Here's the beginning of another compelling two part story, usually done in service to the mythology arc. You wouldn't think an inanimate object could be introduced as an X-Files character, but the Black Oil makes it's appearance in this episode, transferring from person to person in global pursuit of - what? It's not fully answered by the end of this or even the next episode, so take your pick - Mulder? Krycek? The digital tape? Curious minds want to know.
There's a lot going on with the FBI closing Melissa Scully's murder case, Skinner's intent to keep an unofficial investigation going, and Krycek (Nicholas Lea) looking for the highest bidder in his quest to dump the digital tape and get his revenge for the failed assassination attempt orchestrated by the Smoking Man (William B. Davis) in 'Paper Clip'. We also get some background on the Black Oil entity dating all the way back to 1953 when a submarine detail was assigned to search for a missing in action P-51 Mustang fighter plane.
After a while all of this gets rather confusing so you have to pay attention, and I find that getting these reviews down is helpful in retaining some memory of what happened during the series run. Otherwise, one's recollection of events is tainted as the story ensues while adding even more new characters, making things as slippery as some of that black oil.
There's a lot going on with the FBI closing Melissa Scully's murder case, Skinner's intent to keep an unofficial investigation going, and Krycek (Nicholas Lea) looking for the highest bidder in his quest to dump the digital tape and get his revenge for the failed assassination attempt orchestrated by the Smoking Man (William B. Davis) in 'Paper Clip'. We also get some background on the Black Oil entity dating all the way back to 1953 when a submarine detail was assigned to search for a missing in action P-51 Mustang fighter plane.
After a while all of this gets rather confusing so you have to pay attention, and I find that getting these reviews down is helpful in retaining some memory of what happened during the series run. Otherwise, one's recollection of events is tainted as the story ensues while adding even more new characters, making things as slippery as some of that black oil.