It's amazing how you can feel differently toward an episode by viewing it at a different time in your life. Upon viewing this episode again, I remembered liking this less than Jose Chung's "From Outer Space", another Darin Morgan written episode from later in this season. However, after seeing Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose and the other mentioned episode, I can say I like this one more, both of them being great episodes. What makes this episode a 10 is Peter Boyle's guest performance. This is the best guest star performance I have seen in the x-files. Peter Boyle plays the reluctant seer. There is just such a believability to his character that makes you feel sorry for him. And now to other parts that I like about the episode. At the beginning, the police talking about a man helping them. You think they are describing Mulder, when it turns out to be the Stupendous Yappi, whom they are describing. Yappi is a hilarious character. I love how he uses his eyebrows in his expressions. I like how the killer is seen in the background of all the crime scenes. There is a cheesy deleted scene towards the beginning. You'll understand why it was deleted. They throw in a 'Beyond the Sea' inside joke when Clyde Bruckman says a blue piece of cloth is from Mulder's New York Knicks t-shirt. If, for anything, just watch this episode for Peter Boyle's excellent portrayal of Clyde Bruckman. It's a "can't miss" performance.
33 Reviews
It's a truly brilliant episode. One of the best.
Sleepin_Dragon24 October 2020
Peter Boyle is absolutely sensational as Clyde Bruckman, it really is a masterclass in sincere, down to Earth, honest acting, he adds so much to this already brilliant episode.
It is a unique episode, I can think of no other episode, indeed no other show along the same lines, it's dark, witty, thrilling, engaging, but is of course well known for its stern faced standout.
Despite giving you so much certainty, it really does deliver the thrills, you're told what's coming, but you don't quite know when.
Make up your own minds about the stupendous Yappi, I find he helps balance out the episode, he's very funny, those eye brows are great.
I loved the dialogue at the start when you think The Detectives are describing Mulder (that's not a name.)
It's great, 10/10.
It is a unique episode, I can think of no other episode, indeed no other show along the same lines, it's dark, witty, thrilling, engaging, but is of course well known for its stern faced standout.
Despite giving you so much certainty, it really does deliver the thrills, you're told what's coming, but you don't quite know when.
Make up your own minds about the stupendous Yappi, I find he helps balance out the episode, he's very funny, those eye brows are great.
I loved the dialogue at the start when you think The Detectives are describing Mulder (that's not a name.)
It's great, 10/10.
My Favorite X-Files Episode
loudprincess29 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Like many of the comments posted here, I have to say that this is my most favorite X-files episode, for many reasons. Like some of the non-conspiracy episodes, this one has a lot of in-jokes and references for the X-Files fanatics, but is so well-written that even first-time viewers can appreciate it. Peter Boyle's performance is nothing short of fantastic. His performance is subtle, yet he conveys clearly the struggle of his character's cursed clairvoyance and acceptance of fate. His Emmy for this episode is well-deserved. I also love this episode for its focus. Unlike a lot of the stories that concentrate on the romantic tensions between Mulder and Scully or on them getting into trouble with Skinner for doing a case he doesn't approve of, the focus is squarely on Clyde Bruckman's world, with Mudler and Scully as the observers. ***Spoiler*** The scene where Clyde Bruckman talks about his recurring dream of dying and decaying is particularly powerful and well-executed. Unlike many of the X-Files episodes which feature gross-out moments of blood, bile, and gore, it's done with a delicate hand that helps the viewer empathize with Bruckman's inner turmoil. ***End of Spoiler*** If I were to recommend an episode to anyone who's never watched the X-Files before, this would be at the top of my list.
What a GREAT episode!
bksutherland29 December 2006
This is a tremendous story and absolutely one of if not the BEST X-Files episode ever made. Witty wordplay, macabre plot twists, complex threads in a non-linear time sequence that challenges the idea of cause and effect, yet somehow rendered in a simple story which is easy to follow. There are many, many humorous and ironic moments, more than in a 'normal' X-Files episode. Particularly: Mulder stepping in the banana creme pie while pursuing the killer through a kitchen. In my opinion, this is also the best role/performance of Peter Boyle's career: he plays the principal character Clyde Bruckman. Don't miss it! X-Files Season Three, Disk One, fourth item.
This is one of my favorite X-Files episodes...
