Shapes

Honestly my favorite episode from season 1. The pacing is amazing, the mystery is great. ( even tho extremely predictable ) and i'd say what truly held this in place like a perfect glue was the atmosphere, the build up, the tension... it was all too good.

A different take in the Werewolf as we know, choosing a different name from an older legend, so clever.

Btw i've seen some people confused about Scully in this and all i can tell you is DENIAL. She is in extreme denial, she saw a Poltergheist in the other episode and was still in denial, i can't fathom people not realizing this about the character in season 1.

Werewolves are admittedly not my favorite classic horror monsters, although there have definitely been some great portrayals in movies and TV (I think it's great when there's a fun spin put on it, like in "Dark Shadows", and even the more traditional "The Wolf Man" and "An American Werewolf in London" are terrific films). The problem is that they are SO overused that just about anything involving them, unless written especially well, is going to be so-so, and probably worse than that.

"Shapes" is definitely NOT especially well-written. There's a couple of good lines here and there, and some interesting background on the X-Files and their origin, and it's always nice to see Michael Horse from "Twin Peaks" make an appearance, and it's a nicely-shot David Nutter-directed episode so it never feels as taxing or boring as things like "Space" or "Teso dos Bichos", but it really isn't particularly good.

"Shapes" may put A spin on the traditional werewolf tale, by adding Native American folklore to the mix, but it's not an INTERESTING spin, which is what is needed to make a werewolf tale worthwhile. It's a generally poorly-written episode with some horribly cheesy moments, but not nearly as intolerable as the very worst episodes of the show are.

4/10

The nineteenth episode of "The X-Files," titled "Shapes," directed by Michael Lange, delves into the folklore of Native American culture through the lens of a classic werewolf narrative. The episode centers around Mulder and Scully as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to a Native American reservation. The story unfolds when a rancher is killed under suspicious circumstances, leading to the discovery that the killer may be connected to an ancient legend involving shapeshifters known as "manitous." As the agents explore the case, they confront themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the intersection of myth and reality.

The episode opens with a gripping prologue that sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. A rancher is brutally attacked, and his death is initially attributed to a wild animal. However, as Mulder and Scully arrive at the scene, they begin to uncover evidence suggesting something far more sinister is at play. The pacing is effective, allowing for moments of tension while also providing insight into the cultural significance of the manitou legend. The dialogue between Mulder and Scully reflects their contrasting perspectives; Mulder's openness to the supernatural clashes with Scully's scientific skepticism, creating an engaging dynamic that drives the narrative forward.

Visually, "Shapes" retains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of unease. Lange's direction builds suspense effectively; scenes where Mulder interacts with local authorities and tribal members are particularly impactful, showcasing their reluctance to trust federal agents. The cinematography captures both the beauty of the natural landscape surrounding the reservation and the darker undertones associated with the killings. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel predictable or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder connects his findings to the legend of the manitou.

The performances in this episode are commendable, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder captures his characteristic charm and enthusiasm for 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 guest performances by Michael Horse as Sheriff Tskany and Jimmy Herman as Ish add layers to the story; they effectively convey both wisdom and caution regarding the cultural implications of their beliefs.

Thematically, "Shapes" explores profound questions about identity and cultural heritage within the context of folklore. The character of Ish serves as a representation of traditional knowledge; he embodies a connection to ancestral wisdom that contrasts sharply with Mulder's modern investigative methods. The episode raises critical questions about how stories shape our understanding of reality and how cultural narratives can influence perceptions of truth. Additionally, it examines societal perceptions of Native Americans; while some characters view them through a lens of superstition, others recognize their deep-rooted connection to history and nature.

"Shapes," like fellow early episodes of The X-Files such as "The Jersey Devil," takes a page out of existing folklore and spins it on its head. In this case it is the Algonquian legend of the Manitou that is the topic du jour. The Manitou, traditionally speaking, is viewed as a spiritual being that can take the form of animals or other objects, guiding the world without directly interacting with it. This incarnation of that legend is far less benign, and could either be accused of being an insolent mis-portrayal or a blatant lack of attention to detail, but it's probably best not to factor in the original legend at all and take the episode at face value. This is sci-fi, after all.

Many fans tend to disregard this episode because of its rather thin plot, but in doing so overlook its surprisingly thicker facets. Right from the teaser David Nutter's color-rich direction immediately sucks the viewer into the foggy gloom of "Montana." Nutter directed several of the highly-regarded "classic" episodes from the show's first three seasons, and the same magic touch of those is entirely present in "Shapes." The bleak, mountainous imagery perfectly suits the paranormal overtones of the plot, and the funeral of Joe Goodensnake is just off-kilter enough to leave a memorable impression. Although I can imagine the early Spring climate may not have made filming this episode (or the following week's "Darkness Falls") a bundle of fun, it certainly made for some riveting atmosphere.

That's not to mention the work of a highly-competent guest cast featuring Twin Peaks alumni Michael Horse as Sheriff Tuscany, a figure caught in the social rift between the government and the Trego reservation, and Jimmy Herman, whose presence as the spiritual Ish is very reminiscent of the late, great Floyd Westerman's (who would first appear in the recurring role of Albert Hosteen the following year) and offers some orphic insight into Mulder's character. His monologue is truly a cool moment.

Unfortunately, despite all of this momentum, "Shapes" is still a werewolf episode, and because of that it's disappointingly but expectantly short on surprises. While this isn't the best episode of the first season, it's far from the worst, and it still amazes me how much better this is than later, similar efforts such as "Alpha." So I'll give it a 6 out of 10. Unessential, but not without its moments.

I'm not usually a lover of werewolf stories, they have been literally done to death over the years, but I am always intrigued by Native American culture, throw in Mulder and Scully, and you have a decent episode.

I like the way it plays out, I liked the way it unfolds, I also appreciated the twist that follows, you expect events to happen in a particular way, they don't.

Nicely acted, I enjoyed the guest cast here.

I've read several of the reviews, I don't get why some had such a downer on it.

Next up, Darkness Falls!

Good, 7/10.