Miracle Man

The eighteenth episode of "The X-Files," titled "Miracle Man," directed by Michael Lange, explores the intersection of faith, healing, and the darker sides of human nature. The narrative revolves around Samuel Hartley (Scott Bairstow), a young man who possesses purported miraculous healing abilities. As agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate a series of mysterious deaths connected to Samuel's healing sessions, they uncover a web of deception that raises questions about the nature of belief and the consequences of unchecked faith.

The episode opens with a gripping prologue that introduces Samuel as a celebrated faith healer in his small town. His ability to heal people draws significant attention, but it quickly becomes evident that his gifts may come at a price. When several individuals die after receiving treatment from Samuel, Mulder and Scully are called in to investigate. The pacing is effective, balancing moments of suspense with character development as Scully grapples with her skepticism about Samuel's abilities while Mulder becomes increasingly fascinated by the implications of faith healing. This dynamic sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their contrasting beliefs.

Visually, "Miracle Man" retains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of unease. Lange's direction builds tension effectively; scenes where Samuel interacts with those seeking his help are particularly impactful, showcasing both the hope and desperation of the townspeople. The cinematography captures the contrast between the vibrant community surrounding Samuel and the darker undertones of manipulation and tragedy that lurk beneath the surface. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel convoluted or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder connects his findings to Samuel's alleged powers.

The performances in this episode are commendable, especially from Anderson and Bairstow. Anderson's portrayal of Scully showcases her emotional range as she navigates her skepticism and curiosity about Samuel's abilities; she embodies a blend of scientific rationality and personal investment that adds depth to her character. Bairstow delivers a strong performance as Samuel; he effectively conveys both innocence and an unsettling aura as he grapples with the implications of his supposed gifts. Duchovny's Mulder serves as a rational counterbalance; his fascination with the supernatural elements allows for an engaging exploration of belief and doubt.

Thematically, "Miracle Man" delves into profound questions about faith, identity, and morality within the context of healing. The character of Samuel serves as a representation of both hope and danger; his abilities raise critical questions about what it means to be truly healed and whether such powers can be trusted. The episode also examines societal perceptions of faith healers; while some view Samuel as a miracle worker, others see him as a fraud exploiting vulnerable individuals. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs regarding faith and healing, challenging them to consider the fine line between belief and delusion. "Miracle Man" 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.

The X-Files is a pretty cheesy and silly show, especially when they leave their alien abduction wheelhouse, and I'm sure they couldn't afford writers with any experience related to what they're writing about... But arresting a teenager because the people he lays hands on die... And actually having a prosecutor be willing to try it... And not have the case dismissed on day one???

That's a little too stupid even for broadcast TV drama. Also Mulder keeps running after a vision for some reason, why does he not understand how visions work?

Anyway if we're in a world where the supernatural is considered supernatural, then how can you bring murder charges when the murder weapon is the power of the Devil working through touch? Why is the legal system of the X-Files not otherwise shown to accept spectral evidence, miracles, super powers, etc.?

What I'm saying is, this whole episode is dumb.

Miracles, are they possible, who administers them, and who's responsible for them?

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of this one.

I detest this form of preaching, I know for many it's a way of life, but the thought of being preached to by someone dripping in gold, driving a limousine goes through me.

Perhaps not being American I don't fully get it, but for me this episode is very cheesy, it's way over the top, and efforts to make a religious belief into an X File, it just doesn't work for me.

Mulder seeing his sister all the time?

Sorry, I thought this was naff. 4/10.

I don't think Miracle Man gets the respect it deserves. I think anytime you can add a twist to an episode deserves a positive mention. Miracle Man has you thinking that Samuel Hartley is killing these people through his powers, but his puzzling acceptance of it has you to confused as to what is really happening. It's a good guessing game that had me changing my mind till the end. I also like how they included elements about Samantha, Mulder's sister, linking this episode to the myth/arc in a small way. I think you walk a fine line when you produce a religious themed episode. You want it to be authentic without offending people or making it seem hokey. Miracle Man pulls it off well, making it a believable story. Some of the religious-themed episodes fall a bit flat. Miracle Man is one of the better offerings.

The monster-of-the-week episodes from season one were, perhaps more so than any subsequent season, a mixed bag. Their quality was not determined so much by innovation ("Ice" was primarily an update of John Carpenter's The Thing and "Beyond the Sea" an abbreviated version of The Silence of the Lambs), but by the personal stakes the main protagonists had in them. The two aforementioned episodes were integral in the evolution of Mulder and Scully's relationship, and as such succeeded far more than say, "Space" or "Genderbender," which were not.

"Miracle Man" doesn't cleanly fit in either category, but it could be argued that it falls closer to the former. Like the earlier episode "Conduit," the plot dips in to the overarching MacGuffin of the search for Samantha Mulder. The two agents arrive in Tennessee to investigate Samuel Hartley, a faith healer whose touch has recently become a nail-in-the-coffin for his reverend father's congregation members.

The religion-based X-Files are seldom considered to be fan darlings, perhaps due to both religious sensitivity and their higher-level of open-endedness. Carter and Gordon's script does an admirable job of avoiding both of these potential pitfalls. Although the characters themselves are not fully able to piece together the puzzle by the end, it is fairly obvious to the viewer of Hartley's legitimacy. If anything, Mulder and Scully's confusion is too over-played, especially given Mulder's aversion to more pedestrian explanations. Perhaps this is part of his reaction to the visions of his sister, which although appropriate in the context of the episode, tend to throw off the pacing in parts.

I was trying to find a way to score this episode an 8 because it is certainly in the upper echelon of the season one catalog. For some reason I don't find it quite as captivating as several other episodes, but Gordon and Carter's first joint script is still a solid X-File that proved the show could move into more spiritual territories without meandering into ham-handed ones. Some excellent guest acting and a truly creepy villain played by Dennis Lipscomb make this a near-classic. 7 out of 10.