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"Eve"
Written by Kenneth Biller And Chris Brancato.
Directed by Fred Gerber.
Original Airdate: December 10, 1993
It is an odd experience for me to watch 'Eve'. During my initial X-Files phase, roughly a decade ago, I had never seen this episode. I had however read the novelisation by Ellen Steiber. Over and over again. I loved it, and so to me it became this story. So, sitting down to watch it for the first time was just... odd. However, watching it I soon realised that I couldn't remember anything of what happened - my memories were tainted by time, as they so often are.
It's really an exceptional episode. The story is tight and the direction a bit more imaginative than usual. This story moves too, it doesn't linger - you don't feel like there's any padding. It does what it has to do, and it does it well. Nothing seems unnecessary or dull.
Looking at it acting wise, I was surprised by the quality of acting from the twin girls playing the "Eve's" - maybe it's just a Doctor Who: The Twin Dilemma thing, but I always expect twin child actors to be a bit... pants really. But whilst not up to the level of the adults around them (they were kids, you can't expect them to be great) they do a good job of being innocent when they need to be and creepy when they ned to be. Well done.
Harriet Sansom Harris is just awesome in this. Really. She essentially plays three different roles, and manages (via make-up and just the way she holds herself) to make them seem like entirely different people - albiet ones who look the same. She manages to transcend the fact that this is one actress playing three roles. You forget about it. Incredible work right there.
More conspiracy, more awesome Deep Throat (is he a good guy, a bad guy... dunno, but I love him)... who knows where this is going.
The X-Files diaries are on a temporary hiatus until all the old reviews can be re-written, expanded upon and improved. They will resume shortly, until then keep checking our older reviews for the new, updated versions.
After the (in my opinion) fairly dismal ninth episode, the X-Files redeems itself (and good) with this one. The episode begins with Mulder already deep in a private (ie. unauthorised) investigation, with flashbacks to the ever-popular Deep Throat letting him in on one of the Government's little secrets. What follows is perhaps the best 'cover-up' story so far. In which Mulder is arrested, his partnership with Scully is tested and we meet one of the most endearing characters yet to present himself in this show: Max Fenig.
Why do I like Max? Probably cause he's one of us... weird, eccentric, funny. He's basically an X-Files fan... I like him. And when it is revealed that he suffers from an illness, you are genuinely moved. Part of it is the writing, part of it is the fact that Scott Bellis does a bloody good job playing him.
Another thing I love about this episode is how forceful the coverup is. You really get the sense that Mulder is in real danger for trying to expose it - it's well done television. Scully being angry with Mulder for the first time is also good to see, the relationship is always slightly strained because of their differing ideologies, but they normally get along. It's good to see them butting heads over their radically different views. Good stuff.
October 8th. Day Eight of the X-Files Diaries.
'Space' is probably my least favourite episode so far of The X-Files first season. It was a (failed) attempt to make an episode on the cheap, due to most others running over-budget. And even though this wound up being more expensive it still looks cheap. Old and worn looking stock footage seems to make up a large percentage of this episodes running time... it just doesn't work.
The story, because of the constraints imposed upon it by having to use stock footage, is pretty dull. There are only two real saving graces to the whole thing - Mulder meeting his hero, and finding out that the man may not be a hero afterall and then Mulder finally realising that no matter what the man may have done (under the influence of an extra-terrestrial) he was ultimately a hero. There are also some pretty cool special effects, mostly involving an ex-astronauts face changing into that of the 'Mars Face'.
One of my biggest problems with the episode are the sequences in which the 'Face' attacks a character - they are incredibly cheap looking, rushed and the frame shakes about all over the place, so you can scarcely tell what is going on. (Both of these are obviously in attempt to prevent us noticing the cheapness) Ultimately, it's just not a favourite.
October 8th. Day seven of the X-Files Diaries.
Ice is one of my all time favourites. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the claustrophobic, trapped atmosphere of the whole thing, as well as the Paranoia which grips everyone involved. In my opinion it's just perfect television - hell, they could almost have gotten away with it without the parasitic influence... but I suppose it wouldn't be the X-Files then.
The set up is this, a team in the Arctic have been drilling ice, attempting to drill further than anyone ever. They unleash something ancient, frozen down there. It's a classic horror movie set up 'scientists inadvertantely awake ancient evil.' Just because it's cliche though, doesn't mean it doesn't work.
The actors are this things main strength. This episode doesn't rely on locations or typical investigations - it's really all about the characters and how they respond to their circumstances. Duchovy is a freakin' powerhouse in this - his performance as the 'is he or is he not infected' Mulder is incredible, seeming just mad enough to be infected but 'Mulder' enough to bring in reasonable doubt. Excellent stuff. Anderson impresses me more than usual with her paranoid, scared Scully. We so often see Scully simply as the sceptic - seeing her displaying real fear over her circumstances makes her finally feel more like a real person and not just a doubting thomas. Good on the writers for finally giving her character some added dimensions.
