“I’m afraid to believe”. – Dana Scully.
BEYOND THE SEA [Standalone] Aired January 7, 1994
Episode: 1×12 / 13 Overall
Director: David Nutter • Writer: Glen Morgan & James Wong
Scully believes that the pyschic predictions of a death row inmate are the only hope in the kidnapping of two college students.
In 2008 series creator Chris Carter and writer/producer Frank Spotnitz hand picked eight episodes to feature in a DVD collection entitled, The X-Files: Revelations, or Essentials in the UK and Australia. These eight episodes were considered as essential viewing for newcomers, a collection of shows that represented what the series did best. Beyond the Sea was featured as the second episode in this collection and it’s not difficult to understand why. Morgan & Wong’s masterpiece, arguably their finest work as series writers, is consistently rated as one of the best X-Files episodes of the entire series, by critics and fans alike. The writers however are not solely to thank for this. Beyond the Sea is successful due to it’s culmination of elements that work in conjunction with one another, the acting, writing, direction, music are all handled with the utmost care. A singular episode is only ever as good as the sum of its parts and as already mentioned, it’s the team effort that helps certain shows stand out above the rest.
We meet Scully’s parents in this episode and are invited to explore a side of the character we have not witnessed thus far. For the first time in the series we see a role reversal in Mulder and Scully. Ever the sceptic, Scully wrestles with her beliefs as she is torn between logic and faith, allowing for the first time to open herself to extreme possibilities. While usually so willing to believe, Mulder holds firm to his convictions that Boggs is nothing but a con artist, faking his psychic abilities in order to manipulate his colleague, an interesting change for his character. Beyond the Sea features a convincing and powerful performance by Anderson, having been given the opportunity through the script to really explore her character to a deeper level than we have seen so far. This episode offers us some explanation as to why Scully is so determined to intellectualize and rationalize her experiences on the X-Files, despite all evidence to the contrary. She is afraid to believe. She is terrified of the possibility that not everything can be explained by science, and her fear is so consuming that it prevents her from being open to the possibilities that Mulder, on the other hand, so actively seeks out. This is a crucial episode for her character development as it helps to explain Scully’s actions and allows us to sympathize with her position rather than be frustrated by her lack of faith. We also get a further glimpse at the compassion that these agents feel for each other. After Scully’s father passes away during the episodes opening, Mulder displays sensitivity towards his partner, calling her Dana for the first time in the series. This is evidence of the relationship that is developing beyond a professional capacity and although it is merely a taste of what’s to come it’s an important moment for the characters evolution.
Aside from Scully’s character study, the other element that help this episode to shine is the performance by Brad Dourif as the emotionally tortured inmate Luther Lee Boggs. Some may recognise Dourif from his numerous television appearance, such as his role in HBO’s Deadwood, or as the voice of the possessed homicidal doll, Chucky, in the Child’s Play film series. Although Morgan & Wong’s script contains some well written dialogue and character development, it’s arguably Dourif’s performance that truly brings this character to life. Through the intensity of his acting ability he conveys a character who is compellingly evil yet at the same time an emotionally vulnerable and tortured man. Tormented by the visions of his victims, he is terrified of death. Describing the afterlife as cold, dark place. Thanks to his convincing performance, we sympathize with his pain and although it is never proven conclusively, the audience is compelled to believe his powers are real, as we witness him agonize over the visions of Henry’s crimes. A memorable performance that stands out amongst the series diverse range of guest characters.
This is the type of X-File episode that makes it’s predecessors, no matter how competently produced, pale in comparison. Certainly deserving of it’s place amongst the X-Files top ranking lists, and though Morgan & Wong will come close, they will never quite top the brilliance of their season one effort. Spotnitz and Carter were right to include it in an essential viewing collection. Beyond the Sea is the highlight of the first season and an excellent example of why the series was so popular at the time of it’s release and continues to be over two decades after it’s television premier.
★★★★★
The X-Files Retrospective Project 