Redux

Scully continues to give evidence at the hearing, Mulder breaks into a facility, in the hope of finding a cure for Scully's cancer.

I enjoyed series four, it had a different vibe to previous runs, I thought this first episode of that fifth series had the exact same vibe, I liked it, liked it a lot.

There is a degree of complexity about it I think it's fair to say, it's not one a casual viewer would easily pick up, it does need a good history of the show. That depth really does appeal to me, I loved the way recent plot twists and intricacies came to fit together.

Judging by the importance of Mulder's standing in things, I do think that The Governing powers were perhaps a little quick to believe Scully's identification.

Great acting here from Anderson once again, she's been so impressive throughout the story of her illness.

Strong start to the new series, 9/10.

The first episode of the fifth season of The X-Files, titled "Redux," directed by R. W. Goodwin, serves as a powerful continuation of the series' complex narrative arc, delving into themes of truth, deception, and the emotional toll of Mulder's relentless pursuit of the unknown. Following the cliffhanger ending of the previous season, where Mulder (David Duchovny) appeared to contemplate suicide, "Redux" opens with a sense of urgency and despair as Mulder grapples with the fallout from his actions and the implications of his investigations into extraterrestrial life.

The episode begins with Mulder hiding out in Scully's (Gillian Anderson) apartment, reflecting on his mental state and the overwhelming pressure from both external forces and his own doubts. As he navigates through a series of flashbacks and present-day confrontations, viewers witness Mulder's struggle to reconcile his beliefs with the harsh realities surrounding him. The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, allowing for moments of introspection that highlight Mulder's emotional vulnerability. A particularly striking scene occurs when Mulder receives a phone call from Kritschgau, who warns him that "they" may be listening. This moment encapsulates the pervasive sense of paranoia that defines much of the series.

Visually, "Redux" employs a dark and moody aesthetic that enhances its themes of secrecy and moral ambiguity. Goodwin's direction captures both the sterile environment of government offices and the emotional turmoil within Mulder as he confronts his past. The cinematography effectively utilizes shadows and dim lighting to evoke feelings of dread, particularly during scenes where Mulder faces off against authority figures who question his credibility. Critics have praised this visual storytelling for its ability to immerse viewers in a world where truth is elusive and danger is omnipresent.

The performances in this episode are exceptional, particularly from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny delivers a nuanced portrayal of Mulder's internal conflict; he effectively conveys a character who is both determined and deeply troubled by his choices. His emotional range is on full display as he navigates through moments of despair and determination. Anderson's Scully provides crucial support; her skepticism grounds Mulder's theories while emphasizing her concern for his well-being. The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson continues to resonate throughout the episode, adding depth to their partnership as they confront the challenges ahead.

Thematically, "Redux" raises significant questions about trust, accountability, and the nature of truth itself. The episode critiques how individuals can become ensnared in webs of deception; it examines how personal relationships can be strained by external pressures and conflicting loyalties. Additionally, it highlights societal attitudes toward authority; characters like Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) grapple with their own moral dilemmas as they navigate a landscape filled with lies and hidden agendas. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their beliefs regarding integrity, justice, and the consequences of pursuing truth at all costs.

In conclusion, "Redux" stands out as a compelling entry in The X-Files, successfully blending elements of psychological drama with social commentary while exploring complex themes related to truth and deception. While it may challenge traditional narrative structures by focusing heavily on character development rather than procedural elements, it effectively maintains tension and emotional depth throughout its runtime. The exploration of these themes within a modern context encourages viewers to consider their perceptions of truth and morality in society, solidifying The X-Files as a thought-provoking examination of human experience amidst extraordinary phenomena. As it reflects broader societal concerns regarding trust and accountability, "Redux" leaves audiences contemplating their own relationships with truth and belief.

Ok, it was enjoyable enough to watch the episode and get a little recap on the story so far. Also nice to see the answer to the season 4 cliffhanger (which I actually guessed wrong , I thought it actually had looked like mulder's corpse but it was going to be an alien clone or something- the actual answer made more sense).

What's frustrating is the glacial pace of the episode! I really don't need to see so many sequences of army men pacing down drab hallways. It's just not visually interesting! Also it seemed somewhat repetitive, with certain plot points being overexplained or re-explained again and again. We get it: the military are bad guys, don't really need all the detail.

I honestly felt like it was just back and forth, back and forth between leaden monologues by Mulder & Scully. These monologues didn't really seem to be delivered with any kind of excitement or passion. At times it was like listening to a lecture. Couldn't they have added a bit of excitement?

It's not the easiest thing in the world to keep all of the mythology pieces making sense in your head as you watch the ongoing mythology. Can get frustrating.

