“If you release Eugene Tooms he will kill again. It’s in his genetic make-up.” – Fox Mulder.
TOOMS [Standalone] Aired April 22, 1994
Episode: 1×20 / 21 Overall
Director: David Nutter • Writer: Glen Morgan & James Wong
Eugene Tooms, a supernatural killer whom Mulder helped incarcerate, is released on parole.
Tooms marks the first of only three MOTW episodes that were written as direct sequels to an earlier show. Morgan & Wong return for their final contribution to the first season with a worthy successor to their series debut, Squeeze. Several notable elements contribute to this episode’s success, principally Doug Hutchison’s inspired performance as the title character. As mentioned in the review for Squeeze it was not surprising that Tooms made a second appearance considering Hutchison’s lasting impression. Moreover the writer’s introduced a major player to the X-Files cast, Assistant Director Walter Skinner, played by Mitch Pileggi. Watching over his shoulder we have the puppet master pulling the strings, returning for the first time from the pilot and delivering his first line of dialogue in the series, the aptly named ‘Cigarette Smoking Man’. Add to that some endearing moments between Mulder and Scully, framed around a skilfully crafted horror motif and Tooms is easily one of the most enjoyable episodes from season one’s standalone selection.
Great sequels are always able to recognise what worked the first time and expand upon the concept, offering up something fresh and exciting that is still born from the foundation set by the original. Tooms does exactly that as Morgan & Wong give us more of an insight in to the mind of their monster. We literally see through his eyes while we stalks his prey. We learn that he is more intelligent and devious than he first appeared. In Squeeze he was presented more as an instinctual creature driven by his insatiable hunger. This time around however, we see that he is far more cunning and manipulative. He is able to convince Dr. Monte to release him and even attempts to frame Mulder by entering his apartment and carefully manufacturing evidence to support his claim. This deeper insight into the character makes the sequel worthwhile, as it provides something new to the story. If Morgan & Wong had simply delivered another Squeeze it would have felt stale and unnecessary, despite the success of the original.
Skinner will become a fan favourite and an integral character to the X-Files mythology in particular. While his role in this episode is small it still provides an intriguing suggestion at the depth of the looming conspiracy against Mulder and the X-Files unit. Skinner was originally conceived as a counterpoint to Mulder and Scully, who would hinder their operations and actively work to obstruct their investigations. However as the series progressed, the character became a crucial ally to the agents, possibly their only true friend within the F.B.I. It’s possible to argue that Skinner was always more supportive of Mulder’s work than he appeared and that his initial opinions to the contrary were solely for the benefit of his watchful superior, the Cigarette Smoking Man. CSM is present during all the meetings between the Assistant Director and the X-Files agents and although he utters only one single line in the episode, it’s clear that he wields the power in this relationship. It’s a testament to the charismatic performance by William B. Davis that his character has such weight and presence, despite barely speaking. We are instantly drawn to him, though we know practically nothing of his background or true intentions, we’re suitably intrigued by his inclusion in these scenes.
The relationship between Mulder and Scully has a seen a great deal of growth since we last saw Eugene Tooms. In a highlight of the episode, the agents share a touching moment in Mulder’s car as he conducts the surveillance. Scully, for the first and only time in the series, directly refers to the Mulder as Fox. “I wouldn’t put myself on the line for anybody but you,” she declares to him. This is huge confession for Scully and shows us just how far she has come from the beginning of the series. ‘Shippers’, fans who are deeply invested in the romantic relationship between Mulder and Scully, would consider this moment a key turning point in their burgeoning relationship. She defends Mulder’s unorthodox approach to investigation and openly admits her involvement in his unsanctioned surveillance to her superiors. There is no doubt at this point that Scully is invested in the X-Files unit and believes their work is justified.
While the episode concludes with a decisive end for Tooms, Morgan & Wong manage to close with typically suggestive end note. “Change is coming,” Mulder exclaims to Scully. This could be an indication that the overarching mythology is about to ramp up, considering the return of the duplicitous CSM to scene. Though he doesn’t know why, Mulder is certain that there are unseen forces, working in the shadows to bring an end to his investigation. Of course, this will only fuel the flame of his relentless search for truth. An intriguing end to a satisfying sequel.
★★★★☆
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