Terma

The X-files work the best when they maintain a level of self-irony when they don't take themselves too seriously.

While this episode and the previous one "Tunguska" are well-directed lore expanding ones, they still make me laugh at times just because of how nonsensical they are (mostly because of how inaccurate they are in terms of representation).

There are just too many wrong things. The geography is all messed up, British Columbia landscapes don't correspond well with ones in Taiga, Tunguska site is closer to Krasnoyarsk, not Norilsk, Mulder also asks help to get to Saint-Petersburg to leave the country, while Moscow would've been a much closer and more convenient city to fly out. While I give them credit for hiring actual Russian actors with no accents, the dialogue itself is clunky, Krycek accent was funny though.

That GULAG thing was also weird and overly politicized. Russians in the 90ties were not as barbaric as they were shown (horses were ok though because they are much more convenient as transport in Taiga conditions).

What saved these two episodes from just becoming post-cold war shlock was the direction. I'm sure that the ending monologue by Mulder was much easier to accept in the 90ties, but now, in 2020, it just puts a smile on my face.

Mulder has to try and escape The Gulag, it's a brutal regime, and security is tight.

Great storytelling, I loved the way it picked up with Scully's court case scene, and explained it. I have really enjoyed this two part story. I think the first half had all of the horror element, this second part focuses more on the action. It's well paced, it's quite exciting.

I thought Jan Rubes was great here as Vassily Peskow, he was silent, but deadly, I'd love to know more about this guy.

Today, I thought I was having a bad day, then I compared it to poor Krycek, he's become that comedy guy that steps on a garden hoe, then bangs his head, then puts his hand on a hot barbecue, he's truly had no luck here at all.

The whole story of black cancer, that was really quite chilling, I can't help but wonder if they'll return to this in the future.

Enjoyed that, 8/10.

I'll be honest I find this to be a really disappointing end to the great setup of the initial first parter. I found this episode insanely hard to follow, packed with absurd twist after twist, and ex machina after ex machina. I just watched it and I probably couldn't explain to you how any of the plot threads from Tunguska were resolved.

The senate hearing felt really obtuse. Mulder shows up just in time but it never seemed like he was truly in danger from the hearing in the first place. The "black cancer" threat was,,, resolved? Mitigated? Covered up? With like,, barely any effort. Mulder seems to be immune from it because of,, plot armor? I don't know. I really genuinely have no idea what was going on for most of this and come away frustrated.

Thankfully it's not a massive slog full of padded runtime like some of the worst episodes are. And thankfully there is still drama to be engaged with and stakes to the "mystery" unlike more boring episodes are. I can't say this truly goes nowhere like some frustrating episodes do, but I can say it fails to resolve in ways that feel satisfying or even engaging. Maybe it's laid some tracks for the meta-plot to follow but as of right now I feel like this episode was a big let down.

When I first watched this episode I got occurred from some past events but it finally arrived as an episode full of action and mystery, out of their comfort zone, bringing some light into the upper parts of the state, more important people got aware of significant facts. I don't want to spoil it for everyone but I really enjoyed this episode. I see how they are pushing side episodes to wait for the real ones but I think every side episode has its story that can continue our saga! The difference between Mulder and Scully is not anymore about perceptions because it is clear that both value the same encounters as they pursue in their mystical journey not necessarily of extraterrestrial purpose, that get involved in the ultimate truth! Enjoy this one because it is the best! I do not usually send reviews but this one made me the o! No spoiler alert just exposing parts of our beloved world as its hiding more truth that we can think of!

The ninth episode of the fourth season of The X-Files, titled "Terma," directed by Jim Wong, serves as a direct continuation of the previous episode "Tunguska," further exploring the series' intricate mythology surrounding alien conspiracies and government manipulation. The narrative picks up with Mulder (David Duchovny) in a Russian gulag, where he is subjected to brutal conditions and experiments related to the enigmatic black oil. Meanwhile, Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) attempt to navigate the political fallout from Mulder's disappearance and the implications of the black oil's existence.

The pacing of "Terma" is notably brisk, moving quickly from one tense situation to another. The episode opens with a gripping escape sequence, showcasing Mulder's resourcefulness as he navigates the treacherous environment of the gulag. This scene effectively sets the tone for the episode, establishing a sense of urgency that is maintained throughout. As Mulder reunites with Krycek (Nicholas Lea), who has his own agenda, viewers are treated to a complex interplay of betrayal and reluctant alliances. A particularly memorable moment occurs when Mulder confronts Krycek about his past actions, highlighting the moral ambiguities that define their relationship.

Visually, "Terma" employs a dark and foreboding aesthetic that enhances its themes of paranoia and danger. The direction captures both the oppressive atmosphere of the gulag and the emotional turmoil experienced by Mulder as he grapples with his captivity. The cinematography effectively utilizes shadows and dim lighting to evoke feelings of dread, particularly during scenes where characters confront their fears regarding the black oil and its implications. Critics have praised this visual storytelling for its ability to immerse viewers in a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every corner.

The performances in this episode are particularly strong, especially from Duchovny and Lea. Duchovny delivers a compelling portrayal of Mulder's determination to uncover the truth while grappling with moral dilemmas surrounding his discoveries. His interactions with Krycek add an intriguing layer to the narrative; Krycek's duplicitous nature serves as both an ally and an adversary for Mulder. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's theories while emphasizing her concern for his well-being. The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson remains strong, adding emotional weight to their partnership as they navigate the complexities of their investigation.

Thematically, "Terma" raises significant questions about morality, sacrifice, and the nature of truth. The episode critiques how individuals can become entangled in webs of conspiracy; it examines how personal relationships can be exploited within larger political machinations. Additionally, it highlights societal attitudes toward authority figures; characters like CSM embody the complexities of moral ambiguity within government conspiracies. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their beliefs regarding accountability, truth, and the ethical implications of power.