"You callin' Duane Barry a liar now?" ~ DB

I remember the first time I saw this episode, I sat with my mouth hanging open at the end. I had no idea what was going to happen at the end; this was before I knew of internet Philedom and spoilers and such.

Sometimes, I curse spoilers that ruin things for me.

This episode stands in my mind as one of the best. To see Mulder so vulnerable and afraid, but compassionate at the same time, almost turned me into a Mulderist. The scenes between Mulder and Duane Barry are intense and dramatic, you don't want to look away for a second or even blink because you're afraid you'll miss something. I have to say that I believed DB too, especially when he talked about what the aliens do to children. I think Mulder was about to cry at that point. But DB confirmed everything that we've been thinking about these aliens and the government... that they are in this together.

Or are they? Scully says that DB is a pathological liar and is using Mulder. The implants really could just be shrapnel from Vietnam and his stories of abductions could really just be fantasies.

That's what I love about old-school XF: it could be explained by the paranormal OR it could be explained with science. You never really know...

Shocking ending, for me. Of course, if you knew what was going to happen, I still think you would be shocked. So DB won't take Mulder, but he sure as Hell will take Scully...

Oh, and I'm embarrassed to say that this one was written and directed by CC. I guess he can do something right...

Rating: 5 lounge chairs out of 5

"Ascending... ascending to the stars..."