The search for Mulder intensifies as his fellow abductees are returned to Earth, in need of medical attention that no human force for good can provide. But one man can...

'Hurray!' I though at the end of last season, 'Mulder's been abducted deliberately so he can find out just what happens on board a UFO!' What we've had so far doesn't seem to bear this theory out, which is arguably the most horrible, horrible waste yet seen on the show. When we had the chance to blow some X-Files myths out of the water and see what happens, all we get is Mulder having his faced stretched and medical experiments performed on him. Why can't we finally find out what the aliens are doing and why? Mulder's return (in dead form) at the end makes for incredibly disappointing television, as it makes his whole abduction meaningless. Why was he taken? Why did he go? From this episode it seems as more of a poorly-thought through ploy to remove David Duchovny from the series for a bit rather than a clever twist with a purpose. And, at the risk of repeating myself, if Duchovny is being paid to be in this episode, why does he once again do absolutely nothing? So far his entire season has been about four lines and lots of lying down.

What this episode does provide is a better insight into the nature of the alien forces at work. It seems people are abducted then the (finally returning) Jeremiah Smith and his team find them and cure them on their return. Of course, with Mulder they're too late but he's obviously got to be brought back in yet another absurd way as Duchovny's signed up for the rest of the year. One thing the story does have is some good material for the main characters. Scully shows some strong emotions (although bookending the episode with people shouting 'this is not happening' is stupid and unbelievable, particularly as it's something few people ever come out with) and Doggett and Skinner get some time in the sun too. The most impressive aspect, though, is new arrival Annabeth Gish, who provides a fine performance as new addition Monica Reyes that leaves viewers unsure just where she stands.

As for the main plot, we once again have an X-Files greatest hits; abductees being returned in a bad way is nothing new, Jeremiah Smith isn't new, in fact there's very little here that is. It's way past time all of the hiding was knocked on the head and we got some actual plotting. The only real surprise this episode brings is when Scully finally sees a real live UFO. How will she change from here? We'll have to wait and see what happens next...

***

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