AlsExGal19 May 2013
... along with "Home" from Season 4, and I guess that's strange because it does nothing to advance any of the story arcs on X-Files, it is just a very smartly done episode.
In this episode Scully and Mulder run across Clyde Bruckman (Peter Boyle) who can see how everyone dies, but can't seem to do anything about it. He has no where and when and how details that will stop things. Even Mulder mentions that Bruckman's gift is a rather useless one when he and Scully are alone.
One particular poignant moment is when Scully is alone with Bruckman and he tells her of one premonition that involve the two of them. He says the two are in bed together and she is gently wiping a tear from his eye. Scully smiles, and tries to diplomatically tell him that's just not going to happen. But you know it does happen, but not the way that you think and not the way that Scully thinks. Check it out, I think you'll like this standalone episode of X-Files. When the X-Files came up with inventive episodes, nobody could beat them.
Just a note, and maybe somebody else mentioned it - Clyde Bruckman was an actual person. In his prime he was a writer for Buster Keaton and spent many a night making hamburgers in Keaton's mansion in the 20's coming up with ideas for his films when Keaton was still an independent artist. After Keaton went to MGM, Bruckman wrote for Harold Lloyd and then other comedy teams including the Three Stooges. Problem is, Bruckman's ideas began to dry up and he began to recycle material. No problem until he recycled Lloyd's material who sued Bruckman and his studio ... every...single...time. The end result? In 1955 Bruckman had a bad rep in Hollywood for being a lawsuit magnet, he was 60 years old, and nobody would hire him. He borrowed his old friend Buster Keaton's gun saying he was going on a hunting trip to Montana, went to his favorite restaurant down the street, ate his last meal for which he could not pay - he was that broke, and shot himself in the men's room, leaving a note apologizing for the mess. So to me, just say the name "Clyde Bruckman" in an episode title and I know you are not going to have a happy ending.
In this episode Scully and Mulder run across Clyde Bruckman (Peter Boyle) who can see how everyone dies, but can't seem to do anything about it. He has no where and when and how details that will stop things. Even Mulder mentions that Bruckman's gift is a rather useless one when he and Scully are alone.
One particular poignant moment is when Scully is alone with Bruckman and he tells her of one premonition that involve the two of them. He says the two are in bed together and she is gently wiping a tear from his eye. Scully smiles, and tries to diplomatically tell him that's just not going to happen. But you know it does happen, but not the way that you think and not the way that Scully thinks. Check it out, I think you'll like this standalone episode of X-Files. When the X-Files came up with inventive episodes, nobody could beat them.
Just a note, and maybe somebody else mentioned it - Clyde Bruckman was an actual person. In his prime he was a writer for Buster Keaton and spent many a night making hamburgers in Keaton's mansion in the 20's coming up with ideas for his films when Keaton was still an independent artist. After Keaton went to MGM, Bruckman wrote for Harold Lloyd and then other comedy teams including the Three Stooges. Problem is, Bruckman's ideas began to dry up and he began to recycle material. No problem until he recycled Lloyd's material who sued Bruckman and his studio ... every...single...time. The end result? In 1955 Bruckman had a bad rep in Hollywood for being a lawsuit magnet, he was 60 years old, and nobody would hire him. He borrowed his old friend Buster Keaton's gun saying he was going on a hunting trip to Montana, went to his favorite restaurant down the street, ate his last meal for which he could not pay - he was that broke, and shot himself in the men's room, leaving a note apologizing for the mess. So to me, just say the name "Clyde Bruckman" in an episode title and I know you are not going to have a happy ending.
Brilliant
billpeter28 May 2008
Mulder and Scully playing "straightmen" to Peter Boyle is priceless. The quote above about auto-erotic asphyxiation after Mulder has asked the psychic Peter Boyle how he will die is worthy of a T-shirt slogan. Are these quotes copyright protected?
I love the X-Files, but sometimes they can be a bit Poe-faced. This episode added just the right amount of humour, plus a bitter-sweet ending.
Young Frankenstein is one of my favourite films, and Peter Boyle's role here equals the one he had in that film and also acts as a model for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond. Mulder and Scully quite rightly just kept in the background acting as Peter's foils.
I love the X-Files, but sometimes they can be a bit Poe-faced. This episode added just the right amount of humour, plus a bitter-sweet ending.
