Well, the close comes to another season of that enigmatic television institution that we refer to as The X-Files. Was it a quality season in comparison to year’s past? Heck no! But, was it an earth-shattering finale, living up to the expectations set by cliffhangers of the past? Thankfully, yes!
Anyone who has read my reviews of this past season is probably all too familiar with my complaints regarding the shift to a more light-hearted California Dreaming tone since the series left Canada. Add to that, the questionable choice of demystifying the show by revealing many of its more entertaining secrets and you’re looking at a major crossroads.
Fortunately, this episode managed to put the final nail in the coffin of those old conspiracy storylines and to create something the show was in dire need of….new questions. When asked what more Mulder hopes to accomplish now that the plans of the conspirators are apparently dead and their plans foiled, he reminded us of a very human desire…to find his sister. Plus, these alien artifacts and their possible link to the source of human life and biblical inspiration have the potential to drive another season of this show. The final scene of Scully standing astride what looks to be a spaceship has me eagerly anticipating the continuation of this tale.
So, it looks like the overall thrust of the series for its final season is firmly in place. I just hope that the self-contained episodes that used to be so replete with monsters, myths and the unknown will return to their former glory. Sure, the mythology episodes have their cool intellect and insider appeal….but it’s the wealth of imaginative frights that keeps me coming back week after week.
Rating: 
If you were expecting some major drama for the penultimate episode of this chaotic series, you certainly weren’t disappointed. This one had it all: pregnancies, deaths, accidents, lies, betrayal and revelations.
Jane and Kyle continue to be the weak link in these final days. The fact that she’s expecting is just soooo cute…I could barf. Obviously, these two are headed down the aisle next week.
Megan and Ryan on the other hand, were tons of fun. Who expected them to break-up, make-up, and get married…all in the span of a couple of half an hour. Of course, no one could have been all that surprised when Aunt Terry returned to steal the Bad Seed away in a speeding car. Oh, and what a shock when she slammed into that pole! As if we didn’t see that one coming. It was still fun-as-all-get-out to see it happen, though.
Lexi and Michael’s escapes had me laughing out loud as they carted Marlin’s corpse around the MP courtyard. I was thrilled when Lexi told Michael that she’d marry him. But, what’s up with this return to her fixation on Peter? He’s already got Amanda and Eve to contend with. Is Lexi hoping to scoop Peter up once she used twisted little Evie to destroy Amanda.
And speaking of which: the shot of Amanda bludgeoning that boy with a boulder has to be one of the most shocking scenes ever on this show. Does everyone think that she really did it? Eeeeeek! Of course, who’s going to believe Eve now even if she did. That Psycho Cheerleader has gone over the edge and is getting ready to plunge sharp objects into Peter. No one will be taking her word over Amanda’s.
Of course, we do still have an entire hour left. And, every true Melrosian knows that the entire world can change in the span of a commercial break. Kevin will be making a guest appearance next week here in Atlanta for our fond farewell to our friends and foes at Melrose Place. Don’t forget to tune in, and whatever you do, don’t answer the phone from 8:00 to 9:00p.m.
Rating: 1/2
Uh oh, looks like our gal Ally might be finally losing it for good. Could it be that her flights of fancy and erratic behavior have really been caused by a serious mental flaw? Well, next week is the big season finale, so anything is possible.
The other characters seem to be fairing much better, though. Georgia and Billy’s romp in the unisex (and later in Billy’s office) were delightfully playful. I hope their rekindled passion continues so that we can avoid any future Billy/Ally dalliances.
Meanwhile, Nell and The Biscuit continued to flirt charmingly. Nell’s flight attendant uniform is the best. Where can I get myself one of those?
But, the real power couple of the evening had to be Ling and Richard. It figures that he would need Viagra to keep up with her. The shot of the two of them drenched in sweat was worth all the tease and buildup. I think it would be funny if this incident turned Ling into an absolute nympho who couldn’t get enough of Richard. I don’t think he realizes what he’s gotten himself into.
Poor Ally, however, reverted to form and started having really upsetting Al Green hallucinations. My question, though, is what ever happened to her coffee date with Dr. Love? Are we just supposed to assume that they achieved closure…or are they saving that for the finale?
Oh, and somebody tell Vonda not to attempt any Joni Mitchell covers in the future. I enjoy a good Vonda pop tune every now and again, but she simply doesn’t have what it takes to pull off a classic by the legendary lady herself. I think those tears in Ally’s eyes were caused by Vonda’s butchering of Both Sides Now, not by her own broken heart.
Rating:
First off, let me just vent a little anger at the local WB affiliate that had the nerve to preempt this episode for a sporting event. Buffy is the WB’s most popular and critically lauded show. What were they thinking?
Luckily, my buddy Kevin from Boston was home when I called him with my television emergency. He was gracious enough to tape the first part of the two-part season finale for me and bring it with him when he visited me here in Atlanta on the following Friday.
So, I was unable to view the episode during its initial run. However, Joss and company made the wait worth my while with a slam bang buildup that stands up to last year’s awe-inspiring conclusion. Unfortunately, the show was so good, that I’m going insane now that the second part has been postponed due to its violent content.
But alas, unto the task at hand…recounting the highs and lows of this episode. The only low point that I recall would probably have been Angel and Buffy’s whiney argument in the street. Luckily, Faith put an end to that with a well-placed arrow through Angel’s back. Have I told y’all how much I adore Faith as a villain?
The Mayor was in diabolically top form this week. That scene with him chomping away at those spiders was deeeesgusting! And, I gasped at his bravado as he waltzed right into the library to mock Buffy and the gang. Was it just me or did the camera pan right to Oz when the Mayor boasted their deaths were imminent.
Speaking of Oz and the chances for his survival….he should have known better than to consummate his relationship with Willow just before Graduation Day. Hasn’t he watched any of the horror movies he stars in? If you have sex, you die. It’s the rules.
I’m kind of loving Xander and Alia as a couple. Too bad Cordie’s not sticking around. That would be an awesomely bitchy triangle. Of course, Xander would probably leave them both for Oz once he “comes out.” Alia had the funniest line of the show with, “Aren’t we going to kiss now?” Could she be Cordelia’s replacement in the cast…or will she be more fodder for the Mayor?
Of course, the big moment came when the Buffster confronted Faith. Getting to see Buffy decked out in leather and viciously maiming Faith made all those annoying duo slayer stories worthwhile. However, I don’t believe for a second that Faith is really dead. It was all a little too circumspect the way that the Mayor found out about the rumble before we see Faith’s supposedly dying body spirited away. Mark my words, she’ll be back.
But I don’t know any of this for certain. It seems the wise folks at WB decided that it would be more sensitive to pull the episode and wait until after the real-life graduations were over. Ya, I’d hate to see a bunch of copycat demon ascensions plague our fine nation. Do the people making these decisions actually watch this show?
Rating: 1/2