October 7th. Day seven of the X-Files Diaries.
I don't like this episode. Most of it is okay, but it really falls flat at the climax. Now, it's clear to the audience from the start that the computer is the evil, moustache twirling mastermind of the piece. And eventually, Mulder comes to realise this too.
The thrill of this episode is in the chase - the actual investigation itself. It's well done, and it's engaging, as they all have been up to this point. One of the major pieces of character development comes along, showing us that Mulder produces exceptional work - we even find out that he'd be well on his way to the top if it weren't for his own devotion to the X-Files. This is important, because it sometimes becomes all too easy to think of Mulder as just being a guy obsessed with the paranormal. It's easy to forget that he's also an exceptional agent - so this reminder was maybe necessary.
Also, Deep Throat is back. He basically shows up and confirms that the Government (or various branches of it) are up to no good. He sets Mulder on the right path. Love Deep Throat (... you know what I mean), and I love that his mystery remains intact.
But when it comes to the climax... well... a computer is just a rubbish villain. Especially when it's a computer motivated by self preservation instincts. We've seen it done well once, and that was enough. This just comes off as a cheaper version of Hal.
I think the writers at some point realised that an evil computer is just a bit pants, because out of the blue Blu (I totally didn't do that on purpose) Mankuma pulls a gun on Mulder. The Government (or some branch of it) become the bad guys, and I'm pretty sure that's just because an evil supercomputer can only be so interesting.
October 5th. Day Five of The X-Files Diaries.
Rewatching these first six episodes has reminded me of why I ever liked The X-Files in the first place. Each episode brings something different to the table - we've had aliens, missinG links, conspiracies and abductions. Now it's time for Ghosts.
There's not that much to say about this one, it's a solid episode and the whole thing flows together nicely. It's also nice that the supernatural side of the case ties in with a not-so-much supernatural case. It's the first real sense of the X-Files team really working alongside other Government agencies, and there work has a huge affect on another case.
One complaint really is that Scully as the sceptic is already wearing a bit thin, and there's one reason for that. You see, Scully misses things. She's always late - she never see's what Mulder see's. We do, though. So we know that Mulder, with all his wild theories, is right (most of the time). So Scully's constant insistance that there is in fact, 'some rational explination for all this' is a bit pointless. If the show played the whole "is it supernatural or not" more ambiguously more often (as in Conduit) or more of the conclusions were akin to The Jersey Devil (in which case the focus is not supernatural, nor approaching normal) then fair enough. But having her making these statements, whilst the audience knows something weird is going on, just distances the viewer from her character.
October 5th. Day Five of The X-Files Diaries.
This is the first fully non-paranormal episode of the X-Files, and it's good. But it's not Pilot or Deep Throat good. It's more just... good.
Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Mulder and Scully investigating events that, whilst bizzarre, a'int totally Sci-Fi. This one's about explaining the Jersey Devil myth - and it turns out it's either wild humans, or some sort of 'missing link' - which has somehow turned up neat Atlantic City. It also questions the nature of mankind - with Mulder frequently theorising that really, as a species we haven't come that far. We're more intelligent, perhaps. But that just means we're thinking up new, more efficient ways to kill each other.
Which is hammered home in the ending, when the 'Jersey Devil' is killed by police officers, for no real reason. But then it turns out that she ate a guy, so all fair I say.
I don't really have much to say about this one, I enjoyed it... but it didn't seem to have as much to do as other episodes. It had the whole Scully getting a life thing, going out on dates... but that's not really a sub-plot that grabbed me. It was interesting and all, but it seemed so far removed from the previous four episodes that it felt like I was watching a different show. But, that's probably not a bad thing.
October 5th. Day Five of The X-Files Diaries.
Conduit.
Written by Alex Gonsa And Howard Gordon. Directed by Daniel Sockheim.
Original Airdate: October 1, 1993
It's quite difficult to review a series like this. So far, out of the four episodes I've looked at so far, all have recieved positive reviews on this site. What I do not want to do is come off as some X-Files worshipping fanboy, who won't hear a word against the show. But that's not so. Okay, I might worship it a little. I might be a fan boy, but I'm not under the misconception that this series is perfect. It's just that these first four episodes are really, really good. Now that I've got that out of the way, on we go with Conduit.
This one is very much a Mulder story - the plot drawing obvious parallels between his life and current events within another family. As I've said, of the two main characters I identify more with Mulder, so stories focusing on him are always going to have an edge.
Whilst we have known for quite some time what is driving Mulder this is the first time it is dealt with in depth. We see why he is so determined in his quest, why the ridicule which is piled upon him runs so easily off of his back and why he cannot give up on this case in particular. It really delves into his driven nature, and that's a very important part of the series.
