Release

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....

"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.

I've seen the kid on an episode of Firefly as well. Here, he was born to play this part. I haven't seen him much after 2014, I always wonder what became of actors like this, who basically got their breakthrough parts accidentally.

We were introduced to John Doggett's son in season eight's "Invocation" with the equally brilliant Rodney Eastman ("Sammael" from the Millennium episode "Powers, principalities, thrones and dominions"). All we knew from that episode, was that Doggett had a son who had passed away, sparking Doggett's special interest in children's cases, which was part of his work when he was a cop in New York.

Poe is apparently an FBI cadet "Rudolph Hayes" who has special insight into violent crime, he can piece together a profile from microscopic pieces of evidence garnered from things like bodies and photographs of murder scenes. Even the dirt underneath a corpses fingernails, with this person every detail paints a larger picture, The smaller the detail, the larger the picture.

As we go along we realize that this person is highly obsessive, there is a reason for this.

The lid is also blown off of A. D. Follmer's relationship to a New York City mafia thug who apparently never gets charged with any crime worse than jaywalking even though he is constantly involved in heinous crimes. There is a reason for this as well, and as Monica Reyes was dating Follmer during that time, she starts piecing together things that she has seen, and it paints another ugly picture.

But all things being equal, nothing is as it seems. Not Hayes, not Follmer, and not this case, where a tip sent to Doggett is the very small beginning of a huge avalanche.

This episode is the culmination of a slow burn introduction that over the course of several episodes in season eight and nine, we get told the entire story about Doggett's son and the grisly circumstances and people surrounding his death. This was cleverly seeded in episodes like "Invocation", "Empedocles" and "John Doe". And because the story was told over a length of time and in small pieces, it gives this episode revelatory power, which would have failed if the wrong actor had been selected to play Hayes. Everything about the portrayal was perfect, Poe added a permanent scowl to the character of Hayes which gives an impression of seriousness. And when the doors are blow off of this case, we find out exactly how serious.

Robert Patrick's real life wife Barbara appears as John Doggetts ex-wife, and this little bit of reality adds more believability.

-- Release --

One of my all time favourite X-Files episodes.

For all those who are complaining about season 9, I recommend them watching the four last episodes (William, Release, Sunshine Days & The Truth) - they are all some of the episodes I remember best from this brilliant TV series.

This episode is not about aliens and UFOs, it's a kind of mystery/detective episode - where Dogget is trying to find a serial killer. Everything in this episode is so well made, the acting is brilliant and the story is truly fascinating. And then it's the music...

.. simply one of the best classical scores I've heard. I get goosebumps whenever I hear the classical anthem in this episode.. it should probably have been played even more. It get's you into the right mood right from the very beginning to the last emotional scene..

I recommend Release highly, even for those who don't like X-Files as well.... Full score from me. A must see!

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.