Detour

Great great great episode. I love the scene at the beginning with Mulder and Scully in the car with the other two agents going off to some kind of marriage counseling partner communication seminar thing and Mulder is less than enthusiastic about it.

KINSLEY: I couldn't believe how hard it was not to use the word "but." MULDER: (In hell) I'm having that same problem right now.

Haha! I love it. I also really like the idea they use of the mothmen being chameleon like where you can't see them at all. I did think it a little interesting that they used mothmen to explain these creatures however because it didn't seem to fit with anything that I have ever heard about Mothmen at all. I haven't read a lot but what I have read or seen matches closer to what is shown in the movie "The Mothman Prophecies". Great movie by the way. But I still enjoyed this episode despite that fact. It is also one of those that you can share with your friends who are maybe easily grossed out. This is actually the episode that I used to get my father to check out more of the series. I give it a 10/10 for sure.

"Detour," directed by Kim Manners, is a masterful blend of suspense, humor, and character development that showcases the series' ability to create engaging standalone stories. Written by Frank Spotnitz, this episode transports Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) into the heart of a mysterious and dangerous wilderness, where they encounter an unknown threat that tests their resourcefulness and partnership. The narrative begins with the agents traveling to a team-building retreat with fellow FBI agents, only to find themselves diverted into a forest where strange occurrences have been reported.

As Mulder and Scully investigate the area, they soon discover that several people have gone missing under bizarre circumstances. The pacing of "Detour" is expertly crafted, maintaining tension as the agents navigate through the eerie environment filled with unseen dangers. A particularly striking moment occurs when Mulder and Scully realize they are being hunted by an unseen predator, leading to a gripping sequence where they must rely on their instincts and each other to survive. The episode effectively builds suspense through its atmosphere and the gradual revelation of the threat lurking in the woods.

Visually, "Detour" employs a dark and moody aesthetic that enhances its themes of fear and survival. Manners's direction captures both the beauty and menace of the forest setting, utilizing natural light and shadows to create an immersive experience. The cinematography effectively conveys a sense of isolation and danger, particularly during scenes where Mulder and Scully are pursued by their unseen adversary. Critics have praised this visual storytelling for its ability to evoke feelings of dread while highlighting the characters' vulnerability in an unforgiving environment.

The performances in this episode are particularly noteworthy, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Their chemistry shines as they navigate the challenges presented by their surroundings; Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder captures his unwavering curiosity and determination, while Anderson's Scully embodies a blend of skepticism and pragmatism. The banter between them adds levity to tense moments, allowing viewers to appreciate their dynamic even in dire situations. One standout scene involves Scully teasing Mulder about his conspiracy theories while they set up camp, showcasing their camaraderie amidst the chaos.

"Detour" raises significant questions about fear, trust, and human connection. The episode critiques how individuals can become paralyzed by fear when faced with the unknown; it examines how personal relationships can be strengthened or tested in times of crisis. Additionally, it highlights societal attitudes toward authority; characters like Mulder represent those who challenge established norms in pursuit of truth while relying on their instincts to navigate danger. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their beliefs regarding courage, loyalty, and the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity.

This is one of the most genuinely scary episodes of The X-files, but that also balances out with humorous interactions between Mulder and Scully. Top tier episode.

Whilst on their way to a conference, Mulder and Scully get drawn into a bizarre case, several people have vanished in a Florida forest.

It's bad of me, but I keep on expecting there to be a dip in quality, the recent run has been quite exceptional, it's been one quality episode after another, Detour follows the trend.

It feels like the first independent episode for some time, no glimpse of a story arc, no prior knowledge was needed here, it's just a cracking, one off story.

Favourite scene was perhaps the opening moments, where Mulder and Scully bantered with the two officers, it was very funny.

Did you, as I did perhaps get Predator vibes, there were glimpses, that whole invisible figure was a chilling adversary, those red eyes also upped the horror vibe.

9/10.

Detour continues with the strong start that season five has. Mulder & Scully hit the deep woods again, searching for "invisible" creatures. Frank Spotnitz wrote this stand-alone episode by himself. He usually sticks to mythology episodes or writes stand-alones in a threesome. He borrows the concept of the story from the movie "Predator", but the story is still exciting and engaging. Frank Spotnitz is excellent with dialogue, and Mulder and Scully deliver some classic lines. He really has the Mulder/Scully chemistry down pat. In this episode, the boy is watching "The Invisible Man". You can always bet that any TV show or movie being watched in the x-files is related to the theme of the show somehow. They're not just random shows. The special effects of the chameleon-like moth men is very good. The only flaw in the episode hearkens back to the teaser when the two surveyors each see the moth men in the ground. It's a nice special effect of their faces in the ground, but if they are evolved humans like Mulder says, then they wouldn't be part of the ground, like it shows, but just blend in with it. And, the moth man just laid there, allowing the surveyor to stick a stake in him? If the teaser had been consistent with the rest of the episode, I would give Detour full marks. But, as it is, Detour still is an excellent episode, with wonderful Mulder/Scully moments.