That chronologys not clear; it involves surprise twists and circle-back plotting.
Im not sure youre supposed to have the timeline clear as youre watching the newX-Filesepisodes.
This is a weakness for the larger story, I think.
Credit: Shane Harvey/FOX
But the strange storytelling decisions have given the central relationship a strange, paradoxical power.
As she lies here so helpless, those same thoughts and fears flood my mind with questions.
If I caused this, how then can I make it stop?
This was the most archaic portrait of the couple: Him hero, her victim.
And throughout the premiere, you had the feeling of Scully as the Distressed Woman.
Mulder stopped narrating love poetry just long enough to slit her attackers throat.
Compare that quote aboveimperishable thoughts!with how Mulder teases his jittery partner in this episode.
I wish This were all that.
The science-fiction concept feels too familiar, and haphazard.
Theres the minor problem of cultural influence hereX-Filescreated a world whereBlack Mirroralready did digital heavenmuchbetter.
And theres the greater problem that the shows serialized instincts are all unconvincing mystery teases.
But I loved the moment at the episodes end.
Just a fun couple solving mysteries between naps here, boss!
Scully and Mulder dont actually live together, I dont think?
And theyre not really together in any meaningful romantic way, question mark?
(We have seen little evidence that they hang out with anyone besides each other.)
Sooner or later, were gonna retire, Scully says.
Are we gonna spend time together?
Ill come push your wheelchair with my wheelchair, Mulder says.
Are we gonna spend time together?
Is the job all that holds them together?
You have to remember that Mulder and Scully didnt have to be in a relationship, ever.
Were gonna retire.
Are we gonna spend time together?
Gillian Anderson imbues the lines with endearing humanity.
There is some intangible just-right-ness when characters onscreen move closer together.
Its 2018, the worlds mad, we should question everything.
Of course, in any notional context ofX-Fileshistory, this scenes a little bonkers.
The episode after that whiplashes back to melancholy.
Theyre a fun pair of basically-married crimebusters!
Or theyre mournful former lovers with a history weighing on their shoulders like an Ingmar Bergman movie!
Or theyre platonic coworkers who always get adjoining rooms on business trips!
They spend all day together; they always feel alone.
