I think that this episode is misunderstood because of Mulder's theory, ultimately proved wrong, that the old woman is a succubus, which is an evil entity. Keep in mind that the title of the episode is "Avatar," which in the Hindu religion, means a deity of some sort who manifests a presence on earth. The old woman, I believe, was an avatar and also some type of spiritual alter ego of Skinner's wife. She was there to protect Skinner, in the process killing those who were part of the plot to do him harm. The evidence of her benevolent nature and the connection to Skinner's wife is found in the scene where Skinner sees the old lady and pursues her, only to discover that it's his wife, as well as the scenes where he sees the old lady in the hospital and prior to the car accident. By the end of the episode, Skinner realizes who and what the old lady is as well as the connection with his wife. He puts his wedding ring back on because in light of the events that just took place, he realizes that he loves and cannot leave his wife.
I thought it was a beautiful story, really. But it was a little too obtuse--you really had to think about what was going on. Plus, Mulder's theory was way off. Yes, there was something supernatural going on, but it wasn't quite what Mulder thought it was.
In sum, this was a refreshing episode, part of the overall story arc of the show (because it was another attempt by the Syndicate to bring down the X-Files by getting rid of the agents' staunchest ally), while focusing on Skinner.
I thought it was a beautiful story, really. But it was a little too obtuse--you really had to think about what was going on. Plus, Mulder's theory was way off. Yes, there was something supernatural going on, but it wasn't quite what Mulder thought it was.
In sum, this was a refreshing episode, part of the overall story arc of the show (because it was another attempt by the Syndicate to bring down the X-Files by getting rid of the agents' staunchest ally), while focusing on Skinner.