I appreciated seeing Skinner & CSM at least as I don't think they were in the season 4 finale.

Anyway. I guess it's a decent, functional bridge between Gethsemane & a hopefully more exciting Redux Part 2. But as a stand alone episode Redux is entirely unremarkable.

Redux (The X-Files) the first episode in Season 5 is the best one for me, but It is an underrated episode of the premiere with two part of the mythology. I seriously love this episode which is a big start of Season 5. I am huge fan of The X-Files and after 14 years they finally re open the case and they are filming the 10th season of this awesome TV Show. I have all six seasons of The X-Files on DVD I really don't need them on Blu-ray, but anyway I decide to re watch Season 5 because I only saw it once. Season 1 - 4 are always my favorite Seasons that I have re watched it over again, but the last six seasons I wasn't happy about it, they were not my couple of tea. Re watching this Season again Redux part I and part II, I must say I am stunning from the acting performance and how both of the parts are good conspiracy episodes. So I love them both equal. I know a lot of people will disagree with me and put my review down, but I don't care. Great start of the episode.

Plot: Mulder accesses a facility that may hold a cure for Scully's illness. Scully performs an experiment in hopes of determining the origin of the disease.

So this was the last season that was filmed in Vancouver, Canada and I seriously love Season 5. The first episode of the two is brilliant. Scully's genetically altered DNA brings her closer to the brink of death, government agent Michael Kritschgau helps Mulder in the search for a cure, partly to atone for his own involvement with perpetrating the alien hoax. I love that Mulder kills Scott Ostelhof in self defense and fakes his own death to find out who was behind this hoax, who set them up both. Mulder enters the Department of Defense by his card of a death government agent who was were listening to his his conversations, his apartment was under electronic surveillance for two months. He enters facility that may hold a cure for Scully's illness in the Department of Defense of Level Four who enters in a room with full fake alien bodies while he is searching for the cure of Scully's illness. I love the narration from David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. I love William B. Davis returning as Cigarette Smoking Man. I love the Lone Gunman on the end of the episode. I seriously love Charles Cioffi returning with his character Section Chief Scott Blevins from the pilot episode. I Love that is everything explained what happened in the end of Season 4 and what happened really for the past 4 years that Mulder and Scully worked together.

Redux I plays as a collection of voice-over monologues transposed over sequences of Mulder wandering through corridors in the Pentagon. One immediately wonders how the Department of Defence could have staged such a complex and convincing hoax against the American people when they cannot find one lost FBI agent inside the Pentagon. The drab setting makes for a shockingly dull episode; the majesty of the Yukon Mountains is lost, replaced by long sequences of grey walls and red doors. Redux I has more than a few interesting ideas, but its structure is a mess. Sitting between Gethsemane and Redux II, the episode has no clear sense of purpose or momentum; no drive or ambition or excitement.

Overall: I love this episode and I love the cast in here. I am the only one of the reviewers here who gave this Episode 10 and I have watch Redux and Redux II second time in the row. I love both of the episodes they are awesome and they are mine favorite Episodes from Season 5 which is my personal favorite! With the most exiting stories, this show is great for any Sci-fi lovers out there and drama lovers this show can make you laugh cry and scare you to death you are going to be joining a wild ride!

"Redux" is the collective name for the two-part fifth season premiere of the science fiction television series The X-Files. "Redux I" first aired on November 2, 1997 on Fox in the United States, with "Redux II" airing on November 9. Both episodes subsequently aired in the United Kingdom and Ireland

10/10 Grade: Bad Ass Seal Of Approval Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Charles Cioffi, Bruce Harwood, John Finn, Don S. Williams Director: R.W. Goodwin Producers: Chris Carter, Joseph Patrick Finn, Paul Rabwin, Lori Jo Nemhauser Screenplay: Chris Carter Rated: R Running Time: 44 minutes

Redux I and Redux II inherit their own problems. Kinda boring episode but the second episode in my opinion was really terrible, but I hope next episodes in season 5 are getting better. In contrast, Redux I lacks the same sense of intimacy or energy. The episode slows down considerably, allowing the audience's scepticism to kick into gear. Instead, the show indulges in Chris Carter's purplest prose, as Mulder and Scully go on and on and on about the emotional consequences of their pursuit of the truth. Kritschgau sits opposite Mulder and tells him that this is all a plot to justify defence budgets, there are any number of counter-arguments that Mulder and Scully could make.

While they may not know that the Alien Bounty Hunter is alien in origin, the fact that he can change his face and dissolves into a pile of toxic green sludge suggests that this whole secret plot to rule the world might have more to it than the number of zeroes appearing in the Defence Department budget. Really not my favorite episode a lot better than Part II.