Mulder: They’re shutting us down. It’s over, Scully.

Scully: What are you going to do?

Mulder: I’m… not going to give up. I can’t give up. Not as long as the truth is out there.

Written by: Chris Carter

Directed by: R.W. Goodwin

Original Air Date: May 13th, 1994

Principal Setting: Washington, D.C.

Episode Summary: 

-Spoiling some scenes so read after watching-

Deep Throat contacts Mulder in the middle of the night to give him some important information regarding a man running from police. The man successfully evaded police when at the end of a high speed chase, he jumps into the river and disappears. The officer on pursuit did manage to shoot him but the blood he leaves behind is not red but green (Wha??). Even though Mulder is not able to find any leads from the little Deep Throat is telling him, they are led to a lab where a scientist has been experimenting on monkeys.

In the meantime, Scully has been running tests on the flask of mysterious liquid in a flask they found at the lab, and it turns out to have traces of ancient DNA that has not just four nucleobases but six. The doctor tells her there is no earthly life existing that has that form of DNA, and it can only be extraterrestrial.

Mulder follows the clues and it leads him to information that he only thought existed in his dreams; a warehouse where they are using this not of this world DNA in humans. After this secret group realizes Mulder knows too much they capture him. Scully is informed by Deep Throat of a secret lab that has the evidence that will set him free. As the climax approaches, it does mean death for someone however and perhaps the end of the X Files investigations.

Personal Commentary:

“The Erlenmeyer Flask” reveals a ton of the mythos of the X-Files that flows through the rest of the series. We have got glimpses in previous episodes like “Deep Throat” and “E.B.E.”, although this one takes the cake in what Mulder, and most importantly shapes what Scully believes.  You finnaly get more information from Deep Throat and realize he was a good guy sticking his hands where they don’t belong.

Spoiler…killing off Deep Throat was a risky move by the writers, due to the great source of intel he was to Mulder. This will shape the rest of the show though by Mulder now having to figure it all out himself to put the pieces together on all he’s learned from Deep Throat.

Favorite Scene: 

This whole episode is great and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It would probably be the last scene with the stand off with Deep Throat and the mystery guy in the van. It is very tense, but watch this full episode.

Fun Facts:

• The line that appears at the end of the opening sequence reads “The Truth Is Out There” in most episodes. However in “The Erlenmeyer Flask” the line is changed to “Trust No One”.
• Spoiler fact- The closing scenes are almost identical to the closing scenes of The X-Files: Pilot (1993). Scully is in bed and sees her digital clock turn from 11:21 to 11:22. Mulder calls and they talk. The scene cuts to The Cigarette Man, who places an object in the vast Pentagon vault. Both episodes end with the door of the vault slamming shut and the camera showing the sign on the door: “In Case Of Fire Or Emergency / Know Your Exits / PENTAGON / Evacuation Procedure.”

Faces You Recognize

• Another appearance of Jerry Hardin (Deep Throat) known for being in The Firm, Big Trouble in Little China and Hidalgo. Although, my personal favorite is him playing Gary Tucker and Professor Cooper in The Golden Girls.

Mulder: You’ve got a brother don’t you, Scully?
Scully: Yeah. I’ve got an older one and a younger.
Mulder: Well have you ever thought about calling one of them all day long and then all the sudden the phone rings and it’s them calling you?
Scully: Does this pitch somehow end with a way for me to lower my long distance charges?

Written by: Chris Ruppenthal

Directed by: David Nutter

Original Air Date: May 6th, 1994

Principal Setting: Colson, Washington

Episode Summary: 

Mulder and Scully are assigned to investigate the murder of a jet propulsion scientist who was trapped in a wind chamber and sucked through a jet engine (at nearly mach 2!) when the unit was unexpectedly activated. It isn’t the first death among the scientists at the lab, with Arthur Grable having died in an accident several months before. As they gather evidence in the case the person who is always around at the times of the murders, the janitor Roland, who is autistic but somehow has great knowledge for complex numbers. The most memorable murder involves a vat of liquid nitrogen and a cold, crunchy ear. When Mulder finds a connection between Roland and the first dead scientist, it opens up possibilities of linked consciousness.

