All Things
- Episode aired Apr 9, 2000
- TV-14
- 45m
Scully is finishing up the autopsy of a person at a hospital. A file mix-up involving the autopsy folder and another patient's x-ray leads Scully to discover a former lover of hers has been ... Read allScully is finishing up the autopsy of a person at a hospital. A file mix-up involving the autopsy folder and another patient's x-ray leads Scully to discover a former lover of hers has been admitted at the hospital. Meeting with him again causes Scully to re-examine the decisions... Read allScully is finishing up the autopsy of a person at a hospital. A file mix-up involving the autopsy folder and another patient's x-ray leads Scully to discover a former lover of hers has been admitted at the hospital. Meeting with him again causes Scully to re-examine the decisions she has made in her life, leading to her where she is to today.
- Nurse #2
- (as Elayn Taylor)
- Hospital Visitor
- (uncredited)
Featured reviews
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.
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.
This guy we are supposed to care about means nothing to us, and the writing is all over the place. It was very difficult to follow and all a bit pointless.
The Taoism/Buddhism connection was also completely out of character considering Scully's strong history of Christianity in the show. Again, it was added because Gillian Anderson was interested in it. I think it's an interesting topic and I'm sure the writers could have come up with a real plot for it but it had no place in this episode, which itself has no bearing on the wider show. Just immediately forgotten as the silliness it is. Season 7 really is where The X-Files jumped the shark repeatedly.
The one saving grace of this episode is that it's better than the comedy/musical episode that David Duchovny directs two episodes later.
Did you know
- TriviaAs of 2020, "All Things" remains Gillian Anderson's only writing credit of her entire career. It is also her only directorial credit beside the short film The Departure (2014).
- GoofsYou can see the string pulling the apothecary sign.
- Quotes
Scully: Time passes in moments... moments, which, rushing past, define the path of a life just as surely as they lead towards its end. How rarely do we stop to examine that path, to see the reasons why all things happen, to consider whether the path we take in life is our own making or simply one into which we drift with eyes closed. But what if we could stop, pause to take stock of each precious moment before it passes? Might we then see the endless forks in the road that have shaped a life and, seeing those choices, choose another path?
- ConnectionsFeatured in The X-Files: Trust No 1 (2002)