"Office Horror Tale in The X-Files Remains Exceptionally Terrifying"
In the fifth season of The X-Files, the episode "Folie à Deux" takes a unique turn as FBI agent Fox Mulder investigates a bizarre case in Chicago. The case revolves around Gary Lambert, a telemarketer who claims to see a monster inside his office building, a claim that only he can see.
As Mulder delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a shared psychosis between Gary and his boss, Greg Pincus, a situation known as folie à deux. This shared delusion leads to a series of chilling events, with Mulder finding himself drawn into the delusional state, questioning the reality of the situation.
"Folie à Deux" uses the theme of shared mental illness as a metaphorical lens, offering a critique of capitalism. The corporate setting and the "monster" can be read as symbolic of the dehumanizing and fearful effects of capitalist structures on individual mental health—fear of being consumed or replaced in competitive corporate ranks.
Agent Scully, played by Gillian Anderson, expresses concern over whether Mulder's sighting of the monster is a result of shared delusions with Gary. Mulder, played by David Duchovny, begs Scully to believe him due to her understanding of his perspective.
The episode's plot takes a dramatic turn when Gary takes the entire office hostage, including a visiting Mulder. The tension between Mulder and his boss, FBI Assistant Director Skinner, intensifies as Skinner wonders if this case will lead to Mulder being removed from the FBI.
Directed by Kim Manners and written by Vince Gilligan, "Folie à Deux" connects mental health and capitalism by dramatizing how stressful capitalist work environments might lead to psychological breakdowns or contagious delusions among employees. The monster and shared hallucination function as narrative devices to explore these themes through the psychological horror lens distinctive to The X-Files.
The episode ends with a new call center being introduced, complete with an X-Files-style twist. Mulder and Scully are handed the case by the FBI, promising more investigations into the strange and unexplained.
Despite the eerie and unsettling nature of the case, Mulder's sincerity stands out as unusual and notable. Even in the face of doubt and suspicion, Mulder remains steadfast in his belief, underscoring his unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth.
In a surprising turn, Mulder is strapped down to a hospital bed at one point in the episode, raising questions about his mental state. However, Scully's intervention admits that there is enough evidence to confirm Mulder's sanity.
The phrase "hiding in the light" has been used in previous X-Files episodes, and it seems to resonate in "Folie à Deux" as well, adding another layer of mystery and intrigue to this captivating episode.
io9 praises "Folie à Deux" for its exploration of mental health and capitalism, labeling it as a notable example of the series' psychological horror genre. Gizmodo also commends the episode for its thought-provoking narrative, highlighting its criticism of competitive corporate structures and their potential impact on employee mental health. Movies-and-TV asserts that the episode is a standout of The X-Files, with David Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder showcasing his unwavering dedication to the truth, even amidst suspicion and doubt. Entertainment Weekly observes the episode's twist ending, in which the new call center case involves an X-Files-style mystery, hinting at further investigations into the strange and unexplained.
