Theef

In "Theef," the fourteenth episode of The X-Files' seventh season, directed by Kim Manners, the series revisits its horror roots, delivering a narrative steeped in voodoo and revenge. The episode begins with the mysterious death of Dr. Robert Wieder's father-in-law, who is found with the word "theef" scrawled in blood nearby. As FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully delve into the case, they uncover a series of hexes targeting Dr. Wieder's family, leading them to Orell Peattie, a man seeking vengeance for his daughter's death. Peattie believes that modern medicine failed his daughter and turns to dark arts to exact retribution.

The narrative structure of "Theef" is reminiscent of earlier episodes that blend procedural investigation with supernatural elements. The plot unfolds methodically, with Mulder and Scully piecing together clues that point to Peattie's use of folk magic. The episode effectively builds tension through its exploration of voodoo practices, creating an atmosphere of dread. However, some critics have noted that the story lacks originality, treading familiar ground without offering new insights.

Billy Drago's portrayal of Orell Peattie stands out, bringing a menacing presence to the screen. His performance captures the character's grief and malevolence, making him a memorable antagonist. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson continue to deliver strong performances as Mulder and Scully, respectively. Their dynamic remains engaging, with Mulder's openness to the supernatural contrasting with Scully's scientific skepticism. This interplay adds depth to the investigation, highlighting their differing worldviews.

Kim Manners' direction is effective in creating a suspenseful atmosphere. The use of shadowy lighting and tight framing enhances the sense of claustrophobia and impending danger. The episode's pacing is deliberate, allowing for a gradual buildup of tension. However, some viewers may find the plot predictable, as it follows a conventional trajectory without surprising twists. The cinematography and editing are well-executed, contributing to the overall eerie tone of the episode.

"Theef" is a solid entry in The X-Files' seventh season, offering a return to the series' horror-centric storytelling. While it may not break new ground, the episode benefits from strong performances and atmospheric direction. It serves as a reminder of the show's ability to weave supernatural elements into procedural narratives, even if it doesn't fully capitalize on its potential for innovation.

I've always loved Billy Drago and as always he is truly creepy as the Appalachian conjure man with a grudge in this supernatural-revenge thriller. The gross-out effects are also well done. The problem is pure plotting predictability and an unengaging setting (this subject BEGS for a Manly Wade Wellman treatment!)

It's interesting to me that this has been compared unfavorably to the Season 2 occult thriller "Fresh Bones." The occult effects in that episode were handled in a deft way that left the possibility of magic an open-ended question. This episode is so magic-heavy it might have been an episode of "Charmed!" Likewise "Fresh Bones" had both a plot twist and final surprise at the end. The greatest irony of this episode is Scully saying: "I'll always surprise you, Mulder!"

Theef is a solid episode with plenty of creepiness. The teaser reminds me of The Sixth Sense opening, where the doctor comes home after receiving a prestigious award, then something bad happens to him. Another thing that is similar to the beginning of the Sixth Sense is that the offended person asks the doctor about a patient that he can't recall at first. Very slight similarities, but they could have inspired the teaser. Mulder and Scully, as was common in seasons 6 & 7, poke fun at themselves. This time with Mulder mocking Scully saying, "Mulder, why are we here?" Also, they do a running theme throughout the episode of Mulder telling Scully, "You keep me guessing." I liked the shot of the voodoo doll hanging, showing that Peattie used voodoo to have the father-in-law hang himself. The deleted scene was quite interesting, with Peattie gathering a token. It also shows the excellent guest acting on the part of Billy Drago. He's excellent in the rest of the episode, but it really shows in the deleted scene. It was as if he was made for the part. Special effects have come a long way. Nan's face instantly showing the disease was cool. It was interesting seeing the sales lady talk so matter-of-fact about voodoo, as if it's an everyday occurrence. Of course, Scully doesn't believe a word of it, and Mulder is a sucker for all of it. Umbrellas make a very rare post-Vancouver appearance in this episode. It's very interesting to see how Scully doesn't believe in voodoo or black magic, yet she goes along with Mulder and his theory for helping the family, because she trusts him to know what he's doing. And even though Mulder believes in the voodoo, he alters his words to say, "well, the murderer believes in it. So we'll play along with his belief." So that Mulder doesn't sound like a complete crackpot. Scully was made blind, and Mulder shows her the voodoo doll with its eyes poked out. Scully doesn't answer Mulder definitely about being able to save Peattie's daughter, leaving you wondering if Scully believes in the voodoo now. Mulder remarks by saying, "You keep me guessing, Scully." Theef is a great episode. It was creepy throughout and very well-acted, except for the few lines by the daughter. But other than that, it's a solid contribution to the X-Files catalog that "keeps you watching".

We're the writers on vacay for this episode ? My cat could have hid this family better than they did on this show ! Voodoo hillbilly using dead daughters body to cast spells on doctors family b/c he thinks he killed her. >So they decide to hide the family from the killer, where....in a cabin in the closest Forrest they could find. How about somewhere he can't travel to with the body, no body,no spells. Like someplace you have to fly to, can't take body parts thru airport security. Or across the border to Canada? Bringing a head thru customs would be tricky. Really stupid and lazy and unrealistic.

This was interesting episode because whilst the pacing felt a bit slow there was still a lot to enjoy about this particular X File.

The hexcraft storyline has been done before and slightly more effectively in previous X Files episodes and whilst this story did not reinvent the wheel it was made all the more enjoyable by Billy Drago. He's a very reliable character actor who tends to play sinister villain types and is probably best known for his turn on Charmed as Barbus the demon of fear.

As always the chemistry between Mulder and Scully is excellent and it was nice to see Scully hop aboard the X File theory train by her own admission although after all she has seen and been through it would be a little strange if she was in full sceptic mode.

Overall a fairly by the numbers story elevated by good casting. Oh and throwing a mention of charmed was nice, not the show obviously but I feel there was an emphasis placed on the word when it was used as a nod to Drago's part in the show. That might just be me though....