Apocrypha (The X-Files)

Apopcrypha TXF

Apocrypha is the sixteenth episode of the third season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files. It first aired on the Fox Network on February 16, 1996. The episode was written by series creator Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, and directed by Kim Manners. "Apocrypha" is a continuation of the previous episode, "Piper Maru", and is a part of the series' larger mythology arc. The episode received a Nielsen rating of 10.8 and was viewed by 16.71 million viewers upon its initial broadcast. It received mostly positive reviews from critics.

Plot

The episode opens with FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder (played by David Duchovny) continuing his investigation into a recovered UFO in the Pacific Ocean and its connection to a mysterious black oil that has the ability to control human hosts. Meanwhile, his partner, Dana Scully (played by Gillian Anderson), investigates the assassination of her sister, Melissa Scully, which leads her to a larger conspiracy involving the Syndicate, a shadowy government organization.

As Mulder delves deeper into the mystery of the black oil, he discovers that it is an extraterrestrial entity that has been on Earth for centuries, influencing historical events and human evolution. The black oil is capable of entering human bodies, taking control of them, and communicating with other infected hosts. This revelation ties back to the series' ongoing narrative about alien colonization and the government's efforts to conceal it from the public.

Scully's investigation, on the other hand, brings her face to face with the Syndicate's assassin, Luis Cardinal, and further exposes the depth of the conspiracy surrounding her sister's death and the government's involvement in extraterrestrial activities. The episode culminates in a confrontation between Mulder, Scully, and the forces working to keep the truth about alien life and the black oil a secret.

Reception

"Apocrypha" was well-received by both audiences and critics. Its complex narrative, which skillfully intertwined the personal tragedies of Mulder and Scully with the broader alien conspiracy, was particularly praised. The episode's exploration of themes such as trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth resonated with viewers and contributed to The X-Files's reputation as a show that challenged its audience while providing compelling science fiction storytelling.

See Also

• List of The X-Files episodes
• Mythology of The X-Files
• Black oil (The X-Files)