Like the 7th season, I missed this season the first time. As it was aired in fall 2001 in France, maybe I was on the news channel and maybe I followed also the first season of Star Academy. I just remember to have glimpsed "Medusa" in a Belgium youth hostel but my fellows didn't like it and maybe part of the last episode. At least, better late than never so here i come for this first season without Mulder.
It starts with a mythology arc. Like last year, the story drags and could have been more interesting with only one episode. With splendid exteriors and an active Skinner, we can forget a poor plot and we know at last what happened to Gibson who was leftover suddenly in a nuclear plant 2 years ago.
The first episode with the new duo is a big disappointment, even more that is a full package from Carter. This story about a wild manbat that smells its victims ranks among the more stupid episodes ever.
The next episodes are a great improvement: some are still boring and dull ("invocation", "surekill", "salvage" which involves a sort of ridiculous Terminator) but the fun is back: The explanation is indeed, the beginners, the newcomers, that's to say first, John Dogget. His character brings a fresh air to the show as he is totally different from our well know duo. Unlike Mulder who was a "Martian" (and cries a lot), Scully who is a scientist, Dogget is a real old-fashioned cop with a good flair and who does everything by the book. As he understands nothing to paranormal or even science, he has the reaction of the normal guy and what he lacks in open mind, he balances with presence and courage. Later, the same good mention can be delivered to Annabeth Gish. As the production proved it often in the past, they can cast totally newcomers that are immediately convincing!
Along the middle of the season, the other mythological episodes are similarly disappointing. Sure, the poor sidekicks (Diana, Spender) are gone at least but the "personal" plague is still there: in other words, when i watch the mythology, I look for aliens, conspiracy but not for mourning dead family members or pregnancy. Another bad point is the stupidity of some solutions: the return of Mulder is totally unbelievable as much as Dogett's "deep throat"!
But as soon as Mulder is back, the show becomes a real teamwork. The new ideas are interesting but as the first conspiracy, it's very hard to understand the motives. But, there are good thriller moments and it pays homage to the classic invaders theme.
In addition, this year, the special effects are rather up and give some horrific visions and corpses!
It's hard to pick a best episode as the loners are really horrific and gripping and the mythological hard to chunk. I take finally "Redrum" as it's an excellent analysis about time with an old pal of the T-1000.
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