Personal Commentary:

“Roland” feels more like an episode of CSI or Bones with a murder mystery feel rather than dealing with the paranormal. It is unexciting due to yet another of the many season 1 episodes that someone has died and is manipulating or taking over another person to do its bidding. The only shining moment in this one is Zeljko Ivanek who plays the autistic Roland. He is very believable in acting like he is mentally handicapped, although sometimes he may go a bit over the top.

Spoilers…the biggest plot hole is why he imagines attacking his other female autistic friend. The other hole is his brother must have been killed by the other scientists to take such drastic measures in taking revenge in killing them. It couldn’t have been just over stealing his work.

Episode Grade: C-

On a side note, I just discovered an entertaining X-Files podcast “The X-Files Files” hosted by Kumail Nanjiani (plays in HBO’s Silicon Valley) and he gives a very funny breakdown of the most popular episodes of the show. The podcast on “Roland”, and the next fantastic climax to season 1 “The Erlenmeyer Flask”, is especially entertaining. He makes a comment of the quote from Tropic Thunder where Robert Downey Jr.’s character says **Apologize if this is offensive** “Everybody knows you never go full retard.”. Just to warn you the podcast has some language, but one of the most interesting things to hear is him reading the fans original comments on the episode when they first aired.

Here is the link to all the current X-Files Files podcasts if you’re interested: The X-Files Files Podcast Listen Here.

Favorite Scene: 

The liquid nitrogen scene is pretty cool. Harkening back to Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Unfortunately, I could only find the clip with no audio.

Fun Facts:

• Wind speeds of 60+ can uproot trees and blow the roofs off of buildings. The first victim caught in the wind tunnel was still standing at nearly mach 2. At sea level, mach 1 is equal to 761.2 mph. It is impossible for anyone to stand in such high winds.

Faces You Recognize:

• You may know Zeljko Ivanek (Roland) from True Blood as Magister. He has also played in Argo and In Bruges. 

Mulder: Why is it still so hard for you to believe, even when all the evidence suggests extraordinary phenomena?

Scully: Because sometimes looking for extreme possibilities makes you blind to the probable explanation right in front of you.

Written by: Howard Gordon & Alex Gansa

Directed by: Jerrold Freedman

Original Air Date: April 29th, 1994

Principal Setting: Buffalo, New York

Episode Summary: 

Mulder and Scully are called in by the Buffalo Police Department after detective Rudy Barbala jumped to his death through a window from the upper floor of the 14th precinct. He was interviewing a young girl at the time, Michelle Bishop, but there was no one else in the room with them. Mulder immediately begins to suspect that Michelle may have telekinetic powers. That claim seems to be proven when Scully finds a large burn mark on Barbala’s body much as Mulder as predicted. Michelle says there was a ghost in the room with them and her rendition of him leads then to the case of dead detective Charlie Morris, who was killed in a police raid. He is out for revenge behind who was responsible in killing him, and with some lazy writing, takes a hold of Michelle’s body because she was somehow present when Morris was wrongfully murdered.

The agents get a clue to where Michelle, or Morris, is going to kill next by getting a computer photo scan of the last image Morris saw before he died. This brings them to Tony Fiore’s (Brian Markinson) residence where they try to stop another revenge killing from happening.

Personal Commentary:

I’ve seen this episode a few times, and every time I lose interest quickly (fell asleep again half way through) because the premise of a guy that was wrongfully killed by corrupt cops is taking over a little girl’s body is so far in left field that it seems so implausible even for The X-Files. 

Also, Andrea Libman, the actress that plays Michelle Bishop, is not very believable in getting that creepy vibe of her being controlled by Morris. When you compare the superior performance of the twins that played in “Eve”, you can see how well they pulled off the deadpanned look with an occasional smile and how inconsistent Michelle’s demeanor is in this episode.

