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I'm the type of person who can find humor in almost anything (even the X-Files), but this episode was not 2shy. It was 2grim and 2gross and 2lacking in *any* lighthearted moments. Remember when the X-Files implied violence so when you saw it it was shocking? Watch Squeeze & Tooms and you'll see what I mean.
There seems to already be a bit of an uproar about the portrayal of women / violence towards women here. While I was not as deeply offended as some (I don't think this was the worst X-Files episode by a long shot - more middle of the pack), I was disappointed. Maybe because I had high expectations - we'd all heard the "Scully kicks butt" spoiler - but excuse me that was no "butt kicking". Yes, our intrepid agent at least got to fight back. She proved to us that she does have some knowledge of self defense and did get in a few good kicks (which I'm sure hurt with those pointy heels of hers), but in the end she was rescued - granted - by a woman - but still - let her finish a pleckin fight on her own and win for crying out loud. Geez.
OK I'm better now.
In balance to the obvious woman/slasher aspect to this episode we had the writer trying to redeem himself via the 2sexist character who tries to tell us the killer has a "definite attitude toward women" when it is obvious he has a problem. I saw this whole back and forth between the detective and Scully as sort of a validation of her "boys club" speech in "Soft Light". I imagine this thing goes on for her more than we see. She handles it perfectly: by being professional, by looking him in the eye with steely determination, and by proving him wrong through her actions. In the autopsy scene after he leaves she relaxes (how dare him try to make her feel uncomfortable in a morgue - that's just not right). Well, at least he paid the price. Do this math Mr. detective Constantly Rude to Scully = DEATH.
Now those of you who know me know I'm a big Scully fan. I'm going to make an observation here and I don't think it is just me, but at least in the episodes thus far I really think the balance of power on the show has shifted. I used to be fairly disgusted that Scully was often treated as a tag along by the writers, and then just when she was starting to hit her stride Gillian needed to be back seated for a bit due to the pregnancy. This season however, the show really seems to be focusing much more on Scully. Maybe the writers are finally really understanding her character, but I like the trend and hope it continues.
OK now for the random points:
-First, the ever popular (cue music) "Scully Psychic Moment": They discover the prostitute's body. Scully briefly looks at the victim and her hand is *not* visible. Scully covers the body back up and then while the evil-soon-to-be-dead-mean-to-her-detective rambles on she gets that look on her face, looks at the tarp, and goes right for the hand to discover the evidence.
-I never thought I'd miss those "Soft Light" sunglasses until now. What was he wearing?
-The stupid cookie baking mom from "Irresistible" finally got what was coming to her. Sure it was just the same actress playing a different part, but you must admit she was just as stupid as her previous incarnation.
-Enough with the flies.
-Big time SNAFU. Scully autopsy date: August 29th which dates this episode before even DPO. Then when Mulder hands her the report on the DNA results it is dated October 27, 1995. Sometimes you wish this show did have a bible. I think they need a continuity expert. Someone like..say.. me. Well, at least they had a 10:13 thrown in for good measure.
-Not really any fun Mulder/Scully interaction and only a few good lines: "OK, it's not the finely detailed insanity that you've come to expect from me - it's just a theory".
So, all in all, not a standout episode, but definitely not boring. Just your average X-File.
Autumn