Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster: X-Files Review

Mulder and Scully return to the pen of Darin Morgan.

Cast and Crew Information

Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully
David Duchovny as Fox Mulder
Rhys Darby as Guy Mann
Kumail Nanjaini as Pasha
Tyler Labine as Stoner #1
Nicole Parker-Smith as Stoner #2
D. J. “Shangela” Pierce as Annabelle
Richard Newman as Dr. Rumanovitch
Alex Diakun as Hotel Manager
Ryan Beil as the Werelizard

Written and directed by Darin Morgan

Premise

Mulder and Scully respond to reports of a monster on a killing spree in Oregon, in a comedic episode of the series.

High Point

Guy Mann’s confession.

Low Point

“Want to come home with me?” This seems like a different character than the woman who left cash on the counter after eating bridge mixture in “War of the Coprophages.”

The Review

As with most of Darin Morgan’s episodes, this feels like an original take on the classic series, and features a new twist on the monster. I give it 5 out of 6.

The effects are good for the majority of the episode. The actual transformation morphing effects are much less convincing. I give it 4 out of 6.

The story is well structured, effectively told, and utterly packed with references to the “Vancouver” seasons of the original series. I give it 6 out of 6.

The acting is great from the regulars, Darby, and more. Nanjiani doesn’t quite fit, which may be a character choice, or it may be a result of quasi-stunt casting. I give it 5 out of 6.

The production is great, particularly in light of Morgan’s relative lack of directorial experience. I give it 6 out of 6.

The emotional response is wonderful. This is one of the first times the new episodes truly “feel” like the classic series. I give it 6 out of 6.

Overall, this is one of the better comedic episodes, and my favorite of the new season thus far. I give it 6 out of 6.

In total, Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster receives 38 out of 42.

2 replies on “Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster: X-Files Review”

  1. I found this one very funny, and yet, its obvious commentary was strangely affecting.

    It’s difficult to know what to do about effects. The transformation is an intentional throwback to films like The Wolfman, yet there’s not denying it looks cheesy.

  2. Definitely one of my all-time favorites, up there with War of the Coprophages, Jose Chung’s From Outer Space, Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose, and Bad Blood. I much prefer the fun X-Files episodes to the serious conspiracy ones, so that’s no shock.

    Rhys Darby is hilarious, pity he can’t stick around. Makes me want to rewatch Flight of the Conchords again now.

Comments are closed.