Hopefully Chris Carter or someone from his team comes here to check this episode's score and people's reaction to it. It has been a while since an episode gets rated below 7. I personally wouldn't give such a low score, but only because I am still infatuated with the fact that there is X-Files in the world again, but it didn't surprise me. For me, sure the story is not the best and the "muslims are bad and want to kill us" idea is old, played-out (and to be honest I couldn't believe you went there! Baaad idea), but that was not it. The dream sequence was weird and seemed out of place? Yes, but was cute enough not to bother me (I am very forgiving if you put David Duchovny dancing in any sort of way, specially with the Lone Gunmen). The problem? And c'mon you must know that by now, you separated Mulder and Scully! And worse, paired them with other people! Annoying wannabe Mulder and Scully people (what was the point of that anyway? Some soul- searching with their younger selves? Didn't work. And why are they still around next episode? OK, Agent Miller was tolerable, but Agent Einstein?? No!). At this point, after not having them for so long, I don't want to see them doing things apart or hidden from each other, with one episode left, they are suppose to be getting closer not going out gallivanting with other people, specially ones that may be a try-out for substituting them in the future (BAD BAD idea if that crossed your minds. Very very bad idea, remember Doggett and Reyes couldn't do it and we liked them). So, here is me hoping that you get the point because we don't have the luxury of 24 episodes to fix things anymore. That said, how come Mulder and Scully haven't got back together yet? And don't you have a huge government conspiracy thing to solve? Why lose time in a episode like this one? Hopefully there will be a next season, so let's make better decisions people!
43 Reviews
Well, that was ... odd
cherold19 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
What on earth was this? It tackled a grim, terrifying subject, but also included some of the silliest comedic scenes of the season. It talks about understanding yet deals in predictable stereotypes. And then it just fizzles out.
But it wasn't all bad, so I'll give both sides:
THE GOOD:
The Mulder/Scully doppelgangers: I thought that was a really cute idea. True, the premise ran out of steam after five minutes, but for five minutes I was really enjoying it.
The Trip: I really liked it. Yes, it was incredibly silly and made no sense in the context of the show, but I enjoyed the pure wackiness of it.
THE IFFY:
The Mismatchings: I wouldn't say the idea of the doppelgangers teaming up in cross-sensible matchings was bad, exactly, it's just that it wasn't persuasively accounted for. It didn't make any sense - particularly Einstein's agreeing to the whole thing - but it was cute.
The Who on Earth? Some stuff just wasn't really explained, like the people who tried to take over the investigation and then ran away. It was kind of interesting, but odd.
THE BAD:
The Non-Twist: Like other people here, I thought there would be some twist when we saw the Muslim guy pray and then go into the building with the other Muslim guy. X-Files is a show where things happen you don't expect, but here, exactly what you expected to happen happened.
The Mixed Tone: Terrifying terrorism mixed with silly jokey scenes. Huh?
The Muslim Bashing: While some people see it as pure Islamophobia, the odd thing is there's a lot of lip service given to us all being human. Yet, you don't prove that by just saying it, you prove it by doing something like showing a religious Muslim who's not a terrorist. But that doesn't happen here (I'm not counting the mother, because she isn't shown doing anything religious, she's just a generic concerned mother). I don't think Carter really meant to slam all Muslims, but it's still what he did.
The Endless Prattle: How long did Mulder and Scully philosophize at the end? Five minutes? Five hours? Where they saying anything? I couldn't even focus, it just sounded like gibberish. It went on and on. It had nothing to do with anything in the story, as best I could tell. It's not the first time Carter has descended into this sort of nonsense (there was some in the first episode) but this may be the worst he's ever done.
But it wasn't all bad, so I'll give both sides:
THE GOOD:
The Mulder/Scully doppelgangers: I thought that was a really cute idea. True, the premise ran out of steam after five minutes, but for five minutes I was really enjoying it.
The Trip: I really liked it. Yes, it was incredibly silly and made no sense in the context of the show, but I enjoyed the pure wackiness of it.
THE IFFY:
The Mismatchings: I wouldn't say the idea of the doppelgangers teaming up in cross-sensible matchings was bad, exactly, it's just that it wasn't persuasively accounted for. It didn't make any sense - particularly Einstein's agreeing to the whole thing - but it was cute.
The Who on Earth? Some stuff just wasn't really explained, like the people who tried to take over the investigation and then ran away. It was kind of interesting, but odd.
THE BAD:
The Non-Twist: Like other people here, I thought there would be some twist when we saw the Muslim guy pray and then go into the building with the other Muslim guy. X-Files is a show where things happen you don't expect, but here, exactly what you expected to happen happened.
The Mixed Tone: Terrifying terrorism mixed with silly jokey scenes. Huh?
The Muslim Bashing: While some people see it as pure Islamophobia, the odd thing is there's a lot of lip service given to us all being human. Yet, you don't prove that by just saying it, you prove it by doing something like showing a religious Muslim who's not a terrorist. But that doesn't happen here (I'm not counting the mother, because she isn't shown doing anything religious, she's just a generic concerned mother). I don't think Carter really meant to slam all Muslims, but it's still what he did.
