Monsters, mutants, bizarre occurrences...these are the origin of The X-Files. An integral part of the first few seasons, episodes such as "Agua Mala" have shaped the series, intriguing, mystifying, shocking, and most importantly, scaring the pants off its viewers. But there can only be one "Squeeze," one "The Host," and one "Die Hand Die Vertlezt," and after a while, the writers are forced to start recycling story ideas. Not surprisingly, these ideas don't seem as original the second time around. Under the supervision of a skilled writer, this pitfall can be overcome, but for the newbies, it can pose quite a challenge. In their attempt to be different, episodes can become muddled and confused, succeeding only in emulating past episodes. And like "bad water," this often leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

"Anyone for water?"
"No!"

It seems we have another John Shiban on our hands. In David Amann's second X-Filean effort, it's clear that his affinity for Spanish titles and kitty cats is not the only thing he has in common with Johnny - he also can't write that well. He is trying, I'll give him that much, but it seems like he's trying too hard, pumping out forced, contrived scripts about water monsters driven into the sewage system and terrorizing a Florida community. Wait, that's not right. The monster doesn't live in the water, it's a part of the water. Hang on, it *is* the water. But only salt water. And only some of the time. Of course. That makes perfect sense. All the talk about new life developing in the uncharted depths of the ocean made it sound more like an episode of Seaquest DSV than an X-File. I admire David's attempt to incorporate some classic trademarks of The X-Files - flashlights, worms, slime, Mulder and Scully talks - but unfortunately, they just made "Agua Mala" seem like a ripoff of such episodes as "Ice" (the scene where Scully yanks the worm out of the sheriff's neck is an exact duplicate from the latter episode). And it just wouldn't be The X-Files if the local law enforcement wasn't portrayed as stupid, backwater hicks who couldn't solve a case if it wrapped a tentacle around their neck...and even when it did. And what corny humour! Some had me smiling, but others were about as funny as a "fart in a windstorm." The scene in which the washing machine "came to life" would have been more appropriate for an episode of Scooby Doo. Though a story about animated appliances might have been more plausible... "Jeepers Mulder, I think that refrigerator just grew legs!"

"I'm not sure if I'm going need my gun or a harpoon."

Though I may seem unduly harsh, there were moments I really enjoyed myself during this episode. The familiar interaction between Mulder and Scully, the chaotic climax of the worm exploding just as the baby was born, the icky flukeman goo everywhere that just made you want to go "Ewwww..." But my favourite scene had to be when Mulder and Scully were discovered by the sheriff. Mulder and Scully, flashlights in their mouths, round-eyed and round-mouthed in surprise was a sight to behold. They looked so silly! I just wish "Agua Mala" hadn't tried so hard to be a comedy when it worked better as a freaky gross-out episode anyway. It made me feel wet and slimy all over. I love that. :) I liked the return of Arthur Dales too. He interacts well with Mulder and Scully, whether than means commiserating with Mulder over his worm wounds, exulting the praises of Scully, or psychoanalyzing their relationship. Too bad he always gets stuck in forgettable episodes like this one. He could be quite an asset to The X-Files.

"Don't sneer at the mysteries of the deep, young lady."

"Agua Mala" tried to be every X-File all rolled up into one. So not surprisingly, along with its attempts at humour, horror, and drama, a little character analysis was thrown in for good measure. If "One Son" was the Mulder and his sidekick Scully show, "Agua Mala" was its exact opposite. Dales couldn't say enough good things about Scully, pointing out her importance to Mulder and implying that without her he might have ended up a miserable, lonely drunk. While I doubt that would have happened to Mulder - though if his partner died in the same horrible way Dales' did, I'm sure he would have taken to the bottle too - Scully does "have a knack of getting to the bottom of things," an equal partner in their quest. It was cute how both Mulder and Scully tried to downplay Dales' praises, being so magnanimous towards each other at the end. Looks like they learned a thing or two from their "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" psychology lesson. Though Scully did give up pretty quickly on this case...perhaps her only joy in life *is* proving Mulder wrong. :)

"If I had had someone as savvy as her by my side all those years ago in the X-Files I might not have retired."

Scully's a great character. Strong, independent female role models are hard to come by in an industry more obsessed with appearances than personality. But she's not superwoman. So I don't understand why the writers keep placing her in roles that would imply that. And "Agua Mala" definitely fit that category. Nothing is more annoying than a perfect character. They're unrealistic and therefore don't make for interesting drama. Scully hasn't quite gotten to that point yet, but when they start writing roles for her in which she must perform tracheotomies, deliver babies, save lives, manage an emergency situation, and fight off a hurricane made of killer water all with a gun pointed to her head, the believability of her character naturally diminishes somewhat. How much can one do with rubber gloves, a pen, and some tongs? At least she was unable to save Mulder's life too. The crazy guy with the gun wouldn't let her near him. Though you do wonder how enthused she would have been about saving him after last week's episode... Nah, she'd still help him. Their relationship is deeper than a few petty squabbles. And besides, she's perfect, right? :P If the writers of this show aren't making her life miserable, they're making her out to be a saint. Just give her a nice, plain, ordinary life for goodness sake! I realize that's not entirely possible when you're assigned to a job like the X-Files, but at least Mulder gets to play basketball once in a while....

"She didn't save my life, really..."
"Oh, yes, she did. Oh yes, yes, with a gun to her head, no less."

Something from Jules Verne it was not, and after two information packed conspiracy episodes about the impending destruction of the human race, a story about killer water did seem rather...trite. But as silly as the whole concept was, "Agua Mala" was still fun. After half a season of conspiracies and comedies, I was craving a monster of the week episode filled with worms and other creepy crawlies. I may mock it endlessly, cringing at the two-dimensional characters and the plot holes, but if it can send a shiver down my spine and make me want to say, "Ewwww!" then I'm happy.

"You know Scully, one day we're going to look back on this and laugh."