Revelations

The thing that I realize now is that what's the most supernatural in this show doesn't come from aliens, ghosts or whatever but is simply the work relationship between Mulder and Scully. In real life, colleagues aren't compassionate, witty, helpful or supportive. Finding one like them is as difficult as seeing a real alien! It's true still that now Fox and Mulder become more and more intimate, especially Scully who can show bits of jealousy when a cute babe deals with Mulder.

Next, with such a great but limited formula (investigating paranormal), i expected to see the show cannibalize itself, as one producers said. But I'm surprised it comes as soon as this third season. Frankly, a lot of episodes look like very much plots of the previous seasons. A few managed however to be innovative: "the walk", "oubliette", "pusher". The season stinker are ""Teso Dos Bichos", "Hell Money": nothing really start there and the episodes drags endlessly in the dark. A lot of praise goes to Morgan scripts of "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose", and "José Chung's From Outer Space" but I don't found them very riveting. The latter is also unintelligible, as the real alien abductor needs a spaceship for going into inner earth!

Sure, in this season, the mythology gets more powerful. If some episodes offer amazing, deep visions and conspiracies, sometimes its a bit too much macabre soap opera (abducting a sister, killing a father and another sister) and the endless fights with Skinner are boring! Above all, the narrative has reached the breakpoint because the more they knew, the more they return to "simple" paranormal cases! At last, one companion book of xfiles (not the Genge's which sucks!) answers what I took for another failure: if Mulder and Scully are still alive, it's not because of the clumsiness of the Syndicate, but because they want it: with the duo alive, they have the best plumbers on earth to look after their leaks!

About the production, the thing that is evident in this season is that the show opens to a lot of know faces, my best being Fletch's ex- girlfriend (will you find her?).

With all this, I pick this episode for my season winner: dealing paranormal with religion is a dangerous step for the show. Indeed, if Christ is now on earth (i like his "You will" answer to Scully's invitation to meet again), pursuing aliens becomes senseless, as the creator is the same for humans and aliens. Strangely, Mulder is totally close to faith and don't seem to wonder who create the aliens?

The eleventh episode of the third season of "The X-Files," titled "Revelations," directed by David Nutter, explores themes of faith, belief, and the intersection of the supernatural with the mundane. The episode begins with a series of mysterious deaths linked to a religious cult that believes in the power of divine intervention. When a young boy named Adam (played by Jeffrey David Thomas) is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) are called in to investigate, leading them into a world where faith and fear intertwine.

As the investigation unfolds, Mulder and Scully encounter Father Joseph (played by John Aylward), a priest who possesses the ability to perform miraculous healings. This character serves as a focal point for the episode's exploration of belief; his faith is both a source of strength and a potential danger as it draws followers who may be susceptible to manipulation. The pacing of "Revelations" is effective, maintaining tension as the agents navigate through layers of deception and spiritual fervor. The narrative cleverly critiques blind faith while also acknowledging the comfort that belief can provide in times of crisis.

Visually, "Revelations" employs a dark and atmospheric aesthetic that enhances its themes of spirituality and existential dread. Nutter's direction captures the oppressive atmosphere surrounding both the cult and the investigation, using dim lighting and shadowy cinematography to evoke a sense of foreboding. The contrast between light and darkness symbolizes the struggle between faith and doubt, creating an immersive experience for viewers. Critics have praised this visual storytelling for its ability to reflect the internal conflicts faced by both Mulder and Scully as they grapple with their beliefs.

The performances in this episode are particularly strong, especially from Aylward as Father Joseph. His portrayal is both charismatic and unsettling; Aylward effectively conveys the complexities of a man whose faith may lead him to manipulate others for what he believes is a greater good. Duchovny's Mulder showcases his characteristic curiosity and determination as he navigates the intricacies of belief while striving to protect those involved. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's theories while allowing for moments of genuine connection with Father Joseph, highlighting her internal struggle with faith.

Thematically, "Revelations" raises important questions about faith, morality, and the consequences of belief. The episode examines how individuals can become vulnerable when seeking answers; it explores how desperation can lead people to follow charismatic figures without questioning their motives. Additionally, it highlights societal attitudes toward religion; characters like Father Joseph represent both hope and potential danger within spiritual communities. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs regarding faith, accountability, and the complexities of human nature.

In conclusion, "Revelations" stands out as a thought-provoking entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending elements of psychological drama with social commentary while exploring significant issues related to faith and morality. 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. As it reflects broader societal concerns regarding belief systems and their impact on individuals, this episode leaves audiences pondering their own relationships with faith and reason.

What sets this aside is that we have a role reversal where Scully becomes the believer and Mulder the one who questions stuff, which makes him come across as a colossal tool.

Scully's religious belief can be traced back to Beyond the Sea and having visions of her deceased father.

Other than that, this is usual and tired. Stigmata, fake and real touches of god. And a mysterious killer on the loose.

If you swap the context, here religious, it's the same detective stuff as any number of episodes: there's a lot of running between places, piecing a plot and trying to prevent the final crime. Facing larger powers at work.

Bo-ring. Go to Marjoe if you want a chilling look on faith, a 70s documentary on (then) the 'world's youngest minister'.

I find this episode cowrited by a prist. Stupid.I find this episode cowrited by a prist. Stupid.

I'm a big fan of X-Files but felt this episode was pretty bad. They always make religion so weird whenever they try to incorporate it in the show, and make people who believe in religious affairs to be wildly strange. The role reversal of Scully being the believer this time was pretty awesome but overall this episode had a lot of plot holes and I really didn't enjoy it.