Tags
1990's, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, John Neville, Mitch Pileggi, Nicholas Lea, Peter Boyle, Steven Williams, The X-Files, The X-Files Season 3, William B. Davis
The stellar Season 2 of The X-Files upped the stakes and continued to impress right up until its major cliffhanger. Now with Season 3, the success continues and emerges as possibly the best season so far. Crammed with mystery, superb writing and a genuinely outstanding visual palette, Season 3 is a pivotal entry into The X Files canon. Be warned, spoilers will follow.
Mulder(David Duchovny) is presumed dead after he found a crate full of alien bodies and incriminating documents in New Mexico and The Smoking Man(William B. Davis) tracked him down, before setting the place on fire. Mulder in fact survived and is nursed back to health by a Navajo guide. Meanwhile, Scully(Gillian Anderson) is questioned about her knowledge of the tape, but denies what she knows. With parts of the government trying to silence both agents from spilling what they know about shady alien experiments, it is a dangerous time for both. Thankfully, Skinner(Mitch Pileggi) helps them out and finally confronts the Smoking Man, ensuring a deal that could for the time being keep them safe from any attempts on their lives. Once reunited, Mulder and Scully also have to deal with personal grief due to Mulder’s fathers murder after he revealed he was at one point involved with the organisation known as The Syndicate. Scully’s sister is killed in a case of mistaken identity, which causes Scully to go on a quest for answers and justice. Both Mulder and Scully bury themselves in the unusual cases they investigate, but sure enough the presence of the Syndicate looms large and they grow ever closer to unearthing more shocking truths. Mulder is having to confront the fact that his father held so many secrets from him and was part of The Syndicate. While Scully battles grief and the discovery of a strange metal chip in the back of her neck, she attempts to locate her sister’s killer and an explanation for her abduction, which she can barely remember. With the traitorous Alex Krycek(Nicholas Lea) switching allegiances and being wanted by everyone, mysterious informant X(Steven Williams) returning , many more members of the nefarious syndicate introduced such as The Well-Manicured Man( John Neville), plus a lethal substance called Black Oil that jumps from host to host, it’s only a matter of time before events will become a lot more deadly and unusual than ever before.
Now the first thing I have to mention is the visuals of this season. In the past two seasons, the visual style has been on fine form. But here, the visuals are just out of this world. From shadowy lighting to the blinding sun, everything looks so cinematic and it in turn adds another dimension to Mulder and Scully’s dangerous journeys. It’s impossible to escape the evocative cinematography on display during Season 3. The writing this season is sublime, carefully managing to balance mystery, personal drama and tinges of sarcastic humour. The continuing mystery and delving into what the shady part of the government called The Syndicate is up to is given a clearer focus, yet still knows how to tease the audience and not reveal too much too soon. Mystery has always been so key to The X-Files and here it is no exception as slithering conspiracies lie under the surface, waiting to be discovered, yet what they mean is kept enigmatic.
There are some major standout episodes present in Season. The intriguing ‘Paper Clip’, explores Mulder and Scully’s digging into a national experiment designed by the syndicate to create alien-human hybrids. Just from this episode, you can see them both edging closer towards the truth in typically inventive style. ‘Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose’ is The X-Files at its finest, with an intriguing blend of mystery, drama and humour. In the episode, Mulder and Scully are called in to investigate the murders of fortune tellers. They are aided by the reluctant but gifted Clyde Bruckman, who can through psychic abilities see how people are going to die. The character of Clyde Bruckman is excellently written and the casting of Peter Boyle as him was a stroke of genius. He dominates the scenes he is in with a mixture of understatement, humour and overall sadness that is hard to forget once you’ve seen it. It is just a fantastic episode that showcases the greatness of the show and how it has grown. The tense two parts of ‘Nisei’ and ‘731’ are chock full of surprises( an excellent scene of Mulder jumping on to a moving train is a real action highlight) and more building conspiracies as Mulder investigates an alleged alien autopsy and Scully discovers more about her abduction. The intriguing Black Oil forms a very exceptional arc brimming with possibilities. I think I’ll stop waxing lyrical now about specific episodes because I know that if I continue, this post will go on forever as there are too many to discuss.
