Journey to the Truth: Teliko - S4 E03
Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY
DECEIVE INVEIGLE OBFUSCATE
African-American men have been disappearing in Philadelphia. After the latest victim is found dead and drained of pigment, Scully and the CDC are looking for a medical cause rather than a criminal one. Mulder's theory runs somewhere in between.
Teliko (Greek for final) aired on October 18, 1996, and was the last episode shown in the original Friday night timeslot. It was actually shown out of order as well, swapping places with Unruhe, which will be the first to air in the new Sunday night schedule.
Teliko is an odd episode. Howard Gordon admitted he struggled with the script, with CC and other writers contributing ideas within days of the start of production. The tagline becomes a bit of a mantra, inserted four times: once in the opening credits, once spoken by Scully, once spoken by Mulder, and finally typed in Scully's report. Even so, this case doesn't feel like a big cover-up or 'worthy' of a tagline change in comparison to other episodes to me.
Ultimately, I like the two-fold nature of science and folklore, giving M&S their unique angles. But Aboah went through pituitaries awfully fast. It would be unsustainable to have an entire 'lost tribe' with needs so demanding. Fun fact: When M&S lose Aboah around the corner, Mulder comments, "Boy, this guy can move." Actor Willie Amakye was fresh off competing in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He was a member of the Ghana Olympic track team.
MSR: I love anytime that Scully saves Mulder. The 'unspoken communication' in this one is amusing and life-saving for both of them. I always wonder if crawling through the ducts gives Scully flashbacks of Ghost in the Machine (while also saving Mulder).
Teliko is the first episode I ever saw. I watched it when it aired on October 18, 1996. I was just shy of 24 and working in my first post-university job. That hour (arguably not a pinnacle for the X-Files) was enough for me. I liked the dark, haunted hunt and the tribal music. I liked the layers of investigation, medicine, and politics. And I liked Scully -- strong, smart, beautiful Scully -- taking down the suspect in the end. She became a huge inspiration in my career, boosting my self-confidence, my self-awareness, and my wardrobe. One episode...and here we are.
Fanfic: There's a Mulder/other fic that turns out fine in the end, if you're okay with that.
"Choices" by Judy Gayle is on gossamer.
"You're Not Alone" by Baroness_Blixen
is short and sweet from this past Fictober.
A quick thank you to everyone who is participating in Fluffuary. It's the perfect time of the year to cuddle up with your partner and some tea/hot chocolate and a B-movie. Those who can't do, read. Thanks to all of YOU for reading.
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