-Essential Episode- “The Host” – Season 2 Ep. 2

Mr. X: I think you should know, you have a friend in the F.B.I.

Written by: Chris Carter 

Directed by: Daniel Sachheim

Original Air Date: September 23rd, 1994

Principal Setting: Newark, New Jersey

Episode Summary: 

If you thought Tooms in “Squeeze” was disgusting, “The Host” takes the gross out factor to a new level introducing Flukeman. The X-Files are still shut down, Mulder takes a break from boring surveillance work, and is assigned to a strange murder investigation of a body found in the sewers. In typical Mulder fashion, he automatically brushes it off as a typical murder who done it that Director Skinner is trying to keep him distracted with. Scully performs an autopsy on the victim and discovers a large tape worm attached to his liver.

Meanwhile back in the sewers, Mulder sees a creature swimming, and an unfortunate sewer worker is bite on the back. He thinks he’s in the clear at first, but in a very disgusting scene in the bathroom, he meets his demise. Scully believes the host creature is seeking to reproduce by finding a human host. Mulder is also getting strange calls from someone within the FBI that has his back and wants the X-Files to succeed, but there needs to be proof beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Personal Commentary:

This is a fantastically, disgusting stand alone monster-of-the-week episode. I like it for so many reasons, but mostly appreciate the fact it’s one of the few cases that they close and both Scully and Mulder confirm to Skinner that the monster is real, and not some crazy, outlandish Mulder tale. The mouth and teeth on Flukeman in itself will induce instant nightmares.

It’s also a first appearance by Mr. X. The stand in for Deep Throat that supports Mulder’s journey to the truth and sees the benefit of the X-Files being reopened. It’s refreshing to see a character that wants to be a friend to Scully and Mulder and see them succeed in getting the X-Files back on its feet.

Episode Grade: A

Favorite Scene:  This whole episode will keep you on the edge of your seat, so don’t really have a favorite scene. Here is an interesting behind the scenes interview with Darin Morgan talking about how difficult it was working in the suit.

Fun Facts:

• Darin Morgan, brother of co-executive producer Glen Morgan, played the Flukeman. He eventually went on to write for the show, with credits including Humbug and Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose. 
• The Flukeman suit took over 6 hours to put on. Morgan wore it for up to 20 hours straight, not being able to eat while in costume.

Faces You Recognize:

Not really too many familiar faces in this one. Darin Morgan (Flukeman) will write for the show and star in the very memorable role as Eddie Van Blundht from “Small Potatoes”. Not that you could recognize him here in all his gross Flukeman glory.