Summary
A season in which the main mythology eps made sense and were relatively easy to follow. Wow. If this is where it all began, it's truly lamentable where it all ended up. What did we get in this one? An intriguing case of look-alike abortion doctors who are systematically "offed", an introduction to Mulder's relatively dysfunctional family, bad guys maybe playing on both sides of the field, and the first appearance of the mighty morphin' ABH. (And I have to ask the nitpicky question — how does such a transformation affect clothing? Whenever The Hulk did his thing, he always tore through David Banner's clothes....) Wonderful work on the scenes between brother and "sister" on the part of DD and Megan Leitch — she consistently has great chemistry with him. Oh, and what viewer can forget what s/he felt at the end of the episode when Scully hears Mulder's voice on the phone — while "Mulder" stands there in front of her. No wonder this one was a no-brainer for inclusion in my top ten defining eps list.
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| The sister who wasn't |
I so wanted it to be. But if the ex-Mrs. Mulder knew then what she later "knew" in Season Seven, she wouldn't have asked this. Listen to Samantha's tale about what happened to her in this episode and you are sure to think that it had tremendous story-telling possibilities. Why was it ultimately abandoned? Right down to the part about Stratego, it made so much sense and held so much promise.
Two great moments from this episode that I want to highlight. The first one concerns the heated conversation that Mulder and Scully exchange the night after their CIA "friend" loses Dr. Dickens. "You'll pursue a case at the expense of everything, to the point of insanity, and expect me to follow you. There has to be somewhere to draw the line." Mulder's response shows just how sane he actually always is, and he reminds Scully that she is free to draw her own lines.
The second moment that always strikes an emotional response in me whenever I watch this episode is the moment of Mulder greeting his father. Great reaction look on the part of DD when Papa Mulder extends his hand instead of accepting his hesitant invitation to a hug. Doesn't necessarily indicate that Fox Mulder was abused by his dad, but it does indicate that on some level, he's still looking for his love and approval.
Picayune Peculiarities
Okay, ABH being able to assume other people's physicality I will buy. (Well, not really, like I said in my original review above, but I will buy it for the sake of enjoying this episode.) However, the way he assumes the mannerisms of these people? Hard to buy that. So while that final scene is and has always been a great mini-cliffhanger, the fact that he chooses the exact words that Mulder would say when he inquires at Scully's motel room door is hard to swallow. (And no, I don't believe that he has been following them around for some time learning how they interact.)
By the way, am I mistaken or has Scully "held the proof" (of extraterrestrials) more often than Mulder? Here she encounters yet another alien embryo — and this time it even moves!
Best or Worst Moment
As good as this whole episode was, it was the teaser that had me gripping the edge of my seat from the very first second. The words uttered by Mulder as we glimpsed the end result of his harrowing adventure sure had me wondering what could ever have happened to bring him to this point.
The worst thing about this episode is how Mulder and Scully rely on land lines until the fascinating climactic moment. I know that the unfortunate plot device was required to move the story along, but for two people who normally seem so attached to their cell phones, it was definitely out of character.
Original Rating: * * * *
Revised Rating: * * * *
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