Once more, there is some really excellent work from the cast. David Duchovny delves deeper into Mulder and shows his obsessive streak and never say die attitude. There is so much determination and pain within Mulder, who is dealing with the secrets about his father and his connection to everything going on. Duchovny exudes an enthusiasm for the truth, but at the same time a deep wounded side that reveals a cauldron of hurt emotions. Gillian Anderson is equally as good as the skeptical and cautious Scully, who is beginning to open up more and discover some not so pleasant reminders of her abduction and a resolute search for her sister’s killer. We see how Scully tries to keep a cool head when faced with everything in her path and attempts to relate everything to scientific realms, but underneath is feeling the burden of personal responsibility and sadness. As was present in the past two seasons, the chemistry between the two characters is still of a stellar quality. And it only deepens more as the season progresses. They may be complete opposites but they have grown to appreciate the other and completely have each others back as they cut through conspiracy. The main thing I’ve loved is the way that the relationship is written, it just feels so real and relatable. Mitch Pileggi is on hand to deliver solid work as Skinner, who regularly puts himself on the line for Mulder and Scully. I like the part of Skinner because it reveals this time a real depth and care that he has for the two agents and how dedicated he is to his job. As played by Pileggi, Skinner has become one of my favourite characters in The X-Files universe. The sinister presence of William B. Davis is once more apparent as The Smoking Man, who orchestrates many nefarious acts through his connections in government and his own agenda. Steven Williams continues to play the mysterious X, but this time he endears himself to the audience when he saves Mulder from a tight spot. John Neville is introduced as another Syndicate member known as Well Manicured Man, and he brings a certain genteel politeness to the role that belies the dark presence of the baddie. Nicholas Lea is sliminess personified as the allegiance switching Krycek, who everyone seems to be after this season.
- The Blessing Way – A
- Paper Clip – A+
- D.P.O – B
- Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose – A+
- The List – C –
- 2 Shy – B+
- The Walk – B
- Oubliette – B+
- Nisei – A
- 731 – A+
- Revelations – B-
- War of the Coprophages – A
- Syzygy – B
- Grotesque – B+
- Piper Maru – A+
- Apocrypha – A+
- Pusher – A+
- Teso Dos Bichos – D-
- Hell Money – B
- Jose Chung’s From Outer Space – A
- Avatar – C+
- Quagmire – B+
- Wetwired – B+
- Talitha Cumi – A
I think it’s safe to say that Season 3 of The X-Files is addictive and inventive television at its best.
Afzal Moolla said:
my cats name is Scully, named after Special Agent Dr. Dana Katherine Scully ☺✊👍✌🌻🐹
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vinnieh said:
That is really great and a cool name for a cat.
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Afzal Moolla said:
cheers, man ✌👍✊🌻🐹
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vinnieh said:
If you had another cat, you could call it Mulder.
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Afzal Moolla said:
I did! Alas, Mulder is no longer with us. He passed on a few years ago. Mulder & Scully were two cool cat investigators in the South African unit of the ‘X-Files’
✌👍✊🌻🐹
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vinnieh said:
I’m sorry to hear of Mulder’s passing, it is sad to lose a pet.
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Afzal Moolla said:
it is sad to lose a pet, brother … Thanks man and Pete Seeger said, take it easy, but take it
Warmest wishes ✊👍✌🌻🐹
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vinnieh said:
I will take it easy, thanks.
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Afzal Moolla said:
✌🌻🐹
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beetleypete said:
It’s so long since I first watched these originals, it’s nice to be reminded how much I enjoyed them. I haven’t watched any of the new season yet though, as I am still concerned that I’m going to be disappointed.
