As The X-Files approached the end of its fifth season, just weeks before its first feature film release, viewers were thrust into the spine-tingling chaos of “Folie à Deux.” Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) travels to Chicago to investigate a new “monster of the week,” but soon realizes that this monster could be targeting him personally.
Directed by X-Files veteran Kim Manners and penned by Vince Gilligan, the creative force behind Breaking Bad, this episode introduces us to Gary Lambert, portrayed by Brian Markinson. Gary is an everyday guy stuck in a monotonous telemarketing job, executing a scripted routine while enduring incessant demands to “dial and smile” to attract customers.
What starts as mundane rapidly escalates when Gary becomes aware of an ominous, insect-like creature disguised as his boss, transforming his co-workers into compliant zombies. Frightened, he records a warning about the creature terrorizing VinylRight employees, which leads Mulder and his partner Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) to take on the bizarre case.
Back at the FBI, tension simmers between Mulder and his boss, Assistant Director Skinner (Mitch Pileggi), leading Mulder to tackle what he considers a trivial assignment solo. However, once in Chicago, he discovers the case is far more complicated than he initially thought, necessitating Scully’s expertise.
As Gary nears his breaking point, he witnesses his colleagues transforming into lifeless drones, reminiscent of the paranoia found in Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Struggling to convince others of the bizarre events around him, he eventually takes the office hostage, including an unsuspecting Mulder. Amid the chaos, Mulder also sees the terrifying creature, propelling the case into uncharted territories.
The episode cleverly explores themes of control and identity through Gary’s struggle against a creature that seeks to strip away autonomy. The modern-day parallel of capitalism is striking; in an age dominated by marketing automation, Gary’s fears resonate deeply. Back in the late ’90s when this aired, telemarketers filled cubicles, leading to an eerily relatable reflection on workplace despair.
As Mulder and Scully attempt to decipher Gary’s claims, Scully initially doubts the validity of his assertions, especially given that he has just committed murder. However, Mulder’s genuine concern and a shocking discovery from Scully’s autopsy begin to shift the narrative. Mulder urges Scully to view him as the rare person who understands the bizarre nature of their work.
Along the way, Mulder uncovers connections to past episodes, grounding the current chaos in historical X-Files lore. His instincts suggest that something sinister lurks beyond Gary’s delusions—perhaps a deeper conspiracy tied to his boss, Greg Pincus (John Apicella).
What does “folie à deux” mean in the context of this episode? It refers to a shared delusion between two individuals. As Mulder grapples with the surreal nature of his encounters, Scully begins to see the gravity of the situation with more clarity.
By this point in the series, fans appreciated Mulder’s unconventional approach to the unexplained. It’s easily understandable how years of doubt and otherworldly experiences have affected his psyche, leading to moments where his mental stability comes under scrutiny.
Ultimately, Scully’s validation serves as a stabilizing force for Mulder, even as Skinner grapples with the implications of his wild theories. Conflicted but fair, Skinner recognizes the legitimacy of the case, affirming the duo’s sanity amid the chaos.
As the episode concludes, with Scully pondering whether they might also be under the influence of shared delusions, a new group of anxious callers attempts to fulfill their roles at the call center. But in true X-Files fashion, one unlucky employee glimpses the frightful insect scuttling through the office.
The X-Files is available for streaming on Hulu, inviting both new viewers and seasoned fans to explore the strange and thrilling world of Mulder and Scully.
Are there notable themes in “Folie à Deux” that resonate with current societal issues? Yes, the episode cleverly mirrors the alienation many feel in modern workplaces driven by automation.
Why do Mulder and Scully frequently doubt each other? Their contrasting perspectives and experiences often lead to differing interpretations of strange phenomena.
How does Gary’s character symbolize the struggle against corporate culture? Gary embodies the fight against dehumanization and the loss of individuality in a corporate setting.
You’ll appreciate how The X-Files intertwines psychological themes with horror, and its ability to deliver chilling narratives that resonate even today. To delve deeper into similar content, check out Moyens I/O.