Chimera

In "Chimera," the sixteenth episode of The X-Files' seventh season, directed by Cliff Bole, the series returns to its classic blend of supernatural mystery and procedural drama. The episode begins with Mulder investigating a strange case involving the death of a suburban woman in a seemingly idyllic neighborhood. While Mulder handles this assignment solo, Scully remains behind to monitor another case, adding an unusual narrative structure that separates the iconic duo for much of the episode. The story unfolds with eerie twists as Mulder unravels the dark secrets hidden beneath the pristine surface of this seemingly perfect community.

The episode excels in its atmospheric tension and commentary on suburban life, where appearances often mask unsettling truths. David Duchovny delivers a solid performance as Mulder, bringing a blend of dry humor and sharp intuition to his investigation. His interactions with the seemingly idyllic but increasingly suspicious residents highlight the underlying theme of duality-the contrast between public facades and private realities. Although Gillian Anderson has limited screen time in this episode, her presence remains impactful, providing balance and reminding viewers of the series' central partnership.

Cliff Bole's direction is effective in crafting an eerie atmosphere. The visual contrast between the bright, orderly suburban streets and the shadowy, unsettling imagery of the creature stalking its victims emphasizes the duality explored in the narrative. The cinematography captures this dichotomy beautifully, with a sharp use of lighting to create an ominous ambiance. The editing maintains a steady pace, gradually building suspense without rushing key moments. However, some viewers may find the resolution of the case somewhat predictable, lacking the shocking twist that often defines the series' best episodes.

One of the episode's most memorable sequences occurs when Mulder confronts the supernatural manifestation in a tense scene filled with fear and uncertainty. The creature's design, while not particularly groundbreaking, effectively symbolizes the episode's exploration of hidden darkness. This confrontation underscores the episode's thematic focus on repression and the consequences of unresolved guilt and anger. Bole's direction ensures that these themes are conveyed with a mix of subtlety and intensity.

"Chimera" stands out as a well-crafted exploration of human psychology wrapped in a supernatural thriller. While it may not reach the iconic status of some of the series' most memorable episodes, it offers a compelling narrative that delves into themes of appearance versus reality and the darkness lurking beneath seemingly perfect lives. The episode's balance between mystery and social commentary makes it a worthwhile addition to The X-Files canon, demonstrating the show's enduring ability to blend suspense with meaningful storytelling.

Squeaky-clean stay-at-home moms aren't the only ones in danger when feelings of repression and revenge prompt a ravening wraith to go on a rampage. While Scully tracks a shifter of a different shape in the seamy part of town, Mulder gets the real Rob Petrie treatment in suburbia. Mulder finds that the monster isn't the only one who can't look into a mirror as Scully supplies the key clue to the killer's identity.

This isn't a bad thriller though it's a tad predictable with a stereotypical theme. It's not really much more than a darker reworking of the season 6 episode "Arcadia" - which is a pity since the lighter tone of the previous episode suited the subject matter perfectly, IMHO! I wonder if that slotted closet door is the same one Scully was hiding behind in the earlier episode... Anyway, the red herrings in THIS episode are better distributed, making the plot crisper (IMHO). If only the theme had been more imaginative this would have been one of the greats! Hell hath no fury... yeah yeah yeah...

Season Seven is widely regarded as the year that polarized the X-Files fanbase, perhaps more so than any other did. Though it wrapped up the series's long-running MacGuffin, the search for Samantha Mulder, it often - and more times than not - strayed from its blueprint by way of late-introduced myth-arc entanglements and bizarre one-offs. Thus, it is refreshing to see the series take a breath, so to speak, and return to its traditional monster-of-the-week format in "Chimera," in which mysterious deaths involving ravens and broken mirrors lead Mulder on a solo excursion while Scully handles a case of her own.

The script was written by David Amann, who had brought some interesting concepts to his previous episodes "Agua Mala" and "Rush," but for some reason never really wowed me. This one didn't either, but I liked it. Here, Amann strays from the awkward humor that crippled "Agua Mala" and builds a more interesting premise than the one from "Rush," this time telling a story of a woman's repressed anger and the frightening way in which she deals with her emotions.

The guest acting in "Chimera" is commendable. John Mese believably plays the shamefaced cop caged in an unhappy marriage, and the late Gina Mastrogiacomo is equally capable as the resentful homewrecker. Cliff Bole's (Small Potatoes, Bad Blood) artful directing highlights every prismatic nuance, starting with the excellent teaser, which shifts from a sunny Easter egg hunt to a nightmarish collision.

There are quite a few startling moments in this episode, starting from the teaser and continuing until Mulder's confrontation with Ellen Adderly (Michelle Joyner). Although Scully is absent for the majority of the episode, there is a poignant scene in which Mulder's feelings for her are called into question, and presents some nice foreshadowing of their post-platonic relationship which would emerge shortly after. Still, in another episode dealing with the victimization of women, a popular theme since season two's "Aubrey," putting a strong female character front and center may not have been a bad call.

"Chimera" is not an essential viewing, but it is a solid X-File and hearkens back to earlier seasons in its simplicity and creepiness. One of the better stand-alones of season seven, as well as one of the better scripts from Amann. 8 out of 10.

Something about this monster of the week (and just the glances we get to see of it) together with those ravens really hits it right with me. The ending was honestly a bit of a let down but other than that it's really a great scary episode.

A woman is killed soon after seeing a harrowing figure reflected in glass, Mulder investigates.

Very good episode, it's a plot that could have been made into a Disney film, albeit one with slightly toned down visuals.

It has felt like such a long time since we've had a witchcraft, or even a vibe of it. I liked the vibe of the episode, squeaky clean, respectable society, mixed up with lies, vice and terrifying figure.

It was nice to see Mulder having a solo case for a change, Scully was reasonably well sidelined, but she did provide a couple of laughs.

Super strong visuals once again, that figure was very well realised, a pretty terrifying sight. I do love a group of ravens, they're not always portrayed in the best possible way, super smart birds. Some great action sequences too, it is very well produced.

I was saddened to read that Gina Mastrogiacamo, who played the part (incredibly well) of Jenny, died just one year later, 39 years of age, very sad.

8/10.