Mulder: … Patterson had this thing about wanting to track a killer, to know an artist, you have to look at his art. It really meant, if you want to catch a monster, you have to become one yourself.
Written by: Howard Gordon
Directed by: Kim Manners
Original Air Date: February 2nd, 1996
Principal Setting: Washington, D.C.
Episode Summary:
The FBI arrests a serial killer John Mostow, who is responsible for murdering at least 7 men. Mostow pleas that he was possessed by an evil spirit and that’s what caused him to kill, although Scully is buying nothing of his story as she points out that is a common claim among serial killers. However, while Mastow is in custody, other closely related attacks occur leading Mulder to believe Mastow’s far fetched story.
The agent in charge of the case, Bill Patterson, has history with Mulder as he was his director as he was going up the ranks in the academy. Patterson doesn’t like Mulder’s style to get into the mind of the killer or the paranormal cases he deals with. As the killings continue to occur, the evidence not only points to Mulder’s theory being correct but also points right at the killer.
Personal Commentary:
This episode is very dark and slower paced. I appreciated the lighting (the actors are covered in a lot of red and blue lights), the camera work and the moodiness of it all, but it never really grabbed my full attention. You either really like this episode or you don’t, and the majority of X-Files fans put this as one of their least favorite episodes.
I liked how Mulder went straight to the mind of the killer to discover the truth about the clay gargoyles, and at the same time was purposely ignoring Scully to keep her away from danger. I just don’t like the episodes where they’re never together solving the mystery. Their chemistry is too good to separate them, which this one leads to a rather boring episode because of it.
Episode Grade: C-
Favorite Scene:
Don’t have a favorite scene in this one, so here’s the intro to the fantastic Gargoyles cartoon!
Fun Facts:
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The producers originally planned to film the teaser sequence at a Catholic hospital, but the hospital was reluctant to affix a faux gargoyle to the building. Then the shot was relocated to Heritage Hall, a noted filming location and former post office in Vancouver. Some last minute scrambling was required when city workers tore up the sidewalk where the producers planned to film the scene. The construction crew reassured the show that the construction would be finished in time for filming. The work was finished two hours before shooting started.
- It won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Series.
- Expressing how proud he was of this episode, Howard Gordon said, “I think it illuminated a lot of Mulder, but also all of this – that there really is a thin line between madness and sanity.” It’s another episode where you can see the effects if Mulder really became insane to prove his crusade to find the truth.
Faces You May Recognize:
- Kurtwood Smith is most famous for playing the hilariously, grumpy father, Reginald “Red” Forman, in That 70’s Show. He has also played supporting roles in RoboCop and Dead Poets Society. He always seems to play the bad guy.
201 Days of the X-Files Blog 