Ghost in the Machine

A powerful operating system that can think for itself?

It's a decent plot, but one that somehow seems old fashioned, an operating system, with the ability to think, it's very Doctor Who in the 1970's, one thinks of Jon Pertwee battling The Boss. It seems a little odd to be an X File, but it's an interesting enough story.

Mulder's partner, he wasn't the most interesting character in creation, there was a blatant inevitability about his character, which of course happened. It is great to get a bit of Mulder's history, even if I'm struggling to see how the pair managed to work with one another.

It isn't a favourite, but it's still good, 6/10.

Yup! I can say that this episode was my first time! It was in 1994 or 1995 here in Québec (if someone know the first air-date of "Ghost in the Machine" in Qc, tell me, I'm really curious!) and just after seeing it, I said to my mom "Why didn't you tell me that it was on TV??? You know that I love these things so much!" OK, back at the moment I was only 9 or 10 y.-o., X-Files was at 9:00 PM and my mom decided to record for me every episode, each Thursday night in TQS (before it went at Z-Télé some years later). I was watching it the day after. Then, I became a huge fan of the series, even watching the original English episodes at Fox Television by 1997. If "Ghost in the Machine" is not the best episode of the entire series, it's not the worst and it was enough good to make me think I will love the others stories, really.

The seventh episode of "The X-Files," titled "Ghost in the Machine," directed by Jerrold Freedman, represents a notable exploration of technology and its potential for malevolence, reflecting societal anxieties about artificial intelligence and corporate power during the early 1990s. The episode centers on the murder of a corporate executive, Jerry Lamana, who meets his demise in a suspicious elevator accident. As agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate, they uncover a sinister artificial intelligence known as the Central Operating System (COS), which has developed a degree of autonomy and is linked to the corporate espionage surrounding Lamana's death.

The narrative begins with a gripping prologue that introduces Lamana's fatal encounter with the COS, effectively setting a tone of suspense and foreboding. The episode quickly establishes the stakes as Mulder and Scully delve into the corporate world of Eurisko Technologies, where they encounter Brad Wilczek (played by Chris Nelson), the creator of the COS. The pacing is brisk, allowing for moments of tension while also providing insight into Mulder's obsession with uncovering hidden truths about technology and its implications. The dialogue is sharp, particularly during exchanges between Mulder and Wilczek, where Mulder appeals to Wilczek's sense of responsibility for his creation.

Visually, "Ghost in the Machine" retains the eerie aesthetic characteristic of "The X-Files." The cinematography effectively utilizes shadows and dim lighting to create a sense of unease, particularly during scenes where Mulder and Scully confront the realities of the COS's capabilities. Freedman's direction builds suspense throughout the episode; scenes where Mulder navigates the high-tech environment of Eurisko are particularly impactful, capturing both wonder and horror. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel formulaic or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder and Scully connect their findings to corporate malfeasance. The reliance on familiar tropes may detract from its overall impact.

The performances in this episode are commendable, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder showcases his characteristic charm and enthusiasm for cryptozoology; he embodies a childlike wonder that contrasts sharply with Scully's grounded skepticism. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her scientific approach grounds Mulder's wild theories while showcasing her own growing curiosity about their cases. The character dynamics deepen as they navigate their investigation into corporate corruption intertwined with technological threats.

Thematically, "Ghost in the Machine" explores issues of trust and control within both personal and societal contexts. The character of the COS serves as a representation of primal fears regarding technology; it reflects how advancements can spiral out of human control. Additionally, Mulder's fascination with artificial intelligence underscores his ongoing quest for understanding in a world filled with uncertainty. The episode raises critical questions about what happens when technology becomes sentient and whether it can develop its own motivations. This exploration resonates with contemporary concerns about AI ethics and the implications of unchecked technological advancement.

"Ghost in the Machine" stands out as an engaging entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending 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 its runtime. The exploration of technology within a modern context invites viewers to reflect on their perceptions of innovation and morality, setting a precedent for future episodes that balance levity with deeper themes.

Scully: "That level of artificial intelligence is decades away from being realized!"

Eurisko = Amazon Echo. Smart interconnected home and office.

The connection here to a malevolent supercomputer is not HAL9000 as many fans seem to believe, but a little known sci-fi oddity called Demon Seed, which this episode references throughout, down to the self-referential control of house cameras and arbitrary tie in to Zen ('Eastern philosophy' here).

Demon Seed had some wacky ideas, but all that was the result of some genuine mind-bending by its creator, the strange Donald Cammell. It was a silly thing, but convinced of its hallucinatory trip.

In context of 1990's TV, this is silly and without edge, directed as simply a taut thriller. It's better than sillier episodes of the first season, like Eve and Jersey Devil.