Founder's Mutation

I love how the reflection from their flashlights forms an X. The attention to detail in this scene created a wonderful throwback X-Files feel, and I really appreciated that.

Mulder has a business card availabe in his pocket ? Wow, he's a responsible mature man, now.

When the siblings finally meet and know each other, they immediately start working together to break free from the atrocious plan that has kept them apart. I found this very powerful, and it led to a nice open ending. We don't know what becomes of them or if we'll see them again.

The parallel dreamy scenes between Mulder/Scully and William are very poignant. I like how they are filmed, the choices of the colours -warm then cold-, the ellipses, the transitions. And the end of each scene, hands holding William's picture.

We have insights of what sort of parents M&S would have wanted to be, and what kind of nightmare they would have feared concerning their son.

The scene with the broken arm reminds me two overwhelming moments with one of my son.

In both their visions of what might have been, Mulder and Scully see themselves in the same house. They can't imagine a world without the other in it. They know their current separation is only temporary.

I like very much M&S reaction at the line "Desire is the devil's pitchfork" ! They turned to each other alternately with knowing looks !

This scene where Mulder and Scully talk about being "old school" is funny and poignant, and also a little badass. They acknowledge that they're older and maybe a little out of date, but they're no less effective for it.

After the gore scene in the beginning that freaks me out (I'm almost phobic with long blades), I'm relieved by Mulder's line.

The end of the cold open when Sanjay sticks a letter opener into his ear was very surprising. It was gruesome and frightening, and it did a great job setting up the x-file that Mulder and Scully would investigate.

It's a great pleasure to see Scully's psychologist actress in another role. I find that this phrase coud have been said by her previous character, with the same tone !

I wonder if Mulder's reference to our current health insurance legislation is lost on anyone outside the USA?

I like that on the TV in the hospital there's "Planet on the Ape". It was a series (and films) that I adored when I was a kid, and that made me think about philosophic questions. Do you know that it's based on a french author's novel, Pierre Boulle ?

I love the parallel in the end with "2001, A Space Odyssey", a film that took me aback the first time I saw it as a teen.

Of course, it's completely connected with the story of the episode...

"You're never 'just' anything to me, Scully."

Sigh. This was such a beautiful line from Mulder, perfectly summing up how he's felt about Scully from the very beginning. I could watch this scene on endless repeat.

Among Mulder's synonyms of "I love you", I like his "You're never "just" anything to me, Scully".

Mulder is such a romantic poet.

I love seeing Mulder put the pieces together. He understands the reference to Founder's Mutation, he notices the presence of the janitorial service, he figures out that Kyle is the missing child. He's on top of his game, doing what he does best.

I always like to watch old-school Mulder, stealing evidences or crossing lines, while Skinner is covering his/their back.

I wonder what they made with the blood sample...

Scully is fierce as she questions Goldman about the children. She's not taken in by his spiel, and she's going to get to the heart of what's happening. This is Scully doing what she does best.

I always like to watch action Scully, especially when Mulder is in danger. Don't mess with her partner !

I like very much the shot when she's running among the birds.

Once again, our favorite agents are in Skinner's office, sitting across his desk, explaining themselves and the case. I have to admit, I got choked up the first time I saw this scene, remembering all the scenes like it in the past. The link I've chosen here is from Hollywood A.D., where it's almost an identical shot.

This episode is a reminder of "Eve", the first XF episode dealing with genetic experiments on human beings. There is an Adam reference, and there's the idea of two siblings sharing powers, and wanting to reunitate.

I like that Mulder and Scully are talking about William. The William storyline is not my favorite, but the fact is that it's part of the show and therefore part of their lives. Mulder and Scully need to talk about the loss of their son, to come to terms with how it affects them, in order to move forward. I'm glad we get to see them start that process.

I enjoy this episode very much. I think James Wong does a terrific job telling the story in an updated way without straying too far from what we expect and want from an episode of The X-Files. It made me think about the future and the past, and I really like that.

I love this revival episode. I love the story, the links with M&S personal story, in particular concerning William. I love especially the direction, the lightnings, the sound effects: there are all along the episode stunning shots and scenes.

It was very hard to select just a few moments in the episode. There's so much to say.

After 23 years Scully's name still isn't on the door. That's just not okay.

In fact, there's not really things I dislike in the episode, even the gore scenes.

Maybe the implied jokes in the gay bar are too much ? The guy looking at him ? Mulder is hot, final point.