4X23 - Demons

Summary

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.

Best or Worst Moment

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.

Original Rating: * * *