The Jersey Devil

She was beautiful... ....sorry she was what!!!!

This is the first episode from the first series I found a little hit and miss, we have been treated to some great stories and character development up until this point, this one is more of a one off.

Nice that we get some character development for Scully, we learn a bit more about her, and what she's looking for out of life. We also finally get a Policeman that isn't a jerk.

The story is a bit wishy washy, but overall it's pretty good, it starts off better than it ends, 6/10.

A body is discovered in New Jersey and a missing limb is apparent.Upon hearing this Mulder digs deep into the x-files archive and discovers a case similar to this and decides to investigate. The local police department display a distinct lack of interest in Mulder's investigation and at one point actually ends up a police cell. Many locals merely dismiss the recent death according to Mulder attributable to the mythical Jersey Devil as rubbish. Mulder is at one part of the investigation forced to go it alone as Scully has a date.A rare glimpse into her private life for the viewer. The Jersey Devil character in this episode resembles a primitive female though many other descriptions of the Jersy Devil in literature differ from this.

A decent episode with the additional bonus of seeing more of Scully in her private life

The Jersey Devil inaugurates another X-Files tradition, namely lighter, more entertaining standalone episodes following the more emotionally relevant mythology stories (Squeeze, which aired right after Deep Throat, doesn't count, on the grounds of it being, well, too creepy). This trend was exploited at best in Seasons 5-7, but this episode shows that the writers already had a clear sense of how to do comedy in the series.

As suggested by the title, Mulder and Scully travel to New Jersey, where corpses are found with limbs missing. Remembering an old X-file, Mulder says it might be the legendary "Jersey Devil" who's behind the attacks, meeting inevitable derision on the part of local authorities and, to a lesser degree, Scully. As they get closer to the truth (some evolutionary misstep might be involved), the tension increases and the search for the "Devil" gets more and more serious.

Mulder's beliefs, contrasted with Scully's skepticism, have been there since the pilot episode, but this is the first time their work relationship is played for laughs, with their respective theories clashing in a humorous debate about mankind and evolution (another important theme in the longer run of the show). Naturally, there is also suspense (though not as consistently as in Squeeze) and a traditionally open ending which suggests the story may not be over (which wasn't the case, but still...). Revealingly, though, the epilogue induces a smile rather than a shiver. That's The X-Files in a nutshell: weird, thrilling and funny - often at the same time.

The fifth episode of "The X-Files," titled "The Jersey Devil," directed by Joe Napolitano, marks a significant shift in tone for the series, introducing a lighter, more comedic approach while still engaging with the themes of mystery and the supernatural. The episode follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate a series of gruesome murders in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where local lore suggests that the legendary Jersey Devil is responsible. This blend of folklore and investigative drama allows the episode to explore both the absurdity and seriousness of its subject matter.

The narrative kicks off with a gripping prologue that establishes the eerie atmosphere of the Pine Barrens. The scene introduces a couple camping in the woods who encounter a terrifying creature, setting the stage for the ensuing investigation. As Mulder and Scully arrive on the scene, they face skepticism from local authorities, a recurring theme in the series that highlights their outsider status. The pacing of "The Jersey Devil" is brisk, balancing moments of tension with humor, particularly through Mulder's enthusiastic belief in the creature's existence contrasted with Scully's pragmatic skepticism. This dynamic creates an engaging interplay between the two characters as they navigate their investigation.

Visually, "The Jersey Devil" maintains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to evoke a sense of foreboding. Napolitano's direction effectively builds suspense during key moments, such as when Mulder confronts the creature in its lair. The cinematography captures both the beauty and danger of the New Jersey wilderness, immersing viewers in the setting. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel formulaic or underdeveloped, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder and Scully connect their findings to local legends. The episode's reliance on familiar tropes may detract from its overall impact.

The performances in this episode are strong, with Duchovny and Anderson continuing to develop their dynamic as partners. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder is characterized by his characteristic charm and enthusiasm for cryptozoology; he embodies a childlike wonder that contrasts sharply with Scully's grounded skepticism. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her scientific approach grounds Mulder's wild theories while showcasing her own curiosity about their cases. The chemistry between them is palpable, particularly during scenes where they share humorous banter or confront local authorities together.

Thematically, "The Jersey Devil" explores issues of belief versus skepticism while also touching on deeper questions about humanity's relationship with nature. The character of the Jersey Devil serves as a metaphor for primal fears and societal myths; it reflects how folklore can shape perceptions of reality. Additionally, Mulder's fascination with the creature underscores his ongoing quest for understanding in a world filled with uncertainty. The episode also offers glimpses into Scully's personal life as she navigates her own relationships outside of work; her brief date serves to humanize her character further and adds depth to her partnership with Mulder.

In conclusion, "The Jersey Devil" stands out as a unique entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending humor with supernatural intrigue while deepening character dynamics between Mulder and Scully. While it may not reach the emotional heights of earlier episodes or fully develop all plot points, it effectively maintains tension and entertainment throughout its runtime. The exploration of folklore within a modern context invites viewers to reflect on their perceptions of myth and reality, setting a precedent for future episodes that balance levity with deeper themes. This episode enriches the overarching narrative while solidifying "The X-Files" as a thought-provoking examination of human experience amidst extraordinary phenomena.

I should point out that the Jersey Devil has nothing to do with Big Foot. It is NOT an Eastern version of the Yeti. It is, if the stories are to be believed, a creature with the head of a horse, bat-like wings, and talons as would be found on a dragon. There are numerous illustrations on the internet. It supposedly inhabits the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where it has existed in folklore since before the American Revolution. That it would invade Atlantic City is just silly. It was supposedly born of a woman that committed some kind of sin against God. How the writers of the X-Files came to think that pretending it is some kind of hairy human throwback to prehistoric times is beyond me. I can certainly sympathize with the notion that the city fathers of Atlantic City would want to suppress such sightings, but that is no excuse for completely distorting the narrative. Sometimes the research put into these episodes is severely lacking. I am reminded of the episode where they reference the "Catonsville PD," which, of course, does not exist, since there are no incorporated cities in Baltimore County.