"Dreamland I" Review
Rebecca Bateman, rebeccaxf@washington-dc.crosswinds.net
http://come.to/the.x-files


After the high "Triangle" left me on, I feel compelled to comment on 
"Dreamland I". "Triangle" was so deliciously Emmy-worthy (the music, 
the scenery, the overall creativity, and of course- The Kiss and I 
Love You). I loved it to death and admittedly squealed during several 
scenes. However, the "Dreamland" preview that aired after the ep left
me a little wary. What's up with Mulder and Michael McKean trading 
bodies, and Scully trying to sort it all out? How lame, I thought.

I hate being right. 

Although there were a few scenes I enjoyed, the beginning car conversation 
and Mulder attempting to prove his identity to Scully, "Dreamland" has now
caused me to fear for the future of The Show. If Chris Carter let an episode 
like this dribble forth from two of his strongest writers and one of his 
rather mediocre ones, I shudder to think what Ten-Thirteen will concoct in 
the future. The characterizations felt forced. The plot was weak. And it 
seemed as though they couldn't decide whether to make this a drama or 
comedy. Waffling causes a multitude of sins, Boys. I admit that I laughed 
at Mulder dancing in front of the mirror in his underwear, but I would never 
in a million years have read a fanfic with anything remotely similar. And 
as for expecting such limp dialogue and stumbling storyline from the pens 
of St. Vince and Spotzy?

But, far be it from me to focus only on the negative. The acting was no less 
than superb. Gillian was great as a partner not understanding her companion's 
actions. David, in particular, shines at showing us the more humorous side 
of Mulder's personality. Ignoring the strained dialogue, the conversations 
between the *real* Mulder and Scully were what saved this episode, in 
my eyes, from being a complete and total failure.

"This *is* a normal life." Sad, Mulder. :P
"Hell, I don't know your badge number."
"You're on some kind of bee pollen kick even though I tell you you're a 
scientist, and you should know better." (Hmmmm.... *Bee* pollen? <g>)
"You, Scully?" Good line, executed poorly.

::sigh:: "Dreamland II" doesn't seem as though it will any better. Now, 
this is just my initial knee-jerk reaction to both the episode and the 
new teaser, but I may have to pull out my Sig Sauer and shoot myself before 
I gag on my own vomit next Sunday. I once said I hated the ever-increasing 
mainstreaming of The Show. 

Only now do I fully comprehend why.