This episode starts off with Scully protecting Mulder, in a way only Scully can. Blevins (the Assistant Director before Skinner) asks Scully why she thinks Mulder would have wanted to investigate the tabloid story. Scully says she doesn't know, but to at least let her talk to him before he says no to the case.

Then we have the infamous basement scene, Scully trying to reason with Mulder, trying to figure out why this case is so important to him. Mulder I think in this episode truly values Scully's opinion-- well, at least in this scene. And my favorite part:

Mulder leaning in 'real' close saying, almost whisper-like "Lake Okebogee". Was anyone else's heart beating as fast as mine at that moment? (editor'note: YES!) It was like 'Kiss her, kiss her!' How many times have there been when I was sure he was going to kiss her only to be disappointed with just a leer. Though Mulder does leer good doesn't he! *grins*

Here's one for the Unnecessary Touch Moments: when they are crossing the street to meet Tessa, Mulder guides Scully across the street. *sigh* I don't know how she does it, keeping such a cool composure with Mulder always touching her like that.

The scene I found that most expressed UST would be when Mulder, having just interrogated Tessa, (in which he accuses her of killing Ruby), finds himself being interrogated by Scully.

"Mulder, where are you going?"

"To talk to the boy."

"Darlene won't even let you in the door."

"Well I've got to see him."

"Mulder, they don't want to have anything to do with us."

"Mulder, stop--stop running after your sister." She sighs and says softly, "This won't bring her back"

"Come with me or don't come with me. But until they find a body I am not giving up on that girl."

This scene is filled with UST: Scully wanting to protect Mulder and Mulder not wanting to face his own demons. If you notice throughout this scene, Scully's face is full of twisted emotion; she can see the pain this case is causing him. This episode was number three in the first season, and it is very evident that the two characters were still trying to work out the kinks in their relationship. Even though they were still new partners, you could already feel the trust and love blossoming between them.

I do though, think this episode marks what has been a growing trend in the later episodes. Scully really and truly does care about how Mulder {Mulder what? Beck}, throughout all of Season 1. It's not till the second season that Mr. Mulder starts to see Scully as a person and not just as his partner.

by Laurie Sarnacki

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