Founder's Mutation

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

"Founder's Mutation," the second episode of the tenth season of The X-Files, written and directed by James Wong, marks a return to the series' roots with a compelling blend of horror, science fiction, and emotional depth. This episode serves as a "monster of the week" story while also subtly weaving in elements of the overarching mythology, particularly concerning the themes of parenthood and the consequences of scientific experimentation.

The narrative begins with a shocking scene: Dr. Sanjay (Anupam Kher), a geneticist, is driven to madness by the high-pitched screams of his test subjects, leading him to a gruesome end. This sets the stage for Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate a series of mysterious occurrences linked to Dr. Sanjay's research on children with extraordinary abilities. The case leads them to a woman named Jacqueline Goldman (Rebecca Wisocky), who has undergone horrific experiments related to her pregnancy and is connected to a sinister figure named Augustus Goldman (Chris McDonald), who has been manipulating genetic anomalies for his own gain. As Mulder and Scully dig deeper, they confront not only the implications of these experiments but also their own unresolved feelings about parenthood, particularly regarding their son, William.

Visually, "Founder's Mutation" employs a striking aesthetic that enhances its emotional and suspenseful moments. The cinematography captures both the sterile environments of laboratories and the more intimate settings where personal struggles unfold. Wong's direction effectively balances tension with moments of introspection, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The editing maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that the plot remains engaging while allowing for emotional beats that resonate throughout the episode.

The performances in this episode are noteworthy, particularly David Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder as he grapples with his past and present fears regarding William. Gillian Anderson shines as Scully, bringing her characteristic blend of skepticism and compassion to the forefront. Anupam Kher delivers a haunting performance as Dr. Sanjay, effectively conveying his descent into madness. The supporting cast, including Rebecca Wisocky as Jacqueline Goldman, adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the human cost of scientific ambition.

Thematically, "Founder's Mutation" explores complex issues surrounding genetic manipulation and the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific advancements. The episode raises questions about the lengths individuals will go to in pursuit of knowledge and power, as well as the impact of such choices on innocent lives. The juxtaposition of Mulder and Scully's investigative work with their personal struggles regarding parenthood creates an emotional undercurrent that elevates the narrative beyond a simple monster-of-the-week format.

"Founder's Mutation" stands out as a strong entry in The X-Files revival, successfully blending horror elements with poignant character development. While it may not fully resolve all lingering questions from previous seasons, it effectively captures the essence of what made the series beloved by fans-its exploration of complex themes through engaging storytelling and rich character dynamics. Ultimately, this episode invites viewers to reflect on the implications of scientific progress and the importance of human connection in navigating an increasingly complex world.

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.

I'll echo the consensus here that this episode was better than Chris Carter's first episode. Sure, it's not any more original. Where "My Struggle" was largely an inferior redo of season 5's "Patient X", "Founder's Mutation" redoes season 2's "Red Museum".

I'm not ready to count this as a purely MOTW episode. Like "Red Museum", it does seem at least partially connected to the mythology, though the events of "Red Museum" never really panned out, so maybe both of these are standalone episodes merely containing elements from the mythology. Either way, it's a fast and fun episode.

This really does a better job of showing the emotional states of Mulder and Scully than "My Struggle" did. William is mentioned prominently, which perhaps could be setting up his return to the mythology. I thought from the beginning that the best direction for the series now would be to feature William forming a resistance against the alien invaders, so perhaps Chris Carter will redeem himself after the ridiculous new direction of "My Struggle".

Hopefully, the third episode will move past these two "best hits" episodes and do something original.

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.