Roland

An autistic Janitor is prime suspect in the killing of a prominent Scientist, people are quick to dismiss him as a likely killer, but Mulder has other ideas.

Zeljko Ivanek is terrific as Roland, this is a very strong episode, one of the better ones from the latter stages of this first series.

Not particularly strong for Mulder or Scully, but neither are needed, Ivanek is truly that good.

It's intriguing, it's baffling, it asks a lot of questions, Roland is a winner, 8/10.

A friend of mine recently said, as we are re-watching "The X-Files" together, that season one was more about people coming back from the dead than about aliens. Considering that this is the fourth or fifth episode this season to deal with this already tired and over-used idea, I'd tend to agree. None of these episodes being particularly good doesn't help either.

"Roland" is not as completely uninteresting as things like "Born Again", and is fractionally better than "Lazarus" thanks to a certain scene I'll discuss later, but it's still pretty bad, with countless errors others have already noticed/noted and a particularly poor and clichéd portrayal of autism. Some have called this guest performance 'brilliant', but it's really quite abysmal and inaccurate, and laughable at times.

The plot is convoluted and on the level, generally, of something you'd find late at night on one of the less prestigious and reputable cable channels, but at least there's one absolutely phenomenal kill, when Roland pushes a scientist's head into liquid nitrogen then throws him to the floor, shattering the head and as he walks away he steps on an ear... *crunch*. It's years ahead of the similar and much more noted and acclaimed scene in "Jason X" (which is similarly the best scene in that movie), and I'd wager a good amount that this was the main inspiration for that.

4/10

The twenty-third episode of "The X-Files," titled "Roland", presents a compelling blend of horror and psychological drama, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. The narrative revolves around Roland (played by the talented Brian Ruppenthal), a mentally challenged man who becomes embroiled in a series of murders linked to his deceased twin brother, Arthur Grable, a brilliant but unethical scientist. As agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate the case, they uncover a dark connection between Roland's tragic past and the violent events unfolding in the present.

The episode opens with a gripping prologue that introduces viewers to the aftermath of a murder at a research facility. A scientist is killed under mysterious circumstances, and the scene effectively establishes an atmosphere of dread as it hints at the supernatural forces at play. When Mulder and Scully are called to investigate, they quickly learn that Roland is the only person left at the facility during the time of the murder. The pacing is well-structured, allowing for moments of suspense while providing insight into Roland's character as he struggles with violent visions and memories of his brother. This emotional depth adds layers to the narrative, inviting viewers to empathize with Roland despite his involvement in the crimes.

Visually, "Roland" maintains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an unsettling ambiance. Freedman's direction builds tension effectively; scenes where Mulder interviews Roland or witnesses his violent episodes are particularly impactful. The cinematography captures both the sterile environment of the laboratory and the more chaotic settings associated with the murders. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel predictable or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder connects his findings to Roland's troubled past and Arthur's influence over him.

The performances in this episode are noteworthy, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder captures his characteristic charm and determination; he embodies a sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's wild theories while showcasing her growing curiosity about their cases. Ruppenthal delivers a compelling performance as Roland; he effectively conveys both vulnerability and menace as he grapples with his brother's lingering influence. The emotional weight of Roland's internal struggle is palpable throughout their interactions.

Thematically, "Roland" explores profound questions about identity and agency within the context of familial bonds. The character of Roland serves as a representation of how trauma can shape an individual's actions; his experiences reflect the emotional scars left by violence and loss. The episode raises critical questions about responsibility; while Roland is manipulated by his brother's spirit, it becomes evident that he must confront his own demons to reclaim control over his life. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs regarding personal agency and the impact of familial relationships on individual choices.

Loved most when they used the Build-a-Bear computer program-The absolute masterpiece of forensic science where they slap a beard on a dead guy

Roland is so good it's bad in the best way possible. Ihe core mystery-scientists dying under suspicious circumstances, all linked to a janitor with an intellectual disability-should be creepy, but the execution wobbles between eerie and absurd.

Zeljko Ivanek delivers a genuinely compelling performance, and the episode does have heart, even if it leans on some questionable disability tropes.

The mix of unsettling and ridiculous makes Roland weirdly unforgettable. Not peak X-Files, but undeniably entertaining.

(bonus points for the beard scene).