Young Frankenstein is one of my favourite films, and Peter Boyle's role here equals the one he had in that film and also acts as a model for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond. Mulder and Scully quite rightly just kept in the background acting as Peter's foils.
A gleaming paragon of excellence.
BooHarv23 April 2010
If you haven't seen this episode do yourself a favor and watch it now. The writing is perfect, and the depth is nearly immeasurable. After reading about this episode on the internet, I found considerable amazing touches I had not seen the first few times I watched it. Yes, I've watched it several times, and I'm not usually the type to watch something over and over again. But, this one's different it's just perfect in its own little way. One thing I will say, and maybe it will drive some people away, but I would be negligent to leave it out, is that it is very dialogue driven. If you're looking for more of an action based episode look elsewhere.
"Maybe he's just lucky"
bring_me_tp21 January 2011
I found this episode great. In some ways it was similar to the Twilight Zone episode, "One for the Angels" where a great salesmen talks death into giving him more time so he can make one great sale before he dies. It's really involving emotionally and the mystery builds and pulls you into more and more which builds the plot well. And of course, it is really that Mr. Bruckman is a life insurance salesman.
The character development is great, the opening with the killer is very creepy and plausible and concise; his lack of vision and frustration contrasts brightly with Mr. Bruckman's reluctant use of his gift.
Some great examples of the subtle character details: - how happy Mr. Bruckman is to conclude that the pie he senses in his vision is banana cream instead of coconut cream or lemon meringue -how the killer compliments the tarot card reader and lets him know he's going to kill him in the same sentence -how Mr. Jappy quickly seizes on Mulder and harasses him 'til he's out of the room -and, as always, Scully's slight reactions. I think it's the eyes or her mouth, but yeah... too cool.
There are great lines in this episode for sure, but there is also quite a bit of talking, which hurts the re-watch value.
The character development is great, the opening with the killer is very creepy and plausible and concise; his lack of vision and frustration contrasts brightly with Mr. Bruckman's reluctant use of his gift.
Some great examples of the subtle character details: - how happy Mr. Bruckman is to conclude that the pie he senses in his vision is banana cream instead of coconut cream or lemon meringue -how the killer compliments the tarot card reader and lets him know he's going to kill him in the same sentence -how Mr. Jappy quickly seizes on Mulder and harasses him 'til he's out of the room -and, as always, Scully's slight reactions. I think it's the eyes or her mouth, but yeah... too cool.
There are great lines in this episode for sure, but there is also quite a bit of talking, which hurts the re-watch value.
Definitely one of the best X-Files episodes ever
malicENBandarland4 October 2007
Peter Boyle was amazing in this episode and the way Moulder was almost like a little kid absolutely amazed. It was adorable. A very fun episode to watch.
Peter Boyle is always amazing in everything he does but in this episode in particular he gets to act in a very unusual role while maintaining his crazy old man who's adorable in an annoying way and of course just a little bit creepy.
Like the guy above me said, i don't have much else to say except that even if you aren't into the X-Files, this episode will make you want to watch at least a few more episodes.
Peter Boyle is always amazing in everything he does but in this episode in particular he gets to act in a very unusual role while maintaining his crazy old man who's adorable in an annoying way and of course just a little bit creepy.
Like the guy above me said, i don't have much else to say except that even if you aren't into the X-Files, this episode will make you want to watch at least a few more episodes.
Best. Episode. Ever.
n-town-smash17 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
"Small Potatoes" got way more attention than it deserved. Yes, it was good, but it was very obviously meant to be a joke, from start to finish.
I say this because a lot of people don't realise that "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is one of the finest pieces of television ever made. What the aforementioned episode does with a sledgehammer, this episode does with sophistication, subtlety and care. The result is a very intricate, gradually unfolding piece of dramatic, emotional and tragicomical origami, which can make you laugh out loud and mist up in the space of seconds.
The story goes that one man is murdering psychics, cutting out their eyes and reading their entrails, because he believes he has predicted that he will. So far so odd, but then enter the psychic detectives, in the form of a wonderfully weird caricature of Yuri Geller, and his exact opposite, the old, unglamorous and awkward Clyde Bruckman, an apparently totally genuine psychic who is totally dismissive of his ability to see the future. While his obvious hindrance - that he can only see how people are going to die - is referred to, the story gains its real beauty from his belief that he cannot do anything about the futures he predicts, and from the agents' attempts to motivate him to actually help them.
