Revelations is the first episode to follow up the wildly exciting Nisei/731 mythology episodes. This is a solid episode that is centered around Scully's faith and beliefs. Make note of this episode. This time Scully is the believer and Mulder is the skeptic. It's not very often during the series that we encounter this role reversal. Any episode that deals with religion, Mulder suddenly turns doubter. I liked the character of Owen Jarvis. His looks make you think he is the bad guy at first but he turns out to be Kevin's protector. It's interesting that besides showing marks of the crucifixion, Kevin can also replicate himself, though it's never explained. Scully explains that St. Ignatius had this same power in the Bible; but I've never seen that in any Bible I've ever read. So overall, what makes this episode good is the centering on Scully's struggles with her dormant faith and with the role reversal of Mulder and Scully.
21 Reviews
Oh god, it's Windam Earle
n-town-smash18 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
First thing's first: the casting in this one is EXCELLENT. We have the bad guy from The Hills Have Eyes as the good guy, and the bad guy from Twin Peaks as the bad guy, and even if you've seen enough TV to guess that Owen Jarvis isn't going to be a monster purely because he looks like "Homer Simpson's evil twin", the two really offset one another. And on top of that, the boy Kevin succeeds in not being irritating. Really, that's an achievement in itself.
"Revelations" depends quite heavily on "the ineffable plan" to patch up a few holes in its story, something which became an annoyingly common theme of the show's Christianity- themed episodes. We don't particularly know why any of what's happening is happening, and Scully's out-of-character open-mindedness - extending to an alarming willingness to let heavily medicated fanatics tell her what to do - is almost all the proof we get that it wasn't all just a great bit fiasco. The thing of flipping Mulder and Scully's believer/skeptic relationship is still kind of interesting, but it's frustrating that Scully is persuaded more easily by schizophrenics than by all the evidence of the paranormal she's been shown over the last three years.
In the end, I know nothing about the Bible, and this episode is pleasingly apocalyptic for me. I've since learnt that, as is mentioned in one of the other comments, St Ignatius' bilocation is made up for the sake of this episode, and it's annoying, but not enough to spoil it. So much is left unexplained, and you are rather battered around the head with the notion that faith is a good thing, but it at least makes sense within itself.
"Revelations" depends quite heavily on "the ineffable plan" to patch up a few holes in its story, something which became an annoyingly common theme of the show's Christianity- themed episodes. We don't particularly know why any of what's happening is happening, and Scully's out-of-character open-mindedness - extending to an alarming willingness to let heavily medicated fanatics tell her what to do - is almost all the proof we get that it wasn't all just a great bit fiasco. The thing of flipping Mulder and Scully's believer/skeptic relationship is still kind of interesting, but it's frustrating that Scully is persuaded more easily by schizophrenics than by all the evidence of the paranormal she's been shown over the last three years.
In the end, I know nothing about the Bible, and this episode is pleasingly apocalyptic for me. I've since learnt that, as is mentioned in one of the other comments, St Ignatius' bilocation is made up for the sake of this episode, and it's annoying, but not enough to spoil it. So much is left unexplained, and you are rather battered around the head with the notion that faith is a good thing, but it at least makes sense within itself.
Outstanding episode
aurrora_australis22 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This was one of my favorite episodes of season 3; they just re-aired it on The Sci Fi Channel. I had not seen it in years but I remembered every detail because I watched it over and over when I first saw it around a decade ago! It is not one I easily forgot, and it was definitely intriguing to see Agent Scully in a role where she plays not only the protector of the stigmatic child but also becomes the believer and Mulder is the skeptic, as mentioned in the previous comment. It is always interesting to see Scully show emotion of any kind, and also easy to see why Anderson won an Emmy for her role. This is classic X-Files, in my opinion. I remember years ago thinking that it was so convenient that she saw the recycle container and suddenly knew where to find Kevin, but now seeing it again I realize that those signs were meant for her to see because she was "chosen" to protect him, whereas otherwise she would not have made the connection.
A great battle between good and evil
bigblue1235 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I liked this episode a lot for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the storyline is great and almost Terminator-esquire with a religious element. Essentially it is the old classic battle between good and evil and involves a stigmatic boy who is being pursued by the forces of evil. As expected, Mulder and Scully are brought in to protect the boy.
