Alone

Some great character actors too, including James Otis as Arlen Sacks, ("Sobor", from Deep Space Nine) as the first victim- but not of the creature, at least directly...

This is a monster that wretches venom on a person, waits until it hardens, then drinks your bones, almost like a Moopsy from Trek: Lower Decks. But Herman Stites (Zach Grenier) is not cute and cuddly like a Moopsy, he's slimy and slithery.

Introducing Agent Layla Harrison (Jolie Jenkins), named after a beloved X-Fan who passed on, as "Skullys Replacement", dumped on Doggett without warning.

And then we got Mulder pretending to be Kersh, and that causes even more fun.

Take note of the scenes of the creature, this is early CGI, some great transformations going on here, and they designed the monster to resemble Stites in human form, so that makes it all the more icky and disgusting.

"Alone," the nineteenth episode of the eighth season of The X-Files, directed by Frank Spotnitz, presents a thrilling narrative that explores themes of isolation, trust, and the complexities of human relationships. This episode marks a significant moment in the series as it features John Doggett (Robert Patrick) paired with a new partner, Leyla Harrison (Jolie Jenkins), while Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) is on maternity leave. The episode effectively combines elements of horror and suspense with character-driven storytelling, although it has received mixed reviews regarding its execution and pacing.

The plot begins with a chilling incident in which an oil rig worker is killed by a mysterious creature. As Mulder and Scully are sidelined due to Scully's maternity leave, Doggett is assigned to work with Harrison, who is an enthusiastic newcomer obsessed with the X-Files. Their investigation leads them to a remote mansion where they encounter strange occurrences and ultimately fall victim to the very creature they are trying to track down. The tension escalates as Doggett and Harrison become trapped in an underground tunnel, forcing them to rely on each other for survival while Mulder races against time to find them.

Visually, "Alone" employs a dark and atmospheric aesthetic that enhances its suspenseful narrative. The cinematography effectively captures the eerie isolation of the mansion and the claustrophobic tunnels beneath it. The use of shadows and dim lighting creates a palpable sense of dread, particularly during scenes where the creature lurks just out of sight. The direction by Spotnitz maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that tension remains high throughout the episode while allowing for moments of character development.

The performances in "Alone" are commendable, particularly Robert Patrick's portrayal of Doggett as he navigates the challenges of working with a new partner. His character's growth is evident as he learns to trust Harrison while grappling with his own insecurities about filling Mulder's shoes. Jolie Jenkins brings an infectious enthusiasm to her role as Harrison, effectively embodying the excitement and naivety of a rookie agent eager to prove herself. Duchovny's Mulder, although not present for much of the episode, still plays a crucial role in driving the narrative forward as he searches for his missing colleagues.

Thematically, "Alone" delves into issues of trust and vulnerability in relationships, particularly in high-stakes situations. The episode critiques how isolation can lead individuals to act out of fear rather than reason, as seen in Doggett's initial doubts about Harrison's abilities. Additionally, it raises questions about what it means to be part of a team; Doggett must learn to rely on Harrison even when he feels overwhelmed by the circumstances they face. The dynamic between the characters serves as a reminder that collaboration is essential for overcoming obstacles.

"Alone" stands out as a compelling entry in The X-Files canon that successfully blends suspenseful storytelling with character exploration. While it may not reach the heights of some earlier episodes due to pacing issues or reliance on familiar tropes, it effectively engages viewers with its mix of horror and emotional depth. Ultimately, "Alone" invites audiences to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of trust in navigating life's challenges, reminding us that even in moments of isolation, connection can be found through shared experiences.

This episode is great because it has everything, monster of the week, Mulder, Scully, Doggett, even Skinner. But the highlight the absolute clincher is Special Agent Leyla Harrison. She is an injection of freshness the show needed. Her enthusiasm for the X files mirrors that of the fans watching and allows the viewer to identify more with the characters. It gives us representation and a level of participation in the episode through a character that, though well rounded and developed, bears an innocence that audiences can relate to ultimately. Not to mention she adds a bit more femininity to the show and is beautiful woman. Her own victimization but resilience at the pivotal moment when she is the revealer shows she isn't there to be a fan but a participant.

With Scully now on maternity leave, and Mulder gone, Agent Doggett is joined by a new colleague, FBI Agent Leyla Harrison, the pair are instantly drawn into a bizarre case.

I really did enjoy this episode, of course it's a monster of the week storyline, and quite a credible one at that, the creature is menacing, deadly, and visually impressive, but again it's the character play that's so good.

Interesting to see the way in which Mulder's opinion has changed on Doggett, a mutual respect seems to have appeared, but for me the best bit was Agent Harrison, I really liked her, she was an interesting choice, perhaps seen initially as a character not to be taken too seriously, but there's some depth here. I love the way Mulder and Scully took to her, it was also good to see the switch up between Scully and Doggett.

Strong visuals once again, that creature certainly looked the part.

There are some wonderful references to previous episodes, plenty of historical references, it felt very respectful of the past, the show and both Mulder and Scully.

8/10.

One can Wonder really wonder what this movie is about this episode I mean and of course it has lots of references to other episodes but unseen it is just an introduction to the ending of the series that used to be good but now no longer is and there any this very sad because it doesn't have any offer of anything know and that is of course the sad thing because it's not so interesting.