El Mundo Gira (12 Jan. 1997)
"The X Files" El Mundo Gira (original title)

Scully and Mulder investigate the death of Maria Dorantes, a migrant farm worker who was found in a field near the shanty town in which she lived. There were reports of a very bright flash ... See full summary »

Director:

Tucker Gates

Writers:

Chris Carter (creator), John Shiban

Stars:

David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
David Duchovny	...	Fox Mulder
Gillian Anderson	...	Dana Scully
Mitch Pileggi	...	Walter Skinner
Rubén Blades	...	Conrad Lozano
Raymond Cruz	...	Eladio Buente
Jose Yenque	...	Soledad Buente (as José Yenque)
Simi Mehta	...	Gabrielle Buente (as Simi)
Lillian Hurst	...	Flakita
Susan Bain	...	County Coroner
Robert Thurston	...	Dr. Larry Steen
Michael Kopsa	...	Rick Culver
Marcus Hondro	...	El Barbeiro (as Markus Hondro)
Janeth Muniz	...	Village Woman (as Janeth Munoz)
Pamela Diaz	...	Maria Dorantes
Fabricio Santin	...	Migrant Worker

Storyline

Scully and Mulder investigate the death of Maria Dorantes, a migrant farm worker who was found in a field near the shanty town in which she lived. There were reports of a very bright flash of light followed by a yellow rain just as she was killed. Scully's examination of the body reveals that she died as a result of a massive fungal infection. The locals however are certain that the culprit is El Chupacabra, a mythical beast from Mexican folklore. They're also sure the beast is to be found in Eladio Buente, Maria's brother-in-law who was with her when she died. While Scully looks for a scientific explanation, Mulder believes the fungus may be alien in origin. Regardless, they must find Eladio before the fungus spreads.

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Plot Keywords:

yellow rain | chupacabra | fungus | mythological beasts | mexican immigrant | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

12 January 1997 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 2, North Shore Studios, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Fox Television, Ten Thirteen Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The chupacabra is loosely translated to mean "goat sucker". Its legend is that it sucks the blood from farm animals. Recent research suggests that the legend of the chupacabra may derive from coyotes with severe parasitic infections.

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Quotes

Dana Scully: 'Purple Rain'?
Fox Mulder: Great album. Deeply flawed movie.

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Connections

References Purple Rain (1984)

User Reviews

Telenovela In Disquise?

The key to enjoying El Mundo Gira is to not take it seriously. The episode doesn't. Why should you? Without being familiar with the television genre of the Hispanic telenovela, the viewer may feel a little confused and disappointed. In short, Hispanic telenovelas are known for over-dramatic acting, a lot like American daily soap operas. You can tell the actors in this episode are used to that kind of work, because they do it well. The Spanish guitar used in the score, gives you a good feel for the culture that exists on the U.S.-Mexican border. The INS worker does an excellent job by being indifferent and easy-going. He just seems so natural. Doctor Scully teaches us an interesting word from her autopsy: aspargillus. It's just fun to say. The one nice piece of cinematography work I liked in El Mundo Gira is when the shot transitions from the alien/chupacabra's face to the face of AD Walter Skinner. What exactly is the director implying? There are two different endings to the story as told by different women, a technique later used in 'Bad Blood'. The story of El Chupacabra and the love triangle between the woman and the two brothers is a Hispanic telenovela at its best. It's not a deep, dark x-file. Take it for what it is, and enjoy.