Secondly, the characters are brilliant. Mulder and Scully undergo a role reversal where Mulder is the sceptic and Scully is the believer. This episode also gives us a greater insight into the depths of Scully's religious beliefs. The supporting characters are also brilliant. Notably Simon Gates, who represents evil and has the unique ability to burn with his hands, and Owen Jarvis who represents the forces of good.
Thirdly the casting is a stroke of genius. Kenneth Welsh is wonderfully creepy as Simon Gates and Michael Berryman is both heroic and tragic as Owen Jarvis. Part of the reason this episode works so well is because of the casting of these actors in their respective roles. When we first meet the character of Owen Jarvis we assume (because of his appearance) that he is evil, but we could not be more wrong. How true is this of real life - making premature judgements about people purely based on the way they look. This episode also offers us a wonderful performance by Gillian Anderson as Scully.
This episode has the perfect blend of action and tension and the ending, where Scully and the boy part, is actually quite sad.
My only criticism is that R. Lee Ermey has such a short role. He is such a terrific actor and is only in a blink-and-you'll-miss it part. Nevertheless he is great as always.
Overall a great episode and worthy of 7/10.
Firstly, the storyline is great and almost Terminator-esquire with a religious element. Essentially it is the old classic battle between good and evil and involves a stigmatic boy who is being pursued by the forces of evil. As expected, Mulder and Scully are brought in to protect the boy.
Secondly, the characters are brilliant. Mulder and Scully undergo a role reversal where Mulder is the sceptic and Scully is the believer. This episode also gives us a greater insight into the depths of Scully's religious beliefs. The supporting characters are also brilliant. Notably Simon Gates, who represents evil and has the unique ability to burn with his hands, and Owen Jarvis who represents the forces of good.
Thirdly the casting is a stroke of genius. Kenneth Welsh is wonderfully creepy as Simon Gates and Michael Berryman is both heroic and tragic as Owen Jarvis. Part of the reason this episode works so well is because of the casting of these actors in their respective roles. When we first meet the character of Owen Jarvis we assume (because of his appearance) that he is evil, but we could not be more wrong. How true is this of real life - making premature judgements about people purely based on the way they look. This episode also offers us a wonderful performance by Gillian Anderson as Scully.
This episode has the perfect blend of action and tension and the ending, where Scully and the boy part, is actually quite sad.
My only criticism is that R. Lee Ermey has such a short role. He is such a terrific actor and is only in a blink-and-you'll-miss it part. Nevertheless he is great as always.
Overall a great episode and worthy of 7/10.
"I just want to go to heaven."
classicsoncall8 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
In attempting a story with a religious subtext, the writers of this episode could have really gone out on a limb to come up with something easy to criticize, but Chris Carter and Kim Newton came up with a genuinely intriguing tale while flipping the believer/skeptic dynamic between partners Scully and Mulder. This time, and even with her Roman Catholic upbringing, Scully is reluctant to accept the evidence of a real live stigmatic, a corpse exhibiting characteristics of an 'incorruptible', and the apparent bilocation ability of young Kevin Kryder (Kevin Zegers). Personally, seeing Owen Jarvis (Michael Berryman) getting up and running away after taking a header out of a second story window was justification enough for me to believe some angel was watching over him, but that was an idea that never came up.
Even though I've learned about all of those miraculous kinds of events mentioned above, this was the first time I ever heard of a Jerusalem Syndrome, affecting people who visit the Holy land and suffer religious delusions induced by their journey. That seemed to describe what was going on with Simon Gates (Kenneth Walsh) in his fervor to hunt down and kill all known stigmatics, but in his case, I think we can take a cue from Clyde Bruckman's brilliant observation from an earlier Season Three episode - the guy was simply a homicidal maniac.
Well if the devil is in the details, this episode did a pretty good job of laying out a credible story with some highly incredible, some might even say, miraculous touches. It was interesting to see Scully on the defensive here with her partner role modeling the voice of reason, something you don't ordinarily see if the main event has to do with the mere paranormal.
Even though I've learned about all of those miraculous kinds of events mentioned above, this was the first time I ever heard of a Jerusalem Syndrome, affecting people who visit the Holy land and suffer religious delusions induced by their journey. That seemed to describe what was going on with Simon Gates (Kenneth Walsh) in his fervor to hunt down and kill all known stigmatics, but in his case, I think we can take a cue from Clyde Bruckman's brilliant observation from an earlier Season Three episode - the guy was simply a homicidal maniac.