The Endless Prattle: How long did Mulder and Scully philosophize at the end? Five minutes? Five hours? Where they saying anything? I couldn't even focus, it just sounded like gibberish. It went on and on. It had nothing to do with anything in the story, as best I could tell. It's not the first time Carter has descended into this sort of nonsense (there was some in the first episode) but this may be the worst he's ever done.
Wonders never cease with you.
Muldernscully16 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
As we begin to wrap up the miniaturized 10th season of the X-Files, one of the producers' goals became very apparent. They wished to pay homage to the original run and to acknowledge the large fan base that helped keep this series relevant and assisted in its return to television. The self-referencing has been obvious through the first five episodes and at times a bit distracting. It comes to a head in Babylon, when Mulder and Scully meet younger versions of themselves, in Agents Miller and Einstein, who come to them for help with a case. Agent Miller believes in the paranormal and Agent Einstein is a skeptic with red hair, and Mulder and Scully accept this coincidence as if it's perfectly normal.
That being said, Babylon is still an enjoyable episode, mainly for these self-referencing moments. However, if you came to watch the classic, creepy X-Files of days past, you will be sorely disappointed. Mulder and Scully each pair up with their opposite and try to get them to see the opposing point of view, showing the young agents that both science and the belief in the paranormal have a place in their investigations, and it's not just the one or the other.
In order to try to communicate with a comatose terrorist, Mulder seemingly convinces Agent Einstein to administer a hallucinogenic mushroom to him. It is later revealed that she only gave him a placebo, but Mulder still goes on a "trip". In this "trip", Mulder encounters Skinner, the Lone Gunmen, and the Cigarette Smoking Man. When I heard that the Lone Gunmen were going to appear in this season, I was wondering how they were going to incorporate them. It was kind of sad that they didn't have any lines, even in a dream sequence.
I don't have a lot to say about this episode. Once again, the monster of the week story takes a back seat to the Mulder and Scully dynamic, showcased this time by them interacting with the younger versions of themselves. A lot of fans are not going to like this and I understand their frustration. I got hooked on this show long ago because of the chemistry between Mulder and Scully, not because of the scary, paranormal stories. I think that is why I am satisfied with the tone of this season and why I give Babylon a pass, because any X-Files for me is better than no X-Files.
That being said, Babylon is still an enjoyable episode, mainly for these self-referencing moments. However, if you came to watch the classic, creepy X-Files of days past, you will be sorely disappointed. Mulder and Scully each pair up with their opposite and try to get them to see the opposing point of view, showing the young agents that both science and the belief in the paranormal have a place in their investigations, and it's not just the one or the other.
In order to try to communicate with a comatose terrorist, Mulder seemingly convinces Agent Einstein to administer a hallucinogenic mushroom to him. It is later revealed that she only gave him a placebo, but Mulder still goes on a "trip". In this "trip", Mulder encounters Skinner, the Lone Gunmen, and the Cigarette Smoking Man. When I heard that the Lone Gunmen were going to appear in this season, I was wondering how they were going to incorporate them. It was kind of sad that they didn't have any lines, even in a dream sequence.
I don't have a lot to say about this episode. Once again, the monster of the week story takes a back seat to the Mulder and Scully dynamic, showcased this time by them interacting with the younger versions of themselves. A lot of fans are not going to like this and I understand their frustration. I got hooked on this show long ago because of the chemistry between Mulder and Scully, not because of the scary, paranormal stories. I think that is why I am satisfied with the tone of this season and why I give Babylon a pass, because any X-Files for me is better than no X-Files.
Chris Carter is Really blowing it
skip-9875615 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
i had to write a review as the brief season comes near its close.What a sad waste of opportunity ! The chance to give fans a thrilling conclusion to mulder and scully's long running quest for answers has at least to this 5th episode, been totally ignored.Instead its been utter silliness and monster of the week childishness...What on earth is Chris Carter thinking? why not make these few and final episodes count?..Make them serious and intense!,fulfill the conspiracy and ufo alien arc that was the true core of the show...there is but 1 episode left and even if it embraces what was mentioned, why, why were the previous episodes wasted as if they were filler? Mulder tripping out and doing county line dancing is Not why i am an xfiles fan. That was such an all time low that i honestly don't even care anymore if the series continues...If its just more writing such as this, ill pass..
Had good intentions, but the execution fell off
Jared-Star10 November 2021
This could've been a solid 30-minute story, but due to the structure of broadcast TV, it was instead stretched to be 42 minutes. This is mostly felt in the tripping sequence and the denouement. Each one was drawn out to almost pain-staking proportions because that is what the studio called for. That's not to say it ruins the episode, but it does kill the pace at times, and even ventures into the avenue of over-explaining itself. Case in point: the final scene where Mulder and Scully walk along a road and openly talk about the themes of the episode. It didn't feel natural or a part of the story, rather a conversation you'd hear two friends have after the episode's broadcast.
Although, the episode length isn't the only issue in this script. Everything felt very on the nose. Most of the dialogue with the side characters was just blatantly "let's write people who are unequivocally in the wrong to help prove our point." It even steps the line into stereotyping at times, even though the story itself is a statement against that.
However, this episode does boast some huge positives. I can clearly see what the writers were trying to go for, and the balance between humor and the dark subject matter had good intentions. The power of suggestion plays a huge part in the episode, and the analogy between the antagonists' actions and the effects of the Mulder's pill was cleverly done. The Mulder and Scully doppelgangers, while not used to the extent they could've, mixed things up. They made the episode feel fresh. And that boat sequence is such a visual treat!
