The X-Files Friday Feature: Scully

Last week, I wrote about how I identified with Fox Mulder on this show. But ever since the beginning of this series, I've also strongly identified with the character of Dana Scully. She's a scientist - always curious, always wanting to know more about the world, even if it disrupts her assumptions about the way the world works.

The X-Files Season 3, Episode 8: Oubliette

'Oubliette' was intensely creepy, and extremely tense. And really dark, but that's what you get when you name an episode 'Oubliette', I suppose.

What seems like a fairly run of the mill kidnapping story is complicated by a past victim, who is experiencing Amy's kidnapping along with her, but also giving Mulder and Scully a chance to solve the case using somewhat unconventional means.

The X-Files Season 3, Episode 7: The Walk

Well, we're back to the disturbing episodes. Wait, did those ever really take a break? 'The List' and '2Shy' were pretty disturbing, too, but somehow 'The Walk' seemed even more so.

The whole idea of people being made specifically to suffer is pretty revolting. And while I get the idea that Rappo has suffered plenty himself, the idea of inflicting it on others is pretty uncool.

The X-Files Season 3, Episode 6: 2Shy

'2Shy' was a pretty mediocre episode, and while it's definitely creepy, I think that apart from the unusual physical condition of the perpetrator of these horrible crimes, this kind of story was better told in 'Squeeze' and 'Tooms' and 'Irresistible'.

Plus, there are some really uncomfortable implications in this episode. Not one of the show's finer moments.

The X-Files Season 3, Episode 5: The List

'The List' was an episode I kind of liked with an ending I really hated. Way to leave us hanging.

The plot, though, centering around a condemned man making his final threat from the electric chair, was compelling at the beginning, and initially I thought everything was just a coincidence, but then I remembered this is The X-Files.

The X-Files Friday Feature: Mulder

I have to admit, I often find myself identifying with Mulder when watching this show. I'm not a believer in conspiracy theories or aliens, but people who know me know that I do hold strong beliefs and I defend them adamantly.

But I also like the idea of grey areas (god dammit, the phrase 'shades of grey' will never be usable again, will it?) Not everything - perhaps nothing, even - has a clear answer or a definite right or wrong.

The X-Files Season 3, Episode 4: Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose

Holy shit, this episode was amazing. I have no problem declaring 'Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose' to be the absolute best episode of The X-Files I've seen so far. The dialogue, especially the banter between Mulder and Scully (or really anyone and Scully) is enjoyable and often hilarious.

The X-Files Season 3, Episode 3: D.P.O.

In a very abrupt shift from 'The Blessing Way' and 'Paper Clip', 'D.P.O' is the most case-of-the-week of case of the week episodes. I think the contrast probably makes this episode seem worse than it actually is.

Because the episode is not bad, and despite the overall creepiness and violence of Darin Peter Oswald, manages to highlight the loneliness he felt throughout his life and later as a result of his condition.

The X-Files Season 3, Episodes 1/2: The Blessing Way/Paper Clip

A two part start to the season that continues right where the previous season left off? SIGN ME UP.

I already get the sense, two episodes in, that season three is going to be where this show goes from merely 'great' to 'fucking phenomenal'. The stakes are high immediately, the writing is solid, the characters grow (well, sort of) and the conspiracy deepens.

Season 3. It seems to be when a lot of shows hit their stride, doesn't it?

The X-Files Season 2, Episode 25: Anasazi

Um. Whoa. I think I need some time to digest 'Anasazi'.

This was clearly the work of writers who knew the show was being renewed, and went all-in with a cliffhanger season finale. I was right, it was epic.

The X-Files Friday Feature: Geography

The X-Files is a show that takes place in a lot of different cities, but primarily Washington, DC, but is filmed entirely in and around Vancouver.

This often makes for some strange visuals, especially when it comes to the vegetation in the area, but also the architecture, street layouts, and addresses.

The X-Files Season 2, Episode 24: Our Town

It's 'Red Museum' Part II. Well, not exactly, but close enough.

'Our Town' is about isolation and secret keeping, and oh yeah, freaking cannibalism. And a woman being killed and then sinking into a vat of half-processed chicken bits. Because that's something I've always wanted to see.

The X-Files Sesason 2, Episode 23: Soft Light

You know that thing in fiction where people who try so hard to avoid a particular outcome end up walking right into it? Well, 'Soft Light' was kind of like that.

And in this case, it turns out to be total disaster.

The X-Files Season 2, Episode 22: F. Emasculata

Dear The X-Files,

You know what I really need to see? Something hideously gross, because you haven't done that in a while. Howabout something with explosive, pus-filled boils? That seems to be the kind of thing you guys are into, right?

Thanks, I knew I could count on you!

The X-Files Season 2, Episode 21: The Calusari

Sometimes this show is very predictable. Other times it's not. Sometimes they lead you well down a certain path only to completely destroy your expectations.

'The Calusari' fits kind of into that last category. (While the episode is titled without any diacritical marks, I believe the correct way to write the Romanian word is Căluşari, which I had to cut and paste from Wikipedia, as I'm not entirely sure how to make the letters on my keyboard.)

The X-Files Friday Feature: Music

To me, the background music in a TV show or movie is extremely important. I listen to and play a lot of music myself, though I'm pretty sure I'd be a terrible composer if I attempted to back dramatic scenes.

It's hard, and Mark Snow is brilliant at it.

The X-Files Season 2, Episode 20: Humbug

In a way, I kind of wanted this episode to suck, so I could say, "Bah, Humbug!" but it did the exact opposite. It was entertaining and funny and intriguing and ... did I say funny already?

The X-Files decides to do comedy to change things up a bit from the fairly gloomy and uneven season 2, and it does not disappoint in the slightest.

The X-Files Season 2, Episode 19: Død Kalm

Apparently the filming crews still had access to the ship set from 'End Game' and didn't want to waste it. 'Død Kalm' was the result, and it wasn't half bad.

The X-Files Season 2, Episode 18: Fearful Symmetry

Someone told me it's all happening at the zoo.

OR

Elephants and tigers and gorillas, oh my!

The X-Files Season 2, Episodes 16/17: Colony/End Game

Another two part episode in the middle of the season. Why do I feel like they're building towards and absolutely epic season finale here?

So, the 'Colony'/'End Game' combination isn't quite on the level of 'Duane Barry'/'Ascension', but I'm OK with that, because these episodes still told an amazingly deep and complex story, and were quite tense at times. Plus, now we see Mulder in danger. I figured that had to happen at some point. (Besides 'Aubrey', I mean, since that wasn't part of the main plot.)

The X-Files Friday Feature: The Perils of Blogging

Unfortunately, there won't be a normal Friday Feature today. It's 8:49 on Friday morning and I'm already leaving my house much later than I expected to.