Here we go! The long-awaited Memento Mori #XFScriptWatch!

This was one of the earliest scripts I got when I started collecting them 20 years ago! I'll actually be looking at two versions of the script for this one, the 1/14/97 Goldenrod version and the 1/31/97 Pink 2nd version.

Frank Spotnitz describes MM as a "happy accident." Darin Morgan was originally scheduled to write the episode after Leonard Betts, but when it was discovered that he wouldn't have the episode ready in time, it was a mad dash to come up with a replacement episode.

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The writing team plotted out the episode in only two days, much faster than usual. John Shiban, Vince Gilligan, and Frank Spotnitz then wrote the first draft before sending it to Chris Carter for rewrites, which is why there are four writers on this ep.

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The Gold and Pink 2nd versions of the script are both fairly late in the writing process, so they aren't massively different, but I'll point out the few spots where they do differ. You'll see above that Chris Carter's writing credit was added in the later version.

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Frank Spotnitz has mentioned that Chris Carter contributed much of the memorable dialogue for this episode, including Scully's iconic (and decidedly shippy) opening monologue.

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The decision to give Scully cancer was controversial among the writing staff. It had been discussed, but this is when they actually decided to go through with it, since they were still writing Leonard Betts, which would flow easily into that plot line.

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"He is tying not to show his shaken concern, the queasy feeling that he has at being called here."

No flowers or joke about stealing them from a guy with a broken leg in this version.

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"There is an awkward moment, information and feeling being passed without words. Mulder trying to gauge and divine Scully's spirits while she is simultaneously trying to disguise them."

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There was some cut dialogue here about other possible scenarios, but in the final ep, we cut right to the chase.

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Some scripted hand-holding here, though we can't really tell if it was shot that way, since the camera stays focused on their faces the whole time.

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"MULDER
You can't stand here and tell me there's nothing --
(refusing her)
There must be people who've received treatment --"

Stage 1: Denial

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"Mulder, though standing next to Scully in support, cannot hide the dread he's feeling. Skinner and he trade a look, sharing it."

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While the script itself is excellent, the actors' performances in these scenes always manage to further elevate it. I just adore Mulder fidgeting in discomfort here as Scully remains calm and reserved.

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"Skinner looks from Mulder to Scully. She will not acknowledge the connection, in tone or gesture."

"Skinner nods, though he is not altogether sanguine about this. Out of concern for Scully. But she will not crack."

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