Agent Harrison tells Scully of what she believes is an X-File and manages to drag Doggett and Reyes out to investigate. On reaching the house where a mother apparently stabbed herself to death, the three agents meet a troubled young boy and a worried father.

Now this is much more like it. A strong episode that not only delivers some great scares but also puts Doggett centre stage, has a clever premise and features some really nasty moments of horror. With most of the action set within a small house, Scully desperately trying to reach the missing agents but stopped at every turn, it's a claustrophobic story that shows how being afraid of the monsters can lead to something even more terrifying.

The creatures themselves are perfect CGI effects, scuttling around in a sinister fashion and waiting to pounce on their next victim. They're not only unpleasant for people who hate bugs, they're pretty nasty little things to anyone. The actor playing the young boy is magnificent, playing the helpless innocent in the beginning before becoming extremely sinister when he cooks up a nasty surprise for Reyes. Even the sheriff coming to visit the house as some kind of hollow shell is a superb creation. This is where it comes off so well; these are all things that could conceivably come from a scared child's fevered imagination, yet are terrifying when seen in reality.

The ending is the best segment, however, as Robert Patrick turns in a splendid performance as a Doggett determined to do whatever he has to to stop what is happening. His clever bluff comes off well, and Patrick's tough attitude in the past stands him in good stead for the viewer believing he will do what he says. Doggett's scepticism and rooting in reality also helping him to overcome what is going on. The final scene is simply a nice little touch to finish things off.

****

Would you like to go to the X-Files Season Nine guide, head back to the main TV reviews page, read older reviews in the Reviews Archive or return to the front page?