Well if the devil is in the details, this episode did a pretty good job of laying out a credible story with some highly incredible, some might even say, miraculous touches. It was interesting to see Scully on the defensive here with her partner role modeling the voice of reason, something you don't ordinarily see if the main event has to do with the mere paranormal.
I always knew Windham Earle was disturbed, but the servant of evil?
Sanpaco1314 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Revelations the Limerick:
Bodily sores or sensations
Resembling Christ's crucifixion
A hoax done by some
Is become true in one
A boy spoken of in predictions
This is one of those episodes for me that doesn't really feel like an X-Files episode and as such I always forget what its about. As an example of what I mean, I watched the episode a week or so ago and haven't gotten around to writing my review until now, and I had to go and read a summary to remind myself what it is about. The sad thing is its not even a bad episode. I don't know what the deal is. The only thing I can think of is that is is so similar to some other Catholic themed episodes. Specifically the one with the girls getting struck by lightning where Scully sees the four headed beast from Revelations etc. Don't remember the title of the episode off the top of my head. I think there is one or more others as well. It seems like each of these episodes follows a very specific template. 1) Some Catholic dogma or whatever you call it happens to be real (stigmata, story from the bible, etc.). 2) Mulder and Scully come in to investigate. 3) Mulder routinely decides to not believe in this case because it is based on religion. 4) Scully does believe it. 5) There is a bad guy who is the servant of evil. 6) There is a good guy who is the servant of God but who is also the primary suspect. 7) There is a "special" child that needs to be protected by the servant of God. 8) Servant of God becomes incapacitated and Scully believes she is now the chosen of God. 9) Some kind of ending here.
The episode is entertaining enough but I, like Mulder, found myself rolling my eyes at times with some of Scully's explanations. "There was this one time in the Apocrypha where some saint was able to sprout wings and fly. That must me what happened in this case as well." Right Scully. Where's your science to back that one up? Some big pluses for the episode come from the casting. The guy that played Owen was awesome. And hey guys! its Windham Earle! I give a 7 out of 10.
Bodily sores or sensations
Resembling Christ's crucifixion
A hoax done by some
Is become true in one
A boy spoken of in predictions
This is one of those episodes for me that doesn't really feel like an X-Files episode and as such I always forget what its about. As an example of what I mean, I watched the episode a week or so ago and haven't gotten around to writing my review until now, and I had to go and read a summary to remind myself what it is about. The sad thing is its not even a bad episode. I don't know what the deal is. The only thing I can think of is that is is so similar to some other Catholic themed episodes. Specifically the one with the girls getting struck by lightning where Scully sees the four headed beast from Revelations etc. Don't remember the title of the episode off the top of my head. I think there is one or more others as well. It seems like each of these episodes follows a very specific template. 1) Some Catholic dogma or whatever you call it happens to be real (stigmata, story from the bible, etc.). 2) Mulder and Scully come in to investigate. 3) Mulder routinely decides to not believe in this case because it is based on religion. 4) Scully does believe it. 5) There is a bad guy who is the servant of evil. 6) There is a good guy who is the servant of God but who is also the primary suspect. 7) There is a "special" child that needs to be protected by the servant of God. 8) Servant of God becomes incapacitated and Scully believes she is now the chosen of God. 9) Some kind of ending here.
The episode is entertaining enough but I, like Mulder, found myself rolling my eyes at times with some of Scully's explanations. "There was this one time in the Apocrypha where some saint was able to sprout wings and fly. That must me what happened in this case as well." Right Scully. Where's your science to back that one up? Some big pluses for the episode come from the casting. The guy that played Owen was awesome. And hey guys! its Windham Earle! I give a 7 out of 10.
It's nice to see the skeptic/believer roles being turned
SleepTight6666 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
For the most part, this is a pretty strong Scully-centric that adds depth to her character and to her religious-side.
First of all, the episode has a pretty good cast. But that's not what makes it good. What makes it good is the relationship between Kevin Zegers' character and Scully. It's kind of like a mother/son, protective relationship and their last scene is cute. Another cool aspect was the bad guy and how he burns the ones he kills. His death scene, when going in those shredders was very cool.
It's nice to see the skeptic/believer roles being turned now and then. And I can totally buy Mulder's lack of faith while I can't always buy Scully's.
I'm giving this episode THREE stars, though not perfect, still a very nice episode with a powerful ending.
