Fire

Man I love the X-Files but this episode stinks. Not "episode 1 of season 10 stinks", but it's circling close by. I haven't seen such terrible stereotypes of British people since Three Men and a Little Lady. As everyone else has pointed out, and no doubt been marked as unhelpful by clueless Americans, the British characters are completely distracting in their inaccuracies. What makes it worse is Gillian Anderson was brought up in England, can accurately carry off the accent but was obviously not consulted whatsoever, it being her first season, so the screenwriters arrogance in "knowing best" makes itself very clear. As boring as blonde = good and brunette = bad, they play into the stereotypes of British people being evil, but Americans are good and wholesome. This episode goes against everything the X-Files stands for. The truth ain't in this episode. Skip it.

The twelfth episode of "The X-Files," titled "Fire," directed by Larry Shaw, delves into the themes of obsession and the darker aspects of human nature through the lens of a serial arsonist. This episode introduces viewers to the character of Cecil L'Ively, played by Mark Sheppard, who possesses the unsettling ability to conjure fire at will. The narrative revolves around Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate a series of deadly fires targeting British aristocrats, with the case complicated by Mulder's past romantic involvement with Inspector Phoebe Green (Amanda Pays), who is now working with Scotland Yard.

The episode opens with a gripping prologue that showcases L'Ively in action, setting the tone for the ensuing chaos. This initial scene effectively establishes an atmosphere of danger and intrigue as L'Ively demonstrates his pyrotechnic abilities in a bar, leading to a fiery confrontation that results in casualties. As Mulder and Scully arrive on the scene, they are drawn into a web of deception involving aristocratic families and their hidden secrets. The pacing is brisk, allowing for moments of tension while also exploring the personal dynamics between Mulder and Green, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the investigation.

Visually, "Fire" maintains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create a sense of foreboding. Shaw's direction builds suspense throughout; scenes where Mulder confronts L'Ively are particularly impactful, showcasing both characters' strengths and weaknesses. The cinematography effectively captures the destructive beauty of fire, emphasizing its dual nature as both a tool and a weapon. However, some critics have pointed out that certain plot points feel predictable or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder connects his findings to L'Ively's motivations.

The performances in this episode are strong, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder captures his characteristic charm and enthusiasm for uncovering hidden truths while also revealing his vulnerability through his fear of fire. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's wild theories while showcasing her own growing curiosity about their cases. Pays delivers a solid performance as Inspector Green, effectively conveying her complicated feelings for Mulder while also demonstrating her competence as an investigator. The chemistry between Mulder and Green adds tension to the narrative, particularly during moments where their past relationship complicates their professional interactions.

Thematically, "Fire" explores issues of obsession and control, examining how personal demons can manifest in destructive behavior. L'Ively serves as a representation of those who wield power over others through fear; his ability to create fire becomes a metaphor for his desire to dominate those around him. The episode raises critical questions about how far individuals will go to assert their control over others and the consequences that arise from such actions. Additionally, it highlights Mulder's ongoing struggle with his own fears; his phobia of fire becomes a central element that he must confront in order to save others.

In conclusion, "Fire" stands out as an engaging entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending elements of horror with psychological drama while deepening character dynamics between Mulder and Scully. While it may not reach the emotional heights of later episodes or fully develop all plot points, it effectively maintains tension and intrigue throughout its runtime. The exploration of obsession within a modern context invites viewers to reflect on their perceptions of power and control, setting a precedent for future episodes that balance levity with deeper themes. This episode enriches the overarching narrative while solidifying "The X-Files" as a thought-provoking examination of human experience amidst extraordinary phenomena.

Ok I'm not from England, but I have known British people and watch a lot of British TV. I know that at least three of the actors are from England (Amanda Pays and Mark Sheppard are from London and the old man Beatty is from Manchester) so I am struggling with the previous review criticizing the accents, I would have thought if the British actors didn't like the way they were speaking or accents used, they would have spoken up and said something. That said, and that I really enjoy Mark Sheppard's acting, I think this is one of my least favorite episodes.

Fire is an episode worth watching just to see Phoebe Green of Scotland Yard, Mulder's love from a time long past. It's interesting to see the uncomfortableness that Scully shows around Mulder and Phoebe. It makes you wonder whether Scully was already developing jealousy over Mulder this early in their relationship. But Scully gets the better of Mulder at the end with help of a British accent. It's hard to see what Mulder saw in Phoebe Green when you see what a floozy she is. Fire is one of a few episodes that doesn't begin in the continental United States. The villain Cecil L'Ively is played well by Mark Sheppard. I think he pulls of an American accent well as Bob the caretaker. As in some other episodes, I think the "villain storyline" is secondary to the triangle of Mulder, Scully & Phoebe. The one thing that bugs in this episode is Mulder's fear of fire. It's a plot device that is very contrived just for this episode. It is never mentioned again throughout the course of the series. But that aside, (here comes the cheesy promotion), get hot for Fire!

I'm going through the Xfiles and enjoying them. Some more than others, but this episode was just wrong. English people do not talk and act like that. It's like it's the 1940s talking like the bloody queen. I'm English and I found it annoying. Worse episode so far for me.