My theory is that Doggett was supposed to become the POV of the audience, the way Scully was in season one. The problem is that the viewers are not new to this series, they've seen it all, they already know what's behind doors one, two and three.

I like the exchanges between Mulder and Doggett, too. They do seem better than what the series came up with for the most part. They also make Mulder's willingness at the end of Vienen to hand over the X-Files to Doggett a little more credible.

that is just the perfect tone for mulder. It’s like on one level he’s this little kid who isn’t even consciously thinking as far as what exactly he could do with the wrench, but really he’s dangerous because he’s so ready to fight off anything, and you think, ‘no, mulder knows exactly what to do with it if need be.’ and the narrative doesn’t sell doggett short, because you can tell that he gets it - that mulder could easily end up in a situation where he was dangerous, just from being so screwed up internally.

Yes. He seems pretty on edge to me in this episode. I think the fic does a good job of illuminating that state of mind for the reader.

It’s so dark, but it almost provoked a nervous laugh from me. I love the irony of it.

Can you elaborate for me? I'm feeling confused.