First of all, the episode has a pretty good cast. But that's not what makes it good. What makes it good is the relationship between Kevin Zegers' character and Scully. It's kind of like a mother/son, protective relationship and their last scene is cute. Another cool aspect was the bad guy and how he burns the ones he kills. His death scene, when going in those shredders was very cool.
It's nice to see the skeptic/believer roles being turned now and then. And I can totally buy Mulder's lack of faith while I can't always buy Scully's.
I'm giving this episode THREE stars, though not perfect, still a very nice episode with a powerful ending.
The sun wil be turned to darkness...
Sleepin_Dragon14 August 2021
Hot on the heels of the wonderful two part Nisei/731, comes Revelations, after those two excellent stories, I found this one a little lacking. It's still a good watch, and has a plot you'll have seen several times on different types of thrillers.
It had a very dramatic few moments at the very beginning, and like me, you may feel as if you're in for something pretty big, truth is it just doesn't really lead to anything, I thought the ending was a little flat.
Several things are implied and suggested, and as always you're allowed to make your own mind up as to what to think.
Solid acting, I thought that Kenneth Welsh was rather good here.
I forget sometimes that I'm a cynical Brit watching an American series, and we do have some very different ideas, particularly when it comes to religion, maybe that's a factor in my thoughts of this one.
Decent, not a favourite, 6/10.
It had a very dramatic few moments at the very beginning, and like me, you may feel as if you're in for something pretty big, truth is it just doesn't really lead to anything, I thought the ending was a little flat.
Several things are implied and suggested, and as always you're allowed to make your own mind up as to what to think.
Solid acting, I thought that Kenneth Welsh was rather good here.
I forget sometimes that I'm a cynical Brit watching an American series, and we do have some very different ideas, particularly when it comes to religion, maybe that's a factor in my thoughts of this one.
Decent, not a favourite, 6/10.
One of the Best Endings for Any TV Show
Aegelis13 January 2024
No aliens here, the show goes back to the supernatural and in this case focuses on faith (Christianity in particular). I enjoyed the blending of reality and fantasy (or is it?) to bring about a sense of realism, but more so the thought-provoking message delivered.
While we have the usual suspense, investigation, and chase scene we've come to expect from The X-Files, we get an almost role-reversal with Scully and Mulder, whereas Mulder is the one who can't believe in something extraordinary because of its tie to religion.
In the end, Scully makes a very human confession while opening up a number of questions for consideration. Excellent conclusion to a surprisingly deep episode.
While we have the usual suspense, investigation, and chase scene we've come to expect from The X-Files, we get an almost role-reversal with Scully and Mulder, whereas Mulder is the one who can't believe in something extraordinary because of its tie to religion.
In the end, Scully makes a very human confession while opening up a number of questions for consideration. Excellent conclusion to a surprisingly deep episode.
Faith
chaos-rampant19 July 2013
What sets this aside is that we have a role reversal where Scully becomes the believer and Mulder the one who questions stuff, which makes him come across as a colossal tool.
Scully's religious belief can be traced back to Beyond the Sea and having visions of her deceased father.
Other than that, this is usual and tired. Stigmata, fake and real touches of god. And a mysterious killer on the loose.
If you swap the context, here religious, it's the same detective stuff as any number of episodes: there's a lot of running between places, piecing a plot and trying to prevent the final crime. Facing larger powers at work.
Bo-ring. Go to Marjoe if you want a chilling look on faith, a 70s documentary on (then) the 'world's youngest minister'.
Scully's religious belief can be traced back to Beyond the Sea and having visions of her deceased father.
Other than that, this is usual and tired. Stigmata, fake and real touches of god. And a mysterious killer on the loose.
If you swap the context, here religious, it's the same detective stuff as any number of episodes: there's a lot of running between places, piecing a plot and trying to prevent the final crime. Facing larger powers at work.
Bo-ring. Go to Marjoe if you want a chilling look on faith, a 70s documentary on (then) the 'world's youngest minister'.
Anticlimactic
mike_merza9 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
From a screenwriting perspective, this episode starts well but goes downhills near the end after the boy's second abduction. Now, (in TV/film) the protagonist should do their best to overcome an obstacle, "destroy it or be destroyed by it" in order to resolve their inner (pathos) and outer conflicts (action). It should be their decisions that make them succeed or fail. The episode is about Scully, considering that in the closing scene it is her whose inner conflict is resolved when talks to the priest.
