The premise for Gender Bender is classic X Files - a seductive killer appears to be able to change their sex at will. However, as the plot unfolds, it really makes very little sense. We're introduced to "The Kindred", a sort of Amish cult who still ride around in a horse-drawn carriage and talk like those odd folk in 'The Village'. It turns out that one of them has fled the clan to pursue the worldly pleasures of the flesh.
The problem comes with the ending, which most reviewers here understand as "The Kindred were aliens." It makes no sense. Why would aliens come to earth and live like Amish isolationists? What is the benefit of them being able to change their sex? And what exactly is Marty trying to do? Mate? Kill?
I took the ending to mean that this sect eventually got their wish and were beamed away by aliens, yet that still doesn't explain the titular gender-bending or what exactly was going on in the basement cavern.
Overall, the episode is a confusing and unsuccessful blend of religious isolationism and extra-terrestrial hokum. Should have been called "Genre Bender"...
The problem comes with the ending, which most reviewers here understand as "The Kindred were aliens." It makes no sense. Why would aliens come to earth and live like Amish isolationists? What is the benefit of them being able to change their sex? And what exactly is Marty trying to do? Mate? Kill?
I took the ending to mean that this sect eventually got their wish and were beamed away by aliens, yet that still doesn't explain the titular gender-bending or what exactly was going on in the basement cavern.
Overall, the episode is a confusing and unsuccessful blend of religious isolationism and extra-terrestrial hokum. Should have been called "Genre Bender"...