All Things

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.

all things is different. Plain and simple. If you are looking for a standard, creepy, mysterious x-file, you are not going to find it here. Gillian Anderson wrote and directed this episode that shows a side of Scully we haven't seen.

I like how Gillian gets the rhythm of the episode going with the dripping water. It sets the tone. The Moby music is different but nice. Mark Snow did a nice job of incorporating it into his score. Three is a significant number in this episode. I don't know why. I know that three is a good karmic number. The first slide shows three crop circles, Waterston's room number is 306. Colleen's house number is 3.

Gillian uses a lot of slow motion during the course of the episode, mostly to good effect. I thought the one unnecessary use of slow motion was when Scully was receiving the folder from the nurse. In the episode audio commentary Gillian said that it was hard getting the tapping pencil to be rhythmic. I agree.

I like how Scully hides from the daughter behind the magazine. The name of the magazine is Feng Shui Life Magazine. Hmmm. Once she goes into his room, there's this rhythmic pinging sound. I felt it was out of place. When she goes home, the toggle(I got this from the audio commentary as well) is knocking against the wall. The rhythms are nice when they are a natural sound, like the water dripping or the toggle knocking, but that pinging in his room is just out of place. Scully has a Mac with a web cam on the top of it. I never knew Scully was this techno-savvy. Who is she tele-conferencing with from home? Mulder?

Gillian's opening shots for scenes start with shots on a specific object then zoom out. As mentioned in her commentary, there are contrasts between the two hospital rooms. #304 is red, brown, warm, and happy. #306 is blue, dark, and sad. Nice use of contrasts.

My favorite line of Scully's is when she's saving Waterston's life. "Who's paying attention?!?!?" Taking control. Just like in the movie. After he goes into a coma, it looks like a music video as Scully walks into a D.C. Chinatown. I like how the creaking sign interrupts the music. The scene of the transparent Waterston was weird. Gillian said that her vision in the Buddhist temple was her attempt at adding a paranormal aspect to the episode.

Another thing I dislike about the episode is Scully having the guy come in to do the new age/psychic kind of healing of Waterston. It is out of character for her. That's something her sister Melissa would of done, not Scully. Scully's dream sequence is kind of freaky. I like how later the shot transitions from the back of Waterston's head to Scully's head.

It's interesting how the pony-tail lady turns into Mulder at the end. However, the jacket and hat that Mulder is wearing are not his color or style. It is out of character for him. Although, I do like his hat "Stone Henge Rocks".

Lastly, some additional items from GA's commentary. She had to shorten her script considerably. Her original script made it more obvious that she did not have an affair with Waterston. She broke it off when she found out he was married so that she wouldn't break up his family. However, it was too late. Waterston's wife suspected he had an affair and hung herself. Gruesome. Also, the cardiac arrest scene was originally one shot like in 'Triangle', but GA had to do close-ups to add more drama to the scene. And finally, Gillian says she loves the final scene of the episode.

This is a good hour of television. Gillian Anderson does so me interesting camera work that is not standard for the X-Files. The few things that are out of character for Mulder and Scully and the lack of it being a traditional x-file prevents it from being in the top tier of X-Files episodes. all things is not everyone's cup of tea, for sure, but it shows that Gillian Anderson can do more than just act.

How do we convey profound connection to an 'other'? How can we feel strongly towards spirituality that we don't believe in? Why do we feel obligated towards figures of the distant past? How can a simple situation overwhelm us?

All Things deals with one of the most difficult objects to film: intangible emotions. Emotions that go beyond being sad, happy, or confused. Emotions that make you sit down and really think out: "What the hell was I just feeling?" I've read comments about this episode that complain that it isn't an X-File. In the tradition of Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles, I ask: Why explore other worlds when there is so much of ourselves left unexplored? How well do we really understand these vague, alien dynamics we feel towards ourselves and others? Gillian Anderson offers a depictions of these difficult emotions through original and deeply artistic direction, paired with masterful acting.

On top of that, All Things provides an new and interesting lens through which we can view Scully. She can seem utterly in control of her environments and competent as an individual, yet internally feel lost, confused, and perhaps helpless. Unfortunately, this is a concept that seasons eight and nine failed to follow through with. Instead, we are to settle with just one brief, beautiful glimpse into the potential of Scully's character. All in all, this isn't the slickest X-File, but it is certainly the most emotional for me. Submit to Gillian Anderson's artistic vision and she will show you the way.

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.