“Audrey Pauley’ is another episode I had forgotten about until watching for these reviews. It is a wonder I did. The story is Reyes-centric, so it is another highly imaginative existential journey. A very engaging one, I might add, because this time around Doggett is as much of part of the story as Reyes. They are not only partners, but have a connection with one another that could blossom into romance. Reyes was, I believe, intended to be a love interest for Doggett in the beginning.In order to enjoy “Audrey Pauley,’ you have to overlook two issues. One, Reyes is in a coma because of a terrible car accident. Two, while in the coma, she exists in a netherworld created by a mentally/emotionally disturbed patient named Audrey Pauley. In the previous episode, Doggett was in a coma after suffering a terrible car accident. While in a netherworld, he received a message from God. The circumstances are not the same. Doggett was targeted, while Reyes was hit by a drunk driver. Doggett only recalls his experience in the netherworld. We actually see Reyes’ experiences. The episode is so well made, however, the fact the same story is done back to back with the main characters switching places is forgivable.
Reyes’ car is struck while driving in an intersection by a drunk driver. Although she does not suffer any head injuries, she is pronounced brain dead at the hospital. She has a DNR with a request to donate her organs, so the doctor in charge is ready to pull the plug. Doggett does not want to let her go. There are some really sweet touches, including a fantasy sequence which strongly hin the is in love with her, but is afraid to say so. His only hope is Audrey Pauley, a mentally/emotionally disturbed patient who tells Doggett she can interact with Reyes by way of a dollhouse version of the hospital in her room.
Reyes is safely--for the moment, anyway--in a ethereal copy of the hospital along with two other patients on life support. This place was somehow created by Audrey to protect them from being murdered by the on call physician. He has been faking that patients are brain dead so that he can pull the plug himself. It is not made entirely clear whether he likes feeling heroic by saving other lives with the organs donated or if he is just gets a thrill out of murder. At Doggett’s urging, Audrey re-enters her little hospital world to ask reyes to give some kind of outward sign she is alive. Reyes does, and points out what the doctor is doing, but not before he kills Audrey with a lethal injection.
Reyes recover quickly. She and Doggett give each other knowing looks, but neither confesses any romantic love for the other. Does that give any Mulder/Scully shippers a feeling of déjà vu? Perhaps a loss of patience with the series? I cannot even venture a guess how many shippers are still left around at this point.
“Audrey Pauley” feels only marginally like an episode of The X-Files. it is muxh more like an above average installment of The Twilight Zone. I am not complaining, however. The hospital created by Audrey is the incomplete vision of a real environment. Vital parts re missing. Writing is gibberish. It is very clearly the creation of a disturbed mind. It is also homage to The Cabinet of Dr. Calugari,, the classic silent film which takes place within an insane mind.
Aside from the homage, I appreciate the character development. Doggett and Reyes are definitely a case of opposites attract. Maybe so much so, they both fear admitting their attraction for one another. Doggett is such a straight-laced, by the book guy who is grounded in the natural world. Reyes is a free spirited, New Age type. They ought to despise one another, truth be told. It is sweet that not only do they do not, but they have a immensely tight emotional bond.
In a nice touch, Audrey is played by Tracy Ellis. Ellis previously played Lucy Householder in the third season’s “Oubliette.”. Lucy was also emotionally disturbed due to her having been kidnapped and held prisoner in the dark from a young child until her late teens. Audrey is a far less angry character, but like Lucy, Audrey sacrifices herself to save another.
"Audrey Pauley” is a touching episode in many ways. It is definitely one of the ninth season’s highlights.
Rating: *** (out of 5)