"The Unnatural" Review Rebecca Bateman, rebeccaxf@bigfoot.com http://come.to/the.x-files DAMN! Does DD look hot in that baseball uniform or what? So I know I haven't been very vocal with my opinions lately mostly because, even though I've liked episodes such as "Milagro", I haven't had a whole lot to say. This week is different. It's official. David Duchovny is my new favorite person. His script, while not terribly intellectually challenging, tugged at my heartstrings in more ways than one. Exley ("Ex" - get it?) is one of the better secondary characters we've had this season. I felt his pain. (Okay, not really. I just like saying that. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not really a small gray alien. :b) I liked the blood bit at the end despite it being too Disney/Pinocchio - ish. I wasn't expecting it, and it was a nice surprised but a little contrived. Additionally, it bothers me somewhat when the MythArc is bent, twisted, and cheesed-out unrealistically just for the sake of working it into the plot. Could we have gone about this another way, David? Nonetheless, I'm willing to let it slide just because the story was so touching. Otherwise, the ep was terrific. Every character was real and interesting, and the story line was quite a nice change of pace, I must say. This is what I love about this show: when it does both drama ("Monday", "Milagro") and comedy - or as this was, dramedy - so well. Kudos to David, the writer. David, the actor was a little off tonight, on the other hand. I'm sure it was a product of his long hours behind the camera and of the lack of objectivity about his own performance, but Mulder seemed rather... I don't know, wooden? Stoic? Mind you, it wasn't much, but his some of his characteristic facial expressions and verbal nuances were missing. Fortunately, this didn't detract much from the overall experience. I missed his trademark dramatic subtlety, but I guess I can live without it for one night. The rest of his performance more than made up for it. David, the director, did an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere and setting mood. The interior bus shots were great. My favorite shots were the scenes at night. Guess I'm a real night-owl (gee, you'd never know it to read my phone bill... ::snicker::), but I was fascinated by what he did with the nighttime. It was both light-hearted and intense at the same time. Not to mention flirty.... Oh, heck, yes, let's go ahead and mention flirty. Good GAWD - was that hip grinding not bordering on obscene? Not that I mind. ;) About the only thing I can say about the Baseball Lesson without gushing like a raving maniacal lunatic is that it was so darn good to see them enjoying not only themselves, but each other! Being comfortable with and relishing the closeness... Do you think Mulder had this little batting practice scenario in mind when he called Scully? Or was it just kind a spur of the moment decision made when Scully said she'd never played? Don't know which one I'd rather have. Both have their perks. :) Fun tidbit: I talked to my father after the episode was over. He says of that scene, "So, why doesn't he just let go of her and let her try hitting?" My dad can be such a *man* sometimes..... ::chuckle:: I have say I love the office scene. (I'm *still* trying to figure out what was up with Mulder's hair - combs are *good* things, bud!) I thoroughly enjoyed Mulder's physical attack of Scully's wanna-be ice cream. I swear to God, I thought he was going to attack *her* with that mouth! And the cliché war was inspired. Wonder if David's poem "Cliché Juice" had anything to do with this scene. Scully laughs! More than once! Sad to say that it almost seems out of character... Wonderful moment: Mulder, the lousy tipper. ("Bad Blood", anyone?) Yet, *another* Muldertrait soon to be incorporated into the world of fanfic. :b Mark Snow's 'Fight The Future' score again shows it's face. So theatrical and inspiring. Encore! Finally, "In The Big Inning". ROTFL! David sure knows how to use details, doesn't he? Overall, "The Unnatural" (hope everyone understands the double meaning here, too... think Robert Redford...) earns an 'A' in my book. Despite my technical criticisms, Mr. Duchovny is such an intelligent, bright man that nothing short of wonderful should nor ever will bear his name ("New Year's Day" notwithstanding ). As I write this, I feel only satisfaction and a certain amount of overwhelming giddiness at the marvel that is 'The X-Files'. What a weekend for David. His creative talents shine in primetime while his wife gives birth. You're invited to write for us again anytime, Dave. :) And take care of that new baby girl. To paraphrase Eddie van Blundht, I'd like to congratulate you on this blessed event. We love ya.