Episode Grade: D

Favorite Scene: 

No stand out scene that I would call even close to a favorite moment.

It is a pretty cool stunt effect when the detective is flung out of the window. They always seem to fall perfectly on a car whenever someone crashes out of a window on TV.

Fun Facts:

• Maggie Wheeler and David Duchovny were dating when she guest-starred in this episode.

Faces You Recognize:

• Brian Markison, who plays Tony Fiore, is famous for acting in Charlie Wilson’s War and Shooter, but I mostly recognize him playing Dr. Arnold Rosen in Mad Men.

Scully: Mulder, I wouldn’t put myself on the line for anybody but you.
Mulder: If there’s an iced tea in that bag, it could be love.
Scully: Must be fate, Mulder. {she pulls out the drink.} Root beer.

Written by: Glen Morgan & James Wong

Directed by: David Nutter

Original Air Date: April 22nd, 1994

Principal Setting: Baltimore, Maryland

Episode Summary: 

Eugene Victor Tooms is back and he’s looking to be released from the psychiatric institution he’s been in for several months. The jury of judges listens to a very convincing, yet outlandish testimony by Mulder informing them on Tooms ability to squeeze into small spaces and eat his victim’s livers (BTW, any bad guy would love Mulder to be the prosecuting witness with evidence that makes him sound like a real nut job). Despite these strong claims, the judge sets Toom’s free due to not having any previous criminal record. Dr. Aaron Monte (Paul Ben-Victor) is introduced and tries to help Eugene get back into society. He goes home with a lovely older couple (which who in there right mind would let Tooms be in their home after they just heard Mulder’s testimony?) and Mulder is convinced Tooms will strike again and follows his every move.

During all of this, we are introduced to Director Walter Skinner who is not happy with the unorthodox case reports Scully has been writing, as she pleads with him and CSM (Cigarette Smoking Man…looming and puffing in the background) that they have more of an open mind to her findings. Scully then reaches out to the detective Frank Briggs, that was on the Toom’s case back in the 60’s, and tells her of a body never found, proving that Tooms will kill again. An exciting climax in a mall rounds out this great episode and proves to even Scully of the evil and creepiness of what Tooms is capable of.

Personal Commentary:

This episode is really where The X-Files started to find its rhythm and popularity. We get a lot of firsts in this one with Director Skinner’s debut appearance. He will start off as the to the book boss of Mulder and Scully but transform into so much more as the show goes on. We also hear from the CSM for the first time, but the mystery of his true intentions is still up in the air.

We also get more of Tooms and Hutchison’s ultra creepy acting is so perfectly done. Also, I really like Scully and Mulder’s interaction in the car during their stakeout. It’s one of my favorite moments from the excellent dialogue and amazing chemistry they have developed.

Episode Grade: A

Favorite Scene: 

I can’t find the scene anywhere, but Mulder and Scully’s interaction in the car during the stakeout is one of my all time favorite “Sculder” moments.

Mulder: A request for other agents to stake out Tooms would be denied, and then we’d have no grounds.
Scully: Well then I’ll stay here. You go home.
Mulder: They’re out to put an end to the X-Files, Scully. I don’t know why, but any excuse will do. And I don’t really care about my record. But you’d be in trouble just sitting in this car. And I’d hate to see you carrying an official reprimand in your career files because of me.
Scully: Fox, I—
Mulder: I, I even made my parents call me Mulder. Mulder.
Scully: Mulder, I wouldn’t put myself on the line for anybody but you.
Mulder: If there’s an iced tea in that bag, it could be love.
Scully: Must be fate, Mulder. {she pulls out the drink.} Root beer.