Cheers mate, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
I like to remind people of the greatness of movie and television Pete.
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beetleypete said:
Have you seen 2001 and Blade Runner, V? If so, please check this out. (Maybe even if you haven’t)
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the link, will check it out later. I really love Blade Runner.
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beetleypete said:
It’s a co-host post with me and Cindy for March. And there’s this too, I’ve been busy…
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Wow, you really have been busy. Good for you Pete.
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fragglerocking said:
Hi Pete, am watching the new series, and its a bit hit & miss, but Mulder & Scully are still great together 🙂
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beetleypete said:
I have them all saved on PVR, ready for a binge watch! (Or a binge-skip…)
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fragglerocking said:
I’ve got through 3, 1st 2 not great, (Wait til you see the but 3rd better.
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fragglerocking said:
Oops that went wrong!
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vinnieh said:
Good to know that Mulder and Scully still work well together.
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Eddy Winko said:
Like Pete I had forgotten about the X-Files, I must see if I can find a copy to rekindle the memories, I know I enjoyed them at the time.
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vinnieh said:
They are so inventive and laced with mystery, I’m sure you’ll slip right back into enjoying them again.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Great review Vinnie! Clyde Bruckman’ s Final Repose is one of my favorite episodes in the entire series! You’re really doing the series justice! 🙂 ) 🙂
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vinnieh said:
That episode just had that deep air of tragedy to it as well as mystery. You really think I’m doing the show justice? Why thank you.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
And everyone was brilliant in it! I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying your reviews Vinnie! You are truly an X-Phile now!
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vinnieh said:
I’m happy to join the elite members of the fandom.
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ruth said:
I haven’t seen any episode of this show actually, but this is a cool idea to review an entire season of a series! I don’t know if I’ll remember each episode enough to grade it though. I’ve just completed Jessica Jones recently but I might end up just doing a mini review of it and grade the season as a whole.
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vinnieh said:
I’m a relative newbie to the show, but I’m seriously hooked on it now. Cheers for your nice comment Ruth.
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SLIP/THROUGH - Dan said:
Really diggin your XFiles reviews buddy. They help jog my memory. You’re right, this might be the best season. The style is top notch with the cinematography especially, like you said. The fortune teller episode was a great switch up. since you like it, you should be happy with some upcoming episodes. Sure this show is serious, but it also knows how to have fun. I’m looking forward to your next season review!
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vinnieh said:
I dug the visuals this time around, everything looked so cinematic. I am so excited to watch Season 4, been told there are some cracking episodes ahead.
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keepsmealive said:
I knew you’d dig Season 3! Right on, V. The truth is out there!
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vinnieh said:
I dug it so much. The truth is most certainly out there.
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The Geek Mind said:
Great review – S3 is definitely one of my favourites!
Bookmark for later, but I just posted my in-depth and epic review of S10:
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vinnieh said:
Cheers, I’m gonna bookmark your review for later as I’ve still got a lot of the original show to watch.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
Loved the recent season.
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vinnieh said:
I look forward to checking it out.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
I think you’ll find it interesting and entertaining, Vin.
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vinnieh said:
I’ll be certain to catch up with it once I’ve finished the original run of the show.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
‘o)
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Rajiv said:
How is the new season?
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vinnieh said:
I haven’t seen the newest season. I’m making my way through the original run first.
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Rajiv said:
Oh wow… I am doing that with Breaking Bad
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vinnieh said:
I have never seen Breaking Bad.
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Rajiv said:
You should..
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure I will in the future.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
This is a show I’ve been really meaning to watch. Aaron and I started on season 1 but couldn’t get into it.Everyone tells us it gets better later but we don’t know where to start.
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vinnieh said:
I say start at the beginning again because everything later on fits in. You should give it another watch.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
I think we just might.
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vinnieh said:
That’s splendid, be sure to let me know your opinions on it.
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