Oubliette

Oubliette follows the story of a girl who was abducted and a woman across town who collapsed and muttered the exact same words the abductor says at the exact time of the abduction. Mulder and Scully investigate this bizarre connection. A poignant line towards the beginning of the episode is when Mulder is talking to the mother of the abducted girl, Amy. Mulder says, "I know you must be feeling..." When the mother interrupts Mulder and exclaims, "I'm sorry … but how could you really know how I feel?" Mulder says nothing in reply. It's powerful because Mulder does know the feeling of having someone close to him abducted. Mulder separates the events of his sister's abduction from this case and manages to make a connection with Lucy, the woman who has the bizarre connection to Amy. However, when the police and Scully suspect that Lucy was involved in the abduction, Scully accuses Mulder of allowing his sister's abduction to cloud his judgement. Mulder responds by telling Scully, "And not everything I do, say, think, and feel goes back to my sister." And this is what made this episode special to me, Mulder's emotional connection to Lucy. He truly wanted to help Amy AND Lucy to "escape". Scully finally realizes this at the end. "Mulder, whatever there was between them, you were part of that connection." David Duchovny gives a great performance that you shouldn't miss.

I recently bought Season 3 on DVD and am currently working my way through the episodes, enjoying every minute so far. However, none of them has affected me as much as this one. Whether it's because the subject matter of child abduction is made all the more poignant due to recent news items, I'm not sure, but I think part of it is down to the connection between Mulder's character and his own personal experience with the disappearance of his sister. David Duchovny gives a very good performance here, and his character's sympathetic approach to handling the troubled soul of Lucy is at times very touching. The abductor Carl Wade is suitably creepy, and the scenes between him and Amy Jacobs are sometimes difficult to watch, but then, this is always likely when you're handling topics such as this.

For Firefly fans (such as me) there's the added bonus in that the present-day abductee is played by none other than a young Jewel Staite!

Currently watching all x files episodes for the first time. This was the first episode that made me cry.

Great acting, especially the character Lucy. Don't understand why this episode dousnt have 9 stars.

How on Earth can someone feel the exact feelings experienced by a kidnap victim?

This is very good, it's a chilling episode, it holds up well in this very strong third series. Nice to see the human side of Mulder, Scully is very matter of fact, he is showing a very nurturing side, great episode for Duchovny.

Scenes worthy of a great thriller/horror movie, this was a real change in direction for this series.

Michael Chieffo is very, very good as Cark Wade, menacing in a very human, disturbing way.

Very good, 8/10.

The eighth episode of the third season of "The X-Files," titled "Oubliette," directed by Kim Manners, is a haunting exploration of trauma, empathy, and the lingering scars of abduction. The title itself, derived from the French word for "forgotten," sets the tone for an episode that delves into the psychological effects of kidnapping and the interconnectedness of victims across time. The narrative begins with the abduction of fifteen-year-old Amy Jacobs (Jewel Staite) from her bedroom, a chilling event that echoes the traumatic experience of Lucy Householder (Tracey Ellis), who was kidnapped years earlier and has since struggled with her past.

As Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate Amy's disappearance, they discover that Lucy is experiencing a psychic connection to the young girl, suffering physical symptoms that mirror Amy's plight. This intriguing premise allows for a deep exploration of how trauma can transcend time and space, creating a compelling narrative that intertwines past and present. The pacing of "Oubliette" is deliberate, allowing viewers to absorb the emotional weight of both women's experiences while building tension as the agents race against time to save Amy from her captor, Carl Wade (Michael Chieffo).

Visually, "Oubliette" employs a dark and atmospheric aesthetic that enhances its themes of fear and despair. Manners's direction effectively captures the oppressive environment of both the prison where Lucy resides and the claustrophobic spaces associated with Amy's captivity. The cinematography contrasts light and shadow to symbolize the duality of hope and hopelessness present in the characters' lives. Critics have praised this visual storytelling for its ability to evoke empathy for both Amy and Lucy, drawing viewers into their shared trauma.

The performances in this episode are particularly noteworthy, especially from Ellis as Lucy Householder. Her portrayal is raw and powerful; she embodies a woman haunted by her past, struggling to reclaim her life while simultaneously feeling a deep connection to Amy. Duchovny's Mulder showcases his characteristic compassion as he navigates the complexities of belief in psychic phenomena while striving to protect those involved. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's theories while emphasizing her commitment to uncovering the truth behind Lucy's connection to Amy.

Thematically, "Oubliette" raises important questions about trauma, memory, and the nature of victimhood. The episode examines how past experiences can shape individuals' present realities; it explores how Lucy's unresolved trauma manifests in her connection to Amy's abduction. Additionally, it highlights societal attitudes toward victims; characters like Wade represent the darker aspects of human nature that prey on vulnerability. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs regarding empathy, healing, and the impact of unresolved trauma on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, "Oubliette" stands out as a poignant entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending elements of horror with social commentary while exploring significant issues related to trauma and empathy. The episode effectively maintains tension and intrigue throughout its runtime while delivering memorable performances and sharp writing. The exploration of these themes within a modern context invites viewers to consider their perceptions of morality and accountability in society.