This episode of "The X-files" succeeds in nearly every way an episode can succeed. It is emotional and personal (which is always more frightening than any mutant monster). proved Chris Carter to be a master of the psychology of fear. Its villain is real, as Mulder's end voice over rather ruthlessly reminds us , which again, makes it far more frightening: "it could happen to you." The characterization was flawless; the directing, photography and music all contributed to the atmosphere of fear. The script was thematic. And the performances were as usual, strong, to put it mildly.
The highlights of the hour were, for me, Scully's battle with Donnie Pfaster and her visit to the social worker. We learn so much in these scenes about who Dana Scully is that it is almost impossible to discuss it all in one review. But, nonetheless, I will offer this quote that I think is the heart and soul of Scully: "You think you can into the face of pure evil and then you find yourself paralyzed by it...it is my job to protect people from (predators)...I want that faith back. I need it back." Those words demonstrate her selflessness, her courage and her honor-- in short, her heroism. Anderson is low-key and watery-eyed in this scene as she admits that she does not want Mulder to know of her fear. Her whispers are an emotional roar.
I also loved the moment when the social worker asked if she were aware that she had been referring to herself in the third person. It was touching to see Scully this way, stripped of all denial and defenses. Anderson has this way of making her a child and a superhero all at once. It is deeply endearing. We also get some insight into how she sees Mulder: "I trust him with my life." Scully's faith in that man sometimes is my only reason for having any; I almost wished he could have had the pleasure of hearing her say that. The scene in which Scully fights for her life was a highlight as well. It was horrible and jarring to see her crumpled up and dazed, so unlike she usual self. Girlfriend put up of hell of a fight; I was grateful. She was at her toughest and her most clever, especially spraying the chemical into Pfaster's eyes. And of course, watching her slowly breaking down wrapped up in Mulder's arms (every girl needs a trench coat hug at least once in her life) is not something I will ever forget. Her shift of emotions was masterful and Duchovny gave Mulder in this scene a pure focus on Scully that was exquisite.
Mulder fares quite well in this episode too, in my opinion, though it is focused on Scully. I was thrilled to hear him say that he did *not* think this had anything to to with aliens. Obsessed? Yes. But he still is generally able to function as an invgestigator. He is at his most supportive (saying he could "always" use her help) and kindest. He picks up on her fear instantly and asks about it. Further, he assures her that showing her fear will not cause him to lose his respect for her, giving me one of my all time favorite lines: "I just don't want you to think you have to hide anything from me." I was deeply moved by this declaration; my respect for Mulder, who is not always so, shall we say, verbal about his admiration, skyrocketed. I could not help but compare him with Pfaster, the ultimate misogynist, who calls Scully "girly girl." Spooky calls Pfaster on his "unfathomable hatred of women" early on and clearly does not share this sentiment. Mulder's relationships with women are quite troubled, as we learn in later episodes. I was relieved and refreshed that he was not made to share Pfaster's feelings. He openly respected and supported Scully and I was deeply appreciative. This episode cast him as a protector, a hero, as well.
More than just a disturbing hour of one of our favorite characters in jeopardy, this episode proves to be a thematic study of the psychology of fear. Even the title has resonance: Pfaster is "Irresistible" because he gives his victims no choice. In the intimate portrait of watching Scully slowly break down, we see what fear does to someone, even someone as strong as she is. Count on Carter to sneak Pfaster into a class on classical mythology-- a nice subtle touch (and Congrats on the touchdown.) Mulder and Scully's moral outrage drives home the horror of exactly what Pfaster does to these women. I have always thought that this is one of the differences between this show and others like it: Moose and Squirrel are not bad-ass cops. They are real; they make us care. For me, this is what makes this show stand out from the rest.
The theme of fear again is echoed in Mulder's voiceover in which he tells us that "the conquest of fear lies in the moment of its acceptance." And there it is--the key to Scully's victory; as she embraced her partner and showed him her fear, she accepted it herself and came out the other side.
I give this episode 10 out of 10 tic tacs :)
SWILS Note: That social worker scene again: Scully's lovely face is a sight for sore eyes
MulderDrooling: Admit it, David. You've used that Chin Lift before. That was flawless....