Vienen

In Kersh's office we see mementos from his time as a fighter pilot: the service flag and the photos of the jets he flew.

In the beginning and in the end, two details in the office. First, Doggett has pinned an article about the Human Bat, and the circle seen in The Gift. Second, on Mulder's desk, the famous picture of Samantha and the funny alien cup.

The final scene on the oil rig is spectacular, as Doggett and Mulder jump into the water just when the rig starts to explode.

I love this emotional scene where Mulder thinks about their baby. I love the line and I love how David Duchovny is acting.

They both broke the rules, Mulder by going out to the oil rig and Scully by performing the autopsy. And they're both so proud of each other when they realize it. Mulder is more blatant, but you can see the hint of a smile on Scully's face too.

I don't know how it works, but after hours trying to reach the rig, Scully gets a communication, and who's just here ? Mulder !

They have psychic unspoken power of communication.

I find this scene hilarious. It's funny as written, but even funnier in the performance. I love the smile on Mulder's face as he realizes how ridiculous the description of the Black Oil sounds, even though Doggett is being perfectly straight. And Mulder's response is priceless.

Ah, Mulder... always seeing the assignment to the basement as a punishment.

So much about this moment is surprising. Mulder is choosing to stay on the oil rig rather than leave and save himself, to avoid infecting others. Okay that's not really surprising, he does that a lot, but this time the stakes are higher. He has a child on the way. That's the big surprise--Mulder is acknowledging his role in the child's life. Yes he is.

Black Oil: the return ?

It's been a long time...

It's true...we kind of expect the rest of the world to speak English. Not our most attractive quality. At least Doggett gives speaking Spanish a shot.

"Eighty-sixed" ?

The first time I watched this episode, I was really surprised : a verb based on a number ? 86 ? Wait, what ?

After googling, I've understood...

This is such a funny exchange between Mulder and Doggett, and it really sums up their perspectives nicely. They're starting to understand each other, and to grudgingly respect each other.

Doggett à la "Black Oil for Dummies" !

Well summarized, Agent Doggett ! And yes, it sounds silly, I agree !

I love that, as usual, Mulder figures out what's going on through a series of intuitive leaps...

We actually don't see the best Mulder moment. It's when rogue Mulder went secretly on the oil rig !

...while Scully figures out what's going on through science and research. They're the perfect team.

Rogue pregnant Scully conspiring with Skinner ! I like that !

Of course, the Black Oil, that we first see in Piper Maru. I really like this iteration of the alien presence. It can be--and has been--used in so many ways, in so many episodes, and it's always creepy.

Vienen versus Little Green Men: sweaty Doggett/Mulder speaking spanish to Diego/Jorge !

A suggestion for Quantico : mandatory spanish courses for every future FBI Agent.

Moreover, we can appreciate that we had also a rogue Mulder in this episode !

I know there's not much Scully in this episode, but there's still a lot to love. I love the fast pace, the location, and the cinematography. And I especially love the interactions between our two action heroes. Plus, Mulder looks REALLY good running around on that oil rig.

I like the evolution of Mulder and Doggett relationship. It's well summarized in these matching scenes from the beginning and the end: two hands reaching a phone, and then two hands shaking each other.

Kersh. I dislike Kersh. That's not a criticism of the episode though. We're supposed to dislike Kersh, so the episode is very effective in that way! I particularly dislike how condescending he is to Scully and Skinner. And then he forces Mulder out of the FBI...Oooh I don't like Kersh.

Why this poor Diego has to die, just when the chopper is here, when he succeeded to hide during several days ? Too easy plot...

What is the continuity of the Black Oil story ? What Scully will do with her scientific discovery ?