Vince "The Man" Gilligan
I will admit I was suspicious of this episode at first, but I went with it. maybe stockpiling some humor aint' such a bad idea; we just might need it. And that is exactly what Bad Blood gave us. I have never laughed so hard duing an X-file. (I also have a new favorite Scullyism ..."you...were...with the...thing...). I laughed out loud at poor Autopsy!Scully's scenes as she slopped various organs onto the scale. And I giggled at nearly everytime Moose and Squirrel contradicted each other.
But I think what delighted me the most about in episode was the "he said/she said" set up of the show; such a set-up necessarily focuses on Dana and Fox as, yes, a couple. (I have wanted her to straighten his tie since I began to watch this show. It's just so couply.) Even when they hissed at eachother as in front of Skinner's office, they did so giving the impression...to me, at least...that nothing the other one could say or do would completely sever their bond. If there is another TV couple that can do that as well as Goddess Almighty and her leading man, I have not seen them. I was concerned and had prepared myself for a painful episode watching them be at eachother's throats. I was giddy with relief to see them arguing in their usual, comfortable, affectionate way. Frankly Scully had the right to react with far more anger than she did; even if I were in love with the PUNK, I would have. "Over reacting" is an understatement. Yet she challenges him as an ally, a friend (at least).
They then proceed to tell hysterically different versions of the story in which each, naturally, sees him/herself as the kind,reasonable one in their realationship. I loved Concerned!Scully coming to Drugged!Mudler's aid in her version as opposed to a colder version in Mudler's side of the tale. And Mulder's interpertation of himself was beyond hysterical. I doubt their was a scene in this episode I did not find funny. Even Skinner was funny with the subtle eye-rolls at my favorite Punk.
And just to get my two cents in on this before anyone asks, I believe Mulder teasingly left Scully alone with Handsome!Sheriff (in her version, anyway) because a. he thought she might enjoy herself with some harmless flirting and he trusts her Blessed Integrity and b. it was a PLOT DEVICE to get her drugged. And frankly, as a Scullyist (albeit a shippy one) I was gald to see her allowed to find another man attractive. Remember, that was in her version. She may (I said MAY) be taken...but girlfriend's allowed to look. Overall, UberVince gave us an episode that proves Scully and Mulder are truly partners, no matter what. DD and GA were flawless...and to Mr Gilligan, I offer a humble...how could I have doubted you, O Thou Who Penned Pusher. Will you marry me (did I ask that already?)
SWILS note: loved that Drama!Scully "Mulder!" when she realized he was in danger
MulderDrooling: Oh, dear God, that Puppy Dog Face