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xfilesficrecs"Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" is one of my favorite episodes of television. Though it begins with a murder and ends with a suicide, it doesn't leave the viewer feeling hopeless. The story is a perfect mixture of light and dark, with the bleakness of the serial murder investigation interlaced with black humor and quirky philosophizing. The script won an Emmy for Darin Morgan. In the span of 44 minutes, Peter Boyle brings his unforgettable character to life, winning an Emmy for his performance as well.
Once you enter into Morgan's universe, everything that follows is surprisingly logical. The episode works on every level. Clyde Bruckman is a terrific role, but the secondary characters are equally well-drawn. Can you imagine a better fake psychic than the Stupendous Yappi? Puppet, the psychic serial killer, makes a terrific foil for Bruckman. The psychics who get consulted by Puppet and then murdered are unique characters, too. Even the murdered amateur tasseographer who collects dolls is vividly rendered, despite never appearing on screen.
The Mulder-Scully flirting is adorable, and their banter is witty and light. The conversations they have with each other, and independently with Bruckman in his hotel room, are equally excellent. I am hard pressed to pick a favorite quote or even a favorite scene because the entire thing is so brilliant and quotable. This is an episode I've rewatched again and again.
FANFICTION RECS:
The idea that Scully is immortal inspired three of the best fics in this fandom. They are presented here in order of their appearance.
From a great distance, she heard Fox Mulder scream.
Dana Scully jerked awake and in the same second knew Mulder hadn't screamed, wasn't dying, his blood wasn't on her hands. Just a dream, another damned dream.
From the first line, Julie Fortune had me hooked. "Fata Morgana" begins as a crime story, then turns quickly into an X-file, but at its core, this is a portrait of Mulder and Scully's partnership: what they mean to one other and how much they each will risk for the other. It also has one of the most erotic non-sex scenes I have ever read, which I don't want to spoil by saying anything more.
Fata Morgana by Julie Fortune
Warnings: none
Rating: Teen
Genre: X-file, heavy angst
Summary: none provided. Just read it, please.
Technically, the next two recs are post-eps for "Tithonus" but since I think of that episode as fanfic for Clyde Bruckman, I have no qualms about reccing these stories for both episodes.
I just reread this fic, originally written in 2008 for The X-Files Secret Santa Gift Exchange. It is simply one of the best stories I've read in this fandom, for its structure, for the emotional and intellectual trajectory of Scully's reaction to finding out she's immortal, and the devastating ending. Idella's wit, as well as her tenderness and compassion for the characters, especially Scully, are unmatched.
Idella chose not to use archive warnings. However, if you need a warning for potential triggers/disturbing content, there is one at the original post under a cut.
Like idella, Penumbra posted no warnings for her fic. If you have triggers, or even if you don't, you should know that I found the opening to "Fathoms Five" highly disturbing. If you need more specifics to decide if this is safe for you, leave an anon comment here, along with an email address, and I will get back to you asap. Anon and non-member comments are all screened and your email address will not be revealed. There are spoilers in the comment threads.
This a major work, by a major writer in the fandom. It's also her best work, in my humble opinion, an outstanding, well-crafted, and unforgettable story that deserved a much wider audience. The links are to her livejournal. This is also archived at Gossamer, where there is a somewhat misleading warning on the post. There was nothing warm and fuzzy about this fic.
"Fathoms Five" by Penumbra
Part One
Part Two
Once you enter into Morgan's universe, everything that follows is surprisingly logical. The episode works on every level. Clyde Bruckman is a terrific role, but the secondary characters are equally well-drawn. Can you imagine a better fake psychic than the Stupendous Yappi? Puppet, the psychic serial killer, makes a terrific foil for Bruckman. The psychics who get consulted by Puppet and then murdered are unique characters, too. Even the murdered amateur tasseographer who collects dolls is vividly rendered, despite never appearing on screen.
The Mulder-Scully flirting is adorable, and their banter is witty and light. The conversations they have with each other, and independently with Bruckman in his hotel room, are equally excellent. I am hard pressed to pick a favorite quote or even a favorite scene because the entire thing is so brilliant and quotable. This is an episode I've rewatched again and again.
FANFICTION RECS:
The idea that Scully is immortal inspired three of the best fics in this fandom. They are presented here in order of their appearance.
From a great distance, she heard Fox Mulder scream.
Dana Scully jerked awake and in the same second knew Mulder hadn't screamed, wasn't dying, his blood wasn't on her hands. Just a dream, another damned dream.
From the first line, Julie Fortune had me hooked. "Fata Morgana" begins as a crime story, then turns quickly into an X-file, but at its core, this is a portrait of Mulder and Scully's partnership: what they mean to one other and how much they each will risk for the other. It also has one of the most erotic non-sex scenes I have ever read, which I don't want to spoil by saying anything more.
Fata Morgana by Julie Fortune
Warnings: none
Rating: Teen
Genre: X-file, heavy angst
Summary: none provided. Just read it, please.
Technically, the next two recs are post-eps for "Tithonus" but since I think of that episode as fanfic for Clyde Bruckman, I have no qualms about reccing these stories for both episodes.
I just reread this fic, originally written in 2008 for The X-Files Secret Santa Gift Exchange. It is simply one of the best stories I've read in this fandom, for its structure, for the emotional and intellectual trajectory of Scully's reaction to finding out she's immortal, and the devastating ending. Idella's wit, as well as her tenderness and compassion for the characters, especially Scully, are unmatched.
Idella chose not to use archive warnings. However, if you need a warning for potential triggers/disturbing content, there is one at the original post under a cut.
How a Resurrection Really Feels (6128 words) by idella
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The X-Files
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Fox Mulder/Dana Scully
Characters: Dana Scully, Fox Mulder
Additional Tags: Immortality, Female Protagonist, Season/Series 06, Alternate Universe
Summary: Post-Tithonus AU. Experimental living.
Like idella, Penumbra posted no warnings for her fic. If you have triggers, or even if you don't, you should know that I found the opening to "Fathoms Five" highly disturbing. If you need more specifics to decide if this is safe for you, leave an anon comment here, along with an email address, and I will get back to you asap. Anon and non-member comments are all screened and your email address will not be revealed. There are spoilers in the comment threads.
This a major work, by a major writer in the fandom. It's also her best work, in my humble opinion, an outstanding, well-crafted, and unforgettable story that deserved a much wider audience. The links are to her livejournal. This is also archived at Gossamer, where there is a somewhat misleading warning on the post. There was nothing warm and fuzzy about this fic.
"Fathoms Five" by Penumbra
Part One
Part Two
(no subject)
Date: 2018-02-25 06:08 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2018-02-25 06:19 am (UTC)She's a pro writer, and it shows: the creative, creepy X-files, the well-drawn settings and secondary characters, and realistic dialogue. And man oh man, she nails these characters.