Question: If the "cold drink" vending machine was unplugged and the buttons were unresponsive, WHY did the saboteurs deliberately illuminate the front of the machine? Wouldn't this ATTRACT people to the machine, only to subsequently arouse curiosity when it failed to function (as it did with Mulder)? The more logical approach would be to disable the vending machine (including the illumination) and tape an "out of order" sign on it. People would then just ignore the machine, arousing no suspicion. The illuminated vending machine gimmick looks like an illogical contrivance to advance the plot.
Charles MillerQuestion: When Mulder finds the bomb, what are the numbers he relates to Scully that tells her he found it?
Answer: Scully thinks Mulder is joking. He is reading the counter on the bomb to prove he isn't, second by second.
BaconIsMyBFFQuestion: What exactly was it about the vending machine that made Mulder realize it was actually the bomb that he and Scully were looking for?
Answer: The drink selection buttons were unresponsive after he deposited his coins, and then he noticed that the machine was illuminated despite being unplugged.
Phaneron
Question: I am a big X-files fan, but there is something in this movie that I think I may have missed in the series - can someone help me out? We are told in the series that Mulder doesn't drink. One time when he is getting drunk in a hotel room on his own, it is because of a strange planetary alignment and he himself finds it odd that he is drinking. My question is, when did he abandon this and start going out and drowning his sorrows on his own? I'm confused - maybe I missed the memo?
Answer: Mulder has just hit rock bottom and is questioning just about everything at this point, so drinking is not really out of character.
Grumpy Scot
Chosen answer: If they had put an "Out of Order" sign, or left it unilluminated, someone in charge might try to have it fixed or replaced, or could have checked to see if it's plugged in, etc. By leaving it illuminated, it doesn't look out of place and simply not taking money wouldn't arouse too much suspicion. In my own life, when I've come across a seemingly working vending machine that won't take my money or dispense drinks (but gives my money back), I just find another one instead of calling someone or reporting it. But yes, it is very convenient to the plot that Mulder just happens to try and use this particular machine.