The X-Files: Best and Worst of Season Two

We're looking back at the sophomore season of The X-Files!

General thoughts on Season Two:

• David Duchovny continues his best impression of a two-by-four. 
• I liked how this season started to go deeper into government conspiracies, with the multi-episode arcs being stronger than most stand-alones. 
• Scully gets kidnapped way too many times.
• There seems to be a trend of satanic cults popping up in the monster-of-the-week episodes. Eh.

Best Episode: 2.05, "Duane Barry"

The X-Files is at its best when its focusing on the classic alien abductee storyline, and Duane Berry manages to add an interesting twist. Mental patient Duane Barry swears he was abducted years ago, and takes several people hostage in a fit of rage and instability. The trick is that Scully has found medical evidence that Barry might just be a psychological liar due to a brain injury. We start to believe that he really is just a crazy loon; that is, until a metallic chip is discovered in his tooth, just like he said the aliens implanted in him. The episode ends with Barry breaking out of the institution and abducting Scully. In a sea of slow-moving episodes, this was the first one that had me on edge for the entire hour.

Runner-up: 2.12, "Aubrey"

Worst Episode: 2.11, "Excelsis Dei"

Excelsis Dei might be the most offensive episode of the X-Files I've seen so far. A nurse working at a nursing home claims she was raped by one of the residents, and hardly anyone takes her seriously, or shows her the slightest bit of sympathy (except maybe Scully). In fact, the sexual assault is treated like an offhand joke.

Accused rapist: "Yeah. I though Nurse What’s-Her-Name said she was rogered by a ghost. I may have one foot in the grave, but I certainly can’t fly down hallways spreading amour. If that’s what it’s like in heaven, Lord, take me now!"
Scully: "What do you think, Mulder?"
Mulder: (grinning at her) "About the guy’s plumbing?"
Writers: "Plumbing! Ha ha ha!"
Me: ....

Does the episode stop at using rape as a punchline? No. No it does not. We're also treated to an Asian orderly playing the stereotype of mystical healing man, who can cure Alzheimer's and conjure spirits with magical mushrooms, all the while espousing on the virtues of treating your elders with respect. Guh.

Runner-up: 2.07, "3"

What did you think of Season Two? Share your thoughts in the comments below!