The X-Files has sporadically done episodes that feel very out of place within the philosophy of the series. Most often, they have been straight up cop shows with an odd twist showing up late in the episode to give it a paranormal aspect. Many times, these have not worked well. “Hell Money” is notorious in my mind. I have mixed emotions about “John Doe.” It is not a bad story as ‘Hell money” was, but up until the final act, I swore it was a re-written, unused script from Walker, Texas Ranger.
While investigating the disappearance of a Texas banker, Doggett wakes up in Mexico with no memories of who he is, or how he got there. After spending a week in jail, he is recruited by a drug cartel to serve as a courier. Desperate for money, he agrees. While doing his job and searching for his true identity on his own, he drops enough clues for Scully, who has all of two minutes screen time, and reyes to locate him. It is lingering memories of his son that hit the reset button on his memory loss. Turns out the leader of the cartel has some psychic ability to wipe minds, but it cannot overcome a doting father’s love for his son.
I was only half joking about the Walker, Texas Ranger vibe from “John Doe.” I could easily see Walker in the Doggett role with that second sight” of his serving as an anchor to his past life which eventually yanks him back to reality. I am not going to deduct points for that, mind you, but it is worth noting that until the final act when the cartel head’s power is revealed, this is not an episode of The X-Files. Literally. Scully, Skinner, and Reyes have such small, bland roles, they could have been played by anyone. Considering their limited, filling out my contract screen time, but actors might have been cheaper.
You know, if you have the power to wipe people’s minds, then convince them to do your dirty work, you ought to utilize them for more than just drug carriers. I am just saying.
“John Doe” sticks out like a sore thumb among virtually all other episodes of The X-Files. It is mostly a standard cop show. There is no explanation why Doggett, permanently assigned to the X-Files, is looking for a missing banker mixed up in drug smuggling in the first place. It is by pure accident the case turns into an X-File. But Doggett has grown on me so much lately that it is still an entertaining view for an X-Phile. At least an effort is being made to shift the series towards the new characters. I cannot see Mulder missing in Mexico with Scully searching for him in the slums the way Reyes was able to do. Consider it a good episode in the twilight era of the series.
A couple points. Look for Robert Patrick’s real wife playing Doggett’s wife, as well, though she is not given any lines. Also, 9/11 is subtlety mentioned as a reason trdources are not being devoted to the search for Doggett. The FBI’s priority is shifting to national security. The shift indicates a change in mood over how important the x-Files are, too. The red-headed stepchild of the FBI is losing even more favor.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
The X-Files has sporadically done episodes that feel very out of place within the philosophy of the series. Most often, they have been straight up cop shows with an odd twist showing up late in the episode to give it a paranormal aspect. Many times, these have not worked well. “Hell Money” is notorious in my mind. I have mixed emotions about “John Doe.” It is not a bad story as ‘Hell money” was, but up until the final act, I swore it was a re-written, unused script from Walker, Texas Ranger. 
