Tooms has the distinction of being the first sequel to a monster-of-the-week (MOTW) episode. It also has the distinction as being the first appearance of Assistant Director Walter Skinner. Also CSM speaks for the first time in this episode. This is a great episode. It's one of the better sequel episodes. It's not as creepy as Squeeze, but excels in a different way. I love the cinematography used to show Tooms point of view. When he sees a potential victim, he/she is dressed in bright blue and the surroundings turn to black and white. Mulder does his best Columbo impression in this episode. He hounds Tooms and doesn't allow him to kill like he wants. The ending was a bit unbelievable, but other than that, Tooms is another solid season one episode.
18 Reviews
Season 1 Gem
wadegraves9113 August 2010
X-files undoubtedly captured the hearts of many early into the first season, but truly gained recognition as the "creepiest show on television" with just the second episode (third if you count the pilot) entitled "Squeeze". While a fine episode, it left an open ending.
Fast forward almost 20 episodes. "Tooms" is the first of several X-files sequel episodes, and arguably the best. Doug Hutchinson, best known for his role in the "Green Mile" returns as Eugene Victor Tooms, A monster whom has the ability to shift, or "squeeze" through the smallest of entrances to gain access to his victims whom he murders and feasts on their livers in order to sustain himself and "hibernate". Mulder proceeds to hunt down Tooms after he is released from a psychiatric ward to make sure he does not kill again, and of course Scully comes along for the ride.
Aforementioned, this episode contains many firsts; the appearance of Skinner, the first words spoken by the CSM. It is the first sequel episode, and contains one of the best moments shared between Mulder and Scully in the first season. While it lacks a bit of the creepiness it's predecessor does, it still remains one of my personal favorite monster of the week episodes.
7.8/10
Fast forward almost 20 episodes. "Tooms" is the first of several X-files sequel episodes, and arguably the best. Doug Hutchinson, best known for his role in the "Green Mile" returns as Eugene Victor Tooms, A monster whom has the ability to shift, or "squeeze" through the smallest of entrances to gain access to his victims whom he murders and feasts on their livers in order to sustain himself and "hibernate". Mulder proceeds to hunt down Tooms after he is released from a psychiatric ward to make sure he does not kill again, and of course Scully comes along for the ride.
Aforementioned, this episode contains many firsts; the appearance of Skinner, the first words spoken by the CSM. It is the first sequel episode, and contains one of the best moments shared between Mulder and Scully in the first season. While it lacks a bit of the creepiness it's predecessor does, it still remains one of my personal favorite monster of the week episodes.
7.8/10
Mulder to Scully - "You can get the next mutant."
classicsoncall18 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
And to think, some iced tea could have sealed the deal between Scully and Mulder, but instead she brought along a root beer! I love how the series teased a romantic relationship between the partner FBI agents and it just goes nowhere.
I didn't think it possible, but this episode made Eugene Victor Tooms (Doug Hutchison) even creepier and scarier than the 'Squeeze' story. Personally, given the facts presented in the earlier episode, I don't see how any parole board would have given the killer his release in such a short span of time. Think about it - the guy killed his victims, extracted their liver and ate them as part of his once every thirty year ritual. That's why I didn't feel bad at all when that elite snob Dr. Monte (Paul Ben-Victor) became victim number five in the current cycle.
So you get a pretty good idea what the agenda is here when Scully is called on the carpet early in the show by Assistant Director Skinner, portrayed by Mitch Pileggi in his series debut. "Maybe your mind has become too open" is the way Skinner chides her for the team's unconventional investigations and exemplary success rate. I thought Scully's comeback was a pretty good one - they could be more conventional and solve less cases. There you go Skinner, chew on that for a while.
Observing all of this is our enigmatic Cigarette Smoking Man (Walter B. Davis), who breaks tradition and actually speaks a line when he confirms that he believes Scully's report on Tooms. At this point in the series, you had to wonder how high up in the hierarchy CSM resides to have such an impact on the inner workings of the agency.
Originally I was going to score this episode an 'eight', but thinking about it, a 'nine' was warranted with a bonus point awarded for that brief clip of the Vincent Price flick "The Fly" on Mulder's TV while he's catching some Z's after three days of surveillance. That film, along with Price's "The House on Haunted Hill" were among the very first horror films I ever experienced as a kid back in the day. They made such an impression I still recall them fondly from time to time.
