Without

    "You know, Agent Scully, you're startin' to sound a lot like Mulder yourself."
                                --John Doggett

     John Doggett's police tactics and old cop phrases (you've painted me a picture, now put it in a frame?) wear thin at times, but I do still anticipate a positive outcome from his being added to the X-Files. Still, Skinner and Scully (and Gibson, and for crying out LOUD, Mulder!) make up the heart of what I like about the show, and it will take more adjustment on my part, as a fan, before I will be altogether comfortable with Agent Doggett. I am amused by the thought that I was campaigning so much for Kyle MacLachlan to obtain the role--Robert Patrick is a far cry from ol' Kyle. I still think he could've pulled off a believable role, but not in this Clint Eastwood kind of manner.
     The emotion I felt in Within is somewhat less in this conclusion; there is more of a concentration on the action. This is a neccessary element: the opener set up the feel of the new season; the second half gives us reasons, logistics, events. These events include some kickin' action scenes with Scully! I was hoping to see Gillian play the Bounty Hunter, and I was not disappointed.
     And in the end, when Scully breaks down, Doggett is conveniently there to show a little compassion, setting up what I expect for the two: he will play an important role in being a strength for Scully, especially when he discovers her pregnancy.

A