Release

With the series quickly coming to an end, the X-Files writers decided to tie up all the loose side story lines. Release ties up Doggett's personal story about the abduction and murder of his son.

I've always admired the X-Files' willingness to mix things up. They add the element of titles to various scenes of the episode; namely, The Tip, Ashes, A Message, and Release. It's almost as if they're dividing the episode into chapters of a book.

Mark Snow adds a beautiful piano score to this episode that is very touching. I wish it could have been used in more of the episode. The man is a master. Kim Manners, who directed this episode, has some very poignant shots, especially of Cadet Hayes' apartment. His direction is very fine in this episode.

The guest character of Cadet Rudolph Hayes is very intriguing and interesting. His facial expression is very unique, as if he is purposely trying to keep his mouth shut, whenever he's not talking.

Barbara Patrick, Robert Patrick's real life wife, plays his ex-wife of the same name. She does an all right job, nothing spectacular. The one line of hers I didn't like is when she tells Scully that Doggett could have something with Reyes but he won't let her in. Why would Doggett's ex-wife know anything about his relationship with his female co-worker and why say anything to Scully? The writers just wanted to do one final reference to Doggett and Reyes' relationship. The line doesn't fit and shouldn't have been used.

I felt that the resolution to Doggett's storyline was rushed because of the decision to end the series. Was Follmer meant to be a part of this storyline from the beginning? Maybe this was intentional by the writers, but Cadet Hayes said that he had another message, then he asks to be taken back to the institution. We don't see him again or hear what the message was. Maybe Hayes told Doggett where to find Regali. It felt too abrupt how Hayes left.

Release is a very fine episode resolving Doggett's son storyline. Robert Patrick does a great job, especially when telling the story of his son to Cadet Hayes. However, I felt that this storyline needed to be fleshed out a bit more for it to have more of an emotional impact. As it is, Doggett finally receives closure with his son's death and that's all that matters.

"Release," the seventeenth episode of the ninth season of The X-Files, directed by Kim Manners and written by David Amann from a story by John Shiban and Amann, marks a significant chapter in John Doggett's (Robert Patrick) personal arc, as he seeks closure regarding the murder of his son, Luke. This episode blends elements of crime procedural with emotional exploration, offering a resolution to a long-standing trauma while highlighting the complexities of justice and forgiveness.

The episode opens with Doggett arriving at an abandoned apartment building in Mendota, Minnesota, following a tip. Inside, he discovers a fresh crime scene, setting off an investigation that soon intertwines with his past. With assistance from Rudolph Hayes (Jared Poe), an eerily brilliant FBI cadet from Scully's (Gillian Anderson) class, Doggett uncovers connections between the current case and his son's murder. Hayes's insights lead them to Nicholas Regali, a former mobster, and suggest the involvement of Robert Harvey, the initial suspect in Luke's kidnapping. The situation escalates as Doggett navigates a web of deceit involving FBI Assistant Director Brad Follmer (Cary Elwes) and the realization that someone within the FBI has been manipulating events. Ultimately, Doggett confronts Regali, only to witness Follmer killing him, leaving Doggett to grapple with unanswered questions and the lingering pain of his loss. The episode concludes with Doggett and his ex-wife, Barbara, scattering Luke's ashes into the ocean, symbolizing a final release from his grief.

Visually, "Release" maintains a suspenseful atmosphere through its use of dark and gritty settings. Manners' direction balances the procedural aspects of the investigation with moments of intense emotion, particularly during Doggett's interactions with Hayes and the climactic confrontation with Regali. The cinematography enhances the sense of mystery and intrigue, while the editing effectively builds tension throughout the narrative.

Robert Patrick delivers a powerful performance as Doggett, conveying his determination to find justice for his son while battling his inner demons. Jared Poe's portrayal of Rudolph Hayes adds an unsettling layer to the story, leaving the audience questioning his true motives. Gillian Anderson provides a supportive presence as Scully, offering her expertise and guidance to Doggett. The supporting cast contributes to the episode's overall effectiveness, though the focus remains firmly on Doggett's emotional journey.

Thematically, "Release" explores ideas of closure, forgiveness, and the elusive nature of truth. The episode raises questions about whether Doggett truly achieves release from his pain, or if he is merely trading one burden for another. The ambiguous nature of Rudolph Hayes's character, inspired by Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty, adds a layer of complexity, blurring the lines between good and evil. The episode also touches on themes of corruption and betrayal within law enforcement, highlighting the challenges of seeking justice in a world filled with deceit.

"Release" stands as a poignant and well-crafted episode of The X-Files that offers closure to Doggett's long-standing quest for answers regarding his son's murder. While the episode may not delve deeply into the series' overarching mythology, it provides a compelling character study and a satisfying resolution to a personal tragedy. Ultimately, "Release" invites audiences to reflect on the importance of letting go of the past while acknowledging the enduring impact of loss and the complexities of the human condition. The episode's final scene of Doggett and Barbara scattering Luke's ashes offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in the face of profound sorrow, healing and release are possible.

This episode is just like Putin when you ask him about the Russian doping scandal. He will talk sublimely for three-quarters of an hour, but you won't learn anything about it except that the two main witnesses are already dead.

Agent Doggett gets a lead about the death of his son, a student of Scully's helps out, putting the pieces together.

I have to take issue with some of the fans that told me I'd loathe series nine, there have been some excellent episodes, and this is yet another. A very, very good, action packed episode, fast paced and gritty, it felt as though we get some resolution for Agent Doggett.

Very, very well written, and immaculately produced, it's hard to pick fault here with anything, more along the lines of a thriller this one.

Robert Patrick was fantastic here, what a great actor he is, he's been terrific this series, he gave a wonderful performance in particular in this episode.

Jared Poe was awesome a Hayes I thought, what a fascinating character, a shame we didn't get to see more of him, but having just checked, the show is very close to its original end.

8/10.

After almost finishing season 9 I can say whole heartedly that we were not fair to Robert Patrick, John Doggett or season 9. This episode solidified that for me.

Fantastic characters, especially Cadet Hayes....