That discussion led to this blog, "A Look Into Horrific & Suspense Filled Writing." Without reiterating the conversation, I would like to take the time and discuss several key elements in the series in whole that fill in the "Holes" of the plot. Also, this is a summery from the stand point of writing and contains spoilers if you are not wanting, "The truth to be known."
The single most important quote from the series to remember is from Deep Throat to McGrath in regards to Mulder, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." This is from season one episode ten of twenty three, "Fallen Angel." Deep Throat knows that Mulder in the wrong hands would be a dangerous thing. For instance, if Mulder was to say join, "The Lone Gunman" theorist group it would be catastrophic to the governments plans for their cover up agenda. Mulder would be able to present these bits and pieces of evidence that continuously fall through the cracks. This two minute conversation is the foundation to the entire series, beginning to end. It's why in season two the X-Files was shut down for a very short time and so conveniently reinstated.
To go back to "F. Emasculata" toward the beginning it was said that a prison escape doesn't warrant the FBI stepping in. This is what some would say is a "Hole" in the plot. It isn't clearly explained why Mulder and Scully would be assigned to this case. However the government knew that Pink Pharmaceuticals was doing tests all along. Left hand knowing what the right hand is doing. The "Hole" is only filled in when you take in the fact that throughout the series Mulder and Scully are the clean up crew~for the clean up crew. They weren't hired on with the FBI and given the X-Files to expose "The Truth." They are sent on these cases to pick up the pieces that no one else would find. The only way the government could stay one step ahead of "Spooky Mulder," the man that was always three steps ahead of everyone, was to keep him on their side. Mulder and Scully are their own worst enemies. The closer they got to the truth, the more it slipped away. All of their hard work always fell into the hands of the powers that be. Many characters warned them that they needed to watch their back more so now than ever before, not to trust anyone. If Mulder didn't play the game, he would~well~get himself killed. So with all that said they weren't there to facilitate an FBI investigation at all. They were there to close off the loose ends. Through many of the episodes they were asking the same question, "Why were we assigned to this case?" Mulder being the fanatical searcher of the truth and Scully the forensic pathologist that searched for the hidden truths, were the perfect two for the government's agenda of keeping the truth from coming to light. Together they asked all the right questions, but in the end for they excepted the wrong answers. I think this may have slipped passed most of the critics because this wasn't to be answered in words or actions. Instead it was answered by the negative space and between the lines of why they were assigned to any of The X-Files~To "X" out the truth.
It's the same with the Greek mythology of Tantalus and the fruit that was always out of reach and the receding waters. A Greek tragedy of sorts. As a viewer watching the series you always hoped that Mulder and Scully would find proof of the truth, but they don't. They only have the useless information that can't be substantiated, and they themselves made sure of it every time.
In the next blog I will go into more detail of the simple mechanics of The X-Files and why you were always drawn in like a zealot.
In the next blog I will go into more detail of the simple mechanics of The X-Files and why you were always drawn in like a zealot.
Toklotox Forluna Tansikna Wun Yoleeblah Morlee & Morlee Itox Ithno Yoleeblah Inx Youloth Crunum Wonnay. With that said, "Sleep with one eye open and have a 'Horrific' day." B)
Interesting post! I'm a big X-File fan from way back but never had anyone to discuss the series with, not in any kind of depth. I'm interested in one thing, especially, that you wrote:
ReplyDelete"if Mulder was to say join, "The Lone Gunman" theorist group it would be catastrophic to the governments plans for their cover up agenda. Mulder would be able to present these bits and pieces of evidence that continuously fall through the cracks."
I agree with you. That is, (if I remember correctly) the rationale that was echoed a few times throughout the program.
Because I agree with you about the importance of this particular point, I was hoping you'd expand upon it. If Mulder wasn't in the FBI—if, instead, he was part of TLG—how/why would be a bigger threat to the government than the Gunman were without him? Cut off from the government it would seem that he wouldn't have the same access to information and so, actually, be _less_ of a threat.
BTW, I liked your description of Mulder and Scully as the clean up crew for the clean up crew. That does make sense. If M&S hadn't been called into the investigation then they may not have found the last infected individual and been able to dispose of him before he was able to spread the illness or communicate whatever information he possessed.
In any case, loved your post! I'm glad you're writing about this, now perhaps I figure out that show.
If Mulder was part of TLG he would be giving up FBI access, true. At the same time though, he's Spooky Mulder the man that was three steps ahead of everyone. Throughout the TLG existence on the X-File though, they had some real serious contacts also. They knew in Season 2 Episode 25 "Anasazi" that the files containing the existence of extraterrestrials and a super human race of high bred human/alien agenda had been hacked from government database. Even going as far as arranging for Mulder to meet the man with the data tape. They would have had the means to parallel the FBI outside of the circle and still pose enough of a threat that killing them would not be in the best interest of the cover up. More importantly, the government would no longer have access to the evidence he found. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." With Mulders sister being taken it was inevitable that he would find out about his Father's involvement of the conspiracy, FBI or not. He was public enemy number one for the government in every sense.
Delete~I say this to the importance of what is taking place and how the writing and story goes full circle >>> A zealot that was personally effected by the government's agenda. <<<
He held such a high regard by so many circles that killing him would pass the torch to too many others in those circles, giving him a near God like status among people like, TLG. At the same time it was much easier to control one man, Mulder; loose cannon or not.
For conversational purpose, history shows that thirty years after a persons death or mere hind sight that people realize the full extent of what things were. Without exaggeration I feel that The X-files will not only be viewed and studied for being the godfather of the modern day TV series, but also a step by step study for modern day horror and sci-fi. I will follow up on this thought in the next blog, "... why you were always drawn in like a zealot."