All in all, it's a stretched-out, dialogue-heavy mess, but it's built on a strong foundation. It's an enjoyable enough episode, but not one for repeat viewings.
Although, the episode length isn't the only issue in this script. Everything felt very on the nose. Most of the dialogue with the side characters was just blatantly "let's write people who are unequivocally in the wrong to help prove our point." It even steps the line into stereotyping at times, even though the story itself is a statement against that.
However, this episode does boast some huge positives. I can clearly see what the writers were trying to go for, and the balance between humor and the dark subject matter had good intentions. The power of suggestion plays a huge part in the episode, and the analogy between the antagonists' actions and the effects of the Mulder's pill was cleverly done. The Mulder and Scully doppelgangers, while not used to the extent they could've, mixed things up. They made the episode feel fresh. And that boat sequence is such a visual treat!
All in all, it's a stretched-out, dialogue-heavy mess, but it's built on a strong foundation. It's an enjoyable enough episode, but not one for repeat viewings.
Roll Out for Mulder's Mystery Tour
XweAponX15 February 2016
I don't know what other people are viewing when they watch these episodes, when I am moved and elevated on so many levels. It certainly does not seem to be the same thing I just watched. For me to come in here and put down my feelings, I see some of these other reviews and it's like putting a heavy stone around my neck and falling into a well, with so many just not getting it. It's The X-Files, that's all the explanation anyone needs. This was for me the most powerful X-Files episode I have ever seen. Most people would not rush to write a review about something that they hated, so this activity is another form of propaganda. I realize now that not all IMDb user accounts are real people, which really detracts from my enjoyment of this site.
What we have here-- it really is "Babylon". This episode is making its own point, with certain viewer's reactions to it. In today's world, nobody speaks the same language, and as Skully says "it's all about learning to speak the same language again". Unfortunately, nobody wants to make an effort to do this. So, "Islamophobic" my Arse, Carter is panning basic bad behavior, it's not limited to any one religion or people group. He is making fun of the basic stereotypes, we can't take any of this seriously, however, these stereotypes exist in some ways.
I didn't see anything wrong with Chris Carter's general script, because by the time the denouement rolls out, I think I understand what's being said. And this particular episode addresses this phenomenon that I see happening in the last 16 years, which is basically so many examples of UNQUALIFIED HATE. It's been happening on "news" websites like Beitbart and social networks since before 2008, and it has just been getting worse. But it has also moved out from social media to the point where people and Presidential Candidates are just bellowing rage-hate messages in the open- And being applauded for it.
And this is exactly what Chris Carter is saying here especially in this episode, how words can take on an atomic weight and fill so many people with unqualified, unmitigated HATE. In the last 16 years, I have seen good friends I take on very ugly belief systems, all on the word of someone else "who said so" without factual PROOF. I've actually seen TV evangelists like Kenneth Copeland for instance tell his followers to log into Movie sites and give bad reviews to shows like The X-Files, or Star Wars, or even Star Trek. And, this has been happening. Before that, most likely they'd have been telling their people to worship God. When churches and TV ministries move away from The Gospel and start trying to tell us what kind of shows we should watch, something's wrong. So as far as nailing the point home, Chris Carter aced it.
When the shows that I like start reflecting the reality that I see, that's not bad writing. Chris Carter has a gift for seeing what's happening in the world and putting it into his work.
As far as the Director's chair goes, Chris Carter is also coming into his stride. I was pleased especially with Mulder's "Mushroom" trip, and I have to say from first hand experience, that's just how it is. The most difficult thing is to portray a psychedelic experience in film, this episode is up there with Altered States as far as giving us a glimpse as to how it might be. Carter wove a splendid tapestry using sight and sound, his choice of music recently is superb.
UPDATE - Thank you Jimmy Bernardino for stating precisely how I felt about this episode.
What we have here-- it really is "Babylon". This episode is making its own point, with certain viewer's reactions to it. In today's world, nobody speaks the same language, and as Skully says "it's all about learning to speak the same language again". Unfortunately, nobody wants to make an effort to do this. So, "Islamophobic" my Arse, Carter is panning basic bad behavior, it's not limited to any one religion or people group. He is making fun of the basic stereotypes, we can't take any of this seriously, however, these stereotypes exist in some ways.
I didn't see anything wrong with Chris Carter's general script, because by the time the denouement rolls out, I think I understand what's being said. And this particular episode addresses this phenomenon that I see happening in the last 16 years, which is basically so many examples of UNQUALIFIED HATE. It's been happening on "news" websites like Beitbart and social networks since before 2008, and it has just been getting worse. But it has also moved out from social media to the point where people and Presidential Candidates are just bellowing rage-hate messages in the open- And being applauded for it.
And this is exactly what Chris Carter is saying here especially in this episode, how words can take on an atomic weight and fill so many people with unqualified, unmitigated HATE. In the last 16 years, I have seen good friends I take on very ugly belief systems, all on the word of someone else "who said so" without factual PROOF. I've actually seen TV evangelists like Kenneth Copeland for instance tell his followers to log into Movie sites and give bad reviews to shows like The X-Files, or Star Wars, or even Star Trek. And, this has been happening. Before that, most likely they'd have been telling their people to worship God. When churches and TV ministries move away from The Gospel and start trying to tell us what kind of shows we should watch, something's wrong. So as far as nailing the point home, Chris Carter aced it.
