Hungry

For me, season seven does not start out strongly. The Sixth Extinction episodes are two of the weakest mythology episodes I've seen. Hungry immediately follows and does not deliver. Hungry is written by Vince Gilligan, my favorite X-Files writer. In this episode, he attempts something different; having the story told from the villain's point of view and not Mulder and Scully's. Now, I appreciate Vince trying to do something different, but it doesn't work for me. Turning Mulder and Scully into secondary characters is a mistake. Their bantering back and forth is such an integral part of the series, that when gone, is very noticeable. Once again, Mulder assumes the role of Columbo, as he did in "Terms of Endearment" from season six. It's tedious this time around. Mulder makes an extreme leap to what's really happening very early in the episode, even early for Mulder. And if Mulder is a secondary character, Scully is almost non-existent and just calmly goes along with Mulder's ideas. I felt that Vince Gilligan wanted us to feel sympathy for Rob Roberts with his "aw shucks" mannerisms. I felt none for him. He's still a killer. Who I did feel sympathy for was Derwood Spinks, excellently cast by the way. An ex-convict trying to integrate back into society again, ruined by a murder investigation in which he is innocent. Rob seeing brains in the hamburger patties and in the texture of the bald man's head were nice touches to show his hunger. With Mulder and Scully playing secondary characters and the show focusing on an unsympathetic character instead, this episode left me "Hungry" for a better episode.

Season seven, often seen by many devotees as straying from the series' roots, ironically harks back to previous episodes with it's third sequential and first stand-alone episode, "Hungry." Much in the same way that Eugene Tooms ("Squeeze, Tooms") required human livers, Virgil Incanto ("2Shy") fed on body fat, and the guy from "Teliko" needed pituitary glands for subsistence, Rob Roberts gets his calories from brain matter. While this could have made for a pedestrian re-tread of themes from the aforementioned previous episodes, writer Vince Gilligan (known for having penned classics like "Pusher" and "Folie a Deux") changes things up a bit by telling the story from the monsters' perspective. All Roberts wants is a normal life without the impulsions of a monstrous appetite, pardon the pun. This makes for an episode with greater psychological depth than the average MOTW, however, a few things prevented me from fully enjoying it as a whole. First, the psychiatrist character seemed awfully contrived, from her inexplicable purpose in the plot (what fast-food joint would be so generous as to hire a counselor for their minimum-wage employees?) to her corny lines in the final scene. Second, Mulder's goading behavior seemed annoyingly excessive and reminiscent of last season's "Terms of Endearment." If he had been any secondary character he would not have survived to the end of the episode.

When analyzing the stand-alone episodes it's essential to view them both within their own context and within the canvas of the series. When viewed in the former, "Hungry" would get a 6 from me. It's Gilligan's ability to take the premises of episodes past and re-work them into new and innovative formats that make this one more worthy of an 8. I'll go half way and give it a 7. No more drive-thrus for me.

The best thing about the X-Files writers is that they can build a history out of nothing or maybe just with a simple thing as maybe a Dog, a novelist, an Erlenmeyer flask, etc. This time, Vince Gilligan wrote about something that everybody has suffer, hunger.

The thing with hunger in this episode was: How to make it an X-file?, Mr. Gilligan mast have been very hungry to write this one because is one of the best of season seven. This episode is not as dark as The X-Files are used to, but even with almost all scenes filmed in daylight it just keeps getting better and better to the very end that is one of the best of the whole series.

Lucky Boy's fast food restaurant is the scene of a grizzly murder, the death of a rude, demanding customer, who's brain has been consumed.

If you've ever worked in fast food, you may just watch this one with a slightly keen interest than if you haven't.

I'm a big fan of this one, I think it's well paced, original, and manages to pack in a few shocks and surprises.

This has to be one of the most skilfully written episodes to date, it's so clever, so witty, and very different, it's about the first time that we see the crimes (so to speak,) from the point of view of the villain/alien, with Mulder and Scully playing almost supporting roles.

Some pretty good special effects once again, and credit to the makeup department for the job they did with Rob Roberts.

It entertained, it thrilled, it also challenged some stereotypes, at the time, eating disorders were of course a topic of conversation, but it's fair to say back then, nobody would have looked at a guy like Rob, average build, slightly goofy, and thought eating disorder, it's an interesting point made by the writer.

9/10.

The third episode of the seventh season of The X-Files, titled "Hungry," directed by Kim Manners, is a unique entry that shifts the narrative perspective to focus on the antagonist, offering a fresh take on the series' typical monster-of-the-week format. Written by Vince Gilligan, this episode centers around Rob Roberts (Chad Donella), a fast-food employee with a disturbing compulsion to eat human brains. The story begins with the discovery of a body that has been gruesomely mutilated, and as Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate, they quickly realize they are dealing with a deeply troubled individual whose actions stem from a complex psychological struggle.

As the plot unfolds, viewers are introduced to Rob's internal conflict as he attempts to suppress his monstrous urges while grappling with feelings of guilt and shame. The pacing of "Hungry" is brisk, effectively maintaining tension as Mulder and Scully piece together clues that lead them closer to Rob. A particularly striking moment occurs when Rob attends an Overeaters Anonymous meeting, desperately seeking help for his cravings. This scene not only highlights his vulnerability but also serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle between desire and morality. The episode cleverly juxtaposes Rob's personal turmoil with Mulder and Scully's investigation, creating a compelling narrative that invites viewers to empathize with the character despite his horrific actions.

Visually, "Hungry" employs a gritty aesthetic that reflects the dark themes of the narrative. Manners's direction captures both the mundane aspects of Rob's life and the horror of his actions through dynamic cinematography and effective use of lighting. The contrast between bright fast-food establishments and the darker, more claustrophobic settings where Rob commits his crimes enhances the unsettling atmosphere of the episode. Critics have praised this visual storytelling for its ability to create an immersive experience that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.

The performances in this episode are particularly noteworthy, especially from Donella as Rob. His portrayal captures the character's complexity; he balances moments of charm with an underlying menace that keeps viewers on edge. Duchovny delivers a strong performance as Mulder, showcasing his character's determination to uncover the truth while navigating his own moral compass in relation to Rob's plight. Anderson's Scully provides essential support; her skepticism grounds Mulder's theories while emphasizing her concern for those affected by Rob's actions. The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson continues to shine throughout this episode, adding depth to their partnership as they confront both external threats and internal struggles.

Thematically, "Hungry" raises significant questions about identity, morality, and the nature of monstrosity. The episode critiques how individuals can become defined by their darkest impulses; it examines how personal relationships can be strained by external pressures such as societal expectations and psychological trauma. Additionally, it highlights societal attitudes toward authority; characters like Mulder represent those who seek to expose hidden truths despite facing ridicule from skeptics. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their beliefs regarding justice, morality, and the ethical implications surrounding human desires.