You've got to be paying attention while watching The Red and the Black. With all the new twists and turns that occur, it's hard to keep track. Supposedly, Kryeck is working for the Russians and Marita is working for the United Nations. Then, we discover that those two are working together and are lovers. Then, we discover that Marita is betraying Krycek and attempting to help Mulder. Now, we have faceless alien rebels who are resisting colonization. And, a vaccine for the black oil has supposedly been developed. Lots of exciting new developments that make this two-parter fun to watch. Now for some random episode thoughts: I liked the helicopter blade sound effects as Mulder is exploring the burn site. Aliens just can't fly. They are always crashing their spacecrafts. I found it touching that Scully subconsciously reaches for Mulder's hand during her regression hypnosis. The special effect of Cassandra being abducted is really cool with the ashes floating upward with Cassandra. Classic visual. The syndicate really isn't working well together. First Elder decides to go ahead and turn the alien rebel over to the colonists without consulting the Well-Manicured Man. I think they are in disarray because of the alien rebels and don't know how to approach the situation. Last of all, it appears that Krycek of all people helps Mulder to start believing again. Mulder and Krycek have a great exchange in Mulder's apartment, Krycek turning to Mulder for help after his alliance with Marita has failed and the syndicate will have nothing to do with him. The new twists and developments along with the role reversal of Mulder and Scully help keep Patient X and The Red and the Black up with best of the mythology episodes.