However, the screenwriters seem to be unsure of how to end her outer conflict. In the final showdown where Scully is supposed to make a crucial choice the situation just solves itself with the antagonist falling into the shredder and the boy being saved. And meanwhile miracles are the main theme of the episode, here they seem to be confused with deus ex machina. The ending could have been probably much more powerful if Scully made a really bad choice (or a seemingly good choice which turned the situation worse overall) in saving the boy which then could have threatened with imminent failure and then just slightly aided by a miracle. What I just described is actually somewhat there in the showdown scene but not emphasized enough in my opinion, Scully is more of an observer than an active participant, for which it feels anticlimactic to me.
However, the screenwriters seem to be unsure of how to end her outer conflict. In the final showdown where Scully is supposed to make a crucial choice the situation just solves itself with the antagonist falling into the shredder and the boy being saved. And meanwhile miracles are the main theme of the episode, here they seem to be confused with deus ex machina. The ending could have been probably much more powerful if Scully made a really bad choice (or a seemingly good choice which turned the situation worse overall) in saving the boy which then could have threatened with imminent failure and then just slightly aided by a miracle. What I just described is actually somewhat there in the showdown scene but not emphasized enough in my opinion, Scully is more of an observer than an active participant, for which it feels anticlimactic to me.
The Anti-thesis of The Omen
AudioFileZ5 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Kevin, a stigmatic youth, is hunted by dark forces in order to eliminate him. Due to a series of deaths involving 11 people, perhaps false and real, who display stigmata Scully and Mulder become involved.
This is a good episode not involving the arc-myth. It is also one involving religion where the doubter/believer roles of Scully and Mulder are reversed.
Casting is excellent with Michael Berryman playing a strange character named Owen where he is first seen as an evil kidnapper, but is actually Kevin's protector. When the enigmatic character "Simon" almost kills Owen Scully becomes Kevin's only hope for survival. Scully develops faith in her need to protect Kevin while Mulder is strangely skeptical.
This episode is quite good in the once and a while role reversal series. The story keeps the viewer invested and brings Scully's beliefs, based on her religious convictions, to the fore. We actually see Scully believing in things she may not completely understand quite naturally in spite of her scientific logic-based right brain leanings. One almost wants to slap Mulder and say if you are so all-fired able to believe in things unseen what's wrong with you? That is the tension under the storyline which is tense in itself. A good episode overall.
This is a good episode not involving the arc-myth. It is also one involving religion where the doubter/believer roles of Scully and Mulder are reversed.
Casting is excellent with Michael Berryman playing a strange character named Owen where he is first seen as an evil kidnapper, but is actually Kevin's protector. When the enigmatic character "Simon" almost kills Owen Scully becomes Kevin's only hope for survival. Scully develops faith in her need to protect Kevin while Mulder is strangely skeptical.
This episode is quite good in the once and a while role reversal series. The story keeps the viewer invested and brings Scully's beliefs, based on her religious convictions, to the fore. We actually see Scully believing in things she may not completely understand quite naturally in spite of her scientific logic-based right brain leanings. One almost wants to slap Mulder and say if you are so all-fired able to believe in things unseen what's wrong with you? That is the tension under the storyline which is tense in itself. A good episode overall.
Really Scully ?!
devonbrown-9064930 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Decent episode that shows some interesting character development from Scully. Surprised they decided to expand on Scully catholic beliefs and use her heirloom cross as a reference.
She really believed she was the divine protector for this little boy But find its hard to believe in aliens and psychic phenomena in previous episodes. It seems like scully is like the majority of the population who will turn the unexplained into Gods miracles reaffirming their beliefs.
Still somewhat confused as scully has mentioned science as her only belief in many episodes. But I guess what she's been through may have changed her outlook and the cross she wears has helped her make sense of it all.
She really believed she was the divine protector for this little boy But find its hard to believe in aliens and psychic phenomena in previous episodes. It seems like scully is like the majority of the population who will turn the unexplained into Gods miracles reaffirming their beliefs.
Still somewhat confused as scully has mentioned science as her only belief in many episodes. But I guess what she's been through may have changed her outlook and the cross she wears has helped her make sense of it all.
