Literary Analysis Of The X-Files Episodes
The X-Files is always somewhat of a mystery for the viewer, always leaving behind some question to ponder as the credits roll. Whether its wondering how someone can survive being burned alive, raised from the dead, or survive a run in with a horde of vampires, the questions are never truly explained. This pattern has left me wondering why the X-Files chose to create its trope of open-ended episodes. One of the open-ended episodes that caught my attention in particular was in “Fire” however that could be explained by the main villain being immortal. The first thing that always caught my attention while watching was the cryptic message delivered at the final moments of the into stating “The truth is out there” (Carter). This seems to hint at wanting the reader to find the truth, the truth mentioned at the beginning seems to hint that perhaps if you look hard enough the answers to some of the episodes may reveal themselves. However, because this question being asked comes from multiple perspectives and could be interpreted many ways by the viewer pending on how the viewer thinks, feels, believes and lives. This makes uncovering one solid truth even more complex. Surprisingly enough the first two episodes of the X-Files I watched didn’t leave me with the sense of bewilderment that the third episode I viewed did. “Miracle Man’s” raising from the dead twist didn’t take me by surprise, as I had assumed the boy who came back to life had some connection to a higher power. Also, in “Bad Blood” the town of vampires not killing the detectives was more than likely due to them wanting to keep a low profile and avoid a manhunt for the two-missing people and those who took them. The episode that peaked my curiosity was “Fire” wherein an insane pyromaniac ignites fires remotely and burns people to a crisp with no evidence being left behind. A large bulk of the pyromaniac’s tricks were discovered, such as what fuel he was burning to eradicate the bodies and how he got so close to the victims to set up their deaths. One thing that is not explained however, is that near the end of the episode the pyromaniac ignites himself with the same fuel that wiped away his victims and – surprisingly enough – he survives and is planned to be released from the hospital only a week after the events unfolded.</p>The events that unfolded in this episode led me to believe that the pyro could perhaps be immortal. Many details in the episode hinted at the supernatural powers behind the man, like how he lights his finger on fire as a magic trick. Also, being immortal could’ve driven him mad after witnessing the deaths of his family and lover as he remained the same forever. That could allow one to develop strange tendencies and a lack of caring for human life. Even further, it could explain his obvious fire obsession. Perhaps after multiple suicide attempts he began to enjoy the sensation, in turn, creating his obsession.
The doctors that examined the charred but still living body of the pyromaniac had never witnessed anything like it, “the pyromaniac was admitted to the Boston Mercy Hospital with fifth and sixth degree burns over his entire body and military burn specialists were brought in to study the case which there calling ‘extraordinary’” (Carter). Fifth and sixth degree burns are almost unheard of – especially with survival in mind. To clarify, fifth degree burns consist of “damage from burns of this degree affecting all soft tissues and all organs in the affected area and… the bone to some extent. Chances of survival are virtually none, and very rare individuals that did survive had to have the affected region amputated,” and sixth degree burns are when “bones are badly damaged or even charred. Burns so severe are not survivable” (“Degrees of Burns”). With his case being deemed extraordinary – and rightfully so – this further implies that no human being should have been able to survive the burns that the pyromaniac inflicted on himself. And despite these wounds, his powers did not waver. During his stay at the hospital, the nurses were required not to bring anything flammable into the room, due to the items combusting spontaneously. Another factor that came to mind while contemplating the pyromaniac’s immortality was how he was an avid smoker. Having no way to die means no fear of lung cancer caused by cigarettes. Had the pyro decided to live a dull immortal life and not burning people alive for his sick enjoyment, I could imagine it being similar to the Norse Gods in The Long Dark Tea-time of the Soul. These once powerful beings had been around so long they had grown tired of their way of life. They had lost the will to carry on and had resigned to living the life of homelessness on the streets. However, finding passions like fire and murder are sure could keep your life interesting.
References
- Carter, Chris. “X-Files Fire.” Fox Entertainment. Season 1, Episode 11. 17 Dec. 1993.
- Carter, Chris. “Fire – 1x11.” X-Files Transcript Archive, Fox Entertainment, www.insidethex.co.uk/transcript/scrp111.htm.
- “Degrees of Burns.” SteadyHealth.com, 16 Nov. 2010, ic.steadyhealth.com/degrees-of-burns.
