Red Museum

About 31 minutes into the episode (sans commercials of course), we find the two teen males hanging out in a chester-van. Playing on the radio is some song that I've not been able to identify, but it's definitely one Pepper Keenan's voice, so I'm assuming it's Corrosion of Conformity. Back in 94 they only had 1 album released and they released their 2nd sometime during that year. You can only hear part of the song, and haven't been able to figure out which song it is. The song sounds more like something off of Deliverance which is the newer one.

I went through all the lyrics for the songs that were released before 94 and came up with nothing. I can clearly hear some of the words, enough that a string search should have found something, but no luck.

If anyone knows the answer to this, they should post it on here as some useless but interesting trivia.

In narrative terms X-files has been an astounding failure so far; twenty-something episodes, nearly twenty hours of narrative time, and we basically know that Mulder lost his sister and wants to believe, and Scully lost her father and is sceptical.

It boggles the mind that we're only at around this time beginning to know a third character outside the two with any dimension at all, Skinner.

It boggles the mind that in place of sketching a broader world for the main couple, we've chased around the dumbest monsters for episode after episode. That Scully keeps asserting logical explanations in spite of the many encounters she's had, that we've seen vampires, ghosts, werewolves and alien hybrids and the show hilariously still tries to entertain some ambiguity.

Here, perhaps for the first time we have something of what the show may have been in capable hands. It's all in the prologue—a baffling disappearance and discovery, with someone watching from behind a mirror, responsible for some part of it but we're not sure which. I don't mind that we go on to stitch on that the usual 'secret experiment' and 'government cover-up' plots, because pieces of the larger narrative just fall from the sky as in a film noir.

But we actually seen nothing extraordinary, we are small pawns tossed about in a larger game of control. Hints of broader mystery. Why was the man watching, filming? This is never addressed in its sexual dimension, which only adds. Both leads in the show are so asexual, it is something they'd overlook. It is a powerful causality outside the detective plot, the disappearances linked to secret experiments linked to secret watching each one generating the next level because there is so much pent-up energy in the gears of this world.

The tenth episode of the second season of "The X-Files," titled "Red Museum," directed by Win Phelps, presents a complex narrative that intertwines themes of cultism, alien experimentation, and societal fears. The episode begins with a series of mysterious kidnappings in the small town of Delta Glen, Wisconsin, where teenagers are found wandering in a disoriented state with the phrases "He is one" or "She is one" scrawled on their backs. This unsettling premise sets the stage for Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) to delve into the dark underbelly of the community.

As the agents investigate, they discover that the local Church of the Red Museum, led by Richard Odin (played by Michael McShane), is at the center of the turmoil. Initially suspected of being involved in the abductions, Odin and his followers present themselves as a group of militant vegetarians who believe in "walk-ins," individuals whose souls have been taken over by spirits. The pacing of "Red Museum" is brisk, with Mulder and Scully navigating through various leads while encountering resistance from both the cult members and local law enforcement. The episode effectively builds tension as it explores the dynamics between the community and the church.

Visually, "Red Museum" employs a dark and moody aesthetic that enhances its themes of fear and paranoia. Phelps's direction captures both the eerie atmosphere of the small town and the claustrophobic tension present during Mulder and Scully's investigations. The cinematography highlights the contrast between the serene exterior of Delta Glen and the sinister activities occurring beneath its surface. Critics have noted that while some elements feel familiar, particularly in relation to earlier episodes dealing with cults and conspiracies, "Red Museum" manages to maintain a sense of intrigue throughout.

The performances in this episode are commendable, particularly from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder showcases his characteristic determination as he grapples with his belief in extraterrestrial phenomena while navigating a world filled with skepticism. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's theories while showcasing her investment in uncovering the truth behind the kidnappings. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, particularly McShane as Odin, who embodies both charisma and underlying menace.

Thematically, "Red Museum" explores critical questions about identity, belief systems, and societal fears surrounding alien encounters. The episode raises important issues regarding how communities respond to perceived threats; it examines the impact of fear on human behavior and relationships within Delta Glen. The presence of alien experimentation is woven into the narrative through references to medical practices involving children, suggesting a darker conspiracy at play. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs regarding authority, truth, and morality in a world filled with uncertainty.

In conclusion, "Red Museum" stands out as an intriguing entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending elements of horror with character-driven drama while addressing significant social issues related to cultism and alien experimentation. While it may not reach the emotional heights of other episodes or fully develop all plot points, it effectively maintains tension and intrigue throughout its runtime. The exploration of fear within a modern context invites viewers to consider their perceptions of community and belief systems.

Are members of a bizarre cult taking teenagers, drugging them, doing things to them, and putting them into the woods half naked?

I liked this episode very much, it felt very different to any other episode. Yes it's an X File, but it's a case with a little bit of truth behind it, there has been concern for many years over what kind of treatments and drugs cattle are given, and subsequently the effect those have on people.

It's 26 years later, and the debate still goes on..

Only downside, I thought that the cult were a little bit overdone, they could have toned them down a fraction, and made them a little less.....alien.

Good episode for Mulder and Scully as a solid duo, we are back on track. I would have liked to have known more about the cleaner.

A very good episode with lots of interest, 8/10.

I always preferred the stand alone. This one is all over the place but still good.

Wisconsin setting explained by having a cow connection.

To kirkh-26247...the music is Bad Medicine by God's Children.

Would have been cool to see a Picket Fences crossover.