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Robert Patrick is a wonderful new addition to the X-Files. Many fans were nervous when they
heard that David Duchovny would be appearing in only a few episodes this year. How would
the dynamic and chemistry be altered now that Scully was set to continue their work with a
new guy from the Bureau. Would the sizzle fizzle? Would Scully’s vulnerability and trust
be shaken?
From the get go, Robert Patrick impressed me with his quiet, but thoughtful demeanor as
Agent Doggett. Not a believer, not a skeptic, Doggett has evolved into the ultimate
pragmatist. When facing an X-File and absent all reasonable explanations, the impossible
must be possible, especially if it’s the only thing that makes sense.
When he was first introduced in the season premiere, he seemed a bit tightly wound. I
questioned if he wasn’t involved in some plot to cover up the X-Files and was simply a
pawn doing the Bureau’s dirty work. By the end of the first episode, I realized he was a
man dedicated first and foremost to his own colleagues. An agent (being Mulder of course)
was missing, and he would take the most aggressive action to get him back. I believe
Doggett admired Scully’s commitment to the truth and to her now-former partner,
Mulder.
When the agency assigned him to the X-Files, it was not a demotion in his mind. My
thought that he might be another Bureau climber was quickly and pleasantly dashed.
This has also been Gillian Anderson’s time to shine as well. I feel some of her best work
has occurred this year. She’s no longer in the shadow of Duchovny’s wry, believer
know-it-all and can lead a case in her own way without having to be the reactive character
who is a foil for Mulder’s unpredictable actions and theories all of the time. Sure, I
loved the chemistry between Anderson and Duchovny. However, Doggett’s deceny and tenacity
is very appealing. To all you X-Files who decided to not watch when Duchovny negotiated
his limited schedule, you’re missing a great show. Anderson’s work was incredible during
an episode where a group of creepy townspeople attempt to implant a parasite into her
system. Kudos to the creature and effects folks. Few things I have seen recently have
given me the willies like that scene.
Naturally, there were some fun tips of the hat to “Terminator 2,” the movie that put
Robert Patrick on the map. In a recent episode, Scully and Doggett investigate a series
of murders and discover the blood of a Gulf War vet who had been exposed to a metallic
compound that turns blood into metal, making the ultimate terminator type of warrior.
Doggett exclaims at one point, ‘Metal man. Superhuman strength. This only happens in the
movies.’
Watching metal guy clean his wounds in the mirror and clip his metallic whiskers were some
of the “little” details that make a monster like this even scarier… he’s part human.
Also, don’t miss Anderson in her amazing role as Lily Barton, the turn of the last century
socialite from Edith Wharton’s book “House of Mirth.” Anderson blows all stereotypes
about television actor’s lacking the range to do really grand roles that are undertaken by
the like of the Joan Allens, Katy Bates and the Judy Dench’s of the world. The quiet
moments in this film are breathtaking as Anderson is fully inhabited by this character
from another time and place. She has the chops ladies and gentleman.
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"Success-Files!"
