Pusher

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PLOT: Mulder and Scully are asked to be involved in a case where a man claims that he murdered people who appeared to have died of natural causes.

What would you do if you suddenly found out that you can force your will on someone and there was nothing they could do about it? That would make some people believe they can do anything and get away with it. Well, that's basically the idea behind the character of Robert Patrick Modell, also known as "Pusher."

This case just falls into Mulder's and Scully's laps, since it was originally assigned to another agent, Frank Burst (great name!). At first, it really doesn't look like an X-File. Yet, when both Mulder and Scully see one of their own Bureau people voluntarily light himself on fire, it becomes one involving a form of mind control, which is a subject that isn't often explored on the show.

After Modell gets captured, Mulder witnesses his power to avert a judge's decision during a preliminary hearing. This is one of the few instances you see why Mulder was given the nickname "Spooky." It's amazing to see the way Mulder thinks! He analyzes the situation, makes a psychological profile and tries to outmaneuver his opponent. In this case, he almost seems to know exactly what Modell will do next. Even Modell can see a formidable foe in Mulder, or else he wouldn't have risked walking into the heart of the F.B.I. just to look up Mulder's file.

Actor Robert Wisden plays Modell with just enough arrogance and mishievousness that reminds me of the Riddler from Batman comics. He wants to be in control, but doesn't respect anyone in control. Modell makes up an elaborate past of being a Ninja master and intellectual without having the actual training. He encounters Mulder and sees a "kindred spirit" or someone who he aspires to be. Thus, it's a game for Modell, since he has nothing to lose.

As usual, Scully isn't totally convinced of "the whammy" as Mulder's term to describe Modell's power. Yet, she sees several instances of Modell using this power, and it doesn't seem to phase her. Only until Holly, a female agent who was recently mugged, succumbs to Modell's will and is commanded to beat up on A.D. Skinner, does Scully finally agree to have Mulder take full reins on this one. She even goes along with Mulder's explanation of how Modell gained his powers, through a brain tumor.

The interaction between Mulder and Scully is crisply evident in this episode. They work together beautifully, and their little argument about "the whammy" while at the shooting range harks back to some of the first season's best bonding moments. There's also the famous non-verbal communication between the two that is in full abundance throughout.

Of course, Duchovny and Anderson give their personal touches near the end of the episode. When Mulder is ready to go off and face Modell alone, Scully is fully aware that Mulder may not come back. So for that brief moment, when he hands her his gun, it is as though they drowned out everyone and everything else around them. Through a simple glance, they show pure affection, concern and love towards each other *without* one word spoken. How many other TV couples do you know can pull that off?

The tense Russian Roulette scene between Modell, Mulder and Scully was well done. It shows Modell's arrogance wasn't impregnable as he even flinched when Mulder pulled the trigger to an empty chamber. Scully's strength throughout the scene helped Mulder concentrate on Modell and her quick thinking saved them both. As Mulder is continuously pulling the trigger at Modell even though he only had one bullet, there is an air of relieved frustration from Mulder. In that brief scene, we see two of Mulder's biggest fears manifested: the loss of control and the near-death of Scully by his hand. At Modell's bedside, the sense of relief in both Mulder and Scully is obvious and the famous "hand holding" part was noticed by everyone.

Vince Gilligan wrote "Pusher" and likes to focus on the Mulder/Scully dynamic, and this episode literally defines it. It's a personal favorite of both Gillian Anderson and Chris Carter. For many X-Philes, this one is divided pretty much down the middle between Shippers and NoRoMos. From whatever angle you may see this episode, it still shows that Mulder and Scully have a genuine concern, whether friendly or romantic, for each other and not even a "Pusher" can change that.

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