When Billy Miles is found in the ocean and is still alive, Skinner opens Mulder's coffin to find that he is too, but only just. As Krycek bargains for Mulder's life, Doggett finds himself caught in an FBI power play once more.

There's actually quite a lot going on in this episode, and for a change most of it is explained by the end. The return of Krycek is good to see, although his motives are even more muddy than before. Does he want to save Mulder or kill him? And if he wants him dead and can get into a hospital room, why doesn't he just do it? Presumably the answer lies in his deal with Skinner, that in exchange for Mulder's life he wants Scully's baby to die. But why? If it's an alien, surely Krycek will have an interest in it. If it's not, why the concern? Presumably all of this will be explained as the rest of the season goes on.

Skinner's expanded role in the series continues to work out well as he is forced into a decision he won't like. Likewise, Doggett finds himself wrapped up in the conspiracy, although it's way past time Krycek was caught and interrogated for what he knows. Robert Patrick gives a fine performance as a man caught up in events he doesn't understand and the ongoing political machinations surrounding the X-Files. While his refusal to leave the division in order to keep it open shows impressive loyalty to Scully, it will be interesting to see how the writers handle the various characters interactions from here on.

Then there's Mulder. There's no point in him being buried for three months, as the point isn't there to be made. He could just as easily have awoken at his funeral; it's lucky he wasn't cremated. The only reason is to make the viewers think he's dead and to pad out the episode with his funeral despite the fact that everyone knows he'll be back later on. The final scene between him and Scully is a lovely piece of writing and the kind of gentle touch that has been missing from the show too long. It's still not a good use of Duchovny's presence for the amount he's getting, but it's good to have him back. My big problem is how he's going to put in a miraculous recovery to be back on the job next week.

Then there's the ongoing mytharc. While we learn more about the black oil virus here, it seems to have mutated once again. The movie revealed that infection caused a black alien to burst from the stomach. Now it seems to give birth to aliens in human form. I'm more confused than ever by this, and it's time once again that everything was arranged neatly for us viewers so we can work out what's going on in Chris Carter's mind. It's not a bad episode, but it wastes too much time without getting to the point for my liking.

***

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