The little insights the story shows into the characters - Mulder's inability to sleep after Bruckman describes his recurring dream, or Bruckman's little comment that he wishes he knew why he sells insurance, obvious given his gift, or the strangely endearing exchange between the killer and the psychic - elevate this episode above its quirks and gags, creating something which is genuinely very emotionally powerful as well as being very thought- provoking. Unlike episodes which rely on visual surprises, "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" benefits from repeat viewings, since details emerge which can only be understood in retrospect - something entirely appropriate, given the theme of the episode.
I say this because a lot of people don't realise that "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is one of the finest pieces of television ever made. What the aforementioned episode does with a sledgehammer, this episode does with sophistication, subtlety and care. The result is a very intricate, gradually unfolding piece of dramatic, emotional and tragicomical origami, which can make you laugh out loud and mist up in the space of seconds.
The story goes that one man is murdering psychics, cutting out their eyes and reading their entrails, because he believes he has predicted that he will. So far so odd, but then enter the psychic detectives, in the form of a wonderfully weird caricature of Yuri Geller, and his exact opposite, the old, unglamorous and awkward Clyde Bruckman, an apparently totally genuine psychic who is totally dismissive of his ability to see the future. While his obvious hindrance - that he can only see how people are going to die - is referred to, the story gains its real beauty from his belief that he cannot do anything about the futures he predicts, and from the agents' attempts to motivate him to actually help them.
The little insights the story shows into the characters - Mulder's inability to sleep after Bruckman describes his recurring dream, or Bruckman's little comment that he wishes he knew why he sells insurance, obvious given his gift, or the strangely endearing exchange between the killer and the psychic - elevate this episode above its quirks and gags, creating something which is genuinely very emotionally powerful as well as being very thought- provoking. Unlike episodes which rely on visual surprises, "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" benefits from repeat viewings, since details emerge which can only be understood in retrospect - something entirely appropriate, given the theme of the episode.
Do you have enough dog food?
Sanpaco1317 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Clyde Bruckman's final Repose the Limerick:
The incredible Stupendous Yappi
Gives a psychic reading quite crappy
But Clyde Bruckman it seems
Can see death in his dreams
Whenever he's taking a nappy.
Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose is by far one of the best episodes of the entire series. With an Emmy winning performance by Peter Boyle how could you go wrong. He brings in just exactly the right kind of dark humor that I think Darrin Morgan had in mind when he wrote the script and it works perfectly with the X-Files atmosphere. He plays an unlikely psychic who can see how people are going to die and fittingly makes a living as a life insurance salesman. The case is about a serial killer who targets fortune tellers because he feels he is not in control of his actions and is trying to find out why he is killing them. As we find out so eloquently when Clyde and the puppet meet the reason is because he is a homicidal maniac.
There are so many wonderful lines and moments in this episode that trying to list them or mention them all would make this a very long review so I will just name a few. I like in the beginning when the detectives are talking about hiring a specialist in to help with the case and specifically describe him as "spooky" which is a commonly known nickname at the FBI for Mulder and then when Mulder and Scully enter gracefully as is they were expected Cline only says "Who the hell are you?" and then "Oh I forgot you were coming." The episode also brings in a number of in-jokes and myths that will be used throughout the series. One of course is the Stupendous Yappi, then we have the introduction of Queequeg who will soon after be taken from us *sniff*, and finally the first hint that Scully is immortal and/or won't ever die.
This episode of course gets a 10/10 from me because you just can't get much better.
The incredible Stupendous Yappi
Gives a psychic reading quite crappy
But Clyde Bruckman it seems
Can see death in his dreams
Whenever he's taking a nappy.
Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose is by far one of the best episodes of the entire series. With an Emmy winning performance by Peter Boyle how could you go wrong. He brings in just exactly the right kind of dark humor that I think Darrin Morgan had in mind when he wrote the script and it works perfectly with the X-Files atmosphere. He plays an unlikely psychic who can see how people are going to die and fittingly makes a living as a life insurance salesman. The case is about a serial killer who targets fortune tellers because he feels he is not in control of his actions and is trying to find out why he is killing them. As we find out so eloquently when Clyde and the puppet meet the reason is because he is a homicidal maniac.
