4X24 - Gethsemane

Summary

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.

Best or Worst Moment

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.

Original Rating: * * *