The X Files - Ascension **

Skyland's Ascension to the Stars plays into the title as Duane drives Scully to a certain point up a Virginia mountain to replace him as an alien abductee. Mulder, in a daring effort to get to the top before Duane does, takes a newly repaired cable, and Krycek's dark side finally reveals itself. In this episode, Cigarette-Smoking Man is featured in scenes when Skinner and FBI activity is ongoing (such as Scully's rescue operation). It's obvious CSM has Krycek being an instrument of interference so that Barry accomplishes his mission. Even if Mulder is nearly killed by falling off the cable car (in a very tense sequence) when Krycek turns off and on the operations, Scully's kidnapping--a lasting, iconic image of X Files is Scully, bound, in the trunk of a stolen car after Barry murders a highway patrolman. Barry's celebration is short-lived, to say the least.

Here is a review of mine from Christmas 2017 (Review ) 

Mulder choking Barry and nearly out of control, Scully gone and no idea where she is, this is X Files at its dramatic best. But Scully enduring an implanted pregnancy, under some bright light, while Mulder looks out a window, helpless, and Krycek in the room with Barry before his death; Skinner arrives with his FBI entourage, it is as if everything is collapsing around Mulder. And the Cigarette-Smoking Man clearly pulling the strings so that Mulder is sidetracked at every turn.

Krycek being discovered when Mulder finds CSM's cigarette in the ash tray, and Skinner reopening the X files (as if an FU to CSM) when Krycek doesn't show up for work (his phone disconnected) are major developments obviously. CSM urging Krycek to maintain a relationship with Mulder (of course, that is subverted by Mulder's finding the cigarette), making sure he just follows orders and doesn't get answers he believes he might be deserved of certainly establishes the rules of who's in charge and who will do as he's told.

Skinner's role in the grand scheme of things is always murky, but in episodes like "Ascension" he seems to prove he's on Mulder's side. There are times where Skinner is evasive and questionable. But I don't think there is ever a time where Skinner doesn't show us he detests CSM. It seemed to make Skinner an ambiguous character, often quite mysterious.

Mulder returning to the mountain, looking into the stars, Scully missing, it still leaves this sinking feeling...and after talking to Scully's mom, no good news to give her.