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From Starburst #282 February 2002
Transcribed by Becky
TV View: The Latest Sci-Fi shows reviewed.
By Ian Spelling.
The X Files.
While it's clear that the most devoted of X Files fans think that the show has seen better day, those who've tuned in since David Duchovny signed off are missing something pretty unique: the launch of a new show with an old name. The truth is this: if someone started a new show called The X Files and kicked it off with last season's shows that introduced Annabeth Gish as Agent Monica Reyes, they'd have something pretty special on their hands. Whereas Mulder was fairly detached and sardonic in his humour, Doggett (Robert Patrick) radiates a warmer, more upbeat personality with a lighter sense of wit. Whereas Scully often came across, particularly early on, as a cool and science-minded buttoned-up even in her choice of clothes, Reyes is emotional and spiritual and far more casual in her attire.
Though Scully appears in '4-D', it's really a Doggett-Reyes two-hander, and it's a shame that X Files' fans might dismiss it simply because the show's not about Mulder and Scully anymore. The episode finds Doggett arriving at Reyes' appartment, happily carrying with him a sausage purchased at a nearby shop. At one point, Reyes rushes towards Doggett, wiping sauce from his lips. She clearly feels for him, and Doggett's expression suggests he knows she's into him, but also that he's uncertain about about what to do. Before anything can happen, however, the phone rings: it's Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) breaking the news to Reyes that Doggett has been shot in an alley and imploring her to get to the hospital as soon as possible.
At the hospital, Scully informs Reyes that Doggett could be paralyzed for life, assuming he survives. Reyes tries to explain how's it's utterly impossible, that she was with Doggett when he was supposidly gunned down. Fullmer (Cary Elwes) promises that he'll catch the perpetrator. When he regains consciousness, Doggett uses a computer device to spell out the name Lukesh. Turns out Lukesh is a mentally unstable man living with his mother, and he's implicated, of all people, Reyes, in the shooting.
As the story unfolds, Reyes suggests that perhaps there's an alternate timeline scenario and that Lukesh can cross dimensions. Fullmer thinks she's nuts. Scully, after all she's seen, won't dismiss the notion out of hand. And Doggett taps out the words "Too much Star Trek" to convey his thoughts on the matter. Soon, however, Doggett realizes that Reyes might be right, and he suggests that she prove it by pulling the plug on the respirator keeping him alive, a suggestion that leads to the episode's compelling final act.
Now, if one were to map out the science in all the parallel universe mumbo-jumbo, might fall apart like a house of cards, but by just going with it, it's a strong tale. Patrick and Gish are wonderful together. Elwes is still a bit too smarmy for this viewer's taste, but he gets off one of the episodes best lines: when Reyes, Skinner and Scully emerge from the hospital elevator, Fullmer is there to greet them with a most snide "the gang's all here."
[Rating at the bottom of the article is 4 out of 5.]
From the same issue -- RP/AG Interview :: GA Exits X-Files
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