 The episode received mixed to positive reviews from television critics . Entertainment Weekly gave the episode a B , describing it as " a well @-@ paced murder mystery with an inventive wrap @-@ up " . Robert Shearman and Lars Pearson , in their book Wanting to Believe : A Critical Guide to The X @-@ Files , Millennium & The Lone Gunmen , rated the episode three @-@ and @-@ a @-@ half stars out of five . The two positively critiqued the episode 's " character study " of BJ Morrow , noting that it " makes this episode stand out " . Shearman and Pearson also complimented Strang 's performance , writing that she " seizes the part and gives it dignity . " However , the two were critical of the genetic defect , arguing that , because Strang 's character is fleshed out , the reveal turns her into " a puppet of the paranormal " . Critical Myth reviewer John Keegan gave the episode a 7 out 10 rating and wrote that , " Overall , this episode opens some interesting doors , adding the concept of genetic memory to the list of phenomena that cannot be explained in fully material terms . While the plot makes a certain amount of sense , there are a number of convenient moments that take away from the whole . But the end result is a strong episode . " 
