Founder's Mutation

Excellent episode reminiscent of old times. Mulder and Scully investigate a case of genetic abnormalities in children and the revelations are incorporated competently to the main story of the rebooted series. The dialogue is improved compared to the first episode and there is palpable chemistry once again between the two actors. The writers don't bother explaining how the X-Files are reopened and Mulder and Scully work together again, i guess this is something fans of the show might have to take for granted in order to enjoy the remaining episodes. Nevertheless, what i found interesting in this episode are the two separate daydreams of Mulder and Scully concerning their son William and life with him. It was a nice way of showing the differences of their personalities and their common anxiety and concern for their adopted son. My vote is nine.

After the somewhat lacking first episode, this was a lot better. I watched the two first episodes back to back, so I was expecting episode two to continue from where the episode one left, but it didn't. It took me a while to figure out that this was actually one of the "monster of the week" episodes and in that matter it took quite a jump from the episode one. In my opinion the jump was a bit of a stretch. In episode one they are pretty much detached from the days of x-files at FBI, but in this episode they are almost like nothing had ever happened in between. So watching this as a part of season 10 is not as rewarding as watching it as a stand alone MOTW episode.

Having said that, the script does fill out Mulder's and Scully's story quite a lot. At least from my point of view, I'm not as familiar with the seasons 7-9 as I am with the earlier seasons. All in all very very enjoyable episode, but worth noting that the main plot is not (necessarily) connected to the mythology at all. I got a bit distracted before I figured it out.

This could become one of the classic x-files episodes. The production values were good. The episode was somewhat gory, but it's kind of "90s gory", not too real looking.

True to the original X-Files theme, because Chris Carter is back at the helm. Number 1 show in America. Just like wine, it gets better over the years and this is true to the new episodes. Outstanding. I see a full season coming up.

The ratings are beyond excellent for a TV Show, 93 million viewers, 2nd episode 97 million.

Thanks for bringing it back. I am glued to the TV once again.

I am also glad to see they used the same intro as the old series. I think a new intro would have ruined the persona of the new series.

I hear FTSP is already looking into expanding beyond the 10 episode order.

This episode was a very solid standalone episode which will be remembered best for its disturbing imagery. Right off the bat, the opening scene has you pretty creep-ed out. It's a standard episodic hook, but a well executed one. From there, the plot and a lot of the twists are pretty standard, but the visual storytelling and the characters are so compelling here that you get wrapped up in it and forget to critique it. Some of the shots from this episode won't be leaving me soon. Especially the final shots of the second last scene. Real nightmare fuel. The ending to this final sequence cut off in a way that felt slightly anti- climatic, but it was used for a good moment of humour.

The only really weak link in the episode is the scene that explains some of what happened between Mulder and Scully in the time gap. What should have been a heart-wrenching story left me grinding my teeth in disappointment at how stale it seemed. The actors also didn't seem to really be in it. I just wish it had been executed a little better, since it is such blatant foreshadowing to a twist in future mythology episodes. In the end, it's just one scene that felt a little out of whack in an otherwise masterfully balanced episode. Written and directed by X-files alumni James Wong, this is in my opinion better than "My Struggle", an excellent episode.

The season 10 continues with "Founder Mutation". After dedicating mostly of the great premiere "My Struggle" in getting the band back together, now the X-Files are open again we can get back to the classic "monster-of-the-week" format and this one here works just like the good old days.

"Founder Mutation" wouldn't be out of place in the first three seasons of X-Files. It's weird, dark and very, very violent. Possibly the most graphic violent X-File since "Chinga" in Season 5.

It brings successfully back many elements of the early years of the show - the characters Mulder and Scully met in the case are lonely, damaged, outsider people; there are flashlight investigation moments; there are autopsyes; a crime happening in an office; scary hospitals, mutants. All done with a modern tone, touching on current subjects, adjusting itself to 2016 without any issue.

David and Gillian are again the best thing here. Their chemistry is unbelievable. You can never go wrong with Mulder and Scully and are truly heart-breaking moments in the episode.

It's only getting better