Born Again

I saw this when I was a teenager, living in Buffalo, who constantly did origami so that was pretty funny. It was pretty obvious it wasn't filmed in Buffalo, no one has a thick NY accent and there's no Chinatown. I did appreciate the Bills banner on the bus though.

Born Again is a sub-standard episode from season one. It deals with the subject of reincarnation and just doesn't fly. I've never been big on reincarnation and that could be part of my apathy toward this episode. It does reference the Tooms case which is some nice continuation from the previous episode. But the positives end there. Which is unfortunate because that takes place at the beginning of the episode. I think it's ludicrous that a dead guy would chose to reincarnate in the body of a completely unrelated girl. And he waits until the girl turns eight to start exacting revenge. There's even a serious lack of witty Mulder & Scully dialogue to keep the episode afloat. If you're into reincarnation, maybe this episode is up your alley. If you're not, then at least you can learn what bradycardia is.

Oh my... "Born Again" manages to combine two of my least favorite things in horror and in fiction in general: reincarnation and creepy little girls who stare a lot (only good if done humorously ala "The League of Gentlemen"). Yeah, sure, the girl isn't actually evil, just the unfortunate choice of someone else for reincarnation, but she does stare a lot, and no, the script doesn't make any more sense than that does.

"Born Again" features barely any redeemable values really. I guess Mulder and Scully are always fun to watch, even in a Gordon/Gansa script (which means you can forget about witty banter outside of some attempts which tend to fall flat). This plays like a cheesy, forgettable old horror film, the worst of the sort you could expect to find on the drive-in channel. It's probably my pick for the worst episode of season one, actually, generating more complete disinterest from me than "Ghost in the Machine" or "Space".

2/10

The twenty-second episode of "The X-Files," titled "Born Again," directed by Jerrold Freedman, grapples with themes of reincarnation, unresolved trauma, and the consequences of past actions. The episode centers on a young girl named Michelle Bishop (played by Melanie Silver), who exhibits disturbing behavior following the murder of a police officer, Charlie Morris. As agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate the case, they uncover a connection between Michelle and Morris, suggesting that she may be the reincarnation of the slain officer seeking revenge on those responsible for his death.

The episode opens with a gripping prologue that introduces viewers to the events surrounding Morris's murder. The scene effectively establishes an atmosphere of tension as it reveals the brutal circumstances under which he died. Following this introduction, Mulder and Scully are called in to assess Michelle's claims about seeing the killer, leading them to investigate the circumstances surrounding Morris's death. The pacing is uneven at times; while some moments build suspense effectively, others feel rushed or underdeveloped, particularly in how quickly Mulder connects Michelle's behavior to the unresolved issues surrounding Morris's murder.

Visually, "Born Again" retains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an unsettling ambiance. Freedman's direction builds suspense throughout; scenes where Mulder interviews Michelle's psychiatrist and witnesses her erratic behavior are particularly impactful. The cinematography captures both the sterile environment of the psychiatric facility and the darker undertones associated with the investigation into Morris's death. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel predictable or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder and Scully arrive at their conclusions about reincarnation.

The performances in this episode are noteworthy, especially from Anderson and Silver. Anderson's portrayal of Scully showcases her emotional range as she navigates her skepticism about reincarnation while also expressing concern for Michelle's well-being. Silver delivers a compelling performance as Michelle; she effectively conveys both innocence and an unsettling aura as she grapples with her past life memories. Duchovny's Mulder serves as a rational counterbalance; his fascination with the supernatural elements allows for an engaging exploration of belief and doubt. However, some critics argue that Mulder's character feels less dynamic in this episode compared to earlier installments, lacking his usual charisma and warmth.

Thematically, "Born Again" explores profound questions about identity and morality within the context of reincarnation. The character of Michelle serves as a representation of unresolved trauma; her experiences reflect the emotional scars left by violence and loss. The episode raises critical questions about justice and accountability; while Michelle seeks retribution for Morris's murder, it becomes evident that such vengeance may not lead to healing or closure. Additionally, it examines societal perceptions of childhood innocence; Michelle's violent tendencies challenge preconceived notions about children being inherently good or innocent. "Born Again" stands out as a thought-provoking entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending elements of horror with psychological drama while addressing important social issues related to trauma and justice.

I struggled to concentrate on this one, meaning only one thing, that I was somewhat bored. The opening scenes were brilliant, what a dramatic beginning, the scene on the bus was also terrific, pretty nasty, the trouble is the rest of it was just a bit flat somehow.

We've had shadows, we've had Lazarus, it's a very long first series, and somehow it feels tired here, have they recycled some of the material, or is there a bit of an obsession with Reincarnation.

It's not a bad episode per se, but it just never seems to come to life. After Darkness falls and Tooms, my expectations are high, this one was just totally forgettable. 6/10.