Vienen

Vienen takes us back to a familiar friend of the x-files, the black oil. But it's the black oil like you've never seen it before. Vienen is the first and only Mulder/Doggett episode and you shouldn't miss it.

For two guys that don't care for each other that much, the two actors have good chemistry and work very well together. Their dialogue is fun to listen to as they constantly take jabs at each other. It's unfortunate that this combination didn't happen more, but Doggett was Mulder's replacement, so that really wasn't possible.

Kersh is just as mean and nasty as ever. I just love to hate his character. James Pickens Jr. plays that part to perfection.

The Spanish sounds good in this episode, at least from the Hispanics. I'm not sure about Doggett's Spanish. It's better than his Spanish in season nine's John Doe though.

The set of the oil rig is fantastic. It feels like Doggett and Mulder are actually on a rig. The special effects of the rig on fire and exploding are also well done.

A couple of things don't sit right for me in this episode, which prevent me from giving it a perfect score. The black oil seems to exhibit out-of-character characteristics. In previous episodes, when it has jumped from person to person, it leaves the previous person completely. In Vienen, it appears to be able to share itself with almost the entire crew. Also, it has to use some kind of radio to communicate? They act like mindless drones instead of sentient beings as in previous episodes. If this new property of the black oil would've been explained better, I could've gone with it. But as it is, they don't, so I was left feeling a little confused.

As Mulder and Scully both said in this episode, it's just like old times; black oil, flaunting authority, etc. Vienen is a good ride with Mulder and Doggett essentially doing a Buddy flick. Be sure to enjoy Vienen before "they come".

Agent Doggett is sent to an oil rig, to investigate a strange death, and a few rumblings about a strange oil. Kersh is more concerned with the political ramifications of the rig.

Very good episode, another strong episode from Series 8. We get the unlikely duo of Mulder and Doggett thrown together, having to reluctantly work with one another, and as you'd expect, they clash.

It's an atmospheric episode, I loved the claustrophobia that the oil rig setting brought, and I also enjoyed the way that Mulder worked his way into the case. Plenty of tension, it's a clash of egos, but great acting from Duchovny and Patrick.

I feel that Kersh is getting more and more interesting as a character, clearly up to no good, I keep wondering how and when he'll never his end.

One or two minor frustrations, I felt like we were left with a few unanswered questions, what happened to the rig hands, and why was the oil behaving so differently. Possibly serving as the means to an end, allowing Kersh to boot Mulder out.

8/10.

"Vienen," the eighteenth episode of the eighth season of The X-Files, directed by Rod Hardy and written by Steven Maeda, revisits the series' mythology with a focus on the alien black oil, a recurring element that has been central to the show's narrative. This episode follows Agents Mulder (David Duchovny) and Doggett (Robert Patrick) as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths aboard an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The storyline intertwines themes of corporate greed, environmental disaster, and the ever-looming threat of extraterrestrial influence, all while exploring the developing dynamic between Mulder and Doggett.

The narrative begins with a dramatic incident on the oil rig, where a crew member is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As Mulder and Doggett arrive on-site, they quickly discover that the rig is not just a workplace but a potential breeding ground for something far more sinister. The episode effectively builds tension as the agents uncover evidence of black oil infection among the crew, leading to paranoia and chaos. The plot thickens when it becomes apparent that the oil company is more concerned with profit than safety, raising questions about corporate responsibility in the face of environmental hazards.

Visually, "Vienen" employs a dark and claustrophobic aesthetic that enhances its themes of isolation and danger. The setting of the oil rig serves as an effective backdrop for the unfolding horror, with its tight corridors and industrial machinery creating a sense of confinement. The cinematography captures both the beauty and menace of the ocean environment, while special effects used to depict the black oil are striking, although some critics noted that they lacked the impact seen in earlier seasons. The direction by Hardy maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that tension remains high throughout the episode.

The performances in "Vienen" are commendable, particularly Robert Patrick's portrayal of Doggett as he navigates his growing partnership with Mulder. Their dynamic is marked by tension but also hints at mutual respect as they work together to solve the mystery. Duchovny delivers a solid performance as Mulder, showcasing his character's determination to uncover the truth despite being sidelined by bureaucratic obstacles. The supporting cast, including Miguel Sandoval as Martin Ortega, adds depth to the narrative, particularly in highlighting corporate interests versus human lives.

Thematically, "Vienen" explores issues of trust, environmental ethics, and the consequences of human actions on nature. It critiques how corporate greed can lead to disastrous outcomes for individuals and communities while also addressing broader concerns about governmental oversight in matters of public safety. The episode's title, which means "they come" in Spanish, foreshadows not only the arrival of danger but also reflects on how humanity often invites calamity through negligence.

In conclusion, "Vienen" serves as a compelling entry in The X-Files canon that successfully reintegrates key elements from earlier seasons while advancing character development and exploring relevant social issues. While it may not reach the heights of some classic episodes due to pacing issues or reliance on familiar tropes, it effectively engages viewers with its mix of suspense and social commentary. Ultimately, "Vienen" reminds audiences of the ongoing threats posed by both alien forces and human choices, encouraging reflection on our responsibilities toward each other and our environment.