Babylon

This is a fascinating X Files episode. The direction, the cinematography. Heck, the subject matter. But it is fantastic.

Much of season 10 is great and wild and risky.

Because it didn't look exactly like The X Files of the past critics and some fans overly criticized it. The knives were out from the start. But there is NOTHING like this on television. This episode in particular.

This fan was taken in.

reviewers notes humbly submitted: 1. Said before there is a right way and a wrong way to reboot a series. Heroes was the wrong way. This was dead on.

2. Carter is proving you can teach an old dog new tricks. He has not only taken his own characters -- already cultural icons -- and given them new life but also given them a sense of irony and humor. Better yet, the combination works a treat.

3. Loved loved loved the juxtaposition. On the one hand you have "old" team X-file looking at a younger version of themselves (with a Tom Cruise clone) and in the other arc you have one of the most brutal depictions of the current race war I have ever seen. Made ZERO DARK 30 look like a kid's documentary.

4. Amazing writing, direction, photography, Duchovney steals his scenes. brilliant!

5. 30 reviews of a single episode?? That folks is an IMDb record.

I loved this episode! My fav episode from season 10!! The X files always had an episode about religion, catholics, angels, etc. They showed us the bads and the goods of them. Why shouldn't they talk about muslims? Excelent episode!

It's fair to say this series has been tongue in cheek for the most part, but it's also been wonderfully moving and highly engaging. I thought this was another very good offering. Clever how Miller and Einstein were created as an exact mirror image of a younger Mulder and Scully. The storyline itself contained some pretty dark subject matter, but it was handled in a particular way that impressed me somehow. Some quite powerful imagery and once again some lovely scenes between Mulder and Scully, this series has been impressive. I am utterly gutted that there's only one more to go. Please bring it back!

8/10

"Babylon," the fifth episode of the tenth season of The X-Files, created and directed by Chris Carter, presents a bold exploration of contemporary issues such as terrorism, belief, and the complexities of human connection. This episode stands out for its willingness to tackle sensitive themes while maintaining the series' characteristic blend of humor and existential inquiry, though it has garnered mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

The episode opens with a gripping scene featuring Shiraz (Artin John), a young Muslim man, who begins his day with a morning prayer. The tranquility of his routine is shattered when he participates in a suicide bombing at an art gallery in Texas. This shocking event sets off an investigation led by Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson), who are joined by two younger FBI agents, Miller (Robbie Amell) and Einstein (Lauren Ambrose). As they delve into the case, Mulder experiences a hallucinatory episode that leads him to confront his beliefs about good and evil, ultimately questioning the nature of humanity itself. The narrative weaves together elements of horror and dark comedy as it explores the motivations behind extremism and the importance of understanding across cultural divides.

Visually, "Babylon" is striking, utilizing vibrant colors and dynamic camera work that enhance its surreal sequences. Carter's direction effectively balances moments of tension with absurdist humor, particularly during Mulder's hallucinatory line-dancing sequence, which provides a surreal contrast to the episode's darker themes. The cinematography captures both the chaotic aftermath of the bombing and the introspective moments between characters, creating a compelling visual narrative that complements the episode's themes.

The performances in this episode are commendable. David Duchovny delivers a nuanced portrayal of Mulder as he grapples with existential questions about faith and humanity. Gillian Anderson shines as Scully, providing a grounded counterpoint to Mulder's more fantastical experiences. The introduction of Miller and Einstein adds fresh dynamics to the story, with Robbie Amell and Lauren Ambrose effectively embodying the younger generation of investigators. However, some critics argue that these new characters feel somewhat underdeveloped compared to the established duo.

Thematically, "Babylon" tackles heavy issues surrounding identity, belief systems, and societal perceptions of terrorism. The episode raises questions about how individuals cope with loss and hatred while emphasizing the need for communication and understanding in an increasingly polarized world. The juxtaposition of Mulder's hallucinatory experiences with Scully's grounded perspective highlights their differing approaches to belief and reality, ultimately reinforcing the idea that understanding one another is crucial in overcoming fear and prejudice.

"Babylon" stands out as an ambitious entry in The X-Files revival. It skillfully combines elements of horror with deep emotional resonance while addressing contemporary societal issues. While it may not fully satisfy all viewers due to its complex themes and occasionally uneven pacing, it effectively invites audiences to reflect on their beliefs about humanity and connection in a world fraught with division. Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that understanding one another is essential in navigating the complexities of modern life.