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The best X-Files are always the ones where it is personal. Sure, our dynamic duo investigating the monster of the week in detached mode can prove entertaining, but when it really gets close to the heart the X-Files is at its best. This is what makes episodes like "Beyond The Sea", "One Breath", "Irresistible", "Colony", and the "Anasazi" trilogy stand out. We care because they care so much. While I would not put "Oubliette" at the same level as those classic episodes, I would put it close. It was emotional, suspenseful, enthralling, and most importantly personal. The season to date has been for the most part Scully's show and now it is Duchovny's turn to shine and he responds with a vengeance. His scenes crackle with emotion. One of the best shows this season.
It is interesting that from the start of this episode Mulder is alone. As I watched him approach the scene I couldn't help but wonder where Scully was. This episode had them detached. Scully has a delayed flight, Mulder misplaces his cell phone (what is that all about?), and Mulder conducts most of his personal investigation sans-Scully. Meanwhile she diligently plods along flanked by the other agents doing logical, thorough detective work and finding all the solid evidence in the case: the name of the killer, the matching blood, etc.
The emotional underpinnings of the episode are intense. Mulderangst abounds from the start. First he is slammed by the mother of Amy with "I'm sorry, but how could you really know how I feel" then he struggles in his relationship to the wonderfully played Lucy Householder (does the X-Files get the best performances out of guest stars or what)? For a switch, Scully's support for him takes on an almost weak and condescending air (intentional or not). Their relationship misfires repeatedly in this story disappointing both of them. Scully seems to begin formulating her opinion on Mulder's involvement in this case from the moment she hears Lucy was abducted at age 8 and it colors the rest of her dealings with him in this episode. The ongoing tension between Mulder and Scully is, as usual, wonderfully played. They don't agree yet they still try to make small amends throughout by personal requests (keep this under your hat) or via small signs of support. However, Scully soon makes up her mind as to Mulder's motivations (which is once again telegraphed to us without dialogue by the talented Ms. Anderson) and the resulting argument is a great X-Files moment. They are flip, indifferent, impatient and testy with each other. Finally, Scully steps over the line (and I think she knows it). Mulder's reaction is full of unspoken emotions and shattered expectations. It has been a while since Scully has brought up his sister as clouding his judgement (I can think of "Conduit" and "Miracle Man"), and it hurts him. At least in the final moments we get some resolution to the tension between them with what appears to be an attempt at peace by Scully.
The ending is still a bit of a puzzle for me. CPR is performed for a minimal amount of time before Dr. Scully gives up on the girl. This does not seem to be the same Scully I saw forcing the doctors to continue working in "Lazarus" or "Endgame". Does she give up so easily in this case due to her concern for Mulder's well being or is it simply a plot device? At least, once again, the scene between the two of them in this moment is intense and full of emotion.
All in all I enjoyed this episode. I found the supporting actors outstanding and the story fulfilling, tense, and surprising.
-Brilliant opening. The cinematography with the flashes escaping through the trap door was flawless.
-This is the season of the sensible shoes. We once again have Dana in appropriate footwear for running around in the forest!
-Teen philes help me out here. Would a 15 year old really be asleep by 10pm?
Autumn
"Well that's spooky" "That's my name isn't it?"