Spooky Sunflower Seeds: An X-Files Review Blog

The C.O.S. (Central Operating System), a super computer located at the headquarters of a software company begins a murderous rampage in the name of self-preservation after concerns of its ability begin within the company. It's up to the agents to destroy it before it falls into the wrong hands. Let's take a trip back to 1993. The anxieties about technology chronicled in shows like Black Mirror are much, much different than what was being presented in an era before smartphones and widespread access to the internet. Technology changes in the blink of an eye. As a result plenty of beloved films and TV shows become time capsules of a bygone era. X-Files is no exception here with Ghost in the Machine. Invasive technology as a concept is as relevant as ever. However the writers of this episode admit they weren't the most tech savvy so the concept is half-baked at best. The episode has far too many threads that don't pay off in any meaningful way. Mulder and Scully are bro

Shadows is a MOTW episode that centers on a poltergeist fixated on a young woman named Lauren Kyte. The agents are called in when two men are killed under mysterious circumstances after a mugging attempt on the woman gone awry. Monster of the week episodes can live or die based on the supporting cast. In this episode the agents are almost put into a supporting role as a bulk of this episode follows Lauren as she uncovers a scandal surrounding the death of her boss, Howard Graves. As it happens the poltergeist protecting Lauren is Howard Graves, who is also directing her in uncovering that he was in fact murdered by his former business partner and new company boss, Robert Dorlund. There's a whole things with weapons deals too. What works against this episode is how ineffectual the agents are. More often than not, Mulder and Scully are there to react to the events rather than play a proactive role. This episode centers on Lauren and Howard's relationship, two characters we