One last question. I didn't see anyone do it, so... who took the bite out of the liverwurst sandwich?
I didn't think it possible, but this episode made Eugene Victor Tooms (Doug Hutchison) even creepier and scarier than the 'Squeeze' story. Personally, given the facts presented in the earlier episode, I don't see how any parole board would have given the killer his release in such a short span of time. Think about it - the guy killed his victims, extracted their liver and ate them as part of his once every thirty year ritual. That's why I didn't feel bad at all when that elite snob Dr. Monte (Paul Ben-Victor) became victim number five in the current cycle.
So you get a pretty good idea what the agenda is here when Scully is called on the carpet early in the show by Assistant Director Skinner, portrayed by Mitch Pileggi in his series debut. "Maybe your mind has become too open" is the way Skinner chides her for the team's unconventional investigations and exemplary success rate. I thought Scully's comeback was a pretty good one - they could be more conventional and solve less cases. There you go Skinner, chew on that for a while.
Observing all of this is our enigmatic Cigarette Smoking Man (Walter B. Davis), who breaks tradition and actually speaks a line when he confirms that he believes Scully's report on Tooms. At this point in the series, you had to wonder how high up in the hierarchy CSM resides to have such an impact on the inner workings of the agency.
Originally I was going to score this episode an 'eight', but thinking about it, a 'nine' was warranted with a bonus point awarded for that brief clip of the Vincent Price flick "The Fly" on Mulder's TV while he's catching some Z's after three days of surveillance. That film, along with Price's "The House on Haunted Hill" were among the very first horror films I ever experienced as a kid back in the day. They made such an impression I still recall them fondly from time to time.
One last question. I didn't see anyone do it, so... who took the bite out of the liverwurst sandwich?
Worthy sequel
ametaphysicalshark5 October 2008
If memory serves well, "Tooms" is the first of three X-Files episodes where old 'monster of the week' characters are brought back for another episode, this featuring Eugene Victor Tooms and the other two featuring Pusher and Donnie Pfaster respectively. Although conventional wisdom holds that "Squeeze" is a classic and "Tooms" merely a satisfying sequel, I find "Tooms" just as enjoyable as "Squeeze" and possibly slightly better, perhaps.
Tooms, mostly thanks to Doug Hutchinson's inspired performance, is a fantastic villain, creepy and effective, and he is used well here with the mythology behind the character being developed further in this script by James Wong and Glen Morgan. In addition the script features some hilarious, inspired, and truly witty exchanges between Mulder and Scully, features CSM actually saying something, a rarity at this point in the series (not sure, but this might be the first time he speaks). The episode also introduces AD Skinner played by Mitch Pileggi, almost everyone's third favorite character after Mulder and Scully.
Creepy, witty, lots of fun, and featuring a great climax, "Tooms" is a worthy sequel to "Squeeze".
8.5/10
Tooms, mostly thanks to Doug Hutchinson's inspired performance, is a fantastic villain, creepy and effective, and he is used well here with the mythology behind the character being developed further in this script by James Wong and Glen Morgan. In addition the script features some hilarious, inspired, and truly witty exchanges between Mulder and Scully, features CSM actually saying something, a rarity at this point in the series (not sure, but this might be the first time he speaks). The episode also introduces AD Skinner played by Mitch Pileggi, almost everyone's third favorite character after Mulder and Scully.
Creepy, witty, lots of fun, and featuring a great climax, "Tooms" is a worthy sequel to "Squeeze".
8.5/10
Classic!
koalablue_19938 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The most re-watchable X-Files episode of season one. This sequel to "Squeeze" is much superior and creepier. Doug Hutchison is awesome as Tooms! He was the perfect choice to play the character. There is also a great "shipper" moment between Mulder and Scully inside a car. We see Walter Skinner for the first time in this episode, it is a great introduction to the character. Cigarette Smoking Man makes another appearance and he is given his first line (I love Cancer Man he is so cool)! The final scene in the escalator is a must see X-Files moment. Eugene Victor Tooms still deserved more episodes he was killed off too soon. A very entertaining episode.
If you let him free, he will kill again.