Fun Facts:

• Walter Skinner’s debut appearance.
• For his final scenes, Doug Hutchison performed nude. As scripted, Tooms was supposed to emerge from his “cocoon” wearing his animal control uniform, but Hutchison thought that made no sense.
• In this episode, Scully calls Mulder “Fox” for the last time during the stakeout in the car.
• One of the first and rare times the CSM (Cigarette Smoking Man) has any on-screen lines saying “Of course I do.”
• The bile-like substance coating Tooms and his nest was actually yellow piping gel, which stuck to the cast members’ skin and pull out hair upon removal.

Faces You Recognize:

• Paul Ben-Victor (Dr. Aaron Monte) is famous for roles in Daredevil and In Plain Sight
• Doug Hutchison is back and most famous for playing the hated Percy Wetmore in The Green Mile

Scully: “I have never met anyone so passionate and dedicated to a belief as you. It’s so intense that sometimes it’s blinding. But there are others who are watching you, who know what I know and whereas I can respect and admire your passion, they will use it against you. Mulder, the truth is out there but so are lies.”

Written by: Glen Morgan & James Wong

Directed by: William Graham

Original Air Date: February 18th, 1994

Principal Setting: Reagan, Tennessee & Washington State

Episode Summary: 

“E.B.E.” (stands for Extraterrestrial Biological Entity) begins to develop even further, the glimpse of the events from the episode “Deep Throat”,  the main X-Files mythos of Mulder trying to uncover the truth of extraterrestrial life and the government (even people he works for) trying to cover it all up. A strange flying aircraft is shot down by a pilot in Iraq, but nothing is revealed to the viewer due to a secret group covering all the evidence.

Mulder has a few discreet meetings in the shadows with Deep Throat as he gives him more information on the crash, but also some lies that keep him from knowing the full truth. You begin to see that Deep Throat, although gives Mulder sound undisclosed information, also doesn’t want to reveal all the secrets to keep him from being killed by this secret group.

A trucker has an encounter of a bright light on the highway, and it causes Mulder to be suspicious there may be alien evidence getting transported in these trucks. They investigate further and find a covert government facility in the woods of Washington State. Mulder and Scully develop aliases made by the very entertaining “The Lone Gunman” group. They are three guys that are obsessed about conspiracy theories. The truth is so close in Mulder’s grasp as he runs from security in the facility. In the end, Deep Throat gives him some very revealing intel. Is it the full truth? Mulder walks away thinking this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Personal Commentary:

The Lone Gunman introduction is the highlight in this episode. The little screen time they get gives the show humor and you immediately feel like you can trust them (even though they are super paranoid), unlike Deep Throat. It’s nice to know they will be in many more episodes to come whenever Mulder needs more info on a conspiracy. They also just announced that The Lone Gunman will be in the new season!

This is an excellent episode to start to see why Mulder has lost trust in the government he works for. It reveals some major events and the viewer, along with Mulder and Scully, have to sift through the lies to find the truth.

Episode Grade: A-

Favorite Scene: 

The Lone Gunman Introduction and Scully’s first impressions

Fun Facts:

• The inspiration for the Lone Gunmen came from a group of men that writers Glen Morgan and Marilyn Osborn met at a UFO convention in June 1993.
• First instance of Mulder turning off his apartment lights leaving just a lamp on shining out his window. No ‘X’ in tape, just the lamp.
• The name Mulder uses to infiltrate the military base is Tom Braidwood. Tom Braidwood is the name of the actor who plays Melvin Frohike and is also an First Assistant Director on the series. The cover name given to Scully is Val Stefoff, which is a variation on ‘Vladimir Stefoff’ – another First Assistant Director.

Faces You Recognize:

• Bruce Harwood, Dean Haglund and Tom Braidwood who make up The Lone Gunman are mainly famous for starring in The X-Files as well as the short lived series The Lone Gunman that came out in 2001.
• The military security guard in the government compound, played by Roger R. Cross, is famous for playing Curtis Manning in 24 and as Oval Office Agent Cartwright in X-Men 2.