Orison

Recently I was delighted to see Nick Chinlund in a dramatic role on "Ghost Whisperer." I had been blown away by his outstanding performance in the X-Files season 2 episode "Irresistable," and his performance was so creepy I feared he might have wound up typecast!

In this season 7 sequel to the earlier episode, necrophiliac and fetishist Donnie Pfaster vanishes from a maximum security prison. Born-again prison chaplain Orison (Scott Wilson) seems to have something to do with the mysterious escape, but what? As Pfaster murders again, Mulder fears for Scully, who Pfaster views as the one that got away!

This is a solid thriller episode, but the weird elements are just thrown in for effect and aren't really developed. How exactly is Pfaster more evil than Cigarette Smoking Man, Modell, or Ed Truelove (to say nothing of Phyllis Paddock, Betsy Monroe, 'Reverend' Mackey...?)?? I was delighted, but ultimately disappointed, by the Carlos Castaneda reference. The ending is also muddy. Still the suspense is good and the fight scene struck me as a positive element.

"Orison," the seventh episode of The X-Files' seventh season, directed by Rob Bowman and written by Chip Johannessen, revisits the chilling narrative of Donnie Pfaster (Nick Chinlund), a "death fetishist" who previously kidnapped Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). As a sequel to the second-season episode "Irresistible" "Orison" attempts to bring closure to Scully's past trauma while exploring themes of faith, evil, and free will. However, the episode has garnered mixed reviews, with some critics praising its suspenseful atmosphere and others criticizing its convoluted plot and perceived character betrayal.

The narrative unfolds with Reverend Orison (Scott Wilson), a former convict turned chaplain, releasing Donnie Pfaster from prison in an attempt to pass judgment on him. However, Orison soon discovers that he has unleashed pure evil, setting off a chain of events that puts Scully directly in harm's way. Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully investigate the escape, uncovering Orison's hypnotic abilities and Pfaster's disturbing predilections. The pacing of "Orison" is generally fast, though some critics note the episode attempts to juggle too many plot threads, weakening both the titular chaplain's storyline and Pfaster's return2. This leads to a rushed conclusion that undermines the potential depth of both characters.

Visually, "Orison" maintains a dark and gloomy mood, which enhances the episode's suspenseful atmosphere1. However, some critics have argued that the episode relies too heavily on shock value and disturbing imagery, detracting from the overall narrative. The cinematography captures the grim realities of Pfaster's evil, but the episode's visual impact is lessened by its convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. Despite these criticisms, some viewers have praised "Orison" for its dramatic intensity and its exploration of Scully's psyche.

The performances in "Orison" are generally strong, particularly from Chinlund as Donnie Pfaster. He reprises his role with chilling effectiveness, conveying the character's disturbing nature and unsettling presence. Anderson delivers a solid performance as Scully, grappling with her past trauma and her faith. However, some critics argue that the episode betrays Scully's characterization by having her kill an unarmed Pfaster in the final scene. Duchovny, as Mulder, provides essential support, though he takes something of a backseat, allowing Scully to confront her personal demons.

Thematically, "Orison" attempts to explore the complexities of good and evil, the nature of faith, and the long-lasting impact of trauma6. However, some critics have noted that the episode's exploration of these themes is muddled by its convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. The ending, in particular, has been criticized for its perceived betrayal of Scully's character, suggesting that she may have lost control and succumbed to darkness. Despite these criticisms, "Orison" raises interesting questions about free will, redemption, and the power of faith, inviting viewers to reflect on their own beliefs.

As this episode was said to be the best loner of season 7, I have been quite disappointed. First, it was far too obvious that Pfaster would try to catch Scully again, and that Scully would escape and not be killed or wounded. No suspense. What is more annoying is all the religious good-against-evil stuff, that had nothing to do in such an episode and is particularly clumsy and badly dealt here: faith is constantly depreciated, as Father Orison's leads him to do evil and Scully's seems to be a source of doubt and suffering for her. What the song and all the supposed signs mean is not clear, and to make it even less clear the ending seems to contradict everything that was said before: so those signs were sent by the Devil? Or not? It is particularly incomprehensible... All this makes a rather boring and irritating than thrilling episode.

Five years have passed since Donald Addie Pfaster was sent down, but he's out, and leaving yet another trail of death behind him.

If ever there was an episode that deserved a sequel, it was Irresistible, Pfaster was a fascinating, intriguing character, one which really packed a punch, one Scully certainly wouldn't have forgotten in a hurry.

Plenty of disturbing, unsettling scenes throughout this one, it is an out and out chiller, not one you want to be watching on your own. Grave digging by moonlight, they really went to town with this one.

It is loaded with awesome scenes, the best of them being the fight scene between Scully and Pfister.

Who'd have thought that Don't look any further could be associated with such torment, I'll never be able to listen to it in the same way again.

Nick Chinlund was fantastic once again, what a devilishly good performance, he really did add the chill factor.

It's a classic, 9/10.

Orison features another monster-of-the-week return - Donnie Pfaster of season 2's Irresistible - and he was certainly a monster that deserved a proper sequel. Orison turns the creepiness of Irresistible up to disturbing levels, with heavy religious overtones throughout (like Scully's clock reading 6:66). While I prefer Irresistible of the two, Orison is not far behind. It's arguably scarier, and definitely one of the scariest episodes of the series due to its deeply sinister tone. You feel for Scully in this episode since Pfaster is one of the few sickos in her career that actually made her uncomfortable, so when she starts having omens and when she and Pfaster finally confront each other, it makes for a truly intense climax. This, paired with the fact that Donald Pfaster himself is one of the most deranged serial killers in TV history, makes Orison a wonderfully unsettling experience and a clear highlight of season 7.