All Things

there is this moment in the episode when you see such tenderness and longing in Scully -- a memory of a great love and loss... it is when she learns he has been in DC for all this time... i found it so incredibly tender... it so perfectly captured that moment we all have when we remember what was and what might have been... i am still blown away when i see the way she bends forward and touches his hand... the rest of the episode is a blur, just back fill. but that scene to me is priceless and makes this whole episode so utterly great... when you look at the first season (which would mean Scully had just ended the relationship a couple years before), she is young and driven and professional -- it's hard to imagine that she felt such passion and pathos... i wonder if she could only show it with the passage of time and realization of where she is at now...

All things is a very good episode even if it is not so much an X-File. While it is not necessarily my usual choice of entertainment (ie a little too new age-ish) I still enjoy learning about Scully in this episode. They way I see it there's some kind of guardian angel that is causing seemingly random events so that Scully can learn a lesson and realize what she is supposed to be doing with her life. I love that part where the ponytailed girl turns into Mulder and he's wearing the Stone Henge Rocks cap. What a nerd. This also serves as a confirmation for Scully that she is doing the right thing with her life since she is led back to Mulder at the end. Another high point for this episode is the awesome "The Sky is Broken" by Moby. I love that song and I love the scenes where they play it and show Scully walking in slow motion down the street with the flowers dangling at her side. I give this episode an 8/10.

The seventeenth episode of The X-Files' seventh season, "All Things," stands out as a deeply introspective and spiritually driven narrative, marking Gillian Anderson's directorial debut. In this unique departure from the series' typical formula, the episode focuses on Agent Dana Scully's personal journey and exploration of fate, love, and self-awareness. The plot revolves around Scully's chance encounter with Dr. Daniel Waterston, a former mentor and romantic interest, who is now gravely ill. As Scully faces unresolved emotions and questions the choices she has made throughout her life, the episode delves into themes of destiny and interconnectedness.

Anderson's direction demonstrates a keen sense of visual storytelling, employing symbolic imagery and dream-like sequences to convey Scully's inner turmoil. The use of soft lighting and fluid camera movements creates an ethereal atmosphere that complements the episode's introspective tone. One of the standout sequences is a montage accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful musical score, illustrating Scully's reflection on pivotal moments in her life. This artistic approach, though ambitious, may feel too abstract for viewers accustomed to the show's more straightforward narrative style.

The script, also penned by Anderson, takes a contemplative approach, focusing heavily on character development rather than external conflict. This narrative shift allows for a rare exploration of Scully's emotional landscape, which has often been overshadowed by the series' paranormal investigations. Anderson delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance, capturing Scully's vulnerability and strength as she grapples with existential questions. However, the episode's pacing can be uneven, with certain scenes lingering longer than necessary, potentially diminishing the overall impact.

One of the episode's strengths is its thematic exploration of synchronicity and spirituality. Scully's encounters with symbols and moments of serendipity suggest a universe guided by unseen forces. Anderson skillfully integrates these elements without becoming overly didactic, inviting viewers to ponder the mysteries of fate and choice. The absence of Mulder for much of the episode, while initially jarring, allows Scully's journey to take center stage, emphasizing her autonomy and growth.

"All Things" is a bold and introspective entry in The X-Files canon, showcasing Gillian Anderson's talents both in front of and behind the camera. While its abstract narrative and slower pacing may not appeal to all viewers, it stands as a thoughtful meditation on love, loss, and self-discovery. Anderson's creative vision and exploration of Scully's character add depth to the series, making this episode a memorable and meaningful departure from the show's usual structure.

In my opinion this is one of the best episodes on learning about Scully's life. There are two types of episodes. Those with special effects and UFOs -the signature of the X-Files-, and those where we learn more on the life and psychology of the characters -Molder and Scully. This one falls into the latter category. I love this episode because I can learn about Scully's past. One where she is emotionally involved in a forbidden affair, where she loved passionately. Also, the music used in this episode gives a really special touch as well as the use of images make and camera angles makes it very interesting, in my opinion. Although it is not a typical X File episode,I must admit, and I really enjoy it a lot. I have seen it in several re-runs and I still like it, more and more. Scully's performance is great. She shows a new side of her, one where she displays confusing and contradicting emotions. Psychologically is very interesting, which is the main perspective of the episode. Also as I said before, the song chosen for this episode is great. I bought it on itunes. I like the filmography and the notion of time-splitting that is presented in this episode. In summary, I recommend it, but I warn fans of the X Files to look at this episode with different eyes. In summary, I like it!!!

Like the above poster, this is far from my favorite episode - either when it aired or watching it again all these years later. Parts of it are way too touchy-feely and smack of pop psychology, and the slo-mo effects are little gimmicky. At times, it feels like a music video (though a nicely done one) with bits of drama and narrative thrown in.

But seeing it again, I appreciate that it gives us a different glimpse of Scully. Like many females, I loved Scully's intelligence and determination throughout the series, but in this episode, it was nice to see her passion too, even if it also means she might not be perfect in her choices. Finally, she gets to respond to impulses that aren't governed by logic or science! Preceding X-Files writers (Glen Morgan and James Wong, especially) were instrumental in making Scully her own person, independent of Mulder, but leave it to Gillian Anderson herself to force the question of Scully's life outside of the X-Files.