2X23 - Soft Light [REVISITED]

Summary

This was Vince Gilligan's first script for TXF and interestingly, he wasn't part of the show's staff at the time. I thought it was a well executed story that featured an effective performance by Tony Shalhoub in the central role. (On the other hand, the actress who played Detective Ryan — who also appeared in the infamous Genderbender episode — did not strike a sympathetic chord with me at any point. Despite Scully's identification with Ryan's challenges in the "old boys' club", I didn't much feel sorry for her when she was reduced to a puddle late in the hour.) This is an example of an X-File that seems somewhat absurd, but given the quality writing and sympathetically drawn character, I'm able to suspend the disbelief and go along for the ride. I liked how the initial "spontaneous human combustion" theory branches out into the highly technical science that Chester Banton is actually involved with. Even though there are the usual "how can that be??" aspects to certain plot elements, this episode plays out successfully, particularly when it comes to the government's interest in harnessing this man's "talents" and the mysterious Mr. X's involvement in capturing him for study.

A very sympathetic Dr. Banton

I found myself liking this more during my re-watch, so I will take this opportunity to bump up the rating. Absurdity of certain plot points aside (including the fact that Mulder and Scully are even involved in this case to begin with), it was an entertaining hour in many respects. During this recent viewing, I was impressed by how the script managed to weave in parts of the government conspiracy via the involvement of X. (Not to mention that X's role was very well written in this instance... he wasn't just his usual snarling self with nothing of substance to say.) It could very well have simply been a standard one-off episode with no ties to any continuity. Instead, not only do we have X playing a big role towards the final act, we have Scully staring at a heating vent while contemplating how a hotel room can be locked from within without its occupant. However, I was disappointed that she seemed to have forgotten the whole spontaneous combustion part of the unfortunate Phoebe Green encounter, leading to a borderline testy remark by Mulder who says "okay" when she suggests "let's just forget for the moment that there's no scientific theory to support" his theory. Loved the look that Mulder gave her when she entered the elevator immediately afterwards!

I mentioned not feeling anything for Detective Ryan in my original review and pinned the reason on the actress playing her (Kate Twa). While it's still true that her performance didn't inspire me to feel sorry for her, I must also add that the way the character was written didn't score any points with me either. That said, her actions were very consistent with the way other law enforcement agents that M&S have encountered have behaved.

Picayune Peculiarities

We see more of that truly advanced digital image enhancing software at work again, only this time it is the Richmond Train Station that possesses it! (I know, I know, we needed to see that emblem on Dr. Banton's jacket in order to move the action along in a show that only lasts for an hour.) The other major nitpick I have with this episode lies in how Banton's shadow managed to slip under the door at the hotel to kill that poor man during the teaser.

Best or Worst Moment

Speaking of X, this is somewhat of a funny moment, when you get right down to it. Mulder meets him in the stairwell of the train station and the basic gist of the conversation is that X tells Mulder that he (X) is "not at your beck and call". (Apparently our Mr. X hasn't totally recovered from the abuse that he got from Scully and Skinner in End Game.) However, wasn't it nice of him to came all the way from DC to Richmond to tell Mulder this?

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