Not a fan.
sarahclaytonn9 September 2019
I'm a big fan of X-Files but felt this episode was pretty bad. They always make religion so weird whenever they try to incorporate it in the show, and make people who believe in religious affairs to be wildly strange. The role reversal of Scully being the believer this time was pretty awesome but overall this episode had a lot of plot holes and I really didn't enjoy it.
A clever character role reversal
tovaholmberger10 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is rated lower seemingly for multiple reasons. The religious themes can be perceived as boring, the strange events that happen are never really explained, and most importantly the roles of Mulder and Scully as the believer and the sceptic respectively have been reversed, making Mulder seem heavily hypocritical (which is pointed out by Scully in the episode).
I believe it works very well, but most notably it fits both Scully and Mulder in regards to where they are in their character arcs at the moment. I personally believe it would've seemed strange if Mulder was not sceptical of the seemingly religious nature of the case, as he not only has criticized religion and mysticism before but seems to reject it quite strongly. Maybe it's due to his individualistic personality that he rejects collectivist belief systems and religious ideas, maybe it's because of the events in his childhood. Also that Scully ends up reconnecting with her faith is not farfetched at all considering the recent events in her life.
Either way the resulting reversal in character roles for Mulder and Scully makes her get a taste of her own medicine. It also showcases the mutual respect the main characters have for each other despite their differences. Mulder, much like Scully usually does, tries to explain the phenomena in the episode with logic to challenge Scully's theory, but he doesn't reject her and lets her follow her hunches.
The plot in this episode is alright, but the strength of it is definitely the character interactions between Mulder and Scully, and the charisma between the two is especially strong here.
I believe it works very well, but most notably it fits both Scully and Mulder in regards to where they are in their character arcs at the moment. I personally believe it would've seemed strange if Mulder was not sceptical of the seemingly religious nature of the case, as he not only has criticized religion and mysticism before but seems to reject it quite strongly. Maybe it's due to his individualistic personality that he rejects collectivist belief systems and religious ideas, maybe it's because of the events in his childhood. Also that Scully ends up reconnecting with her faith is not farfetched at all considering the recent events in her life.
Either way the resulting reversal in character roles for Mulder and Scully makes her get a taste of her own medicine. It also showcases the mutual respect the main characters have for each other despite their differences. Mulder, much like Scully usually does, tries to explain the phenomena in the episode with logic to challenge Scully's theory, but he doesn't reject her and lets her follow her hunches.
The plot in this episode is alright, but the strength of it is definitely the character interactions between Mulder and Scully, and the charisma between the two is especially strong here.
Surprisingly Decent Episode
cheezybakedbeans11 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Minorish spoilers.
I get that any episodes with religious themes probably get voted down, but I would definitely put this episode above some of the forgettable, mediocre episodes that have a similar rating.
The best part of the story by far is the role reversal of Mulder and Scully, with Scully taking on the role of the believer and Mulder the sceptic. It's a nice dichotomy that has barely been explored in the show so far. While it can't stand up to an incredible episode like 'Beyond the Sea', it benefits greatly from focussing on Scully's character.
In particular, focussing more on her spiritual side, which has rarely been explored thus far in the show. You see Scully struggle to reconcile her scientific beliefs with her Catholic faith. And it places her in a very vulnerable, emotional position, which is rare to see in the show. Usually Scully is the unflappable, tough-as-nails one.
It also shows off an interesting dynamic in relationship with Mulder. Mulder is comfortable being cross-questioned on his beliefs by Scully. But Scully is very uncomfortable opening up in a similar manner and her faith in her convictions is easily hurt by Mulder's disbelief. We see a side of her that is a lot more fragile and unsure.
As for the story, it has its ups and downs. There are a few fun sequences. Other parts are sloppy. Some of the reveals were not set-up well. But all the scenes focussing on Scully's character are really what are worth watching.
I get that any episodes with religious themes probably get voted down, but I would definitely put this episode above some of the forgettable, mediocre episodes that have a similar rating.
The best part of the story by far is the role reversal of Mulder and Scully, with Scully taking on the role of the believer and Mulder the sceptic. It's a nice dichotomy that has barely been explored in the show so far. While it can't stand up to an incredible episode like 'Beyond the Sea', it benefits greatly from focussing on Scully's character.
In particular, focussing more on her spiritual side, which has rarely been explored thus far in the show. You see Scully struggle to reconcile her scientific beliefs with her Catholic faith. And it places her in a very vulnerable, emotional position, which is rare to see in the show. Usually Scully is the unflappable, tough-as-nails one.
