Gender Bender

This is one of those episodes that never really takes off for me; they never actually explain anything about the X-File; not how they seduce, kill, or why they are suddenly aliens. And if they are aliens, why did they choose to disguise themselves as... the Kindred (Amish)?

Despite this frustration, the episode is entertaining, and I love the way it's shot. It's a great looking episode, even if it's a bit weak. It keeps you interested too, even if it doesn't go anywhere.

So a renegade Kindred guy- Marty- who can change into a girl, is picking up at a techno nightclub. Then I guess the sex is so good that it kills. Hot.

But Marty is not hot. Not a very attractive guy or girl, so he uses some kind of Vulcan nerve pinch or something, by taking someone's hand and rubbing between their thumb and forefinger.

No word on how he kills, but when the victims die, they regurgitate some kind of bloody frothy foam... and clay?



There is kind of a cute scene where Scully has no idea why they were called in, and the guy at the crime scene is like "Really? Somebody at the Bureau put out a memo requesting any case involving this exact COD" to which Mulder says "Thanks for the call".

I know Scully loves being undermined by Mulder. Loves it :)

The investigation leads them to a sleepy, kind of boring little town. Hey, at least they've got a feed store. Mulder checks it out, while Scully comes on a little strong trying to ask this other Kindred guy (Andrew) some questions about his horse. He's a little scared of her.

M & S decide the Kindred are worth looking into as suspects, so they grab a map and proceed to get completely lost in the woods.



I actually love this scene. I love when Mulder tries to find West by pointing kind of.. up. Then gets frustrated and crumples the map, delivering a quick punt, only to have Scully catch it in one hand. Super funny.

Eventually M & S manage to score dinner with the Kindred, where they watch the group to seemingly allow some guy to choke to death. They are not impressed. They are kicked out, but sneak back in to watch a secret rejuvenating ceremony being performed in the barn. Mulder follows them into a creepy hole in the ground where the guy is buried, and is slowing transforming into a woman.

Meanwhile, Scully is getting Marty's back story from Andrew, who then tries to demonstrate how Marty's seduce-and-kill works. Lucky for everyone, Mulder busts down the door before anything bad can happen. Like someone nailing her before he can (oh just kidding).



I think one of the cutest things ever is one of the most subtle and easy to miss. As they are leaving the house, Mulder keeps trying to close her blouse and her jacket, trying to cover her up. I don't know, I just think it's so adorable, and actually very thoughtful. Scully is the picture of modesty in the first season, with her little crucifix and blouses buttoned all the way to the top.



And he wraps his arm around her so protectively.




And is very kind to her when she pukes. He buys her coffee and doesn't try to embarrass her any more than she already is. Even if he's pretty embarrassed himself.



M: *clears throat/coughs*


So, blahblahblah, nothing gets really resolved, and the Kindred get away in their spacecraft.

Oh. (?)

That was an unnecessary twist that came out of nowhere.



I guess that's why they can shape shift.

Biggest highlight of the episode:




Nick Lea's first appearance!