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The X-Files: Season 4

Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Season 5 Season 6 Season 7 Season 8 Season 9 Season 10 Season 11 Seasons Ranked

The X-Files Herrenvolk 4x01

Herrenvolk

 494    0      0      Oct 4, 1996      44 mn    4
Written by Chris Carter
Directed by R.W. Goodwin
The X-Files Home 4x02

Home

 535    0      0      Oct 11, 1996      44 mn    4.5
Written by Glen Morgan & James Wong
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Teliko 4x03

Teliko

 479    0      0      Oct 18, 1996      43 mn    1
Written by Howard Gordon
Directed by James Charleston
The X-Files Unruhe 4x04

Unruhe

 462    0      0      Oct 27, 1996      44 mn    4.33
Written by Vince Gilligan
Directed by Rob Bowman
The X-Files The Field Where I Died 4x05

The Field Where I Died

 503    0      0      Nov 3, 1996      44 mn    3
Written by Glen Morgan & James Wong
Directed by Rob Bowman
The X-Files Sanguinarium 4x06

Sanguinarium

 462    0      0      Nov 10, 1996      44 mn    3
Written by Vivian Mayhew & Valerie Mayhew
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man 4x07

Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man

 472    0      0      Nov 17, 1996      44 mn    4.5
Written by Glen Morgan
Directed by James Wong
The X-Files Tunguska 4x08

Tunguska

 462    0      0      Nov 24, 1996      44 mn    5
Written by Frank Spotnitz & Chris Carter
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Terma 4x09

Terma

 470    0      0      Dec 1, 1996      44 mn    4
Written by Frank Spotnitz & Chris Carter
Directed by Rob Bowman
The X-Files Paper Hearts 4x10

Paper Hearts

 468    0      0      Dec 15, 1996      44 mn    4.67
Written by Vince Gilligan
Directed by Rob Bowman
The X-Files El Mundo Gira 4x11

El Mundo Gira

 472    0      0      Jan 12, 1997      44 mn    2.5
Written by John Shiban
Directed by Tucker Gates
The X-Files Leonard Betts 4x12

Leonard Betts

 504    0      0      Jan 26, 1997      44 mn    5
Written by Vince Gilligan & John Shiban & Frank Spotnitz
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Never Again 4x13

Never Again

 462    0      0      Feb 2, 1997      44 mn    5
Written by Glen Morgan & James Wong
Directed by Rob Bowman
The X-Files Memento Mori 4x14

Memento Mori

 515    0      0      Feb 9, 1997      44 mn    4
Written by Chris Carter & Vince Gilligan & John Shiban & Frank Spotnitz
Directed by Rob Bowman
The X-Files Kaddish 4x15

Kaddish

 460    0      0      Feb 16, 1997      44 mn    2
Written by Howard Gordon
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Unrequited 4x16

Unrequited

 468    0      0      Feb 23, 1997      42 mn    1
Story by Howard Gordon • Teleplay by Howard Gordon & Chris Carter
Directed by Michael Lange
The X-Files Tempus Fugit 4x17

Tempus Fugit

 457    0      0      Mar 16, 1997      44 mn    3
Written by Chris Carter & Frank Spotnitz
Directed by Rob Bowman
The X-Files Max 4x18

Max

 465    0      0      Mar 23, 1997      44 mn    3
Written by Chris Carter & Frank Spotnitz
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Synchrony 4x19

Synchrony

 498    0      0      Apr 13, 1997      43 mn    1
Written by Howard Gordon & David Greenwalt
Directed by James Charleston
The X-Files Small Potatoes 4x20

Small Potatoes

 454    0      0      Apr 20, 1997      44 mn    4
Written by Vince Gilligan
Directed by Cliff Bole
The X-Files Zero Sum 4x21

Zero Sum

 480    0      0      Apr 27, 1997      44 mn    3
Written by Frank Spotnitz & Howard Gordon
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Elegy 4x22

Elegy

 474    0      0      May 4, 1997      44 mn    1
Written by John Shiban
Directed by James Charleston
The X-Files Demons 4x23

Demons

 452    0      0      May 11, 1997      44 mn    3
Written by R.W. Goodwin
Directed by Kim Manners
The X-Files Gethsemane 4x24

Gethsemane

 498    0      0      May 18, 1997      44 mn    4
Written by Chris Carter
Directed by R.W. Goodwin

 SEASON RUNTIME

17 hours 32 minutes

The X-Files - In-Depth Review of Season 4

Original Air Date: October 4, 1996 – May 18, 1997

Season 4 of The X-Files is marked by darker and more intense storytelling. It advances the central mythology of the series, deepening the alien conspiracy while tackling personal and emotional stakes, particularly for Scully. The show’s commitment to complex, often unsettling narratives makes this season one of the most memorable in the series.

Overview

The fourth season of The X-Files consists of 24 episodes that push the boundaries of the show’s mythology while delivering stand-out "monster-of-the-week" episodes. The series continues to blend horror, sci-fi, and psychological drama, with many episodes exploring darker themes, such as illness, death, and government manipulation. With both Mulder and Scully facing personal challenges, season 4 deepens the emotional core of the series.

Season 4 also ramps up the stakes by introducing life-altering developments, particularly with Scully’s cancer diagnosis, which becomes a major plot point in the latter half of the season.

Main Characters

Fox Mulder

David Duchovny portrays Mulder as a man increasingly desperate for answers. His search for the truth about the alien conspiracy reaches new heights this season, as Mulder becomes more willing to sacrifice everything for proof. His obsession with finding his sister, Samantha, continues to drive him, while his relationship with Scully grows more complex as her life is put in jeopardy.