It also shows off an interesting dynamic in relationship with Mulder. Mulder is comfortable being cross-questioned on his beliefs by Scully. But Scully is very uncomfortable opening up in a similar manner and her faith in her convictions is easily hurt by Mulder's disbelief. We see a side of her that is a lot more fragile and unsure.
As for the story, it has its ups and downs. There are a few fun sequences. Other parts are sloppy. Some of the reveals were not set-up well. But all the scenes focussing on Scully's character are really what are worth watching.
The tables are turned in this genuine X file
zmos997 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The tables are turned in this genuine X file when Mulder becomes the skeptic and Scully the true believer. But rather than chase vampires or aliens, this time Mulder and Scully are confronted with incontrovertible evidence about a Messiah-like boy who is clearly being protected by God. For Mulder, goat suckers and electricity killers are somehow perfectly believable given a few scraps of evidence But in this episode he turns his back completely on the idea that a loving God would intervene to help mankind. Faced with clear evidence of God's intervention, Scully ends up not only saving the boy but also renewing her faith. She poignantly mentions at the end, "I'm afraid that God is speaking and no one is listening".
Indeed. God spoke to mankind 2000 years ago by sending his only son to save us. And miracles still happen every day because he loves us. If you don't believe it, check for yourself.
Indeed. God spoke to mankind 2000 years ago by sending his only son to save us. And miracles still happen every day because he loves us. If you don't believe it, check for yourself.
X(erox) Files, a bit
leplatypus10 November 2012
The thing that I realize now is that what's the most supernatural in this show doesn't come from aliens, ghosts or whatever but is simply the work relationship between Mulder and Scully. In real life, colleagues aren't compassionate, witty, helpful or supportive. Finding one like them is as difficult as seeing a real alien! It's true still that now Fox and Mulder become more and more intimate, especially Scully who can show bits of jealousy when a cute babe deals with Mulder.
Next, with such a great but limited formula (investigating paranormal), i expected to see the show cannibalize itself, as one producers said. But I'm surprised it comes as soon as this third season. Frankly, a lot of episodes look like very much plots of the previous seasons. A few managed however to be innovative: "the walk", "oubliette", "pusher". The season stinker are ""Teso Dos Bichos", "Hell Money": nothing really start there and the episodes drags endlessly in the dark. A lot of praise goes to Morgan scripts of "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose", and "José Chung's From Outer Space" but I don't found them very riveting. The latter is also unintelligible, as the real alien abductor needs a spaceship for going into inner earth!
Sure, in this season, the mythology gets more powerful. If some episodes offer amazing, deep visions and conspiracies, sometimes its a bit too much macabre soap opera (abducting a sister, killing a father and another sister) and the endless fights with Skinner are boring! Above all, the narrative has reached the breakpoint because the more they knew, the more they return to "simple" paranormal cases! At last, one companion book of xfiles (not the Genge's which sucks!) answers what I took for another failure: if Mulder and Scully are still alive, it's not because of the clumsiness of the Syndicate, but because they want it: with the duo alive, they have the best plumbers on earth to look after their leaks!
About the production, the thing that is evident in this season is that the show opens to a lot of know faces, my best being Fletch's ex- girlfriend (will you find her?).
With all this, I pick this episode for my season winner: dealing paranormal with religion is a dangerous step for the show. Indeed, if Christ is now on earth (i like his "You will" answer to Scully's invitation to meet again), pursuing aliens becomes senseless, as the creator is the same for humans and aliens. Strangely, Mulder is totally close to faith and don't seem to wonder who create the aliens?
Next, with such a great but limited formula (investigating paranormal), i expected to see the show cannibalize itself, as one producers said. But I'm surprised it comes as soon as this third season. Frankly, a lot of episodes look like very much plots of the previous seasons. A few managed however to be innovative: "the walk", "oubliette", "pusher". The season stinker are ""Teso Dos Bichos", "Hell Money": nothing really start there and the episodes drags endlessly in the dark. A lot of praise goes to Morgan scripts of "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose", and "José Chung's From Outer Space" but I don't found them very riveting. The latter is also unintelligible, as the real alien abductor needs a spaceship for going into inner earth!