When the shows that I like start reflecting the reality that I see, that's not bad writing. Chris Carter has a gift for seeing what's happening in the world and putting it into his work.
As far as the Director's chair goes, Chris Carter is also coming into his stride. I was pleased especially with Mulder's "Mushroom" trip, and I have to say from first hand experience, that's just how it is. The most difficult thing is to portray a psychedelic experience in film, this episode is up there with Altered States as far as giving us a glimpse as to how it might be. Carter wove a splendid tapestry using sight and sound, his choice of music recently is superb.
UPDATE - Thank you Jimmy Bernardino for stating precisely how I felt about this episode.
This is just getting sad.
pat66442224 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's sad seeing the middle aged Mulder and Scully trying to pull off some banter in the beginning of this episode they used to make look easy, sadder still seeing the writers try to come up with something deep at the end of the episode. The terrorist aspect and the messaging on it are beyond the people running and writing the show at this point, and the Mulder lining dancing was just painful to watch. Young Mulder and Scully add very little. Everything about this show in season 10 is feeling rehashed and tired.
Great Episode
robertjbenedi18 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed this episode and I find myself disagreeing with the negative reviews I have read. I do not see how portraying a piece of a population (Islamic Extremists) which does exist, like it or not, denotes that the episode is Islamophobic. The episode deals with something that actually happens in our society. It is a sensitive issue for many, especially the majority of Muslims in the United States who are law abiding citizens. However, the episode never claims that all Muslims are terrorists or that all Texans are prejudiced it is just highlighting different belief systems (bigotry, terrorism) which do exist within our society and within our world. The episode deals with behaviors which are misguided on both ends of the societal spectrum. The prejudiced homeland security agents and the murderous nurse show the ugliness of bigotry and the misunderstanding which happens when you cease to view people as people and choose to view them as an encroaching and threatening non human terror creature.
The important underlying morale of this story, missed by most reviewers, was that Mulder and his counterpart Agent Miller saw the hospital patient as a fellow person and therefore they were able to empathize and speak with him on a plane of existence we all share. Remember agent Miller keeps referring to him in Arabic as "young boy" denoting his humanity. Eventually, they were able to communicate through the presence of his kind and loving mother (mother-son relationships are a similarity most cultures share). He was humanized, he was Muslim and most importantly he was not a terrorist and saved many lives. So I do not see how this episode is Islamophobic. The episode is about idea systems on both ends of a spectrum, it is about fear and hate and how sometimes words which carry emotional weight can influence people negatively to harm others i.e. The killer nurse and one of the two bombers. Furthermore, all four agents in this episode, both old and new, represented ideas and belief systems (logic vs open mindedness) which continually direct their actions and daily behaviors. This was a very powerful episode and could be abducted and dissected for days. The mushroom trip scene was incredible. Good to see where the lone gunman hang their hat and Mulder is a hilarious dancer. The mind is like a parachute it only works when opened.
The important underlying morale of this story, missed by most reviewers, was that Mulder and his counterpart Agent Miller saw the hospital patient as a fellow person and therefore they were able to empathize and speak with him on a plane of existence we all share. Remember agent Miller keeps referring to him in Arabic as "young boy" denoting his humanity. Eventually, they were able to communicate through the presence of his kind and loving mother (mother-son relationships are a similarity most cultures share). He was humanized, he was Muslim and most importantly he was not a terrorist and saved many lives. So I do not see how this episode is Islamophobic. The episode is about idea systems on both ends of a spectrum, it is about fear and hate and how sometimes words which carry emotional weight can influence people negatively to harm others i.e. The killer nurse and one of the two bombers. Furthermore, all four agents in this episode, both old and new, represented ideas and belief systems (logic vs open mindedness) which continually direct their actions and daily behaviors. This was a very powerful episode and could be abducted and dissected for days. The mushroom trip scene was incredible. Good to see where the lone gunman hang their hat and Mulder is a hilarious dancer. The mind is like a parachute it only works when opened.
Excuse me, what's the name of this show?
insideout09816 February 2016
I have been a fan of the X-files for it's entire run, and while many episodes would have been better left on the editing floor, overall the show has been monumental in scope and impact. And then, after a long, long wait, it resurfaces as something entirely unlike anything we remembered, kind of like a bad dream where everything is upside down. Imagine a Blacklist episode where Red is a stand-up comedian and the FBI is a modeling agency and this begins to make sense. The entire world of the X-files is now something else entirely. It's insulting to all of us as fans for so many years to have to suffer through this. Why even revisit the series if the only point is to annihilate any memory of it? If I were a studio exec this charade would be canceled immediately. Have said all of this, I will watch the "season finale" hoping against hope that all of this will be explained away as a very bad dream of Mulder's while in the hands of aliens on a space craft hovering over the Santa Monica pier.
Unusual....
Sleepin_Dragon10 March 2016
It's fair to say this series has been tongue in cheek for the most part, but it's also been wonderfully moving and highly engaging. I thought this was another very good offering. Clever how Miller and Einstein were created as an exact mirror image of a younger Mulder and Scully. The storyline itself contained some pretty dark subject matter, but it was handled in a particular way that impressed me somehow. Some quite powerful imagery and once again some lovely scenes between Mulder and Scully, this series has been impressive. I am utterly gutted that there's only one more to go. Please bring it back!
