This episode provides a more stable footing for both the show and the viewer, as it delivers another entertaining outing for the pair of FBI agents.
The writing works well, the cast puts in strong performances, and the episode brings a nice balance. There's some legitimately spooky goings-on this time around, but the episode isn't afraid to throw some levity and humor in there. Rather than detract, it actually adds to the experience. It makes it more entertaining, sure, but it also highlights just how strange Mulder's and Scully's lives get.
I think it's also to the writer's credit, that even though few of the supporting characters are likable here, they're still sympathetic. The first victim is a routine DUI offender and the second is a sleazy attorney. Still, when they're put in life or death situations, you do kind of root for them. When the attorney goes to Mulder and Scully for help, you can't help but feel for the guy, being in a desperate situation that he has no control over. Even his attempt at taking precautionary measures ultimately proves futile.
You'd think that the various plot elements would become jumbled. I mean, we have phantom doppelgangers that drive you to suicide, a pair of schizophrenic twins playing a telepathic game of hangman, and talk of some looming evil presence that could be demonic or just mankind's darker impulses or something. For the most part, it all comes together, though we don't really get any answers on anything.
We do get some nice character moments between the two agents. The banter is always fun, but the two also get a chance to reflect. Scully, especially, becomes more introspective and wonders about what could have been and what is to come.
Her talk of death would make sense in most cases, though Clyde Bruckman did say that she wouldn't die. I wonder if that will ever come up again. Also her fear about losing their jobs seems a bit shallow. I mean, they've been fired before. She's a doctor, I think she'll be fine. I know it's supposed to be a hint towards the show ending, but it was still a little odd.
In any event, this episode also made some nice (likely unintentional) nods. When the agents talked of "mass hysteria", I couldn't help but think of "Ghostbusters". Given the looming "end of the world" thing going on, it kind of adds to the connection.
We also have people committing murder by writing down names. Sure, it's via hangman, but my brain couldn't help but connect this to "Death Note". Suffice it to say, I smirked when one of the siblings asked if there was an L. Again, I figure it has to be a coincidence, but it did amuse me.
I do wonder how Scully is still skeptical at this point. I'm pretty sure they've confronted ghosts before, so her dismissal of that was weird, but you'd think she'd be more open minded by now. Heck, when Mulder was abducted, she became "the believer". It was odd to see, but the turn kind of made sense. I'm kind of curious what pushed her back to skeptic territory. Yeah, status quo is god, but you'd think they'd at least try to justify the back pedal.
While the episode does have some cons, they are outweighed by the pros. I don't think that this was as strong an outing as its predecessor. The writing was largely on point, the plot hook was solid, it was well paced, and it effectively provided a nice balance of what viewers hope to find in an episode of 'The X-Files'. Hopefully, the positive momentum can continue.
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