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Like most die-hard fans, it is very difficult to *not* read spoilers on an upcoming episode. Since I know that there are many x-philes outside of the United States that like to view my site, particularly after an episode airs, I make no qualms or excuses with the effect on unsuspecting fans with revealing liberal amount of plot points in my episode reviews. I certainly want to put my thoughts out there so I don't hold back. Thus, I wasn't really sure what to make of this episode when I read the advance spoilers and reviews. There seemed to be so much focus on Doggett, Kersh and Krycek. I was wondering where Scully and Mulder would fit in the equation.
When I finally saw the episode, I was pleasantly surprised. One thing that spoilers don't prepare you for is the sheer emotional intensity felt upon an episode that followed the emotional roller-coaster of "This Is Not Happening." I was certainly not prepared for the conflicts involved within Doggett and, especially, within Skinner. For Scully, her struggles continue.
The funeral scene in the teaser was certainly not unexpected. The promos showed enough to verify that Fox Mulder is dead. However, the little scene between a grieving Scully and Skinner revealed so much of the loss they felt. Neither of them are known for being overtly emotional. Yet, as they stood in front of Mulder's casket, their sadness blanketed the procession as thoroughly as the snow falling on the ground. Scully appeared to be in deep shock as her normally conservative demeanor could not hide the emptiness she felt inside. While Skinner looked as though he was experiencing another out-of-body experience as his static face only made the guilt he felt that much more noticeable.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see Mrs. Scully and The Lone Gunmen at the funeral. It's just sad to know that there wasn't much else for them to do in this episode. At the very least, there could have been a small scene between Scully and her mother. If anyone knew how much Mulder's death would devastate Scully, it would be her mother.
The strangest thing I found about this scene: why was the funeral held in North Carolina? Correct me if I'm wrong, but as long as I can remember, Mulder's family grew up at Martha's Vineyard which is way *NORTH* of North Carolina. I know that it was mentioned in "Within" when Doggett was first investigating Mulder's disappearance. Yet, no explanation was ever given about it unless Carter and company just decided to make Mulder a Tarheel. Since I'm currently living in North Carolina, I guess that I shouldn't complain, but I just wish the continuity would be better explained.
Okay, moving on to a major pet peeve for most internet critics of the series....the time frame. If Mulder's death occurred roughly late last year (accounting for their universe, not ours, as well as for Scully not showing for all those "months"), why jump three months ahead? Wouldn't it have been more interesting to note how our characters coped with losing Mulder? That would be a way for Mrs. Scully and TLG to be more a part of the episode than just garnish. What is the significance of three months anyway? So that we can get a nice big shot of Scully's bulging belly? I also found it odd that all the abductees, including Mulder, would be found in Oregon forests, yet Billy Miles is found floating off the coast of North Carolina. That seemed to be a bit of a plot convenience if you ask me.
But before you all think I had less than stellar thoughts of "DeadAlive," I must say that the episode put out so much info and plot developments in a span of 45 or so minutes. That certainly impressed me. Carter and gang are usually stringing things along in two-part episodes. The continuation of the alien conspiracy was certainly apparent as well as the reappearance of Krycek with his deadly palm reader and my favorite jerk of a bureaucrat, Kersh. Carter and Spotnitz were certainly clever to add all these elements rather than just focus on Scully's pain. It made the episode flow much more smoothly.
Also, I was impressed with the production and the make-up effects of this episode. For anyone that may have seen "The Perfect Storm," didn't the fishing vessel that found Billy Miles' body remind you of that movie? It was as though they reproduced the movie for that small scene, which made it more impressive. Then, there was the gross decomposition of Billy and Mulder. Even though I knew it was fake, it looked real enough to gross me out.
Moving on to characters...
Doggett...I'm not sure what to make of him anymore. I think the biggest weakness he has is his stubborness. His strange mood swings from wanting to stay with the X-Files to laughing at every alien conspiracy he hears is irritating. After all the things he has witnessed for all these months, and especially after seeing both Billy Miles and Mulder literally coming back to life, he still thinks the whole alien conspiracy is a bunch of crap. As I watch some of the older eps of the series on F/X channel, I see how Scully was an effective skeptic: she looked at the facts without making an outright judgement. She also saw a scientific plausibility in Mulder's weird theories. Doggett's lack of scientific background makes him an overall weak link in the X-Files. There is no way that any of the cases can just be solved by good old fashioned police work. If that were the case, Andy Sipowicz would be with the F.B.I. not NYPD.
Krycek...What is his angle? We all know that his is not to be trusted. That's what makes him so delectably good as a bad guy. I just can't figure out what is his interest in Mulder's life or Scully's baby for that matter. Somehow, I don't think he has come out of hiding after all these months just to kill Mulder. There's some motive involved that has yet to show itself.
Kersh...In some instances, this guy is worse than Smoking Man. At least Mr. Morleys cared somewhat about Mulder and Scully albeit if it served his own agenda. Deputy Director Kersh is just nothing but "bottom-line" bureaucrat through and through. You just wanted to slap him as he showed that obvious disdain when he talked to Doggett about "the Mulder thing." And I thought he was just worried about how the Bureau would look burying a dead man who is actually alive. Aw shucks, if he actually has a heart under all that red tape, I would be majorly disappointed.
Skinner...I don't remember seeing so much emotion come from our big, bad Assistant Director. Besides feeling immensely sad at Mulder's funeral, did you see how he looked like a little boy in the principal's office when he was with Kersh? Then, there was the obvious fear he had with Krycek's "offer." He was in a lose-lose situation, and he knew it. I think even Doggett was shocked to see Skinner look so shaken up. I hope Carter and gang keep bringing Mitch back with this kind of meaty part in episodes. He just brings so much dignity to the role.
Last and certainly not least....Scully...
Like I mentioned before, I am glad that this episode wasn't a continuation of her pain from "This Is Not Happening." Carter and Spotnitz were able to bring so many elements into this episode that her added angst certainly was not needed, but it certainly enhanced the episode. I was just amazed at how Scully was totally devoid of any kind of "life" at Mulder's funeral. She was literally half-dead. The shock on her face was subtle but evident. Then, three months pass, and she looks and sounds normal. It appears that her grieving was done, but as soon as she hears that Mulder may be alive (by the way, who called her to go to the hospital anyway?), the waterworks and all the emotions that come with it were in full force.
Those scenes with an almost lifeless Mulder were so poignant. It had been at least six months since she last saw him. As soon as she realizes that he may be alive, she doesn't leave his bedside if she could possibly help it. Also, notice how attentive she is to Billy Miles after he is discovered fully healthy? Scully obviously was concerned that Billy's condition may be emulated by Mulder. So she wanted to make sure that she watched him closely.
Of course, their reunion was very sweet. I don't recall an actress who never looked more lovelier than Gillian when the waterworks were on. She almost appears to glow, and even though David and Gillian are rusty after not having a scene together for at least six episodes, they just fell back into that comfortable "magic" that we saw in almost every episode in the last seven seasons. As for Doggett's sudden appearance, I don't think Scully cared that she revealed so much of her vulnerability to the one true partner in her life.
Though I didn't think this episode packed as much emotional angst as "This Is Not Happening," it was highly effective in moving along the plot and the alien conspiracy. But did anyone else wonder what happened to Billy Miles after Scully talked to him? If he were really an alien, I don't think I would just leave him roaming around the hospital hallways, would you?
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