Mainly I was just going to say that I think that the disconnect between Scully and Mulder in season four is part of what strengthens their relationship down the line. I'm far from a shipper, but I think that element you point out is an important part of the development of their relationship. (Revise: I had almost no problem with Scully's and Mulder's becoming an item. It seemed like a natural evolution to me. What I had a problem with was that it became too much of a focus on the show.) To have come to this point where Scully basically tells him to "fuck off" in "Never Again" really speaks to the level of their feelings. They might be buried at that point, but it's far from indifference. Down the line it's sharing and overcoming that sort of past adversity that will make a couple feel more confident about their relationship.
Additionally, I do think that "Memento Mori" knocked it out of the park when it comes to showing their intimacy. For me it was enough romantic development for that entire season. The hallway scene is simple and so extremely effective. (The deleted kiss scene would have been too much in my opinion.) Scully's voice and mannerisms when she tells Mulder that she didn't want him to read that letter speak volumes. It's easily one of the best-acted moments in film or television that I've ever seen. Additionally, there's an urgency in Mulder's actions in that episode that exceeds the usual I'm-saving-Scully-in-the-course-of-duty-again atmosphere of most episodes. If I had to choose one episode to illustrate the personal relationship between Mulder and Scully and how it should be ideally portrayed within the context of the show, Memento Mori is the one that I would choose.
Sorry to have taken so long to get to your comment. I had a tutorial to prepare for today, so have been a little behind on my LJ replies. Anyway...
Having pondered a little more, I think you're absolutely right about the long term effects of season four on Mulder and Scully's partnership. No relationship, whether between friends or romantic partners, goes without bumps and misunderstandings, and they certainly had a lot to weather over the course of one season. "Memento Mori" is a lovely episode, and I think I'm going to have to watch it again in order to get the full effect. It was almost difficult to take in all at once, for all the time I'd spent in anticipating it.
Additionally, I do think that "Memento Mori" knocked it out of the park when it comes to showing their intimacy. For me it was enough romantic development for that entire season. The hallway scene is simple and so extremely effective. (The deleted kiss scene would have been too much in my opinion.) Scully's voice and mannerisms when she tells Mulder that she didn't want him to read that letter speak volumes. It's easily one of the best-acted moments in film or television that I've ever seen. Additionally, there's an urgency in Mulder's actions in that episode that exceeds the usual I'm-saving-Scully-in-the-course-of-duty-again atmosphere of most episodes. If I had to choose one episode to illustrate the personal relationship between Mulder and Scully and how it should be ideally portrayed within the context of the show, Memento Mori is the one that I would choose.
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Having pondered a little more, I think you're absolutely right about the long term effects of season four on Mulder and Scully's partnership. No relationship, whether between friends or romantic partners, goes without bumps and misunderstandings, and they certainly had a lot to weather over the course of one season. "Memento Mori" is a lovely episode, and I think I'm going to have to watch it again in order to get the full effect. It was almost difficult to take in all at once, for all the time I'd spent in anticipating it.
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