Index to all seasons | Abbey Home Page
"Just because I can't explain it doesn't mean I'm going to believe they
were UFOs."
"Unidentified Flying Objects. I think that fits the description pretty
well. Tell me I'm crazy."
"Mulder, you're crazy."
And so it goes. Their roles as the skeptic and the believer established in the pilot episode, "Deep Throat" proves to be a unique exploration of the early partnership back when Mulder and Scully were still learning to alternately argue with and support each other properly - discovering the rhythms of working together. The Chris Carter written script is a particularly good one as it covers all the bases with an interesting story, character building moments, the right amount of intrigue, and the introduction of the man who remains to this day Mulder's most interesting informant, Deep Throat (expertly played by Jerry Hardin). Hardin paints a character who seems at once comfortably friendly and dangerous, trustworthy and shadowy as he even admits to serving his own "best interests". He leaves us curious and wanting more as Carter uses the character to further establish the shady government activities that are an X-Files staple. Deep Throat bookends the show with a sense of danger for Mulder and Scully beyond those posed by the crimes they are attempting to solve or the FBI forces who are keeping tabs on their performance. There is something much bigger and more insidious at work here. The show's last line "Mr. Mulder, they've been here for a very long time" still resonates today.
The teaser is used to great effect to quickly gather us into the story. Director Daniel Sackheim and Editor Stephen Mark push the pace with rushing cameras and quick cuts building in intensity until they crash to a stop on the nearly naked, rash covered, shivering Budahas. Back in DC our dear Dr. Scully sits drinking bottled water at a bar waiting for her new partner. Mulder shows his propensity for invading her personal space from the start - zooming in on her and offering her a drink which by-the-book Scully (who is obviously still not very thrilled with her new partner or assignment) declines. Mulder's first trip to the bathroom where he encounters Deep Throat proves distressing (imagine that) so much that it is he who is saying "I'm fine".
What I find most interesting about this episode is watching the struggles between the partners ("You believe it all don't you?" "Why wouldn't I?"). It's a bit jarring to see Scully so much in opposition to Mulder in this episode (even though she does come across as vaguely amused most of the time). If she mentions those damn fields reports once, she mentions them three times. However, behind all that, there is a repeated underlying concern about the bureau already having it out for them and especially Mulder - her wanting to reel him in if only to make sure that he retains his job. Scully, still intensely naive ("You know the government is not above the law"), is torn between being a partner and towing the company line to make sure their work doesn't read like a tabloid story. A quick study, she has already learned that Fox "There's something I didn't tell you Scully" Mulder won't be sharing the whole truth with her - which is why she is spending her evening in the microfilm library while we get a rare glimpse of "Cooking With Mulder".
We never *really* find out who is right in this episode. The Aurora project / defense secrets Scully Rational Explanation is just as plausible as the Mulder UFO technology idea (more than likely, as usual, the truth lies in a combination of their ideas) - though, whatever it is, their nosing around is not appreciated. I think the fact that there are no clear cut answers adds to the testiness between the duo who continue to bait each other ("Sucker") and argue. It's so fascinating to watch this back and forth. One minute at each other's throats and the next thing you know Mulder is literally yanking Scully out of the car to share an enraptured moment as they view the UFOs (or lasers). Later, Scully cannot contain herself from practically laughing in Mulder's face over his fuzzy Roswell photos and as a result Ditching!Mulder makes his first X-Files appearance. There is this truly wonderful moment that just makes me laugh at that very first Scully "I've just been ditched" realization. Poor dear, little does she know then how often that event will be repeated.
One of the things I will always respect about Chris Carter is that he gave us Action!Scully so very early on. Yes, the partners spend a lot of this episode arguing, but she puts herself on the line at the end to bring him home. Despite the fact that she has unfortunately left her gun in her room, Scully (and isn't that "no gun - bummer" look precious) is allowed to prove her value as a partner and save the day. We find Mulder looking very much like he'd been through the spin cycle without a helmet.
-So, Mulder and Scully see the UFOs at 9:13PM and yet it is 5:02AM
when they have the kids at Erik's Diner. What the heck were they doing
all that time?
Oh, I know, they took the Oldsmobile by the all hours car glass repair
shop (their slogan: "Busted by a strange light? We're open all night!")
to fix the back window so it was good as new the next morning.
My favorite exchange in this one: "Mulder, did you see their eyes? If I were that stoned..." "Ooooooo. If you were that stoned, what?" Believe me, I'd love to hear the answer to that one as much as Mulder does.
-Frank's Fashion Spot: After watching the first episode the change in Scully's appearance here is a bit shocking - especially as the opening shot at the bar has Scully looking at her season one best: those glasses, new shorter, lighter hair, and a smart looking suit. She even sports jewelry beyond her earrings and trademark cross in the form of a pin - something rarely seen on the show. Also, it seems that out heroes are pretty quick to slip out of their work togs in these early episodes. Casual outfits are few and far between in the future. Mulder looks downright grubby in the end - his shorts and sweatshirt full of holes.
-Our Little Sailor: Scully once again swears as the Men In Black's car cuts them off: "What the hell is ..."
-Well, I've heard of stunt drivers, but in this episode we even get a "stunt rider". Check out the scene where the Men in Black cut off Mulder and Scully's car. In the outside the car shots the passenger is clearly not Gillian Anderson. Not only does it not look anything like her but the hair is even the wrong length.
-Mrs. Budahas tells us Verla McLennen's husband went "kind of crazy". If making fishing lures out of your own thinning hair is "kind of crazy" I'm scared to think what she would call a lunatic.
-I'm not quite sure why Scully is even bothering to carry around her weapon if she's going to leave the clip empty. When her gun is taken from her and the clip is extracted it looks woefully blank.
-I'm really wondering when Mulder and Scully got any sleep during these events. While Scully (proving her ability to sleep anywhere) dozes a bit in the car - well that is until the window blows out eliciting a almost unheard of Scully scream - after that they appear to go without sleep.
-This episode is pre-Danny as Scully is forced to consult "Gail" on license plate issues.
-Also we are also pre-cell phone as Scully can't seem to get a line out. Something tells me that when they did start carrying them it was at Scully's insistence after being ditched a number of times.
-Speaking of phones, it is pretty funny that while none of the phones Scully tries seem to work you can clearly see a guy on the pay phone behind her as she heads back to her room.
-Funny how much the special effects varied in this one. While the initial UFO siting by Mulder and Scully was not very thrilling, the stealth craft that Mulder sees was very effective.
-Both 1121 and 1013 find their way into this one. 11-21-1948 as a birthday and case number DF101364.
-So, why does Mulder run right down the middle of the runway when he could jump back into those tall weeds to hide himself?
-Exactly where is Scully as she type her final report. Not in Mulder's office. Not in the bullpen of other agents we've seen her walk through before. Not at her home. Does she already rate her own office? Somehow I doubt it.
Autumn
"Sucker!"