E.B.E.

Another great episode from season one, and this one is also remarkable for many reasons. 'E.B.E.' was the debut episode for The Lone Gunmen, group of likable eccentrics conspiracy theorists who occasionally provide help and information for Mulder. We also get to know more backstory of Deep Throat and also more questions will be raised about his real intentions. Well written tight and tense episode which uses a lot of UFO mythology.

It was also the first time I ever heard the term E.B.E. - Extra-terrestrial Biological Entity.

Now this is a turning point.

Previously, the pair of detectives had all sorts of close encounters with strange phenomena, with sundry evidence establishing proof. This is complicated here. We have the usual conspiracy and cover-up by secret government, but also we have doctored evidence, and even a whole close encounter staged to dupe the pair away from the 'real' thing.

So when in the end we have deep revelations about Roswell, and the alleged UFO at Hanoi, the narrator is unreliable and could be making up any part of what he reveals, and even the whole secret compound can be a hoax set up because it is something we would expect to discover, wanting to believe. It makes little sense why any of this should happen, but that's the series for you.

The notion is that the most convenient place to hide a lie is between truths, a statement which in our case can be both a lie and true.

Other than that, this is the most cinematic and evocative of the episodes so far.

True, a couple of earlier episodes deal with UFO's and the like, but "E.B.E." is the first episode which takes the form of your average season 2-5 mythology episode, and is the first to show an indication of the extent of the government cover-up and conspiracy, well beyond what we had seen in previous episodes, and this time directly in relation to Mulder and Scully.

"E.B.E." is an oddity as a mythology episode since it was written by James Wong and Glen Morgan, who usually wrote spooky standalone episodes. This is a different sort of script for them, but they pull it off brilliantly, with a lot of excellent dialogue and memorable scenes, such as Scully's first meeting with the Lone Gunmen, us learning more about Deep Throat's background, if he is to be believed. I do find it odd that the episode which was very much the launching point for the mythology story was not written by the people who eventually carried on the story.

"E.B.E." features some outstanding use of smoke cinematography-wise, which lends the episode a great atmosphere. The same trick would continue to feature prominently in the second and third seasons which were also photographed by John Bartley. The musical score is also excellent, with one tune in particular being quite haunting and memorable.

"E.B.E." is very much a personal favorite as it was the first episode I properly sat down and watched, and got me hooked instantly. In a first season with precious few great episodes it shines even more than it does in comparison to most episodes in later seasons, and it lays the foundation for not only the masterful season finale "The Erlenmeyer Flask", but for the many great mythology episodes to come.

What an outstanding episode.

10/10

The seventeenth episode of "The X-Files," titled "E. B. E.," directed by William A. Graham, serves as a pivotal entry in the series' ongoing exploration of government conspiracy and extraterrestrial phenomena. This episode not only advances the overarching mythology of the show but also deepens the characterization of Mulder and Scully while introducing the iconic trio known as the Lone Gunmen. The narrative revolves around Mulder's pursuit of an extraterrestrial biological entity (E. B. E.) following a truck driver's encounter with a UFO and subsequent mysterious events that unfold.

The episode begins with a gripping prologue that sets the stage for the unfolding mystery. A truck driver witnesses a UFO and later becomes embroiled in a violent confrontation, leading to his death. This chilling start effectively establishes an atmosphere of tension and intrigue, drawing viewers into the world of government cover-ups and alien encounters. As Mulder and Scully investigate, they discover that the driver was transporting something significant-an E. B. E.-and they must navigate a labyrinth of deception as they pursue the truth. The pacing is well-crafted, balancing moments of suspense with character development, particularly highlighting Mulder's relentless quest for proof of extraterrestrial life.

Visually, "E. B. E." retains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of unease. Graham's direction builds suspense effectively; scenes where Mulder interacts with government officials and the Lone Gunmen are particularly impactful, showcasing their paranoia and determination to uncover hidden truths. The cinematography captures both the sterile environments of government facilities and the more chaotic settings associated with UFO sightings, enhancing the narrative's tension. However, some critics have pointed out that certain plot points feel predictable or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder connects his findings to the E. B. E.

The performances in this episode are commendable, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder captures his characteristic charm and obsession with uncovering hidden truths; 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. The introduction of the Lone Gunmen-Byers (John Fitzgerald), Langly (Bruce Harwood), and Frohike (Tom Braidwood)-adds an intriguing dynamic to the story; their eccentric personalities and unwavering belief in conspiracy theories provide both comic relief and critical information to Mulder and Scully.

Thematically, "E. B. E." delves into issues of trust and deception within both personal and societal contexts. The character of Deep Throat (played by Jerry Hardin) serves as a complex figure whose motivations remain ambiguous throughout the episode; he provides crucial information to Mulder but also reveals his own capacity for manipulation. This raises questions about loyalty and truth in a world rife with conspiracies. The episode culminates in a powerful confrontation between Mulder and Deep Throat, where Mulder grapples with feelings of betrayal as he realizes that his informant has been withholding vital information about their investigations.

In conclusion, "E. B. E." stands out as an engaging entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending elements of science fiction 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 the episode.

E.B.E. kicks the mythology into high gear. This episode has everything: danger, suspense, deception, humor, wit, and action. Before this episode I had always referred to aliens as extra-terrestrials (E.T.). This was the first time I had heard the expression extra-terrestrial biological entity (E.B.E). Too bad Spielberg's film wasn't called E.B.E.. And of course, besides the excellent and exciting story, a good reason to see this episode is for the introduction of the Lone Gunmen, a trio of paranoid men who help Mulder out with their expertise from time to time. What makes this episode stand out is that previously Deep Throat has given Mulder information to help him on a case. In this episode, however, he intentionally misleads Mulder. It makes you wonder what Deep Throat's motives truly are. E.B.E. is a top-notch episode that helps you to see whether it's remotely plausible that someone might thing Scully is hot.