Never Again

One of my favorite episodes because of the way it draws from the often-neglected dark core of the show (yes, many of the story lines are "dark", but I'm talking about the flawed and deep humanity of the characters) - Scully and Mulder's relationship is not all roses, there are deep problems and resentments that must have fostered over the past few years. Sure, it bothers Scully when Mulder ditches her and Mulder hates it when she immediately dismisses his theories, but one would think that over the years, it would cause some type of underlying problem or influence the evolution of their relationship somehow.

Morgan and Wong have a definite gift for writing character development, providing glimpses of our heroes' souls. An exposition of their relationship was sorely needed, whether it be good or bad - a departure from a glossed over hand-hold or icy comment. Mulder's deeply human self-involvement was magnified by the situation but also realized - something I think people have been waiting for - redemption for ditching Scully so much and for generally being inconsiderate (not necessarily a cause for dislike of the character, though). Too bad there weren't more episodes like this!

"Never Again" is Glen Morgan and James Wong's swan song for The X-Files (despite their "farewell" episode, "Die Hand Die Verletzt" having aired two seasons prior) and reassures that after three and a half years two of the series's best scribes still had not lost their magic touch. Much like earlier Morgan and Wong outings, this episode is all about the character development, and who better else to put into the forefront than Scully, whose previous centric episodes are often lauded as some of the show's finest hours.

When Mulder is dragged into taking a vacation, an embittered Scully is dispatched to investigate a potential X-File in Philadelphia, where she bumps into heartsick divorcée Ed Jerse. The set-up for the plot makes perfect sense in the context of the series, and the frustration that hangs over Scully like a rain cloud is perfectly relatable to anyone who has been pushed into close quarters with someone for a lengthy time. This frustration makes even more sense given the events that took place in "Leonard Betts," in which Scully discovered that she had developed cancer as a result of her abduction (a fact that, due to unfortunate scheduling changes, was not referenced in this episode; nonetheless it does not disrupt the flow between that episode and the subsequent one, "Memento Mori").

Jerse suffers from auditory hallucinations that take physical form in the tattoo of "Betty," voiced brilliantly by none other than Jodie Foster. Whether the hallucinations stem from Jerse's psychosis or a chemical poisoning is not made clear, but it leads to a cool ambiguity throughout the episode. When he meets Scully at a tattoo parlor he persuades her to get a tattoo of an Ouroboros. The sexual chemistry in this episode is unrivaled by most and "Never Again" remains notable not only for its frustratedly handsome performance from Rodney Rowland, but also for one of the most widely circulated Scully screenshots of the entire series.

Quentin Tarantino was reported as having been contracted to direct this episode, but DGA red-tape prevented this from happening. Irregardless, Rob Bowman does wonders behind the camera, making a brooding jungle out of a claustrophobic apartment building. The directing in this episode feels quite different from his other works, but makes for some neat moments, including a rose petal that segues into a bloodstain on Jerse's bandage. With enough amount of rich character study for the "philes" to sink their teeth into, "Never Again" remains a highlight.

10/10

Very Female Fantasy based epsiode. It's Tales from the Crypt meets 1940's Detective Noir meets 50 Shades of Grey. Especially when the detective scene rolls around, with Scully answering the guy's apartment door (with little on) but what looked like his shirt.

The fact that these detectives had nothing more to ask about a barely dressed FBI agent being in their suspect's place before handing over case info, was laughable to say the least. It sure didn't do much for suspending one's disbelieve.

I did enjoy the bits of humor with Mulder visiting Graceland, and the end was a bit of a gritty relief from the otherwise boring "Scully has a Darkside" theme, though.

Other than the above, it was a slow-paced bit of a snore, that was at least fairly well cast. Even If you like the stand alone episodes, as I do; I can't honestly recommend this entry as one of the better ones.

"Never Again," directed by Rob Bowman, stands out as a significant exploration of Dana Scully's character, providing a rare glimpse into her personal struggles and emotional depth. Written by the talented Vince Gilligan, this episode delves into themes of autonomy, identity, and the complexities of Mulder and Scully's partnership. The narrative kicks off with Scully (Gillian Anderson) feeling increasingly frustrated with her role in the FBI and her partnership with Mulder (David Duchovny), leading her to seek a sense of independence.

The episode begins with Scully investigating a case involving a man named Ed Jerse (played by Paul McCrane), who becomes embroiled in a series of violent incidents following his impulsive decision to get a tattoo. The tattoo, which features a pin-up girl with the words "Never Again," becomes a conduit for Ed's inner turmoil, manifesting as a voice that drives him to commit acts of aggression. This premise serves as an intriguing metaphor for Scully's own struggles with control and identity. The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to absorb the emotional weight of Scully's journey as she grapples with her feelings about her career and her relationship with Mulder.

Visually, "Never Again" employs a striking aesthetic that enhances its themes of rebellion and self-discovery. Bowman's direction captures the sterile environment of the FBI juxtaposed against the vibrant imagery of Ed's tattoo parlor, symbolizing Scully's desire to break free from the constraints imposed upon her. The cinematography utilizes contrasting colors to evoke feelings of tension and liberation, particularly during scenes where Scully confronts her own desires. Critics have praised this visual storytelling for its ability to immerse viewers in Scully's internal conflict and the chaotic world surrounding Ed.

The performances in this episode are particularly noteworthy, especially from Anderson and McCrane. Anderson delivers a powerful portrayal of Scully's vulnerability; she effectively conveys her character's internal struggle as she navigates her frustrations and desires for autonomy. McCrane's performance as Ed Jerse is equally compelling; he embodies a character whose desperation leads him down a dark path, making his interactions with Scully both tense and poignant. The chemistry between Anderson and McCrane adds depth to their shared scenes, highlighting the emotional stakes involved in their connection.

Thematically, "Never Again" raises significant questions about agency, identity, and the nature of relationships. It critiques how individuals can become trapped by societal expectations; Scully's journey reflects her desire to assert her independence in a male-dominated field. Additionally, it highlights the complexities of Mulder and Scully's partnership; while they share a strong bond, their differing perspectives on their work create tension that is palpable throughout the episode. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their beliefs regarding personal freedom, loyalty, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of one's identity.

In conclusion, "Never Again" reflects broader societal concerns regarding autonomy and identity, "Never Again" leaves audiences contemplating their own relationships with self-identity and personal freedom.

Some good stuff with Scully & Mulder at the beginning and ending, but this is a powerfully dumb episode based on a spooky talking tattoo that makes a loser turn into a killer of women.

Who should breeze into his loser life? Agent Scully, on a week of duty solo, as Mulder has mandatory time off.

In the previous episode Scully learned she likely has cancer. But when love walks in the room, who cares about cancer?

Gillian Anderson appears miserable throughout despite gamely going along. She's a pro's pro, after all. The next episode, Memento Mori, is one of the best. Hit the skip button past Never Again.