8/10
8/10
Disappointing
MrEdg17 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The 10th season was at best mediocre so far, a lot of people praised the 3. episode, but I was never a fan of fun" chapters. In every previous season there was about two of them. My guess was that in the 10th there'll be only one. So I expected a serious story, something exciting, thrilling with a dark and a bit depressing atmosphere. You know, like in the old days.
Instead of a real X-file, we got a shallow propaganda with a confusing message. They even tried to be funny but didn't succeed.
Every person in the episode who prays is a terrorist and plans to blow up himself 22,5% of the planet's population is Muslim, if all of them were terrorists, we would be in deep trouble. Still, this is what the show suggests or it just tries parodying the stereotype? I fail to see how.
Every person in Texas is a cowboy. Well, I don't know the exact numbers. :) Still, this is what the show suggests or it just tries parodying the stereotype? It wasn't funny.
Mulder's trip was the lowest point. Why, oh why? Why was it necessary to show that he was once the cool guy Hank Moody? What does this have to do with X-files?! (By the way, in the first two seasons of Californication he was awesome. Afterwards the show just became self repeating and unoriginal.)
David Duchovny couldn't take his role seriously, his lips were on the verge of a smile in every episode, but I hoped at least the writers will make a good job with the scripts. They failed.
I still like you David, but my trust in Chris Carter's writing abilities is gone.
Instead of a real X-file, we got a shallow propaganda with a confusing message. They even tried to be funny but didn't succeed.
Every person in the episode who prays is a terrorist and plans to blow up himself 22,5% of the planet's population is Muslim, if all of them were terrorists, we would be in deep trouble. Still, this is what the show suggests or it just tries parodying the stereotype? I fail to see how.
Every person in Texas is a cowboy. Well, I don't know the exact numbers. :) Still, this is what the show suggests or it just tries parodying the stereotype? It wasn't funny.
Mulder's trip was the lowest point. Why, oh why? Why was it necessary to show that he was once the cool guy Hank Moody? What does this have to do with X-files?! (By the way, in the first two seasons of Californication he was awesome. Afterwards the show just became self repeating and unoriginal.)
David Duchovny couldn't take his role seriously, his lips were on the verge of a smile in every episode, but I hoped at least the writers will make a good job with the scripts. They failed.
I still like you David, but my trust in Chris Carter's writing abilities is gone.
Language Barriers: Absolutely enjoyed it - I am surprised how much the discussion here reflects the topic of the episode
schutzschild17 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I think "Babylon" is absolutely brilliant! That's exactly why I love the show and why I prefer the episodes written by Chris Carter. This was so unorthodox, transversely thought and poetic.
How can anybody say or even think that this was racist or presented any discrediting of Muslims? This was an episode dealing with the subject of terrorism motivated by religious confusion, yes. However, it did not say anything about Muslims in general. Would anybody assume that a critical film about the "Holy Inquisition" necessarily questions any and all forms of Christianity? I do not think so. And didn't the episode also suggest to be compassionate with the young man who in fact decided not to ignite the bomb and who was loved and later missed by his mother?
Coming from a totally different position, other people question the simple message that we need to listen to each other more. The episode does not claim to offer a solution for political problems. But don't you think that there are many people who refuse to accept even this very simple insight that conflicts cannot be solved by the ignorance and destruction of the enemy but only by getting to know the one who seems to be a threat?
I can not understand the pointless criticism against Chris Carter. On the Internet, a community has evolved claiming that CC was the greatest obstacle of The X-Files. I have to say, if every episode was designed like "Founders mutation" which to me was just maintaining familiar routines of storytelling, this show would not mean so much to me. And if you compare the much-criticized "My Struggle" and "Babylon": how could two episodes differ more? Nevertheless, certain people comment on every episode penned by CC in the same way: "that's all bad and he is untalented and this way the show will go into decline." I'm just frustrated. Maybe, Chris Carter did himself a favor if he wrote every episode completely straightforward like other very successful shows do it (e.g. The Walking Dead). Without any stylistic playfulness, cool, sober scenes and men letting their jaw muscles twitch... But I would not be interested in that.
If the X-Files will not be renewed because of episodes like this one, this says a lot about the mental agility and maturity of the audience. And if CC will got the instruction, to step back and to let Vince Gilligan or other approved colleagues write the show (which realistically will not happen because the writers would not do it), then I would switch off.
Please give us more of this, Chris Carter!
How can anybody say or even think that this was racist or presented any discrediting of Muslims? This was an episode dealing with the subject of terrorism motivated by religious confusion, yes. However, it did not say anything about Muslims in general. Would anybody assume that a critical film about the "Holy Inquisition" necessarily questions any and all forms of Christianity? I do not think so. And didn't the episode also suggest to be compassionate with the young man who in fact decided not to ignite the bomb and who was loved and later missed by his mother?
Coming from a totally different position, other people question the simple message that we need to listen to each other more. The episode does not claim to offer a solution for political problems. But don't you think that there are many people who refuse to accept even this very simple insight that conflicts cannot be solved by the ignorance and destruction of the enemy but only by getting to know the one who seems to be a threat?
