I've been watching the X Files for the first time with my family. There are some episodes that are excellent, some that are average, a couple that weren't my favorite, but overall I've loved the series. This episode is maybe my favorite so far. The style, the acting, and the writing are top tier. You sympathize with Cancer Man even knowing he's not a good person. He's a great example of a shady morally grey character. He's all about business, not letting emotions distract him from getting the job done. However there are little hints throughout the episode that make you wonder if he really does care for some people and doesn't allow himself to show it, like him keeping a photograph of Mulder and his mother.
The second part of the episode is filmed in black and white and I love the feel of that section. The cinematography throughout the episode is wonderful as well. The man playing young Smoking Man strongly resembles his older counterpart, casting was very good. We get insight into his past, the people he works with, the scandals he was involved in and the deaths he was personally responsible for. The historical elements were entertaining and clever and added a lot to the story, reminding us that the government is far more involved in society than some may think.
This is probably my favorite episode so far, and it wouldn't have been possible without the rest of the show before it. The reason we care about this episode is because we're interested in Smoking Man as a character. We've seen him in the shadows, pulling strings behind the scenes and on screen. He often appears as an important but brief presence, reminding us that we're just as much in the dark about things as Mulder is. The moments of vulnerability in the episode, especially when Smoking man is writing his book, are perfect to show us that he is still human and deeper than we think- he's not always an emotionless robot.
One other interesting thing to note are his feelings towards Mulder. I believe he fancied his mother, the wife of his best friend and partner (Bill Mulder), and as a result was interested in their child. He probably saw potential in Mulder, Mulder reminding Smoking Man of his father. When Mulder started the X Files Smoking Man specifically stated that Mulder was under his supervision, making me wonder if he's subconsciously trying to protect Mulder as well as keep an eye on him. Even if he seems purely professional, he may feel some sort of attachment to Mulder, probably ignoring this, or trying to avoid these feelings. Maybe I'm wrong and he's just making sure Mulder stays in line, but I can't help but feel there may be some underlying feelings of protectiveness or personal interest rather than just professional interest. Either way, wonderful episode that explains some things and sets up possible future events. Smoking Man is a fantastic neutral character. The inclusion of the Lone Gunmen is always welcome. 10/10.
The second part of the episode is filmed in black and white and I love the feel of that section. The cinematography throughout the episode is wonderful as well. The man playing young Smoking Man strongly resembles his older counterpart, casting was very good. We get insight into his past, the people he works with, the scandals he was involved in and the deaths he was personally responsible for. The historical elements were entertaining and clever and added a lot to the story, reminding us that the government is far more involved in society than some may think.
This is probably my favorite episode so far, and it wouldn't have been possible without the rest of the show before it. The reason we care about this episode is because we're interested in Smoking Man as a character. We've seen him in the shadows, pulling strings behind the scenes and on screen. He often appears as an important but brief presence, reminding us that we're just as much in the dark about things as Mulder is. The moments of vulnerability in the episode, especially when Smoking man is writing his book, are perfect to show us that he is still human and deeper than we think- he's not always an emotionless robot.
One other interesting thing to note are his feelings towards Mulder. I believe he fancied his mother, the wife of his best friend and partner (Bill Mulder), and as a result was interested in their child. He probably saw potential in Mulder, Mulder reminding Smoking Man of his father. When Mulder started the X Files Smoking Man specifically stated that Mulder was under his supervision, making me wonder if he's subconsciously trying to protect Mulder as well as keep an eye on him. Even if he seems purely professional, he may feel some sort of attachment to Mulder, probably ignoring this, or trying to avoid these feelings. Maybe I'm wrong and he's just making sure Mulder stays in line, but I can't help but feel there may be some underlying feelings of protectiveness or personal interest rather than just professional interest. Either way, wonderful episode that explains some things and sets up possible future events. Smoking Man is a fantastic neutral character. The inclusion of the Lone Gunmen is always welcome. 10/10.