Sunshine Days

Sunshine Days is an enjoyable, light-hearted episode to take in before the serious series finale. People think it's out of place, being right before the finale, but who says you have to have a serious episode before the series finale?

It's funny to see Reyes know a lot about the Brady Bunch, and funnier seeing Doggett's looks at Reyes for knowing such stuff. Doggett makes the illogical leap in this episode that turns out to be true. Doggett says that he's "finally getting the hang of this job". I think this line is intentional irony by Vince Gilligan to show that Doggett was just settling into his role as the X-Files was being canceled.

Scully's autopsies at time turn into the comic relief for the episodes. I like her "well-nourished" line, referring to the corpse. It's cool to see the agents using a high-tech web-cam to communicate with each other, instead of just a cell phone. I don't think they've used a web-cam since the Lone Gunmen used it once. Scully also gets high-tech with a headset recorder during her autopsy.

Michael Emmerson does a fine job as Oliver Martin. It's interesting to see that Doggett doesn't go through the roof like the other two victims, a sign that his power is decreasing(a good thing for Doggett).

I don't like to see Scully and Dr. Rietz's selfishness in wanting to study Oliver. Sure, it would give Scully proof, but no one wants to be a human lab rat. Even towards the end, you see the disappointment in Scully's eyes when they decide that it's best not to use Oliver as a human freak show.

Another problem I have with the episode is that once they discover that Oliver has this power, they just whisk him off to DC to study him, totally dropping the murder investigation. No mention of it. Sure, Oliver didn't have total control of his powers, but there are still two deaths two account for. The guy needs to be charged with manslaughter at least.

And finally, Bud Bundy. I loved seeing David Faustino in the role of Michael. He is a riot. It's too bad that he had to bite the dust. If he had stuck around the episode for a while longer, I might have given this a higher rating.

Overall, Sunshine days is a decent episode, but nothing extra-special. Vince Gilligan does a fine job writing and directing the final Monster of the Week episode which just about wraps up "the story of two lovely agents".

Sunshine Days is a reasonably fun episode about a man who can essentially morph the matter around him to whatever is in his head. He also happens to be a fan of the Brady Bunch, so he chooses to spend his time with them, in his head, and it becomes a reality. It's some form of psychokinesis that isn't fully explained but hey, it's the X-Files - anything's possible.

The episode itself is fine. It's a decent season 9 effort with a few humorous parts and a feel-good episode overall, but a couple things I can't shake off.

A: Why is Doggett just now getting the hang of the job? It's been two years, he's seen his fair share of the paranormal and has solved such cases many times over, but now he says he's finally comfortable in the X-Files? Leading into my next point...

B: Why was this the penultimate episode? After the increased quality of William and Release, Sunshine Days sticks out like a sore thumb. I know it's supposed to be a bittersweet farewell to monster-of-the-weeks, but in the context of the show it makes no sense. Mulder isn't around, it's a standard X-Files case in every aspect - nothing about this episode sticks out to me as "remembrance" material, let alone a precedent to the series finale.

C: Why in the hell would three intelligent FBI agents bring a man with unexplainable, obviously dangerous psychokinetic powers (as in he killed two people) into a federal building? Let alone that ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Skinner would allow this man in his office, or that he'd let this guy PICK HIM UP WITH HIS MIND AND DO FLIPS? And Scully and Reyes are just sitting there smiling watching while Skinner's life is literally in the hands of a stranger with superpowers.

The verdict - this episode should have aired sooner. Not that it really matters, it's an average episode, but tonally it would have fit much better somewhere in the middle of the season or even towards the beginning; definitely not leading up to the series finale. Sunshine Days amounts to a decent X-Files episode in a lackluster final season, and not much more than that.