I can not understand the pointless criticism against Chris Carter. On the Internet, a community has evolved claiming that CC was the greatest obstacle of The X-Files. I have to say, if every episode was designed like "Founders mutation" which to me was just maintaining familiar routines of storytelling, this show would not mean so much to me. And if you compare the much-criticized "My Struggle" and "Babylon": how could two episodes differ more? Nevertheless, certain people comment on every episode penned by CC in the same way: "that's all bad and he is untalented and this way the show will go into decline." I'm just frustrated. Maybe, Chris Carter did himself a favor if he wrote every episode completely straightforward like other very successful shows do it (e.g. The Walking Dead). Without any stylistic playfulness, cool, sober scenes and men letting their jaw muscles twitch... But I would not be interested in that.
If the X-Files will not be renewed because of episodes like this one, this says a lot about the mental agility and maturity of the audience. And if CC will got the instruction, to step back and to let Vince Gilligan or other approved colleagues write the show (which realistically will not happen because the writers would not do it), then I would switch off.
Please give us more of this, Chris Carter!
Painful viewing
boneyween21 November 2021
emmy-worthy
A_Different_Drummer21 March 2016
reviewers notes humbly submitted: 1. Said before there is a right way and a wrong way to reboot a series. Heroes was the wrong way. This was dead on.
2. Carter is proving you can teach an old dog new tricks. He has not only taken his own characters -- already cultural icons -- and given them new life but also given them a sense of irony and humor. Better yet, the combination works a treat.
3. Loved loved loved the juxtaposition. On the one hand you have "old" team X-file looking at a younger version of themselves (with a Tom Cruise clone) and in the other arc you have one of the most brutal depictions of the current race war I have ever seen. Made ZERO DARK 30 look like a kid's documentary.
4. Amazing writing, direction, photography, Duchovney steals his scenes. brilliant!
5. 30 reviews of a single episode?? That folks is an IMDb record.
2. Carter is proving you can teach an old dog new tricks. He has not only taken his own characters -- already cultural icons -- and given them new life but also given them a sense of irony and humor. Better yet, the combination works a treat.
3. Loved loved loved the juxtaposition. On the one hand you have "old" team X-file looking at a younger version of themselves (with a Tom Cruise clone) and in the other arc you have one of the most brutal depictions of the current race war I have ever seen. Made ZERO DARK 30 look like a kid's documentary.
4. Amazing writing, direction, photography, Duchovney steals his scenes. brilliant!
5. 30 reviews of a single episode?? That folks is an IMDb record.
Epic fail, the propaganda machine at full swing
polomint-3986516 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Where to begin...the penultimate episode of x-files being reduced to Islamophobic propaganda.
Chris Carter, WTF were you thinking??? The episode opens with a typical suburban Muslim reading his prayers, having breakfast, ogling average looking women, meeting a friend....okay, so I am thinking...this is the x-files, this all has to be a red herring of sorts, as its playing out like this guy is an ordinary looking sweet American Muslim guy...
But wait...thats exactly how it plays out... its not a curve ball, its not a misdirection or paranormal event...the Muslim was a terrorist all along - wow, just wow!!. Chris Carter, I hope you get a tonne of hate mail and your career goes down the lavatory.
wait it gets better...these 2 Muslims are not alone, other people who pray and say gods name are also potential terrorists....
To make this propaganda have a paranormal angle, Mulder gets to take a placebo pill and starts tripping and magically he finds the answer - I mean what the f*** , are you serious right now?! There is more I could go on and on, but f*** that, this does not deserve my time. epic fail and tarnished the reputation of a great series.
Chris Carter, WTF were you thinking??? The episode opens with a typical suburban Muslim reading his prayers, having breakfast, ogling average looking women, meeting a friend....okay, so I am thinking...this is the x-files, this all has to be a red herring of sorts, as its playing out like this guy is an ordinary looking sweet American Muslim guy...
But wait...thats exactly how it plays out... its not a curve ball, its not a misdirection or paranormal event...the Muslim was a terrorist all along - wow, just wow!!. Chris Carter, I hope you get a tonne of hate mail and your career goes down the lavatory.
wait it gets better...these 2 Muslims are not alone, other people who pray and say gods name are also potential terrorists....
To make this propaganda have a paranormal angle, Mulder gets to take a placebo pill and starts tripping and magically he finds the answer - I mean what the f*** , are you serious right now?! There is more I could go on and on, but f*** that, this does not deserve my time. epic fail and tarnished the reputation of a great series.
A great episode(Loose Spoiler or Plot Mention)
generalchris7 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not even going to mention the plot. I found the episode 2 episodes ago about the wereman, 'too trippy', too 'twin peaks', i found the last one about a guy who kills people and gets in a dustbin lorry compactor after doing it too 'attempt at doctor who', 'for kids scary' but dull. This episode i found almost perfectly weighted, a really good episode. Never been much of an x-files fan having found it slow but if we get more like this, i could be a convert. Character banter a plenty, wry but not too much. A good episode. Fox Mulder trips out this time not the scriptwriters and cinematographers, and along with Dana works with 2 younger agents. Mulder says some profound things, there's a bit of wit not from 2 agents but from 4.
