1x02 Deep Throat

The second episode of "The X-Files", which was also written by the show's creator Chris Carter and directed by Daniel Sackheim, marks the first time we get to hear the legendary "X-Files" theme, as well as the first time the show's catchphrase "THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE" is actually displayed on-screen. This is also known to be the second entry in the Alien Mythology arc and it portrays the first contact the main characters have with secret military projects involving the use of UFO technology. During the course of their investigation into the disappearance of a US Air Force test pilot, who seems to have developed strange physical and mental symptoms that could be related to high amounts of stress caused by the use of alien technology, Special Agents Mulder and Scully witness what appears to be aircrafts moving in the night sky in a way that defies the laws of physics. What happens next is but a glimpse of what the United States Department of Defense and the military are willing to do in order to cover up or protect their secrets. The eponymous episode also introduces us to Mulder's informant, a high-ranking government official that goes by the name of "Deep Throat". On another note, most people will be able to recognize Seth Green in an early performance as Emil, a young stoner who occasionally likes to sneak into the air base with his girlfriend to "kick back, listen to some tunes and... watch the air show". Overall, this was a pretty decent episode that deals with the concepts of government conspiracies, paranoia and UFO sightings. Even though they still couldn't get the tactical behavior during a military operation quite right, the plot, acting and dialogue were great and it had some really good moments of tension.

Sometimes when you watched something many years ago, or when you were a teenager and you watch it now, it might or will be be a different experience, for good or bad.

I can say with a sigh of relief, and in a positive, happy way, that the x files is still great, so far at least. It may have even surpassed my expectations a little.

Last time i watched the show was when i was a teenager, and it was very influential in my life in forming my media tastes. It's one of my favorite shows ever. And rewatching it now, it's as great as i remembered, and after experiencing so much since my last watch, both in life and consuming other media, there is so much more for me to appreciate.

The characterization and storytelling is top notch. Just absolute quality that could be released today and it's still great and relevant. I've missed this kind of characterization from older shows, it's just so good, and the two leads have such great chemistry. The storytelling is also really good, with these two episodes having a case but also the UFO stuff going on, and those plots are both mixed together beautifully in these episodes. The music is compelling and atmospheric, it's just great to help you get immersed in the show so much. From the mystery aspects, to the creepy aspects, to the thrilling parts. It's all so damn good.

I love the cases, i love the mystery, i love the conspiracy aspect. So many parts i love. And in this episode i like how the characters were talking about the deeper questions, like that of the government vs the law, and the power of each, and how we saw the government has the power to basically do what they want and be beyond the law. But do they have a right to be? Or should they be? Do they have a right to protect their secrets? Which may possibly be in the interests of national security? How much do the public have a right to know? But in the end, the government has now grown enough to have the power do basically do what they want, and it makes sense, that having the power allows you to do that. And we saw part of that when the military stopped their car and took all their equipment. Whether that was legal or illegal, what would those agents or the FBI do about that kind of thing? Realistically? Or what could the law do, and what could the military say to get away with it or sweep it under the rug or have their military law experts craft a legitimate reason? Theoretically, this is all showing the complexity of bureaucracy, and the systems of society under the hood.

There's many interesting questions like those that are posed and make you think about them and more aspects surrounding them, along with questions about alien life itself and their motives, both in this episode and the last. It's all so damn good and interesting.

I could keep going on and on about these episodes, like how the idea of brain interference technology to delete memories is introduced here, and it's explored in such a good and realistic way with how it's mixed with the potential applications of UFO technology mixed with ours. Like that one sentence from Mulder about how long it's taken the military to interface alien technology with ours, and we've seen it's side effects on the pilots, and how maybe the crafts they flew are either alien ships or ships of ours mixed with alien technology. I like the floating of various possibilities in the episode, from science based to alien based possibilities. Again, it's all so damn good and interesting.

And these ideas weren't just in a vacuum or done to other characters, but our main character Mulder himself got affected by the technology! That plot element was integrated in a good and realistic way, and then we have Scully trying to rescue him, and she's feeling the pressure build up around her and she can't contact HQ, and then she does something desperate to rescue him. Thrilling! And handled so well. And right before that we had the good twist of the reporter actually being a spy working for the airbase. So so many good things in these episodes. Deep throat as well, the guy who talks to Mulder cryptically. And it's not all cryptic either, he does give him, and us, some substantial information about what is going on, even if it's only a little. Just great. So many great things.