The X-Files Season 11: 10 Things We Learned From My Struggle, Part III

4. Walter Skinner Is Looking At The Bigger Picture

The X-Files My Struggle III
FOX

Monica Reyes isn't the only character to undergo significant (and organic) character growth in My Struggle, Part III. Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) finds himself torn by a devil of a deal, offered by the devil himself. A change of allegiance is hinted at, though it may very well be a red herring.

First, however, we see a more assertive Skinner early on. Skinner has always butted heads with Mulder, but he seems determined to reign the agent in early on in My Struggle, Part III. It's no doubt out of concern for Mulder, mind you.

Later, Skinner is approached by Monica Reyes and the Smoking Man. He's offered a deal: help them, in exchange for his survival from the coming alien plague. Scully and William's survival is assured as well, though crucially, not Mulder's.

Skinner asks why he'd ever betray his closest allies... but the devil can be convincing. He assures Skinner that Scully herself would take the very same deal. We never do hear whether they come to an agreement.

In the final scenes of the episode, however, Mulder (literally) sniffs out what has been going on. Demanding to know what Skinner is hiding, Skinner refuses to show his hand. Has he switched sides? Probably not, but it's clear he's looking at the bigger picture. He may have inserted himself in a place where he can ferret out crucial info for the agents.

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Contributor

Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.