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PLOT: The fatal shooting of someone in an impenetrable jail cell prompts Scully and Doggett to investigate two brothers running an exterminator company.
Two weeks seemed like a long time to wait to see a new X-Files episode. Yet, after the "January doldrums" of rather bland, mediocre episodes that inflicted the series in the last two seasons, I really wasn't expecting much from "Surekill." Though I certainly wouldn't put it in the same level of mediocrity as "Signs and Wonders" or "Agua Mala," there still was the same feeling of being unsatisfied in the end.
This episode could have easily fit into Season 7. For some odd reason, Scully and Doggett are assigned to this case when there was no apparent X-File to investigate. The murder at the beginning was well-executed and definitely brought the chill factor. Watching from the policeman's point-of-view as the man's head was splattered against the glass window was both clever and gruesome. It's difficult to argue that scene instantly hooked my curiosity.
Yet, as much as the teaser was very effective, it seemed odd to see Scully and Doggett investigating the very next morning. There appeared to be no paranormal event or federal crime involved to warrant the F.B.I. to investigate. True that the circumstances of the murder were *highly* unusual, why would Deputy Director Kersh (who wasn't seen in the episode) possibly approve them to go? Again, like Season 7's "The Goldberg Variation," "The Amazing Maleeni" or "First Person Shooter," I just don't see why the local police can't handle it.
After that big plot hole, Scully figures out that it took more than a lucky shot from the roof to kill Carlton Chase. So, the plot does reveal an unexplainable, paranormal event. UFOs, aliens and ghosts certainly aren't involved, but a quiet, unobtrusive man with an extraordinary gift certainly is. As usual, Scully tries to explain Randall's X-Ray vision with some kind of scientific basis. So she stays true to herself, but in essence, takes Mulder's "leap of logic" in first *believing* that something like X-Ray vision exists and *then* explaining how that could be scientifically possible. Not one time does she ever blatantly scoff at the thought that such a power could not exist in the realm of science.
Randall was definitely conflicted in both his murderous actions and his feelings for Tammy. Yet, no matter what kind of pressures his brother may have forced him, that certainly is no excuse for murder. What exactly are the writers saying when someone with Randall's abilities knocks off every neighborhood drug dealer and steal their money for personal gain? He certainly could have just said "no" to his brother and stop the ceaseless killings. Who is the bigger coward? The one brother who schemes to steal money from crooks and gleefully allows them to be a lethal target, or the other brother who kills for no other reason than to feel wanted? This is one family who needs some major counseling.
As for Tammy, she certainly was no saint herself. She acts innocent and coy to people around her but is willfully skimming money from her boss with no remorse. Though she knew that Randall may have had feelings for her, she does not try to acknowledge him in any kind of friendly or romantic light. He is just someone that she feels is always "watching" her. To top it all off, she decides to flee with the stolen money.
One thing that did bother me about the episode was the exchange between Scully and Doggett. There was no chemistry at all. Nil. Nada. Nothing. They didn't even show an antagonism or uneasiness with each other. I was surprised that the other actors in the scenes weren't wearing something warmer with the chill in the air. They were just going through the motions. Though professional in manor, it was also as cold as an ice cube. They were calling each other "Agent" rather than "Agent Scully" or "Agent Doggett" or just "Scully" and "Doggett." What was that all about?
The plot itself was rather tame to say the least. Extortion and murder? If it wasn't for the X-Ray vision, this could have been an episode of "The Sopranos." An unrequited love? If it wasn't for the X-Ray vision, this could have been an episode of "Ed." An overbearing brother? If it wasn't for the X-Ray vision, this could have been an episode of "Frasier." See what I mean? Though the premise itself is unique, the use of it in "Surekill" was bland and unoriginal.
This is a forgettable episode. Admittedly, I thought that some of the camera work and visuals were more than interesting, yet the plot and the lack of true interaction between Doggett and Scully made it highly objectionable. In my opinion, they shouldn't have been involved in the case to begin with. Also, how many months has it been and Scully is *still* not showing? Chris Carter and company need to get back to the paranormal events soon as David is coming back into the fray. We can only hope that the episodes only get better.
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