Sanpaco1320 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Tooms the Limerick:
Tooms hunting liver again
Has suddenly found a new friend
Mulder close by
On him keeps an eye
And an escalator gives Tooms his end.
Tooms is the first sequel episode and it is the sequel to the first Monster of the Week episode. As such it deserves special recognition regardless of whether one necessarily likes it or not. It helped to set a trend of other Monster of the Week episodes including others which earned sequels such as Irresistible/Orison and Pusher/Kitsunegari. It is even more unique in that it is the only sequel to a Monster of the Week that is seen in the same season as the first one.
That all being said it is just as good as the original. Tooms is in prison still but we soon find out that annoying doctors are for some crazy reason not seeing that he is a very disturbed individual and simply because they can't look past the fact that he is over a hundred years old they instead decide to ignore the evidence against him and let him go. Mulder and Scully stake him out waiting for him to strike his last victim. Unfortunately events lead to a restraining order against Mulder as Scully tries to find evidence against Tooms from the murders that occurred 30 years ago. Soon the evidence is found but too late as Tooms has taken his final victim in the doctor who got him out in the first place. Mulder and Scully find him under the escalator where his apartment used to lie and Tooms is crushed to bile jelly in the end. I don't have much to say about the episode but I did like it. 9 out of 10.
Tooms hunting liver again
Has suddenly found a new friend
Mulder close by
On him keeps an eye
And an escalator gives Tooms his end.
Tooms is the first sequel episode and it is the sequel to the first Monster of the Week episode. As such it deserves special recognition regardless of whether one necessarily likes it or not. It helped to set a trend of other Monster of the Week episodes including others which earned sequels such as Irresistible/Orison and Pusher/Kitsunegari. It is even more unique in that it is the only sequel to a Monster of the Week that is seen in the same season as the first one.
That all being said it is just as good as the original. Tooms is in prison still but we soon find out that annoying doctors are for some crazy reason not seeing that he is a very disturbed individual and simply because they can't look past the fact that he is over a hundred years old they instead decide to ignore the evidence against him and let him go. Mulder and Scully stake him out waiting for him to strike his last victim. Unfortunately events lead to a restraining order against Mulder as Scully tries to find evidence against Tooms from the murders that occurred 30 years ago. Soon the evidence is found but too late as Tooms has taken his final victim in the doctor who got him out in the first place. Mulder and Scully find him under the escalator where his apartment used to lie and Tooms is crushed to bile jelly in the end. I don't have much to say about the episode but I did like it. 9 out of 10.
Sequel!
TheScottman1 June 2006
I knew "Squeeze" was too good to end like that. This is not as good as "Squeeze", but most sequels arn't. This is not a bad episode at all, though. Anyway this episode is the triumphant return of Eugene Victor Tooms played by Doug Hutchison (The Green Mile) they also add Paul Ben-Victor (A Civil Action) that plays Dr. Aaron Monte who tries to help Eugene, because he truly believes he is sorry for what he has done.
Mulder can't let this one go, because he knows Tooms will kill again. He is always where Tooms is. It kinda make you feel as annoyed as Eugene must be. You get to see a lot more of what makes him tick and it's a very enjoyable episode. In my opinion Tooms deserved more episodes, but maybe it would get boring. I'll settle for two. It's a great episode, but just don't expect the same as "Squeeze".
Mulder can't let this one go, because he knows Tooms will kill again. He is always where Tooms is. It kinda make you feel as annoyed as Eugene must be. You get to see a lot more of what makes him tick and it's a very enjoyable episode. In my opinion Tooms deserved more episodes, but maybe it would get boring. I'll settle for two. It's a great episode, but just don't expect the same as "Squeeze".
