X-Files--"Talitha Cumi"

I am fond of well done literary references done in other forms--well done meaning more than just thrown in to fake intellectualism. There is a clear distinction. If you want a fine example, look to “Talitha Cumi,” which is also the best mythology episode since “Paper Clip.”

The title ’Talitha Cumi” comes from the Gospel of Mark 5:41. Translated from Aramaic, it means ’Arise, Maiden.” Jesus said this to a girl he had risen from the dead. The allusion ties into the episode because a mysterious man named Jeremiah Smith uses some mystical powers to calm an armed hostage taker in a fast food joint, then heals him and several wounded customers when he panics after seeing police snipers outside. Mulder and scully are on the trail of Smith throughout the episode, but he is captured and imprisoned by the Cigarette Smoking Man.

It is their prison cell confrontation that is the most prominent literary reference. There conversation over the future of humanity is a direct lift of the conversation between the Grand Inquisitor and Jesus in a parable told in “The Grand Inquisitor“ chapter of The Brothers Katamazov.. smith is one of the aliens attempting to prevent the eventual colonization of Earth. The Cigarette Smoking Man assures him he will fail in his effort to save humanity, but is visibly upset by Smith’s valid warning that mankind’s love of freedom will conquer the Syndicate’s control. Man lives for hope, which is why smith’s miracle healing has caused such a stir.

Smith escapes prison and tracks down Scully seeking protective custody from the Alien Bounty Hunter. He makes his first appearance since the second season. Mulder is off to the hospital in Rhode Island where his mother has suffered a stroke after a confrontation with the Cigarette Smoking Man. Their dust up is one of the most famous in The X-Files. for one, it reveals she was given one of those alien ice picks--the only weapon known to kill the aliens. Two, the Cigarette Smoking man hints at having had an affair with her in the past. The revelation lead to long speculation that he, and not Bill, is Mulder’s real father.

The episode comes to a head when Mulder meets up with Scully and Smith at an industrial site as the Alien Bounty Hunter shows up to kill smith. To be continued.

An exciting ’to be continued” it is, too. The mythology has suffered in the third season thus far, either by being muddled with Native American mysticism or meandering plots about black oil attempting to return home. The mythology is not only back on track, but we finally get the notion there is more than just Mulder waging a one man crusade against the impossible. He has alien aliens. Said allies have faith in man’s ability to overcome. Speaking as a cynic, that is more faith in man than I can muster. Maybe more than Mulder’s nigh bottomless well of faith in his cause.

“Talitha Cumi” is the third season finale. The audience for The X-Files had grown this season because of all the buzz from the second season cliffhanger. While I enjoyed it overall, the third season falls below the first two as far as consistent quality., particularly in terms of the mythology. The season is saved by several, very strong monster of the week episode. But how the series managed to grow its audience by offering less quality than it had when it was a cult favorite is beyond me.

Fret not, folks. The fourth season is one of my favorite of the entire series. Out of all nine seasons, it contains more highly rated episodes than any other in my book. I am looking forward to putting my thoughts down about them.

Rating: **** (out of 5)