“I have never met anyone so passionate and dedicated to a belief as you. It’s so intense that sometimes it’s blinding.” – Dana Scully.
E.B.E [Mythology] Aired February 18, 1994
Episode: 1×16 / 17 Overall
Director: William Graham • Writer: Glen Morgan & James Wong
Mulder and Scully become the focus of a disinformation campaign when they attempt to trace the government’s secret transport of an alien life form.
It’s a common misconception that the majority of the X-Files episodes centred around aliens. Extra-terrestrial biological entities, or E.B.E’s, were only one part of the series diverse range of subject matter as we can see that 17 episodes in to season one and this is only the fourth time a show has directly focused on this theme. Morgan & Wong, masters of the standalone monster of the week episodes try their hand at expanding the mythology with their second last entry for season one, and it’s a solid accomplishment. The plot is brimming with ideas and substance so much so that the episode feels longer than the standard 44 minute affair. Graham’s direction keeps the story moving forward, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. He weaves us through a varied blend of drama, suspense and action, infused with some light-hearted moments courtesy of the finely tuned script from Morgan & Wong. The episode also holds a certain significance in that it introduces us to ‘The Lone Gunmen’. Arguably three of the most beloved guest characters in the series, their overwhelming popularity with both the fan-base and the writing staff earning them a shot at their own spin-off series later down the line. It’s worth mentioning that Mark Snow, who scored all 202 episodes, does a terrific job at building the suspense and heightening the drama throughout this episode. His soundtrack has always played an integral part in constructing the unique tone of the show and this episode is no exception.
There’s a lot going in in this episode and in less capable hands this could have resulted in a convoluted mess. Thanks to the talents of both the writers and director however, we’re treated to a well paced and coherent development of plot that keeps the tension high throughout. Deepthroat enters the mix once again and unlike the previous episode, Morgan & Wong know how to use the character. This time around his involvement plays an integral role in the advancement of the plot and we learn a little about his motivations behind helping Mulder. We see Mulder signal him with a blue light from his window, a method of communication the two have presumably developed before now. Through his confessions to Mulder we learn that Deepthroat has played a fundamental role in the cover up of aliens throughout his long career. He’s now tortured both by the unspeakable things he’s done and seen. He’s hoping that through providing Mulder with support he may find some type of redemption. Mulder’s once blind faith in him now wavers, having learned of Deepthroat’s well meaning intentions to prevent the truth from prematurely being exposed. He’s left wondering whether he can continue to trust in the information his informant provides. Mulder’s paranoia is in full swing here as he tears apart his entire apartment searching for a bug. The heated interactions between him and Scully as he tirelessly searches for answers are well constructed and ably performed by the actors, further developing their complex relationship.
Up until now Mulder’s unconventional theories have caused him to appear as an outcast. Even Scully, as supportive as she may be, regularly struggles to concede to Mulder’s extreme viewpoints. The Lone Gunmen serve as a group of radical thinkers who’s shared ideology falls directly in line with Mulder’s off beat approach. It makes perfect sense that he would find friendship in the likes of these three conspiracy theorists. The characters themselves are well written, even at this early stage. Though they receive minimal screen time in this episode we can instantly identify them as three clearly individual yet equally minded characters. John Fitzgerald Byers (Bruce Harwood) presents a clean cut look with his neatly parted hair and suit and a mild mannered approach that directly contrasts Richard Langly’s (Dean Haglund) unkempt per-pubescent tech nerd look with his long hair and off-beat sensibility. Melvin Frohike, played by the series Assistant Director Tom Braidwood, is the quick witted sleazy older member who acts like a self appointed leader of the trio. The Lone Gunmen are evidence that the series was able to weave comedy seamlessly between moments of heartfelt drama. The group will be used throughout the series predominantly as comic relief, though they are such well developed and interesting characters in their own right that audiences will grow to care about them over the course of the series as valuable additions to the X-Files family.
If any viewers were still on the fence about the strength of the series overarching conspiracy plot line, E.B.E settles the argument and paves the way for the long road ahead. This entry is a stellar contribution to the mythology’s slow burn that proves once again that the X-Files team were capable of producing an unparalleled quality of television that still stands the test of time.
★★★★☆
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