The X Files - William

I will say this: despite how frustrating Season Nine has been to me, “William” was perhaps the most satisfying episode I have encountered even if it proves to be more potential of Scully reuniting with Mulder only to be swerved. “William” also takes care of a nagging logic issue: how Scully can be FBI Agent always busy and still take care of her baby. Working single mothers often make it work despite time problems thwarting them, but Scully trying to teach at Quantico, perform autopsies for Doggett and Reyes, and go on road trips as FBI Agent when called on did appear to be a consistent storytelling ailment that plagued the writers. Putting that aside, David Duchovny actually contributing to the story of this episode, even directing it, was a great sign that perhaps he would eventually return as Mulder. Mulder is all over the episode without actually “being in it”. “William” does flirt with the possibility that a badly deformed man who tries to find files in the X-files office, attacking Doggett from behind, and even confirming he spoke to Mulder about locating information on Samantha is actually Mulder (DNA results taken by Scully during an examination does indicate blood that is very similar to Mulder’s). Scully never wavers in her feelings, despite both Doggett and Reyes offering reasoning that he might, this guy is not Mulder. Conversations, a cursory and physical exam, and just spending time with this guy, Scully just won’t accept this is Mulder. Jeffrey Spender returning to the series, and information of evidentiary value indicating that Mulder and him are CSM’s son, offer some significant plot revelations…it is quite a wallop that the very man Mulder hates more than any other is his own father. Spender, shot in the face by his father, injected with a chemical that deforms his entire body (Doggett can only describe him as someone seemingly aged while Scully agrees with Spender about curious burns resulting from whatever it was scientists forced into his body, as the poor guy was used as a guinea pig), needs to make sure William can’t be used by those in favor of alien colonization. A slight metal fragment, injected into William, will assure that he won’t be of use to them; Scully, however, is convinced by him that William must be protected or else he might just be treated similarly as Spender.

William’s safety was often of concern to me while watching this season (except when not part of stories involving Reyes and Doggett, that is), as I’m sure it was for the viewers still hanging in there in 2002. Any time Scully was even away seconds I gulped. This episode tells us that William will be with an ordinary family and it allows Scully to not live in fear that some Super Soldier or government spook to endanger her son. I think the episode finally allows Anderson a reason to perform to her capabilities, particularly the heart-wrenching, emotionally devastating decision process while looking at her son in his crib, contemplating the pros and cons of giving William up…losing her son as his safety is a sacrifice that seems to be the only option available to her. The entire episode, though, really gives Anderson some material she could work with. Scully loves Mulder and wants him back and the concern that her son could face a similar fate as Spender: these are developments that allow Anderson to sink her teeth into the emotional toll Scully endures. The loss of Mulder has taken a toll and eventually having to give up William to adoption only make matters worse. When Scully visits an older son’s bedroom in the eleventh season, what happens in “William” carries greater relevance, greater impact and potency. And just the idea that this “Daniel Miller” from Fredericksburg could be Mulder lingers over the episode, with even Skinner reacting awestruck as the DNA indicates it might just be him. Doggett and Reyes are functionaries of support for Scully, hoping to help her figure out who Daniel is and what his purpose might be. Duchovny’s direction comments on the effects the previous seasons have had on Scully…and Spender ultimately. Doggett and Reyes are there for Scully, assisting her instead of infiltrating the story. 3/5