Fans Misunderstood this X-Files Episode That Changes Everything About the CSM

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Among the numerous captivating antagonists it has introduced, none have won over viewers quite like the enigmatic character known as the Cigarette Smoking Man. Over the course of the series, it becomes clear that he shares a profound connection with characters Bill and Fox Mulder, hinting at his powerful influence that extends beyond mere human life on Earth due to his unwavering belief in an entity greater than mankind. Despite maintaining numerous connections, this character consistently refrains from harming Mulder or Scully, demonstrating an unusual level of loyalty towards the agents.

Previous episodes often portrayed the CSM as a stereotypical antagonist, but “Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man” offered a fresh perspective on the character. Although many viewers appreciated delving into his background, several criticized it for contradicting the show’s established history. Nevertheless, devoted fans argue that casual viewers might have overlooked the significant message this crucial episode aimed to convey.

“Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man” Shows the True Dangers of This Volatile Antagonist

In the current timeline, Episode 7 of Season 4, titled “Reflections of a Smoking Man,” opens with the character known as the Cigarette Smoking Man getting ready to eavesdrop on something. As others in the group delve into the villain’s history, the CSM reflects on his past exploits. The narrative then shifts back to 1962, where we find the CSM serving as a captain in the US Army. He is abruptly summoned to the General’s office to discuss a plot to kill President Kennedy. Consequently, viewers are promptly informed that the CSM was responsible for assassinating the President in November 1963 and framing Lee Harvey Oswald as an accomplice.

1968 saw a parallel idea manifest when someone assassinated Martin Luther King Jr., hoping to prevent him from persuading African-American men against the Vietnam War. Fast forward to 1991, and we witness the CSM’s close bond with Deep Throat. In this context, the CSM proposes that Deep Throat eliminates an alien, a move that would significantly delay Bill Mulder’s research for years. The narrative then flashes back to Dana Scully’s first day at the X-Files, showing the CSM eavesdropping on her initial conversation with Mulder. In the present day, the CSM hesitates before deciding not to kill one of The Lone Gunmen today.

The flashbacks are well-done, skillfully connecting the Cigarette Smoking Man (CSM) to significant historical events without appearing too forced. However, some viewers criticize that “Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man” contradicts the show’s established facts and seems implausible. Even William B. Davis, who portrays the CSM, had trouble justifying why a ruthless killer would care about the Buffalo Bills winning the Super Bowl. Furthermore, many viewers found it hard to believe that the man could effortlessly assassinate JFK and MLK yet hesitated to shoot The Lone Gunmen despite having a clear shot.

It might appear puzzling, but the solution to all these questions can be found in CSM’s book titled “Take a Chance: A Jack Colquitt Adventure.” Throughout this narrative, the villain goes by the pseudonym Raul Bloodworth and attempts to sell an exhilarating adventure novel to numerous publishers. One of these publishers appreciates stories about alien abductions and covert government activities, implying that CSM’s life might be serving as inspiration for a fictional narrative. However, it’s quite obvious that the CSM himself is a figment of imagination. The reason this story feels disjointed is because none of these events actually occurred; they are simply the thoughts of Raul Bloodworth’s character, Jack Colquitt. Therefore, it would be far-fetched to assert that the CSM believes he is a renowned adventurer who was involved in global conspiracies when, in reality, he is merely another piece on the FBI’s board.

This incident sheds light on an unusual situation where the CSM reenacts a notable scene from “Forrest Gump.” He takes a seat on a bench as a vagrant consumes a box of chocolates, delivering profound yet pessimistic metaphors about life’s futility. The intriguing part is that he later abandons his only published piece of writing on the same bench. This act, coupled with him quoting lines from the movie, seems to imply that his character might be fictitious. In truth, it appears that the CSM is a struggling writer who’s unlikely to gain any professional acclaim.

This Episode Doesn’t Rely on Mulder and Scully at All

In this particular episode, Mulder and Scully are absent physically and the story relies heavily on audio clips and old footage to create an impression of their involvement. This subtle change actually amplifies the creepiness of the Cigarette-Smoking Man (CSM). It’s chilling that both the agents and The Lone Gunmen are unaware that this enigmatic adversary is literally above them, watching and listening. This demonstrates how far ahead he is in terms of technology and cunning. Instead of portraying him as carefree to suggest immorality, The X-Files depicts the CSM as serene while devising his next scheme, a trait that makes him appear more calculated and clever.

In this episode, there are hints that lay the groundwork for significant disclosures later in the series. Among these, some subtle signs point towards a connection between Bill Mulder and another character, even in the U.S. Remarkably, this person has a childhood photo of Fox stored in his desk. When Fox begins his career at the FBI in the early ’90s, it’s hinted that the CSM will monitor him closely from then on.

These instances are subtly woven into the narrative, initially leaving viewers puzzled. However, with hindsight, it’s clear that The X-Files intended to hint at a connection between the CSM and Mulder for today’s audience. This gives fans valuable insights into the show’s intricate structure. Unlike other procedurals, The X-Files scatters resolutions throughout the series without explicitly tying them to a specific climax. Consequently, aside from revolutionizing science fiction, The X-Files pioneered a unique narrative style.

The CSM Is a Prime Example of the Show’s Grand Success

It’s often speculated among fans that the CSM’s intriguing past is just a disguise for an uneventful life and unnoticed career at the FBI, but this theory has never been confirmed. However, his frequent smoking habit provides a subtle yet profound insight into his character. Despite lighting up in almost every new scene, he rarely takes deep drags, hinting that he’s well aware of the potential harm cigarettes pose. This habit appears to be more of a nervous tic, serving as a means to calm the villain as he prepares for his next confrontation with the agents.

In contrast to some viewers who dismiss “Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man” for deviating from the series’ established narrative, many audiences find its significance within the show compelling. Despite being relatively unaware about the character of the Cigarette Smoking Man or his true motives, the writers skillfully created an engaging episode centered around him. Furthermore, this episode contributes to giving The X-Files a richer and more substantial feel as it underscores the longevity of the program, hinting at its wide-reaching influence beyond just Mulder and Scully. Ultimately, “Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man” serves as a strong demonstration of the show’s core philosophy – “Trust No One.

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2025-06-07 01:40