At the very beginning of the episode, we see what I believe is Mulder's true face. He looks lost, even sad, he's having flashbacks, he's clutching a pillow in my memory. Then Scully and his doctor walk into the room and suddenly there is this transformation where we see his public persona take over, where he presents the face that he knows these people expect to see. It is pretty devastating to watch the rest of the episode, knowing that this vulnerability is what lies behind all of his bravado.

He feels dislocated in space and time. When the doctor asks him how he feels, he responds "Like Austin Powers." I think it is this disconnect that is the root cause of the season eight communication glitches between Mulder and Scully, even if the pregnancy is often the focus of them.

I think I'm going to go watch some season one now to clear my brain.