1X20 - Tooms [REVISITED]

Summary

Sequels to outstanding episodes are always doomed in a way. (This is, of course, the sequel to Squeeze.) Don't get me wrong — Tooms is still loads better than the average TXF ep, but this one doesn't quite hit the same high notes as its predecessor. I'm speaking mostly of how Tooms acts here, as opposed to the original episode. For the fact that he was let loose — despite Mulder's "crazy" testimony — he seemed damned eager to pave the way for his ultimate recapture. (And recaptured he would have been, had Mulder not decided to shred him in the escalator.) The best parts of this one were about our heroes and the depth of their support for one another. That aspect picks up quite nicely from Squeeze.

Mulder being attacked by a liver eating mutant man

Sure, Mr. Tooms is just an upstanding model citizen! Let's not waste any dollars keeping him in custody, thank you very much. Good on these people (including his doctor) for thinking that he's such a fine young man, despite his freaky demeanor. And yes, I know that when you hear Mulder going on and on and on, choosing to highlight the fantastic over the facts, he's just going to make himself out to be a madman. Anyway, knowing that he now has to take matters into his own hands, Mulder sets out to put himself between the eerie Mr. Tooms and his potential victims, tailing him everywhere. He's mostly successful until Tooms decides to turn the tables and tries to frame Mulder for beating him up. (Lucky for us that he didn't just rip his liver out while he slept so soundly.) Meanwhile, Scully was quite a little worker during this case — while doing things by the book or not — even though I'm not sure Mulder truly appreciated her efforts.

Isn't it funny how everyone else is allowed to call Mulder "Fox" except Scully? Even in the same episode? (In my memory — and I certainly could be wrong — I think this is the one and only time that Skinner calls him by his first name.)

Speaking of Skinner, wasn't he an absolute dick at the beginning of this ep? With Ciggy Butt Face standing behind him not saying a word, he makes it seem as though Mulder and Scully's 75% resolution rate is a huge failing. What more does he want? With a snarl, he asks for "more reports"... just like a bureaucrat. But then he partially redeems himself with his later speech to Mulder, where he states that Mulder is one of the finest, most unique agents the FBI has seen in its sixty year history. (CSM is again in the room, as he shares all of Skinner's screen time during this hour for some reason.) Quite a change from six years down the road [Requiem] when Skinner will say to Mulder: "They don't like you".

Like I said in my original review, the way Tooms acts in this episode is not like a man trying to hide his crimes. Therefore, it seemed quite "easy" to connect the dots — or bile droppings, as the case may be. While the scene of this slimy naked guy chasing Mulder through the vent was heart stopping, you knew who was going to "get it" in the end.

Best or Worst Moment

I'll have to satisfy the expectations of the masses and pick the stakeout "ice tea" love/fate moment. Even I have to admit that that is a classic Mulder and Scully moment. (God, I even referenced it in my fanfic!)

And you know, during this recent viewing, I was impressed by the "matter of fact" way in which Scully states, "I wouldn't put myself on the line for anybody but you." Now how is that not love?

Original Rating: * * *
Revised Rating: * * *