This Controversial 25-Year-Old X-Files Episode Quietly Confirmed the Real Main Character of the Series

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The show initially presented fans with one of television’s greatest duos: Mulder and Scully. However, in Season 7, David Duchovny decided to leave the long-running sci-fi program, and his character was replaced by John Doggett, portrayed by Robert Patrick. This change left many viewers feeling that the show wouldn’t be the same without Mulder and Scully’s unique partnership, a dynamic that had been integral to the series.

Initially, “Roadrunners” shifted my perspective on the show dramatically. I no longer saw Mulder and Scully as a united duo, but rather, I began to perceive Scully as the primary force propelling the narrative forward. Consequently, this exceptionally grisly and peculiar tale served as proof that “The X-Files” thrives on Scully’s fervor, not just Mulder’s fixation.

“Roadrunners” Shows Scully as a Rogue Agent

In Episode 4 of Season 8, titled “Roadrunners”, the story unfolds in a sprawling Utah desert, where Agent Scully finds herself alone, save for an errant phone booth and a solitary bus stop. While conversing with Agent Doggett over the phone, she reveals her discovery of additional glycoproteins linking to another X-File case. Later, she heads to a nearby gas station, where a courteous young attendant offers fuel for her vehicle. However, Scully’s car only manages a few streets before sputtering and stopping, compelling her to retrace her steps back to the gas station.

In the course of my cinematic adventures, I find myself checking into a boarding house run by none other than Mr. Milsap. Reluctantly, I agree to take up residence there. It’s during my stay that I cross paths with a hitchhiker who appears to be gravely ill, with an enormous parasite making its way up his spine. Alas, before I could offer any assistance, the townsfolk close ranks around me, forcing this alien organism into my own flesh and blood. Just when all hope seems lost, Doggett swoops in at the eleventh hour to save the day. In a quiet moment, I reveal to him that these people believed this parasite was none other than the Second Coming of Christ.

Written By Directed By Original Air Date IMDb Score
Vince Gilligan Rod Hardy November 26, 2000 8.0/10

By severing Scully’s communication lines, this approach significantly amplifies the sense of detachment among the audience, yet it doesn’t portray her as a victim. Instead, these methods serve to mold Scully into a more robust and independent protagonist. Despite being alone, she demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness in adapting to new surroundings and displays resilience when confronting strangers. These seemingly minor actions effectively distinguish Scully from Mulder, showcasing her capability as an individual to unravel even the most enigmatic mysteries.

As I navigate my own path towards independence, some viewers might suggest that I’ve adopted a few traits from Mulder, creating a unique blend of our strengths. In this particular instance, when I encounter a wounded stranger, I instinctively inspect the mysterious parasite’s entry wound and deduce that it’s not human in origin. Typically, my training would compel me to rely on science and logic. But in this case, I find myself more open-minded, which is quite surprising given my skeptical nature over the last seven seasons, during which I’ve often dismissed any hint of paranormal activity, even after my own alien abduction experiences. This newfound openness adds depth to my character and positions me as a leader. Previously, I was seen as an equal to Mulder, but in this episode, I demonstrate my mastery of this field, which the fans greatly admire.

This Episode Also Shows Doggett in a Good Light

It was no surprise to see fans heartbroken by his departure, and many viewers weren’t prepared for the series to continue without him. The situation became even more contentious when the show introduced Agent John Doggett, a straightforward New York cop lacking Mulder’s youthful appeal. However, “Roadrunners” suggests that Doggett shares Mulder’s sensitivity, and maybe he’s even more attuned to his environment.

Once Doggett discovers Scully has gone missing, he promptly journeys to Utah to delve deeper into the case. Though he acknowledges her independence and ability to handle any situation, he’s also mindful of potential dangers for a woman in an isolated location. It’s clear Mulder would act similarly, but Doggett showing up to help even after their strained relationship underscores his genuine compassion.

Generally speaking, John Doggett frequently faces unfair criticism due to the fact he isn’t Fox Mulder. The audience was hoping for an unending exploration of Mulder and Scully’s intricate romantic relationship, but it became untenable for the actors. Yet, one might argue that Doggett embodies qualities that Mulder lacked, making him a suitable match for someone like Scully. As soon as Doggett arrives in Utah, he connects with the local police department and requests they start searching for his missing partner. This brief scene underscores Doggett’s esteem within the NYPD and beyond. Typically, other law enforcement officials dismiss Mulder as mysterious or irrelevant. However, Doggett can leverage these connections to swiftly find Scully when she goes missing.

Furthermore, some viewers contend that Doggett doesn’t significantly contribute to the series, given his character appears as a typical police officer. However, it might be suggested that The X-Files intentionally underutilizes Doggett to allow Scully to shine in the limelight. This is particularly noticeable in “Roadrunners.” With no other agent constantly monitoring her actions, Scully gets to demonstrate her remarkable resourcefulness, showcasing the array of skills she’s developed as both an FBI agent and a doctor. Consequently, this episode serves as a brilliant example of character development, emphasizing that not all characters need to be equally prominent to create a compelling dynamic.

Roadrunners Places Scully Against One of Her Biggest Foes

Discussing “Roadrunners” wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging its unique portrayal of a monster, which some believe symbolizes Jesus Christ. Although this might sound absurd to those unfamiliar with the episode, it’s another brilliant instance of The X-Files highlighting Scully without making it too obvious. Fans will recall that she was gifted this item when she was a teenager.

To start off this episode, I’m sporting the cross around my neck, but after enduring an assault by this fanatical religious group, I no longer don the pendant. More precisely, it’s absent when Scully is packing her belongings in the climactic scene. This implies that, having witnessed and experienced what she has, it was recognizing that her faith could potentially hurt her that led her to question her belief in a higher power. This development not only enriches Scully’s character but also ensures the audience can relate without overwhelming them with too many sudden changes at once.

The parasite, in itself, is nothing short of amazing. It was engineered as a lifelike automaton, leaving viewers under the impression that it was genuinely alive and capable of independent movement. Interestingly, the producer, Paul Rubin, found it challenging to maintain his composure during filming. Beyond the technical aspects, this monstrous entity marks a new chapter for The X-Files. The fact that Doggett fired at the parasite indicates his unwillingness to align with these enigmatic beings as Mulder did. He views them as a danger to himself and Scully’s safety. This underscores where Agent Doggett’s allegiances lie. Unlike Mulder, who was eager to engage with these mythical creatures as means to prove the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, Doggett’s background as an NYPD detective enables him to recognize threats more swiftly and prefers not to give them a chance to endanger others.

Analyzing The X-Files as a complete series, “Roadrunners” can be interpreted as a broader critique of religion or simply a rather unsettling episode designed to divert the audience’s attention from Mulder’s absence. However, upon closer inspection by dedicated fans, this episode emerges as a heartfelt homage to the show’s most exceptional agent, Dana Scully. “Roadrunners” sets Dana apart from her familiar support system yet prevents her from succumbing to despair. Even amidst her waning faith, Dana maintains her composure and directs her efforts towards assisting those in dire need the most.

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2025-05-18 00:37