Nothing Important Happened Today

Yep. Mulder is gone from the x-files for an entire season. Nothing Important Happened Today begins the post-Mulder era of the X-Files. A conspiracy is covering all the evidence up from the season 8 finale and Doggett is mad about it.

To start off, I found it very interesting that we get shots of both Doggett and Reyes waking up topless in their respective beds. If there is supposed to be some symbolism there, I'm missing it.

Cary Elwes, a favorite actor of mine from "The Princess Bride", comes to the show for a few guest appearances. He does a fine job as the sneaky, slimy, A.D. Brad Follmer.

I feel sorry for Doggett in this episode. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is telling Doggett to drop his case of investigating Kersh and trying to find Mulder. They just treat him badly and he doesn't deserve it. He's just doing his job. It's a very abrupt about-face by everyone, and it leaves Doggett confused.

Reyes finally agrees to go along with Doggett so that he's not completely alone. Then Skinner, who appears to be the most adamant about Doggett dropping this case, surprisingly goes along with Doggett to the plant. He can't seem to make up his mind.

There is a scene of Reyes finding Mulder's pencils in the ceiling of the x-files office. It's a nice tribute. Also, Scully needs to get a new mobile for William. That thing squeaks too much when it turns.

Overall, Nothing Important Happened Today is a good episode with the new x-files team, and Scully kind of tagging along. However, the new Super Soldier angle doesn't do it for me, and prevents this episode from being something extra special.

"Nothing Important Happened Today," the first episode of the ninth season of The X-Files, directed by Kim Manners and written by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, serves as a significant pivot for the series as it transitions into new territory following the events of the eighth season. The episode introduces a darker tone while continuing to explore the complexities of its characters, particularly in the wake of Mulder's (David Duchovny) disappearance. This installment sets the stage for a season filled with uncertainty, intrigue, and the ever-present threat of alien conspiracies.

The narrative begins with an EPA official named Carl Wormus, who is lured into a deadly situation by Shannon McMahon (Lucy Lawless), a mysterious woman with ties to a larger conspiracy. The episode quickly establishes a sense of foreboding as Wormus is forced off a bridge and subsequently drowns. Meanwhile, Agent John Doggett (Robert Patrick) is introduced as he grapples with Mulder's absence while trying to navigate his new role within the FBI. As he investigates Wormus's death, he encounters Scully (Gillian Anderson), who is dealing with her own personal challenges related to her pregnancy. The tension escalates as Doggett uncovers connections between Wormus's death and a broader conspiracy involving alien technology and government cover-ups.

Visually, "Nothing Important Happened Today" employs a gritty aesthetic that reflects the dark themes permeating the episode. Manners' direction effectively captures the tension and urgency of the investigation, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of suspense. The cinematography enhances the feeling of isolation experienced by the characters, particularly as they confront unseen threats. The pacing is brisk, maintaining viewer engagement as the plot unfolds, though some critics have noted that certain moments feel rushed or underdeveloped.

The performances in this episode are noteworthy, particularly Robert Patrick's portrayal of Doggett as he struggles to find his footing in a world filled with uncertainty. His character's determination to uncover the truth is palpable, and his interactions with Scully reveal a growing mutual respect despite their differences. Anderson delivers a strong performance as Scully, showcasing her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. Lawless's portrayal of McMahon adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, embodying both allure and menace.

Thematically, "Nothing Important Happened Today" grapples with issues of trust, loss, and the search for truth in an increasingly complex world. The episode critiques how individuals can become pawns in larger conspiracies while also exploring personal agency amid external pressures. Doggett's journey reflects his struggle to earn his place within the X-Files team while confronting his own skepticism about Mulder's legacy. The introduction of elements like bioengineering and government experimentation raises questions about ethics and morality in scientific advancement.

"Nothing Important Happened Today" serves as a compelling reintroduction to The X-Files universe, laying the groundwork for an intriguing season filled with new challenges and mysteries. While it may not fully capture the essence of earlier seasons due to its reliance on established mythology and pacing issues, it effectively engages viewers with its mix of suspenseful storytelling and character exploration. Ultimately, this episode invites audiences to reflect on their own beliefs about truth and trust in an uncertain world while setting up significant stakes for future narratives.

Really, nothing important happens. Looks like not even the writers know where Mulder is, they should have at least said something about this in season 8 finale. I makes no sense to ask a 100 times in this episode where Mulder is just to mention his name. Stop making him linger....if he is gone, let him be gone and focus on the new "main" characters, this new "wtf are you" Assistant Director and Monica Boring Reyes. Gillian Anderson has done some impressive performances in the past....now she is just moaning around the house playing mommy, doing a stupid autopsy and running away when trouble arises. Dogget and Skinner stand out but aren't given enough room to play, they are arguing all the time between them and the other characters....so many characters. I hope the next chapter is less chatting and more action. And please give Scully a gun and start kicking some a**es.

With Mulder gone Dogget and Reyes get more time than Scully but they do dig into the super soldier theory (new story arc?). Also some answers about Scully's baby but other than that not much happened. We knew Mulder would be back for the Shows finale but couldn't they have done a better job of wrapping things up? With at least 2 episodes wasted that I can think of with the one about the Brady Bunch House and that episode with Burt Reynolds that they could have been giving answers to and having the finale go another way. Grrrr! I don't know why I keep watching reruns on TNT and SCIFI. Some people liked those episodes and maybe if it wasn't for the fact that the show WAS GOING OFF THE AIR FOR GOOD those episodes would have been OK. I did like some of the monster of the week ones and Doggets back story. I hope they do a movie someday and maybe show Mulder & Scully together living in a rural community and having visits with the kid (as some relatives but not as parents since he's older now and used to his new parents). Then they can be called on some XFILE after Mulder's trial is found to be an unlawful kangaroo court and charges dismissed. They could get proof finally that there are Aliens and bring back the head of a super soldier to the NY Times. Something pleeease.

Agent Reyes has officially joined The X Files, teaming up with Doggett, the pair investigate a strange drowning. Doggett begins a vendetta against Assistant Director Kersh.

A good start, having thoroughly enjoyed the eighth series, this first episode continues the trend, I thought this was excellent, an interesting storyline, with the beginning of a new story arc. The demise of Kersh, the woman in the water?

I liked the refresh, from the new opening title sequences, to the new lineup. Doggett effectively moves straight into Mulder's role, and now has an axe to grind. It was inevitable that Reyes was going to become part of the team, she has impressed since joining.

Extra points for featuring Lucy Lawless, and aside from visually looking like a screen goddess, she has a powerful screen presence.

I come away with lots of questions, number one of course, what's happened to Mulder, secondly, is Kersh a Super Soldier, and third, why is Langly walking around like Papa Smurf?

Very good start to the series, 8/10.