The X-Files
"X-Cops"

Airdate: February 20, 2000

Bad boys, great episode: "X-Cops"

Why can't all X-Files episodes be like "X-Cops"? Smart, funny, consistent in characterization and clever in storytelling -- this is truly one of the finest and most inventive shows of the last few years, and definitely the best of the season. And sure, "X-Cops" may have been a gimmick -- the show, from start to finish, played like an episode of the TV series COPS--but it's a great gimmick, with a terrific execution. "X-Cops" gave X-Files a much needed kick in the ass, restoring the sense of unpredictability and creative drive that we loved in the episodes of old. And oddly enough, it was the "Cops" in "X-Cops" that did it.

For COPS, that fine vestige of television programming which writer Vince Gilligan knows so very, very well, is utterly incompatible with any of the lesser attributes of modern-day X-Files. "X-Cops" strips the series down to its bare essentials, negating any chance of pompous monologues and incoherent plotlines. Instead, Gilligan delivers dialogue that not only serves as a dead-on parody of both shows but also gives Mulder and Scully some of their finest moments this year. X-Files always worked best when forcing Mulder and Scully into situations that reveal the most idiosyncratic aspects of their characters (think any of Darin Morgan's episodes, or Gilligan's "Small Potatoes"); "X-Cops" pokes fun at the FBI bad boys in witty and original ways.

"You are under arrest for the past three seasons!"

One particularly brilliant scene finds a beat cop explaining to Mulder how hard it is to be taken seriously, and how he fears he'll be taken out on the streets every day. It's a classic COPS moment, but it's a classic X-Files moment as well -- Mulder, sitting in the front seat and clearly enjoying the camera's attention, nods solemnly and tells his new partner he completely understands. Much of the episode's appeal comes from watching Mulder and Scully's respective reactions to being recorded -- Mulder relishes the opportunity to prove his conspiracy theories to the world, while Scully smirks at the camera and holds up her palm.

What Gilligan pulled off here is really quite remarkable. "X-Cops" could have easily become a one-note parody, but it actually contains a fairly scary storyline -- one's worst fear coming to life, evidenced at one point in a police sketch artist's portrait of Freddy Krueger -- and some excellent performances. The guest cast playing beat cops and hood residents are outstanding, and the change in pace seemed to energize Duchovny and Anderson as well. Credit also goes to director Michael Watkins for perfectly capturing COPS' grainy style and cheerfully sloppy camerawork.

"My backside is my best side, baby."

But it is the writing which really impressed me the most. It is all too easy to fill an X-Files episode with portentous ramblings and exaggerated themes and characters; it is far more difficult to write something that is not only realistic, but which must combine the attributes of two utterly opposite series while remaining true to both. Gilligan succeeded, and has proven that despite recent mishaps ("Hungry"), he's still the best X-Files has to offer. Lord knows how he managed to get "X-Cops" on the air, but I'm glad he did -- this inventive, gutsy experiment will likely be remembered as one of the last truly great episodes of the series.

-- Sarah Kendzior

The X-Files airs at 9pm EST/8pm MNT, Sundays on Fox.

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