Sure, in this season, the mythology gets more powerful. If some episodes offer amazing, deep visions and conspiracies, sometimes its a bit too much macabre soap opera (abducting a sister, killing a father and another sister) and the endless fights with Skinner are boring! Above all, the narrative has reached the breakpoint because the more they knew, the more they return to "simple" paranormal cases! At last, one companion book of xfiles (not the Genge's which sucks!) answers what I took for another failure: if Mulder and Scully are still alive, it's not because of the clumsiness of the Syndicate, but because they want it: with the duo alive, they have the best plumbers on earth to look after their leaks!
About the production, the thing that is evident in this season is that the show opens to a lot of know faces, my best being Fletch's ex- girlfriend (will you find her?).
With all this, I pick this episode for my season winner: dealing paranormal with religion is a dangerous step for the show. Indeed, if Christ is now on earth (i like his "You will" answer to Scully's invitation to meet again), pursuing aliens becomes senseless, as the creator is the same for humans and aliens. Strangely, Mulder is totally close to faith and don't seem to wonder who create the aliens?
'Cause it all burned off in hell.
bombersflyup2 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Revelations is about an investigation into murders of those who claim stigmata. Scully believes 12 year old Kevin is the genuine article and that she's been chosen to protect him.
It isn't the most exciting episode, nor is it engrossing like the similar "All Souls" of season 5. Nor does it have any standout guest appearances. Mulder keeps making Scully backtrack, making him out to be a complete hypocrite. "Do you really believe that?" I like the line "maybe it was only meant for you," making it reasonable and not just see what you wanna see.
It isn't the most exciting episode, nor is it engrossing like the similar "All Souls" of season 5. Nor does it have any standout guest appearances. Mulder keeps making Scully backtrack, making him out to be a complete hypocrite. "Do you really believe that?" I like the line "maybe it was only meant for you," making it reasonable and not just see what you wanna see.
only for rosary rattlers
MidoriAi18 April 2019
Mulder and Scully Reveal Themselves to Be Incompetent
frankelee20 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A young boy with the power to bleed uncontrollably is targeted by a demonic serial killer, and the only one who can save him is himself by running, because nobody else bothers to do a damn thing.
This episode is too filled with idiot plotting for my taste. I think the writers were mostly enamored with the idea of making Mulder the skeptical idiot for a change, and he definitely comes across like an idiot, but they kicked their heels up and celebrated a little too soon.
Our two heroes show up to investigate this boy because a serial killer is hunting people like him, but somehow that gets twisted into an unrelated social worker plot where the county suspects the mother of abuse based on no evidence. So they place the child in an unguarded orphanage where anyone can walk in and do anything they want to him. Huh?
Mulder and Scully just spent several thousand dollars in tax payer dollars to travel halfway across the country to... do nothing and forget their own plot?
The boy is then almost murdered by a man he clearly sees and can identify, but this is just forgotten. They get no description of the man from him, they place him with no special security, they themselves of course aren't interested in watching him... What?
It's only after his mother has been killed (my God do The X-Files writers like being weirdly sadistic) that Scully decides not to give the halfway home for soon to be murdered children a THIRD try.
People in this episode never cry out for help when they need help, never share information that would save lives even when it's practically demanded by the law that they do so, and they rarely ever get off their lazy butt to do their job. It's idiot plot central, which is great for idiots, but what about for the rest of us?
This episode is too filled with idiot plotting for my taste. I think the writers were mostly enamored with the idea of making Mulder the skeptical idiot for a change, and he definitely comes across like an idiot, but they kicked their heels up and celebrated a little too soon.
Our two heroes show up to investigate this boy because a serial killer is hunting people like him, but somehow that gets twisted into an unrelated social worker plot where the county suspects the mother of abuse based on no evidence. So they place the child in an unguarded orphanage where anyone can walk in and do anything they want to him. Huh?
Mulder and Scully just spent several thousand dollars in tax payer dollars to travel halfway across the country to... do nothing and forget their own plot?
The boy is then almost murdered by a man he clearly sees and can identify, but this is just forgotten. They get no description of the man from him, they place him with no special security, they themselves of course aren't interested in watching him... What?
It's only after his mother has been killed (my God do The X-Files writers like being weirdly sadistic) that Scully decides not to give the halfway home for soon to be murdered children a THIRD try.
People in this episode never cry out for help when they need help, never share information that would save lives even when it's practically demanded by the law that they do so, and they rarely ever get off their lazy butt to do their job. It's idiot plot central, which is great for idiots, but what about for the rest of us?
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