"Sunshine Days," the eighteenth and penultimate episode of The X-Files ninth season, written and directed by Vince Gilligan, offers a quirky and heartwarming departure from the series' darker themes, exploring the power of nostalgia, human connection, and the search for happiness in a world filled with uncertainty. While its lighter tone may not appeal to all viewers, "Sunshine Days" stands out as a unique and memorable entry, showcasing Gilligan's directorial talent and the cast's ability to embrace both humor and pathos.

The episode unfolds in Van Nuys, California, where two young men trespass into a house eerily resembling the Brady Bunch residence, leading to a bizarre murder investigation for Agents Doggett (Robert Patrick) and Reyes (Annabeth Gish). They soon encounter Oliver Martin (Michael Emerson), a man obsessed with the classic sitcom, who possesses telekinetic abilities linked to his emotional state. Scully (Gillian Anderson) connects Martin to an old X-File involving a boy with similar powers. As the agents delve deeper, they discover that Martin's powers are both a gift and a curse, causing harm when he feels threatened or alone. The team works to help Martin control his abilities, seeking assistance from a parapsychologist, Dr. John Rietz (John Aylward), who studied him as a child. Ultimately, they realize that Martin's loneliness fuels his powers, and by rekindling his friendship with Dr. Rietz, they save his life and prevent further harm.

Visually, "Sunshine Days" distinguishes itself with its vibrant colors and stylized direction, mirroring the cheerful aesthetic of The Brady Bunch. The meticulous recreation of the Brady Bunch house adds a surreal and nostalgic element to the episode, contrasting with the darker and more unsettling environments typically found in The X-Files. Gilligan's direction effectively balances the episode's comedic and dramatic moments, creating a whimsical yet emotionally resonant experience.

The performances in "Sunshine Days" are exceptional, with Michael Emerson delivering a standout portrayal of Oliver Martin, capturing his vulnerability and inner turmoil. Robert Patrick and Annabeth Gish provide a solid anchor as Doggett and Reyes, while Gillian Anderson brings her signature skepticism and empathy to Scully. The return of Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) adds a touch of familiarity and warmth, as he witnesses Martin's powers firsthand and envisions the vindication of the X-Files.

Thematically, "Sunshine Days" explores the search for happiness and meaning in a chaotic world, as well as the significance of human connection in overcoming loneliness and despair. The episode also touches on the power of nostalgia and the comfort that can be found in familiar stories and images. Scully's yearning for "incontrovertible proof" of the paranormal reflects the series' ongoing exploration of faith and reason, while Doggett's skepticism serves as a counterpoint to the episode's more fantastical elements.

"Sunshine Days" is a memorable and heartwarming episode of The X-Files that offers a refreshing departure from the series' darker themes. While some may find its lighter tone jarring, the episode's unique style, strong performances, and exploration of human connection make it a worthwhile entry in the series. Gilligan's direction and the cast's ability to embrace both humor and pathos elevate "Sunshine Days", leaving audiences contemplating the power of nostalgia and the importance of finding joy in the face of uncertainty.

The proof. Scully's face when Oliver takes them to...and when Skinner is...well, no spoilers here.

Almost finished with season 9...hoping for an episode like this closer to the end of season 11 as well as I know I am in for a bittersweet ending.

Season 9 is better than I recall...especially near the end. And significantly better than almost anything currently on television.

Connecting a, to b to c.

Doggett and Reyes investigate two very strange deaths, guys that broke into and claim to have seen The interior of The Brady Bunch house.

Ten out of ten for originality, this is like no other episode from the show's illustrious history, a plot like no other. It manages to find the balance of humour and drama, with an element of surrealism thrown in.

I bet several laughs and crazy ideas were thrown around in the story planning, almost as if the question were asked about mixing in the most unexpected show.

There were some funny moments, I loved the distain on Doggett's face as he scowled at Scully and Reyes for being fans of The Brady bunch, they certainly didn't look the type, but you never know.

Michael Emerson was excellent as Oliver Martin, a suitably creepy performance.

Really enjoyed this, and excited for the next one, 8/10.