This October/November, we’re taking a trip back in time to review the eighth season of The X-Files and the first (and only) season of The Lone Gunmen.
The Lying Game is perhaps most well known for its central guest star.
The Lying Game is the episode in which the Lone Gunmen find themselves crossing paths with Assistant Director Walter Skinner. It was a pretty big deal, to the point that Skinner’s appearance towards the end of the season was being hyped in the media immediately following the broadcast of The Pilot, almost two months before the episode actually aired. It wasn’t the first crossover between two Ten Thirteen shows, but it was still a pretty big deal. It makes sense that discussion of The Lying Game would focus on its visiting supporting player.
Some hot Skinner-on-Skinner action…
However, The Lying Game is also notable for featuring a significant transgender guest character. Carol Strode is most significant transgender character to appear in a Ten Thirteen production. As one might expect given the production company’s awkward history with the portrayal of homosexual characters, the results are mixed. There is no question that the episode is well-intentioned, but it is also clumsy and occasionally ill-judged. Even the title would suggest as much, albeit more through absent-minded insensitivity than outright malice.
The Lying Game has its heart in the right place, but doesn’t necessarily have its head in gear.
Surviving by the Skin of his teeth…
Filed under: The Lone Gunmen | Tagged: continuity, crossover, Mitch Pileggi, Skinner, the lone gunmen, the x-files, trans, transgender, Walter Skinner | Leave a comment »
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