The X-Files Recap – Babylon
Babylon is, for sure, a problematic episode. It paints a world populated solely by Muslim terrorists and white Christian xenophobes, with only a few exceptions interspersed to give it depth.
In this epi, Mulder and Scully are brought face-to-face with their young doppelgangers, Miller and Einstein, who have came down to their basement cave in search of a way to question a suspect in a bombing of an art gallery. The catch is that the suspect is in a coma, not they need to find a way to communicate with him on another plane of existence.
Scully works with Miller in order to test a method of communication using an electroencephologram to measure brain waves in response to questions – a technique she wished she had thought of prior to her mother’s passing. Not only did she introduce Miller to the magic of science, but also introduced the fandom to the need for Scully/Miller fic STAT!
Mulder approaches Einstein with his own plan to connect with the comatose man.
Mulder makes the case to Einstein that ideas have as much physical power as actual objects, that they can move people to action as effectively as physical force. His theory is that a person’s faith still has a life, even when a person’s physical form no longer functions. Mulder wants Dr. Einstein to assist him in taking an acid trip, the theory being that it will free his brain from his physicality to wander into the plane of existence where the comatose man resides, one just as real as our own. She capitulates, and this happens:
Now, the internets are hating on the acid trip scene, as it injects silliness into an episode that centers around a the very serious issue of terrorism, faith and hatred. While I definitely see that point, I think what resonated for me in this scene was the idea that Mulder was able to live this entirely different life when not constrained by his physical form and its attendant expectations. Could it have been done better? Probably. The fact Mulder’s trip was a result of suggestion and placebos underscores the episodes theme of the power of belief.
Reminiscent of another CC penned episode, The Truth, the episode ends with Mulder and Scully hashing out the understanding of love, hate and the power of faith.
As with last week’s episode, I just LOVE the maturity of Skulder’s relationship now. Love stories in the media are overwhelmingly those of the excitement of the first stages of love, but to see these two, who are personally and professionally completely committed to one another is amazeballs.
This moment alone makes me forgive the shortcomings of this episode. I wish the rest of the episode was done with the sensitivity shown in this last scene.
So, here we are – only one episode left in The X-Files revival! What did you think? Are you happy that we will be seeing Miller and Einstein again next week? Or would you prefer an episode where Scully drops some mad cougar-science on Miller? Do you wish there were more than 6 episodes or are you done?
See you next week for the last episode of the revival!
Catch all of TN’s The X-Files coverage here.
All the X Files images are courtesy of FOX.
