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"I'm sorry, but you've got something I need."
I imagine that this episode was written backwards with this point in mind. The trio of Gilligan, Spotnitz, and Shiban knew where they wanted to go with this one - the terrifying and stunning revelation that Dana Scully's worst fears have been realized: she has that undiagnosed cancer ailment that we learned about in "Nisei" as a result of her abduction. Luckily, in constructing a monster-of-the-week episode around this crucial revelation they created an entertaining Frankenstein monster with bits of horror, humor, and humanity stitched together in an intriguing fashion.
This episode was a gruesome one effects wise, but for some reason this trip to Pennsylvania didn't bother me as much as the trip "Home" earlier this year. I found myself creeped out in the teaser (which actually rarely happens to me), but the old thumping with the headless guy in a morgue accompanied to scary music trick did get to me this time. The supporting performances were definitely of the caliber we so often enjoy on this show with Paul McCrane (Leonard Betts) doing especially good work as an interesting cross between a healer and a killer and Jennifer Clement, as his doomed partner, making the most out of her part. There were some nice shots in this one by director Kim Manners. I really liked the headless reflection in the teaser and the reflected shot in the "mother's duty to provide" scene. What didn't work for me were the cheesy special effects as the naked sweating Leonard sheds his old body or the excessively huge explosion as apparently Scully hits the tank instead of the tires on the fleeing car - seems to me that it wouldn't be "by the book" to blow up your suspect and we know she's a good shot.
I especially enjoyed the head autopsy scene where Scully freaks out enough to drop her scalpel and then immediately launches into her scientific defense mechanism as she, still obviously spooked, stutters her explanation to Mulder as "I experienced an unusual degree of post mortem galvanic response". Duchovny's playful teasing with the winking comment and "Scully, you're not saying it's alive are you?" were perfectly executed. The one liners were fast and furious throughout and Mulder even *almost* got Scully to crack a smile with the paperweight joke and was very pleased with himself for it.
In fact, this episode really stood out for its downright amusing interaction between our favorite FBI agents. The playful banter between the two of them as the outlandish theories ("It's weird, huh?") and rational explanations ("Mulder, they're worms") whizzed back and forth was delightful. Only Duchovny and Anderson could diffuse the content of that squishy and squeamish medical waste scene so successfully by having so much fun with it. From Mulder's face-making at the whole prospect to Scully's asking for assistance because his "arms are longer" (which I couldn't help but wonder if it was a sly payback for that "little feet" comment he hit her with last year) I was giggling throughout. However, Scully still does have that edge after being told to examine the head when she asks "While you do what?" - which is becoming almost as pervasive a Scullyism as "Mulder, it's me" it seems.
While "Leonard Betts" was a prime example throughout of Gillian Anderson's consistently amazing ability to make the absolute most out of the nuances of her character, the ending was even more exciting as things are off and running with the much anticipated "Scully arc". From her quiet order to Mulder to "get over here right now" we are in for a ride to the end. The stricken look she gets to Betts' insinuation about her health segues directly into the strongest Action! Scully sequence we've ever had. Finally Scully wins a fight on her own with some pretty convincing kicks, punches and quick thinking - a defib to the brain - what a way to go!
The best of Anderson's performance is yet to come though as we move to that truly heartbreaking scene in the car where the weight of her realization has crushed and dulled Scully's spirit. When she whispers "Cancer?" to Mulder we see the sad defeat. You know, Mulder is so smart, but sometimes when it comes to simple math - like putting two and two together he just fails miserably - it may be long term exposure to FAX machines. He can figure out almost anything on this case except why Scully is so upset after her fight with Betts (despite the fact it is he who figures out the cancer connection). At least he knows something is wrong when he misreads her reaction for regret at killing Betts and gives her the "You did a good job Scully" speech. The last image in this show is a vivid one - spelling out with a precision that even folks with denial that runs as deep as Dana's cannot ignore - there is something seriously wrong with our dear Dr. Scully.
-Let's start with the retreads. The first a character repeat from an actor we've seen on the show a number of times, but here Bill Dow reprises "The Calusari" alternative photo scientist. You might also recognize the pathologist working with them from "Roland".
-Alright. After Mr. Gilligan so impressed me with his ability to remember past episodes in his earlier efforts I felt the continuity police fell asleep at the wheel here - especially after I thought they were leading up to a tie in to season one episode. I was annoyed at having to hear Scully say "Salamanders are one thing, but no mammal possesses that type of regenerative power" when I can clearly remember her being so intrigued at this same possibility (even involving salamanders) in "Young at Heart".
-There was a new Director of Photography listed in the credits: Joel Ransom. They certainly are going through them these days. Even more curious is that the esteemed John Bartley was also in the credits for 2nd unit work.
-I guess if actor Paul McClane (Leonard Betts) ever needs to send someone head shots for his next job he will have plenty, eh?
-Gee, is it obvious that we are in sweeps now or what? Cancer, car crashes, explosions, and a preview that plays up Scully and sex.
-For those of you who are sure to freak out over tonight's little revelations - remember this is good drama, Scully will not die (but we will be blessed with tons of angst), and Gillian is *not* leaving the show. So take some deep breaths, calm down and enjoy the ride.
-So, great car crash in the teaser, but really - not only do we have a poor ambulance driver, but don't those folks in PA know how to yield to emergency vehicles?
-Anyone else nervous when Mulder was in that bathroom? You know how evil bathrooms are on this show - I guess he's just lucky he didn't stick more than his fingers in the tub as tubs are always especially gruesome.
-Guess that little snow blizzard cleared up on the way over to Mrs. Tanner's house where the son always shines.
-Scully has a bit of a geography problem with her statement that the mother was "here in Pittsburgh" while they were at Burk's Maryland lab.
-So, medical waste it ground up and zapped until it is "sterile soot" and then used as road fill? Thank you for that special explanation Ms. Scully.
-I travel *a lot* for a living, but I've yet to be able to rent one of those "Lariat" rent cars seen so often and so prominently on the show - maybe they're for fibbees only.
Autumn
"I want to go home"