Oubliette

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.
 Random Thoughts:
 -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?"