Review by David Paul Hellings
@HellingsOnFilm
“Mulder, the internet is not good for you” – Scully
A series of murders finds Mulder initially sceptical and questioning his work, then struggling with a questionable camera app as he and Scully investigate the killings, possibly the work of a shape-changing monster.
Writer Darin Morgan, who crafted the funniest “X-Files” episodes of all time (“Humbug”, “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose”, “War of the Coprophages”, “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space”) returns with a superbly hilarious monster of the week episode that is spot on in tone, dialogue and story, allowing Duchovny and Anderson a great romp that shows off their excellent comic timing.
“Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster” is another reminder of “The X-Files” at its best, and how easily it can step out of its ongoing conspiracy thread to freeze time and create a singular world in which monsters can be met with humour. Morgan was always perfect at this kind of style and it’s clear that his skills are as sharp as ever.
The interplay between Mulder and the amused Scully is joyous to watch. Rhys Darby as the troubled Guy Mann is also delightful and fulfills writer Morgan’s classic unreliable storyteller model. Duchovny’s comic reactions are great value; and watch for the numerous Easter eggs, including the portable toilet door sign, Mulder’s ring tone, and the costume nod to classic TV series and major influence on “The X-Files”: “Kolchak: The Night Stalker”.
Morgan’s reverse-transformation story, with its sly digs about the nature of humanity and masculinity (including a fanboy pleasing moment in the phone shop with Anderson) and “The X-Files” in-jokes is enormous fun.
Can’t wait to watch it! I don’t have a TV, so I have to figure out how to get it on the net…
I really enjoyed this episode, I am just afraid this was a bit “too soon”. The funny episodes were spread around the series, and this one just came as the 3rd of a half season. I hope this won’t put off people watching it.
I can’t help thinking Rhys Darby co wrote this episode, or at least was given a truckload of input on his character. Once he started telling his story I lolfaced for the rest of the episode. I was worried about the comedy bit, but it was done very well.
Just did a bit of binge-watching over the weekend and caught up with this one. I started out thinking it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen, and nearly gave up on it. Once it clicked, though, I had a blast. It ended up being my favorite episode of the new series.