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After watching this episode, I don't know which is more confusing: wondering why Doggett is so loyal to the X-Files or why Mulder and Scully avoid talking about her pregnancy. Neither of these issues were answered in this latest installment of the three-parter that started with finding Mulder in "This Is Not Happening." Yet, I just don't know exactly where Carter and Spotnitz were trying to take us.
Just like "DeadAlive," this episode attempts to compound the latest alien conspiracy with a government cover-up. Now, we weren't privy to what the Census Bureau had to do with data regarding certain people's genetic makeup. I remember filling out that rather easy census form last year. Other than asking for my ethnicity, I don't remember answering anything too personal, particularly my genetic makeup. I certainly would love to know how that could be tracked.
The biggest flaw in this episode was certainly a lack of focus regarding Mulder's return. Yes, it is extraordinary that he is alive and kicking after being buried for over three months. Yes, it is even more amazing that he is in perfect health. But so many questions were left unasked! Like...why didn't Scully press more regarding Mulder's neurological condition? Certainly, she would have been a bit hurt and upset that he kept his dying condition from her. After all, in "Memento Mori," Mulder was the *first* person she told of her terminal condition at the time. The least he could have done was inform her before he took off with the aliens in "Requiem." Of course, I blame the lack of continuity and the added plot point on the writers more than Mulder.
Then, there's the whole pregnancy issue. Only three episodes ago, in "Per Manum," we find out that Scully's attempt at artificial insemination with Mulder's sperm did not take. The episode definitely showed a flashback that she had told Mulder upon her return from the doctor. Yet, nary an inquiry from Mulder about how Scully ended up pregnant. At the very least, I would think he would be jealous to think that Scully was with someone to cause her condition.
Then, the whole scene in his apartment was strange. I understand that Mulder has gone through an incredibly traumatic experience. Something that I think will not go away very easily unless he opens up. However, I just don't understand why he would treat the one person who cares about him like an office acquaintance rather than the closest thing to a significant other that he has. It's true that Mulder and Scully are not known for open emotional displays, but Scully's hormones and her recent experience trying to cope without Mulder has made it much easier for her to say what she feels. Mulder is the only person that can do that to her even moreso than her own mother. Remember how distraught she was in "Without" when she admitted to Skinner that she was afraid that she might never see Mulder again? All this honest display of affection, and Mulder brushes it off like an irritating fly. That was just so....aggravating to say the least.
As for Doggett's continuing adventures, I must say that he came off in a better light than he did in "DeadAlive." It's just curious as to where exactly his loyalties lie. He obviously has a sense of duty and responsibility. That is the only thing that makes any kind of rationale. Otherwise, he would just as easily take any transfer out of the X-Files without looking back. But he doesn't, and I'm not sure whether it's his loyalty to Scully or if he just hates to give Kersh the satisfaction. Either way, that wasn't explored too well in this episode.
The real drama would definitely have been Mulder meeting Doggett and trying to evaluate him with Scully uncomfortably in the middle. Yet, Carter and Spotnitz decide to take away that valuable scene and show Absalom and one of his followers instead. Like I said before, I don't understand what the Census has to do with people's genetic makeup. How exactly does a person get taken over by an alien without being noticably absent? If you take the model offered by Billy Miles and the rest who were abducted with Mulder, then someone will notice that they are gone. It doesn't seem to be an overnight process i.e. Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Three to six months is an awfully long time to replace a person without someone noticing.
Of course, it was definitely nice to see Mulder back to his paranoid self. He seems even more determined to uncover any conspiracies than before. Mulder reminds me of one of those people who had a near-death experience. They all of a sudden take more risks than usual, because they want to make sure that their presence is known. For Mulder, that is exactly what he does.
I feel almost sorry for Skinner and Scully. They are trying to protect Mulder from Kersh. Yet, he doesn't heed any warnings. For some odd reason, Mulder is willing to forfeit his life's work just so he can prove that there is a conspiracy. That is incredibly wreckless on his part. If Doggett didn't feel responsible, Mulder would have certainly been killed in the Census facility. I'm just wondering how Mulder believes he can continue his work without the vast network and support of the Bureau at his disposal. I'm afraid that he'll end up working with The Lone Gunmen at the rate he's going.
The final scene with Doggett's contact, Knowle, is interesting. So we know that this particular informant is definitely an alien. What does that mean down the road? Doggett obviously doesn't trust him anymore.
Overall, the episode was enjoyable in moving along the conspiracy, but totally unsatisfactory with Scully's pregnancy and any answers we need regarding Mulder's abduction. As usual, Carter and the gang know how to pull our strings without even batting an eyelash. I just hope the last five episodes of the season concentrate more on the aliens and Scully's pregnancy. From the previews, it looks like that's exactly what we'll get. Maybe...
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