The X-Files Season 2 (Rewatch part 3)
Happy New Year. I’m kicking off 2026 with a continuation of my X-Files rewatch. Now to kick off season 2.
2X01 “Little Green Men”
Back in my rewatch of “Deep Throat” in season 1, I mentioned how the alien mythology arc seemed much slower in season 2. That’s not entirely correct. It’s just this episode that feels weird.
As far as I know, the writers didn’t know if the show would be renewed for a second season when the finale of season 1 was written. It wasn’t conceived as a two parter. As a result, season 1 has an explosive ending, and season 2 opens with the pieces of the plot significantly altered.
We get a sequence with Mulder’s sister being abducted. We get to see an alien - sort of - and loads of “evidence” that ultimately comes to nothing.
Senator Matheson is a new character, who could become a new informant, following the finale of the previous season. But he barely shows up again.
Over the years, Mulder and Scully say “after all we’ve seen” a bit too much. My reaction to this episode: After all we’ve seen in season 1, you’re putting us back to square one?
Ultimately I found this to be a frustrating watch.
2X04 “Sleepless”
While the story itself is OK, the real draw for me is the introduction of two major new characters. Alex Krycek, Mulder’s supposed new partner (yeah right), and “X”, the new informant. X spoke to Mulder on the phone in the previous episode, but this is the first time seeing him properly.
It seemed odd to find out that Krycek is a bad guy in his debut episode. They could have left that out, and his actions in the upcoming episodes could have been given context later on.
The ending is very ominous, and foreshadows the next episode.
2X05 “Duane Barry”
A hostage situation that turns into something else, and ends on a cliffhanger - with our first “to be continued” of the show.
A fantastic episode, I’ve watched this one several times and enjoy it every time. The character of Duane Barry is well realised, and the hostage situation is tense.
When you think it’s all over, the episode keeps going. The revelations elevate an already excellent episode into something else.
I particularly like the sequence where Scully scans the implant at the supermarket.
2X06 “Ascension”
Continuing from the previous episode, Duane Barry kidnaps Scully in an attempt to get her abducted by the aliens who keep abducting Barry.
It’s a race against time, and Krycek does his best to get in Mulder’s way.
There’s some good dialogue between Mulder and Skinner, and more from the Smoking Man. Senator Matheson from “Little Green Men” gets a mention, but “X” steers Mulder away. That’s pretty much it for Matheson until a much later appearance in season 6. It seems like they didn’t know what to do with his character.
A fast-paced episode and it’s a fun watch.
2X08 “One Breath”
Scully’s back, but she’s in a bad way.
This is a crazy episode for Mulder, who is looking for someone to blame for Scully’s abduction. He shouts at doctors, he has an angry altercation with X, and he threatens to kill the Smoking Man.
Meanwhile, we have a series of dream sequences with Scully, while the Lone Gunmen check out Scully’s blood (it’s a bit more interesting than it sounds).
Skinner really shines in this episode, showing where his loyalties lie. His character is expanded and he proves to be a good ally to Mulder and Scully, both her and in the future.
However, while it’s an important episode, I found it to be quite slow.
2X09 “Firewalker”
The first episode following Scully’s abduction, this episode feels a lot like “Ice” from season 1 (but with fire).
Critics didn’t seem to like this episode that much. I think it’s a “good enough” episode that moves away from the previous three-part story and returns the show to a more regular story. I guess it’s ok.
Next time
We’ll be continuing season 2. See you next time.
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