Feb 1, 2026

The first truly great episode so far in my opinion. Brad Dorif as Boggs is incredible (as Brad Dorif always is), and seeing Don Davis, Major Briggs from Twin Peaks, as Scully's dad was a really nice surprise. I think seeing Mulder playing against type and being skeptical, with Scully more willing to consider believing in the paranormal for once put a nice spin on the episode as well.

This first season has been pretty hit or miss so far, but if there's more TV like this coming, then I'm very, VERY excited.

Sep 22, 2024

This might be my favorite episode of the show. Not that I'm saying it peaked here and then went downhill, because that's certainly not the case. It's just that this episode is so powerful. We see Scully being truly vulnerable for the first time, and it's also the first time that she really doubts her own beliefs. Mulder's healthy dose of skepticism in this episode is interesting as well. It's nice to know that he doesn't just blindly believe in everything. I also liked his little dig at Scully about not putting the truth in her report because it would sound spooky, though it may have been a little harsh, considering the circumstances. And Brad Dourif is one of the best one-off character actors the series has ever seen. His turn as Boggs is chilling and resonates deeply, even though he had a mere 42ish minutes to pull it off.

May 30, 2024

Brad Dourif is incredible in this episode. And I live for the moment when Scully tells Boggs she will be the one to kill him if Mulder dies.

Apr 22, 2024

It's really interesting to see Scully wavering, unsure of her world, instead of always running in just after Mulder has seen something inexplicable. Boggs also manages to be quite creepy.

Oct 5, 2023

Easily my favourite episode so far, absolutely loved Brad Dourif in this role! Great development for Scully too.

Apr 17, 2023

Incredible episode, the character development for Scully is amazing and I really love the raw look at her character that we get--her being afraid to believe is so integral to her personality and everything about her. It's interesting to consider how this develops throughout the show, but I do find it perhaps kind of strange to introduce such a major trauma and stressor (her fathers death) so early in the show, and knowing how the show progresses, I feel like it's always a difficult decision to try and narrow Scully into a harsh defining category of either "believer" or "skeptic". Though perhaps I'm thinking about it too much for S1! I know the nuance and middleground develops later.

Sep 22, 2024

I feel like, eventually, there's just too much evidence for Scully to not believe certain things, even if that evidence doesn't let her put the whole picture together. I think she's always willing to acknowledge that she simply can't explain what's going on just yet, but she always has faith that there is a solution rooted in science. Later in the series, I think it's just that her system of belief and Mulder's intersect more cleanly because they learn more.

Feb 20, 2023

absolutely amazing episode. The scene where Scully confronts Boggs after Mulder has gone to hospital was amazing, I rewatched it multiple times

Feb 23, 2019

Brad Dourif always takes interesting roles. I liked the role reversal between Scully and Mulder though the ending they switched back. I'm curious if and when Scully truly transitions or how long they can keep her from believing.

Aug 27, 2018

Guy playing Boggs is simple tremendous. His delivery is great for this role. And Anderson really steps it up for several powerful scenes.

Feb 5, 2019

Brad Dourif is almost always excellent!