X-Files--"Wetwired"

The X-Files has managed to flirt with social issues while mostly avoiding being preachy, but one always fears when subjects like violence on television come up. Considering the often graphic nature of the series, there is a certain fear of hypocrisy as well. It would seem rather strange to complain about violent imagery causing real violence when The X-Files routinely visualizes the most gruesome of criminal acts. Fears laid to rest, “Wetwired” a meat and potatoes conspiracy romp.

Mulder is let in on a series of murders by ordinary people who saw illusory images by the plain Clothes Man, his first appearance. While the agent knows nothing about him, Mulder looks into the matter after being warned ignoring it would cost lives. The case involves a man who killed his wife and several police officers because he believed they were a Bosnian war criminal and an older woman who shoots her neighbor because she believes he is her husband cheating with another woman. A common factor is a stack of videos in each residence and a cable company man checking a device shortly after each incident occurred.

The agents view the3 video recordings, which all appear to be regular television programming. Unbeknownst to Mulder, Scully is being affected by it. Her paranoia increases as she slowly begins to suspect Mulder is in cahoots with the Syndicate. He finally discovers television viewers are being manipulated when he takes one of the devices the cable repairman installed to the Lone Gunman. It produces visual signals which enhance the viewer’s fear. Mulder was not affected because he is red/green color blind. Scully, however, has gone over the edge.

(Can color blind people pass the FBI physical? I am guessing they can, but there is enough doubt to make me wonder.)

Knowing Scully is probably affected, he goes looking for her and finds six rounds from a glock instead before she heads off. At least, I counted six rounds. Mulder later says it was four. I try not to pick nits too much, but that sounds like an easy detail to get right. Her mother finally brings her down from her delusion by convincing her she would not associate with anyone who kidnapped her daughter or killed her other one like she is with Mulder. The power of mom overcomes subliminal messaging.

The episode is turned on its ear in the end when Mr. X, who sent the Plain Clothes Man to Mulder in the first place, shows up to eliminate all evidence of the project. Mulder is not thrilled that his “ally” has screwed him over, but that is typical of how their relationship goes. Mr. x meets with the Cigarette Smoking Man. It is not spoken between them, but it is obvious he suspects Mr. X is a traitor to the Syndicate.

“Wetwired” is a routine, but entertaining installment. The general plot was done better back in the second season with “Blood”, but after a string of less than stellar monster of the week and mythology episodes, it is a welcome sight. Interestingly enough, the episode was written by the show’s visual effects director Matt Beck. It is his only writing credit.

Rating: *** (out of 5)