There are so many wonderful lines and moments in this episode that trying to list them or mention them all would make this a very long review so I will just name a few. I like in the beginning when the detectives are talking about hiring a specialist in to help with the case and specifically describe him as "spooky" which is a commonly known nickname at the FBI for Mulder and then when Mulder and Scully enter gracefully as is they were expected Cline only says "Who the hell are you?" and then "Oh I forgot you were coming." The episode also brings in a number of in-jokes and myths that will be used throughout the series. One of course is the Stupendous Yappi, then we have the introduction of Queequeg who will soon after be taken from us *sniff*, and finally the first hint that Scully is immortal and/or won't ever die.
This episode of course gets a 10/10 from me because you just can't get much better.
Paradoxical seers
chaos-rampant5 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Beyond the Sea may be the best character-based episode. Anasazi - Paper Clip the best in the long arch. But I'll echo others and say that this is the best one overall for me.
It's a marvelous little treat, a rare turn of rich ingenuity in the show. The story is that a pair of clairvoyants are caught in a game of chess, one committing murders of mediums and spiritualists in an effort to divine why he's doing what he's doing, the other, a life insurance salesman who scares off potential customers, marshaled by Mulder to help catch the first.
Both clairvoyants are nonplussed at their gift. Both are locked in ever- rolling cycles of frustration and disappointment that they can't actually effect any change in their world.
Externally, it does play against hard notions of fate and only one possible future time, but that is in the name of internal consistency.
The great stuff is all that poking fun at urges and intuitive understanding. Our guy sometimes gets it wrong, sometimes we're led to think it was a chance find or he may be improvising on the spot. At one point he even claims it's all a matter of analyzing outcomes. So when he predicts stuff about the case we are up in the air.
When the two meet and our guy reveals to the killer why he's doing it, it is both hilarious and really hits deep. This really is the most inventive 45 minutes of the show.
It's a marvelous little treat, a rare turn of rich ingenuity in the show. The story is that a pair of clairvoyants are caught in a game of chess, one committing murders of mediums and spiritualists in an effort to divine why he's doing what he's doing, the other, a life insurance salesman who scares off potential customers, marshaled by Mulder to help catch the first.
Both clairvoyants are nonplussed at their gift. Both are locked in ever- rolling cycles of frustration and disappointment that they can't actually effect any change in their world.
Externally, it does play against hard notions of fate and only one possible future time, but that is in the name of internal consistency.
The great stuff is all that poking fun at urges and intuitive understanding. Our guy sometimes gets it wrong, sometimes we're led to think it was a chance find or he may be improvising on the spot. At one point he even claims it's all a matter of analyzing outcomes. So when he predicts stuff about the case we are up in the air.
When the two meet and our guy reveals to the killer why he's doing it, it is both hilarious and really hits deep. This really is the most inventive 45 minutes of the show.
Overrated Or Is It Just Me?
Alexand_er29 February 2024
There is a good balance of humour and serious story, but after checking another episode I see it's somehow the highest rated episode! Very surprising.
I don't get the praise this episode gets, I enjoyed it and the story, but the highest rated x-files episode? I don't get it at all. I feel it only has this rating because the Bruckman character is played by a known actor. Beyond that it's a normal episode, lesser than many others to this point.
It maintains the feel and essence of the show, in comparison to the sophrages insect episode that throws it all away for an episode that seemed to direct itself towards non-x-files fans.
I don't get the praise this episode gets, I enjoyed it and the story, but the highest rated x-files episode? I don't get it at all. I feel it only has this rating because the Bruckman character is played by a known actor. Beyond that it's a normal episode, lesser than many others to this point.
It maintains the feel and essence of the show, in comparison to the sophrages insect episode that throws it all away for an episode that seemed to direct itself towards non-x-files fans.
Three perfect episodes in a row
SleepTight66624 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Well, what do you know?
Three perfect episodes in a row. And I think I might love this one even more than 'Paper Clip'.
First of all, there are so many clever quotable lines. It's amazing, really. The screenplay is the best yet. Then there's the casting, Peter Boyle is easily one of the best actors who guest starred. He was amazing as the sad old psychic.
The way it was written, and the way it all came together was excellent. My favorite scene was when Clyde told Mulder about his death dream. And when Scully found him dead just as he predicted.
It's a masterpiece, I can't think of anything else to say. FIVE stars.
Three perfect episodes in a row. And I think I might love this one even more than 'Paper Clip'.
