Al_Scarface_Capone Review of Syzygy

The X-Files: Syzygy (1996) Season 3, Episode 13

Kind of creepy while at the same time absolutely hilarious

[9/10 · 16 August 2010]

While considered a "comedy" episode, unlike most of the comedy episodes it also can be very creepy at times. The comedy of the episode comes from a look at the Mulder/Scully dynamic that is almost spoof-like in nature. This comedy is well presented in great bits of dialog. The dialog and the comedy flows naturally the plot and theme of people acting strangely due to the alignment of the planets, however, what makes it work is the fact that every funny line and out of character action comes from the vision normally presented of the characters. For instance, while he never drinks, it seems with in the basic boundaries of the Mulder character to chug vodka. It should be noted though that unlike the other comedy episodes, the comedy tends to be less laugh out loud funny, and more smooth and witty, although there are a few of the laugh out loud moments in this episode.

Now for the other side of the episode, and that is the fact that it is downright creepy and surreal. Going into this episode knowing nothing about it, when things begin to get really weird, I started to think I might be dreaming or something. This comes not just from the dialog, but from the mood and tense atmosphere created by the solid art direction and typically excellent music and cinematography.

In conclusion, unlike most of the comedy episodes, Syzygy is not an episode to show to those new to The X-Files. It is twisted and creepy, and delves deep into the Mulder Scully dynamic.