The Return of Tooms
thebigeasy55525 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The manaic Eugene Victor Tooms is released from the sanatorium he was sent to after being caught by the agents in "Squeeze".Upon release he is given a job and a new chance to settle down as a normal citizen.Albeit as a rehabilitated one.However Tooms being the genetic mutant he is has to kill once more to get the liver he needs in order to hibernate for another 30 years.A great moment occurs in this Mulder turns into a literal stalker and follows Tooms around constantly harrassing him and attempting to put a stop to his plans to kill again.It was great to see Tooms again excellently played by Doug Hutchinson and his death at the end is must see moment
Eugene, Eugene it's Doctor Monte.
reiss-ferlance1 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
In The episode Squeeze we left off with liver eating mutant Eugene Tooms staring in the Druid Hill Sanitarium one year ago, now it's a year later. Tooms is on parole , and Mulder's not to happy about that, but Tooms is released and continues his search for his fifth and final liver, Mulder determined as ever to stop him, follows his every move, conducting unauthorised surveillance of Tooms. Scully's also their to help Mulder. Mulder puts his job, and even his life at risk, but Tooms manages to find a fifth and final liver. Another brilliant episode of The X Files, everyone knew that Squeeze wasn't going to end like it did, the fans wanted another slice of entertainment. The ending scene scared me senseless when I was younger and hopefully does the same to you
An excellent follow up story.
Sleepin_Dragon19 September 2020
A matter of months after his arrest, Eugene Tooms is set for release, nobody seems to be bothered in any way shape or form, apart from Mulder.
Doug Hutchinson is back as Tooms, it was obvious that such an awesome character was going to make a rapid return, Squeeze was a definite early highlight, this is a very worth follow up.
It doesn't deserve the same great score as Squeeze, because that was the story, however there is enough excitement to keep you hooked, the ending is terrific.
On the debit side, it's a bit hard to swallow that when it comes to Eugene's release, the only voice of descent is Mulder's, surely there would have been outrage.
Thoroughly enjoyable, 8/10.
Doug Hutchinson is back as Tooms, it was obvious that such an awesome character was going to make a rapid return, Squeeze was a definite early highlight, this is a very worth follow up.
It doesn't deserve the same great score as Squeeze, because that was the story, however there is enough excitement to keep you hooked, the ending is terrific.
On the debit side, it's a bit hard to swallow that when it comes to Eugene's release, the only voice of descent is Mulder's, surely there would have been outrage.
Thoroughly enjoyable, 8/10.
Mulder: Excuse me. Could you help me find my dog? He's a Norwegian Elkhound. His name is Heinrick. I use him to hunt moose!
bombersflyup10 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Tooms is about Eugene Tooms being released from the psychiatric institution.
A superb sequel episode, on par with the first. Mulder's testimony's powerful, even without the supernatural elements, they shouldn't be comfortable making that decision. When discussing this episode and the Mulder and Scully relationship people always refer to the ice tea, could be love scene, but I'd like to focus on the moment after that. Mulder suggests that during Scully's stakeout she listen to a late night sports radio show, upon exiting the car she says to herself "wouldn't miss it for the world." The line's so sincere, Scully has no interest in sport, but she's going to listen and love it, because it's what he loves. It's indicative of their relationship and one of the most character defining moments of the season. Mulder sleeping to the The Fly original on his couch, also a memorable defining moment. Dr Monte's quite naive to be alone with Eugene, though the old couple leaving on his arrival couldn't be foreseen I guess. Tooms bobs up in realization he's just got home delivery. Skinner's first appearance with the Smoking Man behind him, Mulder and Scully still have no idea who he is. Pretty crazy for Mulder to crawl under the escalator, crazier Scully offered to go first. Mulder hits him then turns around, like that's suicide, he rips out livers with his bare hands. There's a lot of screaming in the episode, oddly none of them unenjoyable.
A superb sequel episode, on par with the first. Mulder's testimony's powerful, even without the supernatural elements, they shouldn't be comfortable making that decision. When discussing this episode and the Mulder and Scully relationship people always refer to the ice tea, could be love scene, but I'd like to focus on the moment after that. Mulder suggests that during Scully's stakeout she listen to a late night sports radio show, upon exiting the car she says to herself "wouldn't miss it for the world." The line's so sincere, Scully has no interest in sport, but she's going to listen and love it, because it's what he loves. It's indicative of their relationship and one of the most character defining moments of the season. Mulder sleeping to the The Fly original on his couch, also a memorable defining moment. Dr Monte's quite naive to be alone with Eugene, though the old couple leaving on his arrival couldn't be foreseen I guess. Tooms bobs up in realization he's just got home delivery. Skinner's first appearance with the Smoking Man behind him, Mulder and Scully still have no idea who he is. Pretty crazy for Mulder to crawl under the escalator, crazier Scully offered to go first. Mulder hits him then turns around, like that's suicide, he rips out livers with his bare hands. There's a lot of screaming in the episode, oddly none of them unenjoyable.
