A man who experiences unusual luck comes to the attention of Mulder and Scully when a mob bosses employees have accidents when near him.
It seems The X-Files is running a bit short of ideas, and now has to borrow concepts from other places, in this case the entire premise for short-lived series Strange Luck, even down to the reason for the main character's unusual luck. Of course, the reason Strange Luck was short-lived is demonstrated here: there are only so many things you can do with the idea. This episode takes the concept a little farther, however, demonstrating the concept of cause and effect, in which one effect can set off a chain reaction with unusual results.
It's quite fun that Scully stumbles upon the correct explanation first, as Mulder gets caught up in an even more fantastical explanation. The partnership between the two agents is on top form once again, as Mulder's attempts to be manly fail dismally once again, with the writer of last season's Rain King bringing the same touch of wry humour to this episode.
The ever-lucky Weems is nicely played by genre veteran Willie Garson, bringing a sense of helpless anxiety to the character as he knows his every stroke of good luck will result in someone else's misfortune, something superbly and effectively demonstrated when he wins the lottery. His desire to help a dying child makes for touching viewing, as he tries to use his ability to make soem easy money and merely attracts attention.
But it's towards the end that everything comes neatly together, as Weems' luck causes some beautifully executed but unlikely accidents and Mulder realizes that everyone in Weems' life becomes connected to his luck in some way, leading to a happy ending that ties everything together perfectly. The best aspect, though, is that the outwardly simple is straightforward script belies the intricate plotting underneath. Give this man more episodes!
****
Would you like to go to the The X-Files Season Seven guide, head back to the main TV reviews page, read older reviews in the Reviews Archive or return to the front page?
Get your own Free Home Page
