I don't know what other people are viewing when they watch these episodes, when I am moved and elevated on so many levels. It certainly does not seem to be the same thing I just watched. For me to come in here and put down my feelings, I see some of these other reviews and it's like putting a heavy stone around my neck and falling into a well, with so many just not getting it. It's The X-Files, that's all the explanation anyone needs. This was for me the most powerful X-Files episode I have ever seen. Most people would not rush to write a review about something that they hated, so this activity is another form of propaganda. I realize now that not all IMDb user accounts are real people, which really detracts from my enjoyment of this site.
What we have here-- it really is "Babylon". This episode is making its own point, with certain viewer's reactions to it. In today's world, nobody speaks the same language, and as Skully says "it's all about learning to speak the same language again". Unfortunately, nobody wants to make an effort to do this. So, "Islamophobic" my Arse, Carter is panning basic bad behavior, it's not limited to any one religion or people group. He is making fun of the basic stereotypes, we can't take any of this seriously, however, these stereotypes exist in some ways.
I didn't see anything wrong with Chris Carter's general script, because by the time the denouement rolls out, I think I understand what's being said. And this particular episode addresses this phenomenon that I see happening in the last 16 years, which is basically so many examples of UNQUALIFIED HATE. It's been happening on "news" websites like Beitbart and social networks since before 2008, and it has just been getting worse. But it has also moved out from social media to the point where people and Presidential Candidates are just bellowing rage-hate messages in the open- And being applauded for it.
And this is exactly what Chris Carter is saying here especially in this episode, how words can take on an atomic weight and fill so many people with unqualified, unmitigated HATE. In the last 16 years, I have seen good friends I take on very ugly belief systems, all on the word of someone else "who said so" without factual PROOF. I've actually seen TV evangelists like Kenneth Copeland for instance tell his followers to log into Movie sites and give bad reviews to shows like The X-Files, or Star Wars, or even Star Trek. And, this has been happening. Before that, most likely they'd have been telling their people to worship God. When churches and TV ministries move away from The Gospel and start trying to tell us what kind of shows we should watch, something's wrong. So as far as nailing the point home, Chris Carter aced it.
When the shows that I like start reflecting the reality that I see, that's not bad writing. Chris Carter has a gift for seeing what's happening in the world and putting it into his work.
As far as the Director's chair goes, Chris Carter is also coming into his stride. I was pleased especially with Mulder's "Mushroom" trip, and I have to say from first hand experience, that's just how it is. The most difficult thing is to portray a psychedelic experience in film, this episode is up there with Altered States as far as giving us a glimpse as to how it might be. Carter wove a splendid tapestry using sight and sound, his choice of music recently is superb.
UPDATE - Thank you Jimmy Bernardino for stating precisely how I felt about this episode.