Bwahahahahahahaha!!!
frankelee2 July 2023
The yellow eyed mutant who was arrested for murder at the start of the season is up for probation (from a mental hospital?) before the season is even over. They never considered charging him? For the murders he committed? A couple episodes a teenager was charged for murdering people using the power of Christ, but they won't charge this guy? And he wasn't criminally charged for a home invasion and assault of agent Scully? I don't know what the going sentence for that is, but assaulting a federal agent inside their own home is probably more than 20 episodes.
Then Fox Mulder tries to convince the probation board the guy is a 100 year old Lovecraft villain instead of just pointing out he is implicated in four murders earlier in the season.
I feel embarrassed for the people who wrote and directed this episode, and was surprised they didn't all go by the name Alan Smithee.
Then Fox Mulder tries to convince the probation board the guy is a 100 year old Lovecraft villain instead of just pointing out he is implicated in four murders earlier in the season.
I feel embarrassed for the people who wrote and directed this episode, and was surprised they didn't all go by the name Alan Smithee.
If you release Eugene Tooms he will kill again. It's in his genetic make-up.
alexandercappelli9 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"If you release Eugene Tooms he will kill again. It's in his genetic make-up." – Fox Mulder.
Episode 21, 'Tooms', original air date April 22nd, 1994. Written by Glen Morgan and James Wong, directed by David Nutter. Monster of the week episode count, 16. '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.
The episode revolves around the release of Eugeune Victor Tooms, a monstrous serial killer who feeds on human livers for sustenance, enabling him to hibernate for extended periods of time. Dr. Aaron Monte (Paul Ben-Victor), a psychiatrist who has been working with Tooms and genuinely believes he no longer poses any threat, aids in his release from a psychiatric institution. Mulder tries to warn the panel that Eugene will kill again but thanks to his his outlandish theories about Tooms' true nature his plea falls on deaf ears. Mulder is stubbornly dedicated to the pursuit of truth, sometimes to his own detriment. He once again ignores F.B.I protocol and proceeds to conduct round the clock surveillance on Tooms. Eventually thanks to the help of retired Detective Frank Briggs (Henry Beckman), who returns from 'Squeeze', Scully uncovers one of Tooms' missing victims that proves definitively that he committed the murders in the 1930's. However this isn't enough to warrant an official arrest and Mulder and Scully end up tracking Tooms to his hideout where they end up in a fight that ultimately leads to his demise.
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.
Episode 21, 'Tooms', original air date April 22nd, 1994. Written by Glen Morgan and James Wong, directed by David Nutter. Monster of the week episode count, 16. '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.
The episode revolves around the release of Eugeune Victor Tooms, a monstrous serial killer who feeds on human livers for sustenance, enabling him to hibernate for extended periods of time. Dr. Aaron Monte (Paul Ben-Victor), a psychiatrist who has been working with Tooms and genuinely believes he no longer poses any threat, aids in his release from a psychiatric institution. Mulder tries to warn the panel that Eugene will kill again but thanks to his his outlandish theories about Tooms' true nature his plea falls on deaf ears. Mulder is stubbornly dedicated to the pursuit of truth, sometimes to his own detriment. He once again ignores F.B.I protocol and proceeds to conduct round the clock surveillance on Tooms. Eventually thanks to the help of retired Detective Frank Briggs (Henry Beckman), who returns from 'Squeeze', Scully uncovers one of Tooms' missing victims that proves definitively that he committed the murders in the 1930's. However this isn't enough to warrant an official arrest and Mulder and Scully end up tracking Tooms to his hideout where they end up in a fight that ultimately leads to his demise.
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.
What an improvement over Squeeze
SleepTight66620 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Woah, what an improvement over Squeeze. There are a lot of people who like Squeeze better.... seriously, WTF?
This episode is by far the creepiest of the season. Maybe one of the creepiest of the show. Some of it is even surprising compared to the rest of the season. The camera work was also brilliant, some of the best directing in the first season. what else? Yeah, the blossoming relationship between Mulder and Scully. They had so many great scenes together. and the introduction of Skinner.