Embarrassing...what was CC thinking?
radamanthe22 February 2016
This is by far the worst X-Files episode i have seen. It tries, as is obvious from the ending, to pass a message of understanding and reconciliation among different peoples and cultures, but fails miserably, since it uses every anti-Muslim stereotype currently available. The Muslims we see are all terrorists on a mission to destroy America, with the sole exception of a woman-the mother of a suicide bomber-that gives a humanistic speech at her son's deathbed. Of course Chris Carter doesn't bother analyzing the motivations behind Islamic fundamentalism, which are political, but instead rests on the lazy explanation that their religion tells them to go blow themselves up. Also featured in the episode is a pair of FBI agents who are basically the younger versions of Mulder and Scully but their storyline doesn't go anywhere and by the end of the episode nobody cares about them. The ending dialogue of Mulder and Scully was particularly cringeworthy as it balanced between stereotyping and ignorance about the roots of Muslim "hatred" and lovey-dovey ideas of love and peace among peoples, animals and plants. Chris Carter please have mercy on us!!! Only Anderson and Duchovny know how they managed not to crack up when uttering such nonsense. The only memorable thing from the episode is Mulder's silly dancing while tripping on placebo pills, maybe this can be seen as a metaphor for this whole inane episode. P.S. How come the torso of a suicide bomber isn't torn to pieces and he is instead in a hospital bed with head injuries??
Excelent episode!
josua_daniele20 January 2018
I loved this episode! My fav episode from season 10!! The X files always had an episode about religion, catholics, angels, etc. They showed us the bads and the goods of them. Why shouldn't they talk about muslims? Excelent episode!
Great concept ruined by horrible writing.
TouchTheGarlicProduction15 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This episode had a lot of potential that was horribly wasted. At the centre of it is Mulder and Scully dealing with two young agents who are essentially younger versions of themselves. This is a great concept to work with, and at first it's hilarious. But the initial impact of it very quickly fades, and the writers do very little with it. What they do try to do with it comes out very cringe-worthy. That being said, they did have some pretty good moments with this concept. I did find the drug trip quite funny. Really, this was the strongest part of the episode.
Early on in the episode, it divulges into multiple plots that never really come together and are all suddenly cut off, leaving around seven minutes of philosophical speculation that the writers clearly don't have the chops to pull off. It just reeks of writers who think they are smarter than they actually are.
The episode is also very Islamophobic. There are a couple lines that hint at a deeper understanding of the issues, but the episode mostly just shows us incredibly offencive stereotypes, painting a picture of all Muslims as terrorists. It was incredibly disappointing to see such a massive gaffe in this show.
The real problem with the episode is its pace. That's what kills any potential fun. It just meanders around for a while, never really going anywhere, until the plot is abruptly concluded and we are left with garbage stiff sentimentalized speculation. This is a story that didn't need to be told. I have no idea why the writers thought this would be a good story to tell.
Early on in the episode, it divulges into multiple plots that never really come together and are all suddenly cut off, leaving around seven minutes of philosophical speculation that the writers clearly don't have the chops to pull off. It just reeks of writers who think they are smarter than they actually are.
The episode is also very Islamophobic. There are a couple lines that hint at a deeper understanding of the issues, but the episode mostly just shows us incredibly offencive stereotypes, painting a picture of all Muslims as terrorists. It was incredibly disappointing to see such a massive gaffe in this show.
The real problem with the episode is its pace. That's what kills any potential fun. It just meanders around for a while, never really going anywhere, until the plot is abruptly concluded and we are left with garbage stiff sentimentalized speculation. This is a story that didn't need to be told. I have no idea why the writers thought this would be a good story to tell.
This is why I love the X-Files.
Goldenage612 May 2018
The episodes which made me laugh, smile and giggle. EX: Humbug, Syzygy, Bad Blood, Jose Chung's From Outer Space, Triangle, Dreamland 1 & 2, X-Cops, Arcadia, Hollywood A.D. Just to name a few. These are the ones I still cherish to this day and what makes the X-Files, "The X-Files." With this said. Babylon gets 2 enthusiastic thumbs up.
Thank you Chris Carter for never disappointing and keeping it fun.
Racist, Islamophobic, and stereotypical crap
adel_helmi15 February 2016
I am deeply saddened by the reduction of a prominent intelligent and relatively aware show to such racist, islamophobic, and stereotypical crap. The episode could have been so much more; Fox and Co could have shed some much needed light on the issues of race and religion that haunt the world today. Instead, they furthered and fostered whatever misguided hate the world (and especially Americans) have towards Arabs and Muslims. Good acting and memorable scenes were jumbled into such an offensive tale with nothing more than a depiction of radicalism within the context of Arabs and Muslims, alongside a couple of fleeting political statements towards immigrants. Fox should be condemned for such an offensive episode. The show runners should be hated for reducing such a classic show so low. The actors should feel horrible for going through with such an episode at all. You officially lost a lifelong fan.
A great episode - and clearly misunderstood
brian-wiz30 May 2019
This is a fascinating X Files episode. The direction, the cinematography. Heck, the subject matter. But it is fantastic.
Much of season 10 is great and wild and risky.
Because it didn't look exactly like The X Files of the past critics and some fans overly criticized it. The knives were out from the start. But there is NOTHING like this on television. This episode in particular.
This fan was taken in.
Much of season 10 is great and wild and risky.
Because it didn't look exactly like The X Files of the past critics and some fans overly criticized it. The knives were out from the start. But there is NOTHING like this on television. This episode in particular.
