Friday, March 4, 2016

What I’m Watching: The X-Files


The X-Files: Season 10, Episode 5 “Babylon” (B-)

This was a peculiar episode in a lot of ways. It involved a strong subplot in an otherwise unfitting and off-putting overarching story. I was surprised when the opening credits started rolling after two Muslim men were revealed to be suicide bombers because there’s absolutely nothing supernatural about that, and it seemed an odd topic for this show to tackle. I can’t say that there was anything positive or productive to come out of showcasing this storyline, and Mulder needing to communicate with the hospitalized, comatose bomber was a thin excuse for the rest of this episode. Mulder’s fever dream set in heaven or hell or wherever was also pretty pointless. What was much better, however, was the introduction of two young agents who bore a shocking resemblance in many ways to Mulder and Scully. Miller was played by Robbie Amell from “The Flash,” and Lauren Ambrose from “Six Feet Under” was his partner Agent Einstein. I like Amell and I’m a huge fan of Ambrose, who I believe should be working much more than she is, and so it was a treat to see them, and also to see Mulder and Scully approach their counterparts’ partners to try to talk them into seeing things from their perspective. I’d be happy to watch a continuation of this show with Miller and Einstein as the stars – is that too much to hope for? Mulder and Scully are fine, sure, but these two would bring an exciting youthful energy that might help this show feel less dated and explore some more enthralling territory.

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