I almost want to give this episode a FULL PRICE. but i'm giving it a FOUR stars instead because it's not one of my MOST favorites. but it's certainly the third best of the first Season. I loved how Tooms was vanquished =P
This episode is by far the creepiest of the season. Maybe one of the creepiest of the show. Some of it is even surprising compared to the rest of the season. The camera work was also brilliant, some of the best directing in the first season. what else? Yeah, the blossoming relationship between Mulder and Scully. They had so many great scenes together. and the introduction of Skinner.
I almost want to give this episode a FULL PRICE. but i'm giving it a FOUR stars instead because it's not one of my MOST favorites. but it's certainly the third best of the first Season. I loved how Tooms was vanquished =P
Liver Boy 2: Return Of The Fox
Dresden_Doll_1015 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Tooms is a worthy sequel to Squeeze. Usually, sequels don't go good, but this one carried off quite nicely. Creepy, Liver Boy returns and Mulder is doing everything to stop him taking any more livers. =O =] It is not as thrilling as Squeeze, but it does live up to expectations. Anyway, now I shall say the good and bad points about this episode,
The Good: I love how what he wants if coloured and everything else is black and white. x]
That escalator scene.
He beats himself up and says Mulder does it. XD
The Bad: Isn't eating his therapists liver a but obvious?
Conclusion: Great sequel. Tooms is pure evil. 8/10
The Good: I love how what he wants if coloured and everything else is black and white. x]
That escalator scene.
He beats himself up and says Mulder does it. XD
The Bad: Isn't eating his therapists liver a but obvious?
Conclusion: Great sequel. Tooms is pure evil. 8/10
I'm sure we'll be able to squeeze you in
devonbrown-906495 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First continuation episode of the season one was a great success. Really enjoyed the story of Eugene earlier in the season. Him getting out of prison after assaulting an scully in the first episode was somewhat strange to me but I think he would eventually found an escape. It would have been more exciting seeing him escape from prison than getting out for good behaviour.
Throughout the episode the theme of change was highlighted I sense they are setting up something big for the end of the season with the heads of the FBI. They even suggested moulder take some time off after Eugene attempted to frame him. Also the emphasis on the caterpillar going through metamorphosis highlighted change even more.
I liked this episode as it wrapped up an x file and actually proved that eugene was some sort of odd mutant. Which was proven by the the director affirming his belief in the case file.
I think there's going to be interesting things coming for mulder and scully on episodes to come.
Throughout the episode the theme of change was highlighted I sense they are setting up something big for the end of the season with the heads of the FBI. They even suggested moulder take some time off after Eugene attempted to frame him. Also the emphasis on the caterpillar going through metamorphosis highlighted change even more.
I liked this episode as it wrapped up an x file and actually proved that eugene was some sort of odd mutant. Which was proven by the the director affirming his belief in the case file.
I think there's going to be interesting things coming for mulder and scully on episodes to come.
I cant believe they made him go to court
CursedChico19 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
And they released! Somehow, they covered up his genetics and blood, kidneys in their nests and he was released!
I wish he was not dead because his genetic is this. He needs to kill.
But the laws caused this. He died in the end tragicly. I hope he does not come again for 3. episode :)
I wish he was not dead because his genetic is this. He needs to kill.
But the laws caused this. He died in the end tragicly. I hope he does not come again for 3. episode :)
Too much to swallow
rwalker2520 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Want to acknowledge that everyone else gave this a strong review, so I'm an outlier here.
Main problem is that the monster is a hodgepodge of random weird things--he eats human livers, he has to kill five victims in a row, he goes into hibernation for thirty years. Also he can stretch himself like Plastic Man. It's just too much and detracts from the believability of the episode.
Ep is notable for the appearance of Skinner, but the scene where he's grilling Scully is unsatisfactory. He demands "conventional" investigative methods and Scully responds that unconventional cases require unconventional techniques. But it seems like M & S track down leads, talk to witnesses, collect physical evidence, etc like any other detectives--why is this "unconventional"?
Best scene is the M&S in the car, when he says "if you've got an iced tea in there, it could be love." On the whole, though, this ep is too much to swallow.
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