Talitha Cumi

Why can't I think of anything interesting to say about this one?

It sets up several of the most important aspects of the mythology.

1) Bees. Bees and contaminated crops; key to spreading the havoc in the most low-key, unsuspectable method possible.

 2) Clone drones of Samantha and (presumably) Gregory, the other clone from Colony/End Game. There are many copies... and they have a plan. (oh wait...)

 3) The healing power (some) aliens possess (in addition to that radioactive thing, and the toxic green blood). Aliens are God. Literally- we'll learn that in season 6.

4) CSM and Mrs Mulder were so having an affair.

But as with most X-F two parters, the first ep merely sets up the drama-fast that is the second half.

There are lots of opportunities for Scully to be a really wonderful, supportive partner in this one though, when Mulder's mom is admitted into the hospital. 

Poor Mulder is a wreck, and who wouldn't be. And frankly, the prospect of him losing his mother so soon after losing his dad just makes it that much harder. But he's so distraught that I often have to remind myself that she does in fact survive for a few more seasons.

When Mulder leaves her hospital room, his encounter with CSM is positively crazed... but also hilarious because CSM is so bold here..

M: You wanna smoke that, or do you wanna smoke on this?

CSM:OH you're giving me a choice?

Just.. seriously, that is such a funny line, I love it.

M: I should shoot you right here, but they probably would be able to save you.

CSM: Do it, do it Agent Mulder.

M: Or maybe shoot a bullet through your brain so you'd be bedridden on a bed for the rest of your life.

CSM: (totally sincere) How is she?

M: (taken aback) What do you care? 

Then Mulder's fight with X is the most believable fight I think we ever see on the show- it looks like real life barroom brawl, and it ends in a stand off.

M: I'm walking, away.

X: You're a dead man Agent Mulder. One way, or the other.

Also of real importance, is when Mulder acquires on of those alien stiletto weapons that we have seen ABH and the Samantha clones carrying around. While I'm on the topic, any episode Alien Bounty Hunter is in is a good one.

And then as far as cliffhangers go... no so much exciting or cliffhanger as it is... well... anticlimatic. M, S and Jeremiah Smith are slowly being approached by a tough looking ABH...... END SEASON!

...meh. That could have been better.