The X-Files: The Sixth Extinction (7.1)

It's difficult to review this since it really feels like middle section of a three-part story, but generally I enjoyed it. Season seven is the last 'ordinary' X-Files year ahead of major changes for its final two seasons, and you can already spot the building of groundwork for the future. With that in mind, The Sixth Extinction is an important episode for Scully, her determination more notable than ever before as she pursues the truth about the downed UFO in the Ivory Coast. She also comes undone at Mulder's bedside, and later tells Skinner that Mulder has been taken ill by something of extra-terrestrial origin. It feels like the birth of a new Scully, somebody with a greater appreciation for extreme possibilities, and someone more open with her feelings for Mulder. Of course, I've said this in the past only for the characterization to switch out of nowhere, but it's a good sign for now at least.

I had completely forgotten about Kritschgau, and I think that's more than reflective for how the writers treat their ancillary characters. We haven't seen him for two years, and suddenly he holds the key to this particular mystery? Eh. I don't really buy it. The show always seems to unearth seemingly vanished characters for contrived purposes.

However, the rest of the hour is pretty fun. I liked the gradual 'plagues' trying to interrupt Scully's research, and Mulder's adventures in psychic connect-the-dots at the hospital was absorbing. Skinner, too, seems to be back on track again. I'm still sort of lost with the whole 'Krycek blackmail' thing, but it's fun seeing him clearly distrust Agent Fowley and try and scupper the over-arching plans for Mulder. Besides a couple of blips, this is a neat little season premiere. B

Credits
Guest stars Mitch Pileggi (Walter Skinner); Mimi Rogers (Diana Fowley); Michael Ensign (Dr. Barnes); Jo Nell Kennedy (Dr. Amina Ngebe); Conrad Roberts (Primitive Man); John Finn (Michael Kritschgau)
Writer Chris Carter Director Kim Manners