The X-Files: 10 Things We Learned From Babylon

6. Muslim Extremism Feels Stranger Than Aliens On The X-Files

Babylon walked a fairly fine line showing all sides of the Muslim extremism issue, or at least as much of it as you can expect in an hour-long drama on network television. It started with Shiraz, the young Muslim immigrant swept up and brainwashed by the teachings of an insidious and deadly Imam, who along with a companion detonates a suicide vest at an art gallery showing a depiction of the prophet Mohammed in Texas. It shows the isolation and feeling of being an outsider Shiraz experiences, as well as the grieving mother left behind, who cannot understand how the son she taught to love and cherish peace allowed himself to be used as part of such a heinous act. Yet as carefully as the episode tread (it ends with a larger-scale bombing prevented through an FBI raid thanks to Mulder speaking to Shiraz in a shared hallucination), the entire plot line seemed stranger than any alien creature the show has featured. Because the reality of terrorism is far more alien and unsettling, honestly. It has also already divided fans, with some accusing Chris Carter of demonizing Muslims, though it's clear that was anything but the intention.