So, falling several episodes behind wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I decided to start writing about this mini-series. With any luck, I'll be able to get caught up in time for the finale. It'll make for an interesting bookend, having the first and last episodes being discussed in a timely manner.
Where the premiere largely fell flat, this was much improved. As such, it was a real return to form for the show. Where the script and acting was phoned in last episode, it feels like we're actually seeing the characters here.
Rather than follow up on any of the myth-arc elements, this was (for the most part) a monster of the week episode. The agents investigate the suicide of a scientist that leads them to suspect that genetic experiments are being performed on children for unknown reasons. While it does play out like a one and done, it is implied that the experiments are tied to "the project" to create an alien/human hybrid. As such, it's an interesting blend of the two. I remember there was one episode back in the show's first run that tried to blend the two styles with mixed results, this pulls it off much more effectively. As it was said that the episodes would be split half and half between story arc and monster of the week, I am curious which one this falls under. Keep in mind, it wasn't said definitively that this was the syndicate's work, so it could easily be something else entirely.
It should come as no surprise that this case hits a nerve with the agents, given what happened to their son, William. It was good to see that he hasn't been entirely forgotten. Admittedly, I don't really remember where the show left him, but from what we see here, he was well cared for by both agents. Then again, those could also be interpreted as "what could have been" sequences where the agents wonder what life would have been like. It's not really made clear, but it is arguably moot as it still hits hard either way.
Of course, forgetting that William happened would have been eyebrow raising, but the mention also gives the episode more emotional weight as it personally links the agents to the case much more than most of their investigations. It worked well and added some drama without shoehorning it in like the last episode did.
Sadly, Skinner isn't given a whole lot to do, but he still manages to get a stronger showing than he did in the premiere. His handling of the agents when the DOD tries to wrap it up was very much in character and it was, oddly enough, a highlight for the episode.
Where the premiere had me worried that the franchise had no more juice left, this episode shows that it could still work. It was a nice (and perhaps necessary) counter balance. If the remaining episodes are like this, than it could be the franchise invigorating kick start that Fox was likely hoping for.
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