This fan was taken in.
This episode is garbage
jameswatt16 February 2016
Having watched the previous 9 seasons of the X-files multiple times over, I was very excited for the new season. Unfortunately, the new season has been just awful. Why did Gillian Anderson go and get botox the day before shooting? We know she is old now. It's not a problem to see some wrinkles.
Back to the episode at hand. Everyone else in the comments here are screaming about islamophobia. That's not my gripe. I actually think the opposite, this episode is anti- American.
Two white women in cowboy hats scoff at the Muslim. Moments later, a white guy in a pickup truck with a can of beer and two white women on his lap rev their engine at the Muslim to intimidate him.
I'm sure, somewhere in America, there is a very small percentage of people who would act this way. So, I find it ridiculous that white people would be stereotyped that way in this episode. It shows that Chris Carter and the other writers don't live in the real world.
In one scene, a nurse talks about the Syrian refugees and says that the terrorists are embedding themselves into countries that way. She warns that we should be afraid of them. he nurse is brushed off by the writers to look like a nut job, when in fact this is the very thing that ISIS is doing right now.
In another scene, they talk about the actual Chattanooga shooting and blame it on America for "hating Muslims." Give me a break. These are the types of people who felt bad for the terrorists who flew the planes into the towers.
I could go on and on with specific instances of stereotyping and racism directed at white people. I'd say watch the episode for yourself to see what I mean, but it isn't worth your time. I don't actually even remember anything paranormal in the episode!
Everyone remembers Obama's pastor when he preached, "God damn America. It's in the bible! For killing innocent people!" The world has gone to hell in a handbasket under the current way of thinking. If America continues on the path of degrading itself, we will cease to exist as a free people. So good job Chris Carter for furthering the problem!!!
Back to the episode at hand. Everyone else in the comments here are screaming about islamophobia. That's not my gripe. I actually think the opposite, this episode is anti- American.
Two white women in cowboy hats scoff at the Muslim. Moments later, a white guy in a pickup truck with a can of beer and two white women on his lap rev their engine at the Muslim to intimidate him.
I'm sure, somewhere in America, there is a very small percentage of people who would act this way. So, I find it ridiculous that white people would be stereotyped that way in this episode. It shows that Chris Carter and the other writers don't live in the real world.
In one scene, a nurse talks about the Syrian refugees and says that the terrorists are embedding themselves into countries that way. She warns that we should be afraid of them. he nurse is brushed off by the writers to look like a nut job, when in fact this is the very thing that ISIS is doing right now.
In another scene, they talk about the actual Chattanooga shooting and blame it on America for "hating Muslims." Give me a break. These are the types of people who felt bad for the terrorists who flew the planes into the towers.
I could go on and on with specific instances of stereotyping and racism directed at white people. I'd say watch the episode for yourself to see what I mean, but it isn't worth your time. I don't actually even remember anything paranormal in the episode!
Everyone remembers Obama's pastor when he preached, "God damn America. It's in the bible! For killing innocent people!" The world has gone to hell in a handbasket under the current way of thinking. If America continues on the path of degrading itself, we will cease to exist as a free people. So good job Chris Carter for furthering the problem!!!
utterly brilliant. Television redefined and reawakened once again by Chris Carter.
simoncharlestilbe19 February 2016
Finally got to watch this week's episode of "The X Files", and I am laughing at the lower rating it has received to date on IMDb from the masses. What a beautiful and typically thought-provoking ode to everything the show has ever been...gutsy subject matter and possibly Chris Carter's best writing and directing work to date, in my opinion. In an age of ubiquitous reality show garbage and mind-numbing formulaic nonsense of safe and predictable plots "acted" by models, there is this breath of fresh air, this series that not only entertains and even educates, but most importantly engenders questions...curiosity... I am left smiling deeply and so inspired at this truly brilliant television production, an episode that encompassed so many sincere moments, so wonderfully acted and so wonderfully scored, much as it began to be 23 years ago. Thank-you Mr. Carter & cast & crew - thank-you.
Not very good.
Walter_Skinner27 February 2016
When someone tunes in to watch the X-Files they typically expect two government agents to solve bizarre paranormal crime. In this episode though it's a poor tackling of America post 911 for the X-Files to attempt relevancy. The beginning of the episode seemed straight out of 24 instead of a promise of the paranormal.
The main irritation of this episode comes from two younger cardboard cut outs of Mulder and Scully the guy is so generic his name isn't important, and the woman is named Einstein. It's very obvious the torch is supposed to be passed to these two characters to become the new Mulder and Scully but the problem is that they're just poor carbon copies of Mulder and Scully. Devoid of any real personality, substance of intrigue.
The episode ends on some religious pretentious garbage that springs up memories of turkeys from the original series like "Fight Club" and "First Person Shooter"
The main irritation of this episode comes from two younger cardboard cut outs of Mulder and Scully the guy is so generic his name isn't important, and the woman is named Einstein. It's very obvious the torch is supposed to be passed to these two characters to become the new Mulder and Scully but the problem is that they're just poor carbon copies of Mulder and Scully. Devoid of any real personality, substance of intrigue.
The episode ends on some religious pretentious garbage that springs up memories of turkeys from the original series like "Fight Club" and "First Person Shooter"
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