First of all, there are so many clever quotable lines. It's amazing, really. The screenplay is the best yet. Then there's the casting, Peter Boyle is easily one of the best actors who guest starred. He was amazing as the sad old psychic.
The way it was written, and the way it all came together was excellent. My favorite scene was when Clyde told Mulder about his death dream. And when Scully found him dead just as he predicted.
It's a masterpiece, I can't think of anything else to say. FIVE stars.
a classic
aurrora_australis13 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
May Peter Boyle rest in peace! I may be stating the obvious but this is truly a legendary and classic episode of the X Files. He deserved the Emmy for his performance as the psychic who could foresee death. I remember watching this episode repeatedly after it first aired; my old tape from the original airing is now of horrible and degraded quality but serves as a testament as to how much I loved this one. My absolute favorite moment was when Mulder asked Clyde who the envelope was from and he put it to his head and said very sarcastically, "The KILLER!" I also enjoyed his revelations with each of the agents as they guard him in his hotel room. The episode is chock full of classic lines and quotes. If you haven't seen it yet, or if you are new to the X Files it could make you a fan.
So much entertainment.
alci35019 September 2020
This episode is so entertaining, I could watch a 3 hour extented version of it. Peter Boyle, RIP, really did an incredible acting job. This episode deserves an award and reading the other comments, something should be done to honor this episode.
My Favorite X Files Episode
ramblnroxy13 December 2006
Peter Boyle died today. That's really all I have to say, but this website requires that I put a certain amount of words, so I will try to fill it up. This was my favorite episode, because I can't imagine having the gift, or curse that Clyde Bruckman had, plus the fact that he acted it out very well. It really touched my heart on the issues of mortality. To fill in more information, I must also say his performance in "Young Frankinstein", was absolutely fantastic, and I recently appreciated his good humor on Mind Of Mencia. I watched him on Everybody Love Raymond occasionally, and I found him to be, probably the funniest part of the show.
Auto erotic asphyxiation
devonbrown-9064927 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Great witty episode. Exploring the world of psychics exposing the fake ones and the pain the real ones deal with. Love the idea of using psychics in murder scene.
The supporting character seems to be quite aloof and distant from reality. Which is often to the frustration of mulder and scully. He did mention that scully will never die, which may foreshadow future episodes.
There was many hidden predictions about death this episode. The psychic identified the smoking fbi agent wouldn't die of lung cancer, and mentioned randomly auto erotic asphyxiation perhaps coming up with the idea or seeing his own death.
I can't be certain of it, but it seems scully has activated her own pyshic powers, she was able to identify the killer from a simple thread. Perhaps she noticed it from the awkward walking direction dance then managed to stop the killer by chance just before he executed mulder.
Nevertheless, this was a entertaining episode with many layers that may have gone over my head.
The supporting character seems to be quite aloof and distant from reality. Which is often to the frustration of mulder and scully. He did mention that scully will never die, which may foreshadow future episodes.
There was many hidden predictions about death this episode. The psychic identified the smoking fbi agent wouldn't die of lung cancer, and mentioned randomly auto erotic asphyxiation perhaps coming up with the idea or seeing his own death.
I can't be certain of it, but it seems scully has activated her own pyshic powers, she was able to identify the killer from a simple thread. Perhaps she noticed it from the awkward walking direction dance then managed to stop the killer by chance just before he executed mulder.
Nevertheless, this was a entertaining episode with many layers that may have gone over my head.
This episode has stuck with me for years...
houston_yella30 July 2018
Peter Boyle did the d**n thing in this episode, and it's stuck with me all of these years, since I was a youngin' back in the 90s and finally* being allowed to watch the X-Files, this was one of the first episodes I saw and it's been one of my favorites ever since. I happened to catch it on TV earlier today while getting ready for work, and that prompted me to review it here on IMDB. I agree that if you're not an X-Files watcher, this episode will change your mind, or at least make you want to watch some other episodes ("Emily" and its Part 2 come to mind). This show was way before its time.
