Or rather, the reality that she wanted to live in.
For a new character, Doggetts presence had a powerful effect on the show.
Annabeth Gish, thats who.
Agent Monica Reyes was introduced during the final leg of the Mulder is Missing!
story arc that fueled the first half of season 8. arc), fans could see what Chris Carter and the FOX execs were up to.
She was most definitely going become a headlining character.
It also had a lot to do with timing.
Ushering in new placeholders for our two irreplaceable leads was, quite frankly, insulting.
But we werent there yet.
She was turning our favorite sci-fi/horror series into a Lifetime Original Movie.
I know its not very FBI of me, but Im trying to quit, she says.
Scully and Skinner continue to stare.
Later on in the same episode, we see what brand of cigarettes Reyes smokes: Morley Lights.
She debates on whether or not she should light one up again.
Eventually, Reyes gives in and grabs the pack (Her future sugar daddy would have been proud).
In context of the revival, this scene takes on a symbolic meaning now.
The visual language ofThe X-Filesis incredible simple.
(Right, Dana?)
During her second appearance in season 8s Empedocles, she is shown to be wearing a nicotine patch.
Were given another clue about this in an obscure monster-of-the-week episode from season 9 called Hellbound(908).
Each one ended with her becoming his next victim.
REYES: Whoever I was, I failed.
In 1960, I failed.
I was always there, but I couldnt stop the killings.
And he knew that.
Just like he knows Im here right now.
He feels me, the way I felt him when I saw that picture of the first victim.
And somehow he knows my deepest fear that Ill fail.
SCULLY: Well, maybe in this life you succeed.
REYES: (unconvinced) Maybe…
But its how this scene was played.
Its obvious that Reyes carries guilt for choosing her smokey path.
(I made choices.
You might not approve or understand.
But they made sense to me at the time.)
And its obvious that Scully wants her to feel said guilt.
(Why did you call me, Monica?
To tell me what a coward you are?)
But its a nice touch.