The story itself is interesting, raising real questions as to whether or not this case is really an X-File or just another tragic, but very human story. All through the story Mulder is determined that there is an extra-terrestrial presence in the case, and there is evidence that such is true - but it's also very much possible that the girl has simply run away. The theories range from Abduction to murder, and it's nice to see the ambiguity at work.
The climax is pretty amazing. It's the first episode that doesn't offer an inarguably supernatural climax. I like it, I like the idea that Mulder, in his quest, will be sucked into events that aren't necessary Supernatural due to his own mission and paranoia. Of course, I'm convinced something ET was going on.
One last thing - the final scene is utterly heartbreaking. Duchovny really makes you feel his pain there, his loss. Utterly magnificent. Excellent work.
October 3rd. Day Three of The X-Files Diaries.
Deep Throat.
Written by Glen Morgan And James Wong. Directed by Harry Longstreet.
Original Airdate: September 24, 1993
It's the third episode, and the X-Files world is still expanding. Like I said before, it's the first season - we can expect this. It did strike me as odd though, that whilst the writers seem to be introducing elements of the Universe in a very methodical, check the boxes kind of way it totally works. It shouldn't. It should feel artificial, false. The fact that it doesn't shows the level of talent working on this show.
Squeeze is an important episode of The X-Files, for several reasons. You see, with X-Files you get the Mytharc episodes - the episodes which are part of the story that won't be resolved until the very end - and you get the monster of the week type episodes. Where the threat is unrelated to the Series overall arc, and Squeeze is really the first of these MOTW episodes.
Monster of the week episodes often have high levels of criticism fired at them, and a large amount of the time it's justified. Normally viewers think they detract from the series as a whole, or don't add anything to the overall story. In this case, those criticisms would be unfair. It is in this episode that we finally get a real sense of just how little regard Mulder and his work are held in. We've seen glimpses of the mocking behaviour, heard that he's kooky. But here he is openly mocked, regularly to his face and even at one point called insane. The point is that we finally understand just what Mulder has to fight against - and a nice little bit of Character development too. Mulder doesn't care.
It's also nice to see Scully standing up for Mulder, despite the fact that by doing so she harms her own chances for advancement. It shows that whilst she is still very much a sceptic, her experiences with Mulder have changed her. And that she see's something in Mulder worthwhile.
There's also a really cool performance from that guy from Grounded For Life. He plays the jackass very well (he strikes me as being a very likable guy, not that I know the slightest thing about him.)
Tooms himself, as played by Doug Hutchison is best when he's doing the low key thing. He's really quite creepy. But as soon as the guy goes into 'killing mode' and starts grunting and growling, he becomes more funny than scary. It's so overplayed it's laughable. That's the sole negative thing I have to say about this episode. Also, loved the short but central performance by Henry Beckman - despite only being in the movie briefly, it really feels to me like his story. Squeeze is an excellent episode of The X-Files. It's quite rare for a series to produce three good episodes in a row, let alone three excellent ones. Surely this level of qulity can't last....
October 2nd. Day two of the X-Files diaries.
Deep Throat.
Written by Chris Carter. Directed by Daniel Sackheim.
Original Airdate: September 17, 1993
The second episode of The X-Files is still really an exercise in world building. It's the first season, and in a show as complicated and layered as this, there is still much to be established. I'll say straight away though, that it never get's boring or dull here. This world is an exciting one (largely, probably, because it's so much like our own. It could be our own). This episode takes one element from the pilot - the idea of Government conspiracies and cover-ups, and runs with it. It delves deeper into it, and if the first episode could be described as a 'Dark ET' this episode is a 'Dark Men In Black'.
The plot is much more simple than that of the pilot - the basic rules of the universe have been established, so it doesn't have to fit as much in. Basically it boils down to this - an air base which is using UFO technology (harvested from the Roswell crash) to build incredibly advanced aircraft - the pilots, being incapable of physically or mentally handling the aircraft, suffer breakdowns. And there's a cover-up. Simple concept, brilliant execution.
So we've established that it's a much simpler story than the first episode, but it's still incredibly important to the X-Files mythos. As I've said, this is the episode that really sets up the 'conspiracy' side of the show. We see the various methods for keeping things underwraps, from essentially kidnapping pilots to a group of Men In Black threatening our two heroes - it gives a sense of the scale of the conspiracy, and of how dangerous those behind it really are. And thus, how much danger Mulder and Scully are in. It's really well written stuff.
I like this episode. Yes, it's a bit more low-key than the first, and maybe not quite as exciting - but I feel it does it's job in emmersing you deeper into the world of Fox Mulder, Dana Scully and The X-Files. Like I've said, it's really a world building episode, continuing what was barely started in the exceptional pilot.It introduces even more characters and concepts that I'm sure will be important in the years to come. The highlight of the episode, I have to say is the title character. 'Deep Throat' - he's Mulders man on the inside. The man who can confirm that everything Mulder believes is true.
