Scully and Doggett investigate the mysterious reappearance of a boy, who hasn't aged a day since he vanished ten years ago.

It seems that The X-Files is replaying its season two greatest hits at the moment, and after a look back at cults (see Red Museum), we move on to creepy kids (see The Calusari). Of course, it's not all the same these days, as the reason for the boy's return is different, the first time round the kid was possessed not abducted and there was more violent death. That and Doggett wasn't around.

Once again we realize that we know nothing about this newcomer and his past. It seems here that his son was in some way taken, and Doggett seeks justice or answers for what happened. While this smacks a little too much of Mulder's quest for Samantha, it's expertly dealt with by not revealing too much at this early stage.

Invocation has atmosphere to spare. It's creepy to an unusually high degree, as if Chris Carter wanted to put back some of the unpleasantness that's been downplayed in recent years. Admittedly horrible things happen, but they haven't seemed quite so wrong as in this episode. Its script, however, is fairly traditional in its approach, telling a story that is hardly likely to be considered new and innovative, yet still retains a fine air of mystery over proceedings until late on in the story.

Now, while I've long since given up on full disclosure on The X-Files, where this tale is let down is in its lack of explanations. I don't understand exactly what the symbol was meant to prove, why Billy fixated on his brother and stuck a knife in his bed or exactly how Billy was attempting to lead Doggett to the person who'd wronged him. Just appearing and disappearing without talking isn't really telling people anything and the backwards singing, while creepy, doesn't serve any particular purpose. Doggett seems to come upon the answer by accident more than anything else, and it's a shame as this lack of coherency (unless I missed something important somewhere) mars the episode.

****

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