Season 3: Episode 19: "Seven and One"

Written by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz

Directed by Peter Markle

Airdate: April 30, 1999

Guest Stars: Dean Norris (Del Boxer)

One would not expect a Millennium episode to begin with a Backstreets Boys song, but here we are (it was for Jordan's birthday party). And that's the lightest moment in another heavy episode with Frank once again enduring an agonizing spiritual journey. 

During the party, Frank is delivered a package with Polaroid photos of himself, recalling the times he was stalked in Seattle that led to Catherine being kidnapped. At the FBI, Frank and other agents consider the evidence, Agent Boxer (pre-Breaking Bad) senses Frank is hiding something and develops suspicions about Frank. Later, Frank confesses a childhood memory to Hollis about a drowning he witnessed. He visits a Priest and talks about his disturbing visions. 

A shapeshifter named Mavius appears to be manipulating the strange phenomena, even attempting to frame Frank for the murder of his therapist. There's an attempt to bury Hollis alive? Later she encounters the demon in the guise of herself. Frank hallucinates drowning inside his bathroom - talk about some bad plumbing. 

'Seven and One" is about coming to terms with childhood trauma and guilt over losing Catherine. He's put through a lot, with multiple dreams of his own death by stabbing and drowning. Hollis is also starting to have visions. There's a lot happening in the episode, not all of which makes perfect sense. Why is the demon pursuing Frank? Why is the FBI suspicious of him? The bureau's been antagonistic all season. 

Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz wrote an ambitious script, solely focused on Frank's character arc and where he might be going. There's a gesture towards spiritual renewal, but what does that even mean in this ever-darkening world? Frank is out through a lot throughout the season, but here we're given a faint glimmer of hope. Hasn't this man been through enough?