Deep Throat is fascinating, because there is this mystery attatched to him. We don't know who he is, what his place is in this world or why he is helping Mulder. He's just this guy who shows up and gives some pretty enigmatic advice, then leaves. He is awesome, and I actually dread the day I find out more about him, because I dig the mystery behind the character. I want to know more, but at the same time I don't. That's good writing for ya, that's good acting for ya.
There's also a humerous performance from Seth Green, later of Buffy and Family Guy fame. A bit of a stereotypical, one note stoner character. But he works, he's funny. Just go with it.
It's not quite as good as the pilot, in my opinion. But it's a solid episode - it builds the world, it makes it more real. It's awesome.
October 2nd. Day two of the X-Files diaries.
Pilot.
Written by Chris Carter. Directed by Robert Mandel.
Original Airdate: September 10, 1993
It is a pretty difficult thing to write this review. What I want to see the grand scheme revealed as I go along, and have the same suspicions and theories as I would have were I watching the episodes as they originally aired. Basically I have to try and get myself into the state of mind of an X-Virgin. But this is impossible, at the end of the day I know the outcome, I know The Truth. So this little adventure will always be like knowing how you will die from the moment you are born.Basically, this episode, like any pilot, has the job of establishing the fictional universe in which our characters exist and the stories will unfold. It has to introduce the audience into this world, and make them believe in it. It's no easy task - and there are countless examples of the failures to do so out there in the big world of television pilots.
The X-Files pilot is pretty clever. The production team obviously know who is going to be watching, the Sci-Fi fan. But they also want to ensnare viewers who are maybe not so familliar with this type of television. To accomplish this the show uses a fairly typical device. And that is character identification.
For the less hardened Sci-Fi fans or casual viewers we have Dana Scully. The character, who like the viewer, is new to this world. She will learn it's rules as the story progresses. Just like the viewer. It's all about identifying with this one character and using her as the key into this world.
Like I said earlier, this is a pretty common device in all types of fiction. From novels to television to feature films. We're used to it, we know what is being done as we see it happen. So it takes exceptional writing to make it work. Does Chris Carter suceed in this endeavour... well, not for me.
It probably worked for those casual viewers who had seen little to no Sci-Fi. But my window into this world, was Fox Mulder. Y'know this is a Sci-Fi show. I'm a Sci-Fi fan. I'm coming into this wanting Aliens and exciting investigations into Paranormal activity - I'm not going to connect with Scully the sceptic, at least not immediately. We need to see her character fleshed out a little more first.
Fox Mulder is the sci-fi fan. He's obsessed with UFO's, Aliens and all kinds of bizzarre happenings. Muler, looking for conspiracy under every rock is my key into this world - since I already share his interests and beliefs it's much easier for me to put myself alongside him. But like I said, that's how clever Chris Carter has been. He's catering for both audiences - we both have characters we can latch on to and who perpetuate our own beleifes or hobbies. Damn clever stuff.Whilst the characters are being introduced, there's also a story going on. Whilst many pilots are short on story, so as to focus on establishing the characters, the X-Files has a full-blown investigation. It's all to do with abductions and missing teenagers and Government conspiracy's and kids in coma's and alien experiments and mutated corpses and... phew, there's a lot going on. And it's a testament to Carters writing that he suceeds in making it all very easy to follow. It even manages to set up events and characters that we will still be feeling the shockwaves from nine seasons later...The X-Files pilot is excellent. It gives you good character, an exciting multi-layered story and sets up future events. It leaves you hungry for more, as it should.October 2nd. Day two of the X-Files diaries.
In my youth (well, when I was younger. I suppose I still am young) I loved the X-Files. I had, what at the time, seemed like a great deal of it on video. And I watched it on TV, I loved it.
But at some point, my fairweather adolescent mind stopped being interested. My X-Files videos were sent up to the loft, the dozens of books packed up in a box and forgotten about at the back of a cupboard. Abandoned to gather dust.
Then, about a year ago, on a whim I bought the complete first season. I watched an episode or two, and then forgot about it. Then, just a few months ago I slid disc 1 into my DVD player. I don't know what happened, what was different. But I fell in love with the series all over again, and before finishing Season 1 rushed out to buy the complete box set, and the second movie which was not contained within the set.
However, using the internet I doscovered that there was more to the Universe than just the adventures of Mulder and Scully. I was aware of the short-lived 'The Lone Gunmen', but I had no clue that the show Millennium was connected to the X-Files universe. And so, I stand at this:
I will watch, and review every televised adventure within the X-Files universe, and the two X-Files movies.
I will begin soon.
October 1st. Day one of the X-Files diaries.
"Eve"