Dana Scully

Gillian Anderson delivers a powerful performance as Scully, who faces her most personal challenge yet in season 4: a diagnosis of cancer, which is linked to her abduction in earlier seasons. This health crisis profoundly affects her character, as she struggles with her mortality and what it means to her life and work. Scully's strength and vulnerability shine in this season, and her relationship with Mulder becomes even more emotionally charged.

Key Supporting Characters

  • Alex Krycek: Krycek remains a dangerous figure within the conspiracy, betraying Mulder and Scully whenever possible. His actions this season are pivotal in furthering the government cover-up and maintaining the mystery surrounding the alien involvement.
  • The Cigarette Smoking Man: The Cigarette Smoking Man continues to be a central antagonist, his control over the conspiracy deepening as more secrets are revealed. His connection to Mulder, as well as his own past, is explored in greater detail this season.
  • Marita Covarrubias: Introduced as a new informant, Marita works within the U.N. and occasionally helps Mulder in his search for the truth, but her loyalties are unclear, adding another layer of ambiguity to the conspiracy.

Key Themes and Concepts

Mortality and Scully’s Cancer

One of the most significant developments in season 4 is Scully’s diagnosis of cancer. Her illness adds a deeply emotional layer to the show, as Scully is forced to confront her mortality. The cancer storyline is linked to the conspiracy, specifically to the experiments and abductions that have haunted her since the beginning of the series. This theme of mortality underscores the personal stakes for both Mulder and Scully as they continue their dangerous quest for the truth.

The Alien Conspiracy and Hybrid Experiments

The alien conspiracy deepens in season 4, with more revelations about the government’s involvement in alien-human hybrid experiments. Mulder uncovers more evidence that the U.S. government is collaborating with extraterrestrials, manipulating human DNA for nefarious purposes. These discoveries not only drive the mythology forward but also put Mulder and Scully at greater risk as they get closer to uncovering the truth.

Personal Sacrifice

The theme of personal sacrifice is central to season 4. Mulder and Scully’s pursuit of the truth often comes at great personal cost, whether it’s Scully’s illness, Mulder’s fractured relationships, or the growing danger to their lives. Their willingness to continue in the face of overwhelming odds speaks to their commitment and the larger stakes of their quest.

Monsters of the Week

While the alien mythology and Scully’s cancer arc dominate the season, the "monster-of-the-week" episodes remain a core feature. These standalone episodes explore a range of paranormal phenomena, from killer insects to shape-shifters. The darker tone of season 4 is also reflected in these episodes, many of which are more gruesome and psychologically intense than previous seasons.

In-Depth Episode Analysis

Herrenvolk

The season opener picks up where the season 3 finale, "Talitha Cumi," left off. Mulder continues his search for the truth about the alien conspiracy, coming face-to-face with clones of his sister, Samantha. This episode furthers the mystery surrounding alien-human hybrids and the extent of the government’s involvement in covering up the truth.

Home

One of the most controversial and disturbing episodes of the entire series, "Home" involves Mulder and Scully investigating a backwoods family with dark, horrifying secrets. The episode's violent content and unsettling themes led to it being banned from television for several years. Despite this, "Home" is regarded as a standout episode for its chilling atmosphere and shocking narrative.

Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man

This episode provides a deep dive into the backstory of the series’ primary antagonist, the Cigarette Smoking Man. Told in a nonlinear style, the episode explores his role in some of the most significant moments of American history, blending fact with fiction. It humanizes him to some extent while also reinforcing his ruthless nature and his central role in the alien conspiracy.

Memento Mori

One of the most emotional episodes of the season, "Memento Mori" focuses on Scully’s cancer diagnosis. As Scully comes to terms with her illness, Mulder works to find a cure, uncovering more about the connection between Scully’s abduction and the alien conspiracy. This episode earned critical acclaim and highlighted the emotional depth of the series.

Tunguska/Terma

This two-part episode sends Mulder and Scully across the globe as they investigate the black oil, a recurring alien substance that infects humans. Their investigation leads to the discovery of a gulag in Russia where horrific experiments are being conducted. These episodes further expand the scope of the alien conspiracy, adding international elements to the mix.

Gethsemane

The season finale, "Gethsemane," is one of the most dramatic and shocking episodes of the series. Mulder is presented with what appears to be undeniable proof of extraterrestrial life, but as he gets closer to the truth, tragedy strikes. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Mulder’s future uncertain and Scully left to pick up the pieces. This powerful episode sets the stage for the dramatic events of season 5.

Critical Reception

Season 4 of The X-Files received widespread critical acclaim, with many considering it one of the strongest seasons of the series. Critics praised the show’s willingness to explore darker, more complex themes, particularly with Scully’s cancer storyline. Gillian Anderson was lauded for her performance, earning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Scully.

The balance between mythology episodes and standalone "monster-of-the-week" episodes continued to impress, with episodes like "Home" and "Memento Mori" standing out as fan and critical favorites. The season's focus on personal stakes and the emotional journeys of Mulder and Scully elevated the storytelling, making it one of the most impactful seasons of the series.

Legacy of Season 4

Season 4 is often cited as a turning point for The X-Files, as it pushed the boundaries of network television in terms of content and storytelling. The darker tone and complex character development helped cement the show’s reputation as one of the most influential sci-fi series of all time. Scully’s cancer storyline added emotional depth, while the continued expansion of the alien mythology laid the groundwork for future seasons and the eventual X-Files movie.

Season 4 also solidified Mulder and Scully’s partnership as one of the greatest in television history. Their emotional connection, combined with the high-stakes conspiracy they uncovered, kept audiences hooked and invested in their journey for truth and justice.



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