Anasazi ('Mythology'): Cliff Hanger!

Since I have probably watched the Mythology episodes the most in the last three or four years, watching episodes like 'Fallen Angel' and 'E.B.E.' and 'Anasazi' (or what have you) generally get tiring for me since I am so familiar with them. But since I am watching all the episodes in order for the first time, they seem to pack a much bigger punch. Plus, unlike my marathon days, I actually space the episodes out. I'm actually coming up to a one year anniversary of this website and I'll be at the beginning of season 3. So, I'm not on schedule with a normal broadcast year but I certainly spread it out over time.



'Anasazi' was a pleasant surprise. Some MAJOR things happen and some characters perhaps long forgotten return. Plus, there is a well crafted story that brings layers to the mystery. The whole soft water subplot made things really interesting and the return of Krycek goes so unexplained that it makes you lick your lips for more information. I also love the continued suspicion of Skinner. Can't the dude catch a break! And for the nerds out there: Chris Carter makes an appearance!

If I had to complain, and I always do, it's that we get a little too much Cancer Man in this episode. So far in the series he's been pretty unmovable. But he seems to have a wily sense to him and a lack of control that I wish was held back until later seasons (this would continue into the two parter that opens season 3). But I really can't complain too much since everything is top of the line, from the directing, to the smooth flowing script ('nothing disappears without a trace' is a great re-used theme in multiple contexts in the ep), and wonderful acting.

Duchovny has always appeared a bit raw in the first couple seasons of the X-Files. By season 2's end, he has been able to pull off the dry humor and the quick one liners but he still struggles with the larger emotional bits. Season 2 showed promise, especially when he had scenes with the actor playing his father (Peter Donat), and 'Anasazi' fortunately has moments with the two actors. Duchovny really shows a vulnerability here I liked especially when he is trying to figure out who killed his father (and he is still suffering from the effects of the soft water contaminant). I was very impressed here. He would drop the raw edge and start becoming a master at his job come season 3.



Gillian Anderson and Nicholas Lea are given much to work with here but that's because 'Anasazi', as fun as it is, is essentially set up for more important things in the two-parter that opens Season 3. I don't really mind this too much: the cliff hanger is impressive. Even though I know what happens, I am still nervous as to how the hell Mulder is going to get out of that train car with all the fire inside!

At season's end, I'd have to say that Season 2 is, 'MOW'-wise, an improvement of season 1, which was still trying to find it's groove. But when it comes to the mythology, season 2 started opening doors that, years later, I wished weren't open yet (or at all). But it also opened good doors too. But whenever you explain something too much, you ruin the mystery. It's a double edged sword. Thankfully, season 2, and it's cliff hanging conclusion, 'Anasazi', end on an exciting, mysterious note.