"I guess you run into a lot of dead bodies in your line of work."
classicsoncall6 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that most of the reviewers for this episode find it to be their favorite; it's been mine ever since I saw it back when the show was originally airing. The mix of humor, drama and pathos built around the character of Clyde Bruckman is genuinely heartfelt, and Peter Boyle's take on the title character is wonderful. There are times when his morbid death predictions are stated as a simple matter of fact, and others when he's being humorously sarcastic. I got the biggest kick out of him doing the Johnny Carson Karmac gimmick; he actually did it twice, the first time with the piece of blue fabric from Mulder's shirt, and later with the manila envelope with the murderer's message inside. Just great.
I recall how when I first saw this episode, I thought the writers went way out on a limb with Bruckman's forecast of winding up in bed with Scully and how she would get teary eyed about it. In the telling, you could see how Scully got creeped out over the idea with the whole compassion business and how it would be a very special moment for her. Son of a gun, if that isn't exactly the way it played out.
Even Mulder got a taste of Bruckman's insightful expertise when talk turned to autoerotic asphyxiation before changing the subject. The odd thing is, Bruckman's predictive powers only extended to seeing how a person would die, he couldn't parlay his ability to have a lottery ticket come out a winner. And did you notice, after describing the 'romantic' interlude with Scully and foreseeing his own death, the poker hand he held playing against her was a variation of the Wild Bill Hickok 'dead man's hand'. The writers for this episode were firing on all cylinders.
What intrigued me about this episode apart from the main story line had to do with Clyde Bruckman's musings about the randomness of life and how one minor event can trigger an entire ripple effect across one's lifetime. That was during the Big Bopper conversation, the discussion turning to how life or death can sometimes depend on something so mundane as the flip of a coin. The Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens on the way to their next concert venue on February 3rd, 1959, and it WAS a coin toss that the Bopper tragically 'won' to get a seat on the plane. The story here didn't mention who 'lost' that coin toss - it was Waylon Jennings.
I recall how when I first saw this episode, I thought the writers went way out on a limb with Bruckman's forecast of winding up in bed with Scully and how she would get teary eyed about it. In the telling, you could see how Scully got creeped out over the idea with the whole compassion business and how it would be a very special moment for her. Son of a gun, if that isn't exactly the way it played out.
Even Mulder got a taste of Bruckman's insightful expertise when talk turned to autoerotic asphyxiation before changing the subject. The odd thing is, Bruckman's predictive powers only extended to seeing how a person would die, he couldn't parlay his ability to have a lottery ticket come out a winner. And did you notice, after describing the 'romantic' interlude with Scully and foreseeing his own death, the poker hand he held playing against her was a variation of the Wild Bill Hickok 'dead man's hand'. The writers for this episode were firing on all cylinders.
What intrigued me about this episode apart from the main story line had to do with Clyde Bruckman's musings about the randomness of life and how one minor event can trigger an entire ripple effect across one's lifetime. That was during the Big Bopper conversation, the discussion turning to how life or death can sometimes depend on something so mundane as the flip of a coin. The Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens on the way to their next concert venue on February 3rd, 1959, and it WAS a coin toss that the Bopper tragically 'won' to get a seat on the plane. The story here didn't mention who 'lost' that coin toss - it was Waylon Jennings.
Good episode
JaydoDre3 January 2013
Peter Boyle is a strangely funny guy. I saw him in Everybody Loves Raymond a couple of times, but that wasn't funny or particularly interesting, perhaps because the laughter is enforced in true American sitcom way. But here, in X-Files where he plays a psychic, he makes a great contrast against the serious fabric of the show.
This episode is another black comedy, similar to "Humbug" (though not as good). The story centers around a murderer of fortune tellers and involves several characters who pose as one. The episode manages to be both funny and intense and comes highly recommended from my side. It is mostly a Peter Boyle's episode and the guy doesn't disappoint. He makes the situation comical without having to tell any jokes.
This episode is another black comedy, similar to "Humbug" (though not as good). The story centers around a murderer of fortune tellers and involves several characters who pose as one. The episode manages to be both funny and intense and comes highly recommended from my side. It is mostly a Peter Boyle's episode and the guy doesn't disappoint. He makes the situation comical without having to tell any jokes.
Maybe X-Files Best Episode
frankelee15 July 2023
Mulder and Scully hunt after a serial murderer who targets psychics and come into contact with a man who can see how people will die. Peter Boyle is the real star of this episode, playing the Willy Loman of fortune telling, a depressed, troubled, and lonely insurance salesman who Mulder is sure can help them locate the killer. Much like with Beyond the Sea, a talented character actor makes the episode what it is, though this time with a better story undergirding the whole thing. Boyle's understated comedic timing makes every scene he's in fun to watch.
