'The X-Files' Season 11, Episode 9: 'Nothing Lasts Forever'

The season (series?) reaches its penultimate episode and it's...an odd one.  It tries to throw a lot in.  A good chunk of it works, but there's still some shortcomings to be found.

You'd think that the episode would fall into the trap of trying too hard to tie up loose ends, but as this is a stand alone, it (surprisingly) doesn't.

Instead, we have a plot that features an organ harvesting ring that serves a cult that worships an over the hill actress who feeds on the organs/cultists in pursuit of eternal youth.  There's also a devoutly religious vigilante who is targeting the cult for her own reasons.  It all connects decently enough, but it still feels like a bit much and some elements seem needlessly over-convoluted.

Aspects also come off as undeveloped.  I don't know if this plot warranted a two-parter, but at the same time, it would have been nice to get more details about both the cult and the vigilante.

To its credit, it does manage to provide a nice balance of genuinely funny and creepy moments.  The banter between the two agents is on point and Fiona Vroom looks like she's having fun in the role of the aforementioned actress.

I also got a kick out of Mulder's trolling tactic of using his reputation and knowledge of the abnormal to get the other FBI agents to leave.

Between the heavy focus on religion, celebrity, and appearance; I get the impression that the episode had some kind of intended message.  For the life of me, I can't figure out what it is.  With the celebrity obsessed culture, the episode certainly has relevance, but I don't know if there is a core takeaway to be had.  Of course, that helps keep the episode from becoming too preachy or heavy-handed, so that's a plus, I suppose.

I don't know if this will go down as one of the more memorable episodes of the season, but it will pass the time well enough.  As mentioned, parts of it do work and do work well, but it does come off a bit jumbled. 

Next episode will be what I assume is the last episode of the series.  Will it provide a satisfying conclusion to not only this "event", but the franchise as a whole?  Judging by the title, my hopes aren't high, but hope springs eternal. 

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