The show (and sci-fi in general) have tackled the "rogue artificial intelligence" plot line before, but this manages to make the concept feel fresh. This isn't like Brainiac or Skynet. The tech isn't omnicidal, just really peeved and persistent.
This artificial intelligence is also more frightening because it's more realistic. Tech is having a bigger impact on the world and this episode showcases that quite well. Some of it is exaggerated for both comedic and horrific effect, but a lot of it rings true. Seeing the agents struggle with various apps and devices mirrors a lot of what happens in our own lives.
A part of me would have liked to see the whole episode take place within the confines of the restaurant, but having the reign of terror expand beyond those walls did pay off in many respects.
"Minimalist" is still very much an apt descriptor for this episode. There's very little dialogue and the plot is contained to a handful of locations. It works really well and makes it more memorable. That opening scene with Mulder and Scully in the empty restaurant sitting next to each other, saying nothing and just looking at their phones managed to speak volumes.
I'm not sure what robots need with a tip, but I suppose it reinforces that old adage about not ticking off the people who serve you your food. To some extent, though, the disproportionate retribution aspect only adds to the aforementioned comedy/horror aspect.
That balance really adds to the episode's enjoyment factor. You'll find yourself simultaneously laughing at how absurd the whole thing gets, but still find yourself creeped out by it. It's a tough thing to do, and this episode succeeds in spades.
This is an episode that could have easily dragged, but I didn't find pacing to be a problem at all. I was pretty much hooked from the intro and I never found myself checking the clock.
If this episode does have a weak spot, it's the fact that it feels very disconnected from what we've seen before. It's a perfectly self contained stand alone (and acts as a prime example of why the fandom prefers those to the mythos based episodes,) but at the same time, it seems like it takes place in a completely different world that Mulder and Scully happen to be in. Maybe they intersected with an alternate timeline? I don't know.
All in all, though, this episode was a blast. It's topical and timely, creepy, funny, and engaging throughout. This will likely go down as one of the season's best and could even act as a contender for one of the show's best.
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