The episode opens with a fraudulent psychic called in to help the police by prancing around a murder scene making vague predictions that of course bring them no closer to catching the bad guy. This, I think, is to provide a very strong contrast to the real thing, Clyde Bruckman. What would it do to a human being to see death every time he touches another person's hand or picks up an object? Bruckman denies he even has psychic abilities at first, though he's also seemingly compelled to say them out loud. He can tell Mulder where and when to find the next murder victim, but can't give him any information about the murderer. He can see the future, but plainly tells the two agents that more people will die and nothing he does can prevent their deaths. Mulder mentions that most people would love to have abilities like him, but he wishes he were dead. Most everything about him and his powers is a contradiction.
I enjoy how this episode introduces elements of the weird to tangle up our understanding of this paranormal case. It's smartly written. The ending isn't necessarily rushed, but it is a little strange. Why does Bruckman do what he does, is he bound by fate to not use his agency? Is he just mad from a lifetime of seeing futures he can't really help people escape, all from a power that's beyond any human's ability to comprehend? Ahh, maybe it's just broadcast television shows can be ridiculous sometimes. The good but not great ending keeps this episode from being truly perfect.
I do, however, like that the ending reinforces the weirdness and challenges the assumptions you have. And ultimately this odd man escapes the fate you've already assumed will happen to find one that seemed obvious all along.
The episode opens with a fraudulent psychic called in to help the police by prancing around a murder scene making vague predictions that of course bring them no closer to catching the bad guy. This, I think, is to provide a very strong contrast to the real thing, Clyde Bruckman. What would it do to a human being to see death every time he touches another person's hand or picks up an object? Bruckman denies he even has psychic abilities at first, though he's also seemingly compelled to say them out loud. He can tell Mulder where and when to find the next murder victim, but can't give him any information about the murderer. He can see the future, but plainly tells the two agents that more people will die and nothing he does can prevent their deaths. Mulder mentions that most people would love to have abilities like him, but he wishes he were dead. Most everything about him and his powers is a contradiction.
I enjoy how this episode introduces elements of the weird to tangle up our understanding of this paranormal case. It's smartly written. The ending isn't necessarily rushed, but it is a little strange. Why does Bruckman do what he does, is he bound by fate to not use his agency? Is he just mad from a lifetime of seeing futures he can't really help people escape, all from a power that's beyond any human's ability to comprehend? Ahh, maybe it's just broadcast television shows can be ridiculous sometimes. The good but not great ending keeps this episode from being truly perfect.
I do, however, like that the ending reinforces the weirdness and challenges the assumptions you have. And ultimately this odd man escapes the fate you've already assumed will happen to find one that seemed obvious all along.
An interesting and somehow humorous ep
derangedxzombie23 June 2021
Boyle who plays Bruckman did a great job, he's a cynical and somewhat fed up with life character, but has a big presence in this episode. Good acting and a character both relatable and likeable. The writing is great too, it dabbles a lot in psychic reading as mentioned in the episode description, but until the end leaves you guessing. Another movie quality episode from this great show.
One of the best episodes of a very good show.
d-millhoff27 November 2021
The best episodes of X-files are the stand-alones, and this is one of the best stand-alones.
In addition to being very well-written, it guest-stars the always-excellent Peter Boyle.
No point in going into the story, if you've sen it you already know and if you haven't I don't want to toss,out ANY spoilers.
This is must-see TV.
In addition to being very well-written, it guest-stars the always-excellent Peter Boyle.
No point in going into the story, if you've sen it you already know and if you haven't I don't want to toss,out ANY spoilers.
This is must-see TV.
Darin Morgan balances on the thin line and pulls it off
peter_nilsson8812 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode I felt was a bit too goofy in the beginning and not really believable regarding the psychic that was used which I felt was strange.
After about 10 minutes the episode lifts itself and is really good! Funny, smart and actually a bit heart warming where you feel for "the real psychic". The killer is maybe a bit too easy of a character but that's OK.
Great and memorable episode!
After about 10 minutes the episode lifts itself and is really good! Funny, smart and actually a bit heart warming where you feel for "the real psychic". The killer is maybe a bit too easy of a character but that's OK.
Great and memorable episode!
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