fox Mulder and maybe everyone nearest and dearest to him? Why? Why, Chris? Because these bad guys just enjoy being puppet-masters? Because for the second time in three years, we need a reason to wonder over the summer if Mulder is dead? As we lead into the fifth season, the part of the mythology that deals with Scully's illness is suitably gripping, but I think the wheels are starting to fall off of this little wagon. The truth is a lie, the lies are the truth — or, as Krycek said a few months back — they're just making it up as they go. Well, whichever. At this point, I was definitely still invested enough to come back for more, but as cliff-hangers go, this one leaves a bit to be desired. But then, I think the boys hit a high with Anasazi that will never be surpassed.
Mulder sitting there watching TV, totally torn apart... that was an effective scene, no question about it. And yes, I believe that the thought of killing himself was a real consideration for more than just a few seconds. Unlike "typical" suicides, however, Mulder's motivation wouldn't have been to spare himself further pain — it would have been a real attempt to prevent further atrocities from being committed against those he cared for.
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Was this season the jewel in the crown for The X-Files? I don't think we'll ever get any consensus on what is the "best" season for the series but time-wise, this certainly marked the show's heyday. It was the height of coolness to be a Phile, at a time when the show had finally overcome the boundaries of "traditional drama" to be recognized as a verifiable hit, perhaps by even the stuffiest of critics. Above all, I think we got some interesting shows that broke new ground (Home and Small Potatoes) and continued to see trademark "film-making" qualities highlighted during the two-parter sweeps eps.
Worst ep? This season didn't have a "screamingly bad" episode, in all honesty. El Mundo Gira is obviously my pick but I don't have that strong dislike for it as I do for others that I could mention. The others that were rated at the bottom (Teliko, Sanguinarium) weren't entirely appalling either. The ones that didn't hit the high marks this season (and many did, which says something in itself) were merely less creative, less original. They were not necessarily indicative of bad characterization or poorly chosen story-telling techniques, which have been obvious with other "worst of" picks.
The best? There were many great episodes this season, but my personal pick is also one of my all-time favourites: Paper Hearts. Perhaps the quintessential Mulder story, the X-File in this one was not the possible explanation behind the disappearance of Samantha, but the uncanny link that Mulder has with her potential killer.
This is going to seem like a strange pick, but I'm selecting Synchrony as my most disappointing episode. As I mentioned in my summary for the show, I like time travel stories and have seen some good examples of them. I thought that this episode had the potential to be so much more than what it was, considering how I felt after seeing the opening sequence.
I was basically surprised at every turn with the events of Home, TXF's effort at pushing the envelope with respect to network TV censors. This is the only X-Files episode where after each commercial break, our local affiliate aired a viewer discretion warning. And while I'm not the sort to be easily disturbed by graphic content, I was surprised with what they managed to get away with in this one. However, the subsequent move to ban it from ever being aired again (and I'm not sure if this is still true but it certainly was at one point) was a bit much.
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Herrenvolk
Other Reviews: Season 1
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