The Host

A lamprey eel man would have made more sense, but Flukeman it is. Getting away from the stupidity of Mulder looking for his alien hybrid sister, and the rest of the alien garbage was nice.

Unfortunately, Mulder manages to get in a few scenes of whining to his boss, Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) and Scully (Gillian Anderson). I always wondered why nobody at the FBI (including Scully), took Mulder out behind a shed and terminated his employment. His constant whining is annoying. The focus on aliens, hybrids, black ink goo, Scully's mystery illness, etc. Is another reason to skip X-Files.

The good news is that the Flukeman was born on Earth, in Chernobyl, thanks to radiation. He wants to spawn more human-sized flukeworms, and he is swimming around biting people in order to do that. This would have been a great creature for a sequel, such as Son of Flukeman.

"The Host" is an amazing episode, and it comes as sort of a mild surprise that it is so great every time one watches it simply because it doesn't have the popularity and status of something like "Home" or "Bad Blood". It not only features one of the best, weirdest, most memorable and most gruesome monsters on the show (played by Darin Morgan, who would go on to write some of the show's best episodes), but is very interesting in terms of the continuing storyline of the X-Files being closed and the politics behind all that, Mulder & Scully's relationship, and in terms of character writing (which is related to the plot, of course). It's not just a great episode because it's got a great monster, it's a phenomenal script which accomplishes something in all different aspects of "The X-Files" as a series.

This script by Chris Carter was quite possibly his best up to this point. The idea itself is intriguing and well-executed, and this has to be just one of the most disgusting monsters on the show but also one of the most interesting and one of the best-developed. In addition to the quality of the monster and case, the episode is packed with witty banter, quirky guest characters, exceptionally well-done gross-out moments, stunning makeup work, a nasty end for the monster, and there's even interesting conversations between Skinner and Mulder and the introduction of Mr. X.

When it comes down to deciding which my favorite standalone episodes are I tend to go for the ones which are most inventive and different, as well as ones with exceptional writing for the characters and particularly notable dialogue. "The Host" actually manages to be all of those things with writing that extends beyond the case and characters into the overall mythology as well. Creepy, funny, intelligent, entertaining, and lots of fun, "The Host" is a real classic and one of the best episodes of not only season two but the whole series.

10/10

The second episode of the second season of "The X-Files," titled "The Host," directed by David Nutter, marks a significant return to the series' roots in horror and the grotesque. This episode introduces viewers to one of the most memorable creatures in the series, the Flukeman, a grotesque, worm-like being that embodies both physical horror and deeper themes of identity and monstrosity. The narrative unfolds as agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate a series of bizarre deaths linked to a Russian freighter, leading them into the dark underbelly of New Jersey's sewer system.

The episode opens dramatically on a Russian freighter, where a crew member attempting to fix the ship's septic system is gruesomely pulled into the depths.

This chilling prologue effectively establishes an atmosphere of dread and sets the tone for the horror that follows. Mulder and Scully are soon called to investigate when the half-eaten body of the crewman is discovered in Newark's sewers. The pacing throughout "The Host" is well-executed, with moments of tension interspersed with character development as Mulder grapples with his frustrations regarding his superiors and the nature of his work. This emotional depth adds layers to the narrative, making it more than just a monster-of-the-week episode.

Visually, "The Host" retains the series' signature aesthetic, employing shadows and dim lighting to create an unsettling ambiance. Nutter's direction builds suspense effectively; scenes where Mulder navigates the dark, claustrophobic tunnels of the sewer are particularly gripping. The cinematography captures both the sterile environments of forensic investigations and the chaotic settings associated with the creature's emergence. Critics have praised the episode for its strong visual storytelling, which enhances its suspenseful elements. However, some have noted that while the Flukeman is memorable, certain plot points can feel repetitive as Mulder and Scully chase after a creature that seems to evade capture at every turn.

The performances in this episode are noteworthy, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder captures his characteristic charm and determination; he embodies a sense of urgency as he confronts both external threats and his own fears about what lies beneath society's surface. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's wild theories while showcasing her growing investment in his quest for truth. The chemistry between them remains strong, particularly during moments where they confront their fears together. Additionally, Darin Morgan's portrayal of the Flukeman adds an unsettling depth to the character; his physicality and makeup create a creature that is both horrifying and strangely captivating.

Thematically, "The Host" explores profound questions about monstrosity and what it means to be human. The Flukeman serves as a representation of humanity's darker impulses; his existence raises critical questions about identity and transformation. The episode also comments on societal perceptions of those who are different or monstrous; while Mulder sees the Flukeman as a creature deserving of understanding, others view him solely as a threat to be eliminated. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs regarding monstrosity and empathy in a world filled with fear and misunderstanding.

There's something lurking in the sewers.

After a solid opening episode, series two kicks into horror mode with The Host, this is a terrific, memorable episode that sees the show male a return to horror.

It could have been a cliché ridden episode, something lurking in the sewers, but it's well crafted, imaginative, atmospheric, ultimately very well written.

I like that the wheels are in motion here for The X Files to be brought back.

I always enjoyed this type of episode, it's one I have never forgotten.

The fluke creature looked amazing, this dates back to 1994, and looks very creepy now.

It's excellent, 9/10.

This is efficient as b-horror, but ultimately a silly 'monster' episode. We get atomic mutation from the other side of the Wall but somehow the thing ends up in New Jersey sewers, body horror, some murky sewer atmosphere, but it just bogarts belief that they could, and did, get away with an episode such as this. It does feed the conspiracy angle, but so what?

The whole X-File point is that we don't just suspect, we know that something is out there that we can't fathom, of course the series executed several half-baked attempts to muddle the waters with whether or not it is all a big hoax, but the fact remains; we know there's stuff out there that shouldn't be.

So the question raised here, is what does it say about the show that this can be bogged down to a slimy, worm-like monster? It's a creative disaster as far as I'm concerned.