The Case
This is the first X-file where we see Mulder and Scully investigating a serial killer case in Baltimore. Of course, it wouldn’t be “The X-Files” if this case was that simple. The murderer turns out to be a mutant by the name of Eugene Tooms, who is able to stretch every part of his body in incredible ways. Allowing him to fit in any space he desires, no matter how tight or tiny. Every thirty 30 years he kills five people by ripping out their livers with his bare hands and eating those. Only to go hibernate for 30 years afterwards. Bon appetit!
Awesome
Just the idea of having a killer that can squeeze through any opening is the perfect ingredient for a scary story. Just imagine if that was possible: no one, absolutely no one would be safe. That is what I always liked about “The X-Files”: they managed to tell stories speaking to basic fears. Especially in their MoW-epsiodes – Monster of the week. In fact, this is the very such episode of this kind. I still believe it was this episode, this decision to step away from episodes only based on the alien mythology, that opened up so many great possibilities to evolve and experiment and hence make “The X-Files” the great and diverse show it has become.
And then there’s the bathroom of doom in Scully’s apartment – after all, this won’t be the last time she gets attacked there. A great scene, the way Tooms basically comes almost flying out of the vent. Creepy indeed.
Awkward
I still don’t get why Scully does the psychological profile of Tooms. Yes, sure, her friend Colton asked her for help. But isn’t Mulder the profiler and the one with a psychology degree?
Something that always cracks me up is this whole stake-out at the crime scene. For one, Scully’s outfit: shoulder pads looking like they were taken from the 1980s combined with a Wonderbra. Splendid. Not to mention the awkward way she holds her gun when Mulder surprisingly visits her. And why on Earth is he coming down all the way to the crime scene only to tell her she’s wasting her time and he’s going home? Which all takes about 30 seconds. Couldn’t he just have given her a call? Or maybe he just loves her company that much. Yeah, I like that idea.
Mulder
Oh my, Mulder looks delicious in this episode. So good you could eat him. Pun not intended, I don’t care much for liver.
We are only three episode in and he already displays everything we have come to love about Mulder: his sense of humor, the dry one-liners, his love of pissing people off. There’s an abundance of all this. Moreover, he’s incredibly flirty when it comes to Scully in this episode. Just when she’s underlining how “territorial” he’s been acting regarding this case, he says: “Of course, I was”. All while grabbing her long necklace, pretty close to her breasts, and putting it back in the middle of her chest. Priceless. Excuse me while I drool.
Scully
Wow, I can hardly believe it: Scully has a friend and a life outside the office. Well, but not for long given how said friend Colton is using her to push his career. Bye, bye friend.
I love how supportive she’s of Mulder this early on. As she puts it: “Mulder’s ideas might be a bit out there, but he’s a good agent”. Then there’s this constant shit storm of other investigators telling her over and over again what a lunatic Mulder is. You got to give it to her, this girl has some guts.
This episode also offers a rare moment: Scully’s wearing her hair up. Not sure what do think of that. Then there’s this long necklace she’s suddenly wearing, not her usual golden cross. Not consistent at all, but who cares, it gave Mulder an excuse to touch her. Yay to that!
Random
Here’s a confession: I actually find Tooms quite hot in this episode. Just his looks, of course. Not his, uh, manners. However, today I wouldn’t say that anymore about the actor who plays him. You might have heard about him: Doug Hutchison. Yeah, that weird 50-something guy who married an underage girl.
When Scully meets with Colton at the beginning of the episode to talk about the case and their careers, another coworker who’s had a successful run is mentioned. And the fact that his career is due to the World Trade Center bombings. Very weird moment. Who would have known back in the early 90ies that a much, much more horrible attack would take place years later.
Quote
To choose a quote in an episode full of great banter and one-liners is tough. Nevertheless, whatever I choose is worthy of being highlighted. So, here we go!
Mulder: ”So why didn’t they ask me?”
Scully: ”They’re friends of mine from the academy, I’m sure they just felt more comfortable talking to me.”
Mulder: ”Why would I make them so uncomfortable?”
Scully: ”It probably has to do with your reputation.”
Mulder: ”Reputation? I have a reputation?”
Scully: ”Mulder, look. Colton plays by the book and you don’t. They feel your methods, your theories are…”
Mulder: ”Spooky? Do you think I’m spooky?”
For some reason, my subconscious starts singing “Do you think I’m sexy?” during that scene. Replacing “sexy” with “spooky”, but actually meaning the same thing. Go figure.
The Verdict
20 years old and yet still so, so good. A classic episode, the initiation of many more MoW-episodes to come. Including the classic elements: murders mostly left to the imagination and not shown in detail, a perverted form of vampirism and a constantly creepy atmosphere that will continue to haunt you. A great mix that will leave you hungry for more.
