Секретные материалы Squeeze (1993– ) Online

The first x-files episode to feature a monster as opposed to any extra terrestrial entities.An ordinary human being with the ability to change form and contort his body to adapt to many different physical situations.The killer also removes his victims livers to sustain his survival.This transpires to occur every 30 years.

A hugely memorable performance is delivered by the talented Doug Hutchinson who plays the manic Eugene Tooms to the best of his ability.His generic appearance really draws you in then you feel a chill in your spine as goes into killing mode.He clearly has a certain look in his eyes.

A truly defining moment for the x-files even though it was so early in its life

Squeeze marks the inauguration of the traditional "standalone" or "Monster of the Week" episode format, which complemented the mythology storyline. It is also the first episode written by Glen Morgan and James Wong (the writer/director of Final Destination), who began their tenure on the show with one the most memorable and scariest stories ever conceived for the series.

It all starts as a regular murder case, the twist being that all the victims were killed in closed spaces, with the doors and windows locked from the inside. Because of this, Mulder and Svully are brought in, and Mulder immediately notices similarities between this recent string of murders and other cases that date as far as a hundred years before. This would imply three things: prime suspect Eugene Victor Tooms (Doug Hutchison) is over a century old; he can squeeze into the tightest spaces; and he harvests human livers. Of course, this being The X-Files, the most far-fetched theory is more often than not spot-on.

More than the previous two episodes, Squeeze really allows the writers to pinpoint the sharp contrast between Scully's pragmatic rationalism and Mulder's enthusiastic belief in the supernatural, with half of the running time devoted to the duo comparing their ideas in a very witty way. The other half is where the scarier aspect kicks in, thanks to careful work on the general atmosphere of the episode (lighting, editing, music) and Hutchison's sincerely creepy turn as Tooms, still fondly remembered as one of the show's best "monsters".

With the pilot and Deep Throat, Chris Carter and his writing team produced a hybrid of science-fiction and political thriller. Here they introduced another template, namely a supernatural spin on the traditional whodunit structure. Together, they went on to define The X-Files as one of the essential shows of the '90s.

This is my favorite episode of all the X-Files shows. Mulder and Scully investigate a series of killings where the room is sealed (windows and doors locked) from the inside and the victims liver is missing. As Mulder and Scully look into this more and more they find that this happens every thirty years. Five people are found dead with their liver missing.

Doug Hutchison (The Green Mile) plays Eugene Victor Tooms. He does a great job too, he makes you believe he couldn't hurt a fly, but then he scares you when he starts killing. The one thing that I can never shake from this episode is his eyes, watch those eyes.

This episode kept my interest in the rest of the show. I felt that the theme of no home is safe was really creepy. My opinion you should see this episode even if you don't like the rest of the series. It really is ahead of the curve in every way.

See you next time X-Files fans and watch the skies.

Squeeze is the first Monster of the Week (MOTW) episode, meaning it doesn't have anything to do with the conspiracy of aliens here on Earth. It is a very strong episode that showed that the series would be be able to survive without talking about aliens every episode.

Doug Hutchison gives a memorable performance as Eugene Victor Tooms, a mutated man who kills and eats the livers of people every 30 years before going back to hibernation. Eugene Tooms kind of has that Droopy Dog look about him that makes it seem like he couldn't hurt a fly.

Duchuvny's delivery of his lines seems very dry. It just seems odd to hear how different he sounded in the beginning. I also noticed that Scully's hair is up for part of this episode. She rarely has it styled in this manner.

This episode illustrates well how others around the FBI view Mulder and his outlandish ideas. Colton uses the term 'Spooky' to describe Mulder as was used in the 'Pilot'.

In the previous episode, Scully got to rescue Mulder. In Squeeze, the tables are turned as Mulder gets his turn to rescue Scully from a perilous situation. There is even a cheesy shot showing that Scully's line has been cut by Tooms.

Obviously, Duchovny and Anderson are still finding their characters, as are the writers. The filming of the episode is still in the learning stages as well. However, Squeeze sets the precedent for all of the excellent MOTWs to come.

Squeeze was the very first stand alone X file to be created. Chris Carter was adamant and rightly so that the show couldn't sustain itself only with UFO related stories so Glen Morgan and James Wong wrote this wonderfully unique and original story.

First of all the genius of the X files was in its decision to have stand alone episodes, it set the show apart from any other in that along with an ongoing theme or plot the viewer could enjoy essentially miniature movies every other week, the creators could use all sorts of creative ammunition for these and dark edgy serial killer stories were often the best.

Squeeze is the first of these. The plot surfaces as three people are dead victims of an animalistic serial killer. Agent Tom Colton contacts old friend Dana Scully because there is no sign of entry at anywhere in the victims homes, many were found with the windows and doors locked.

Scully brings Mulder down to the latest crime scene and he uncovers an elongated fingerprint on a ventilation shaft. From this point on in the episode Mulder is tracing the serial murders to other sets that have occurred in thirty year intervals (1933, 1963).

Squeeze is incredibly stylistic the opening scene where we see the serial killer at work claiming a victim was magnificent we don't see anything but a pair of disturbing eyes lurking in the sewers and a ventilation shaft slowly opening.

Mark Snows somewhat electronic choice is unsettling and effective. There are some fantastic choices of cinematography for example when Mulder runs back into 66 Exeter street a condemned building and a greenish fog like effect is in place on the streets.

Doug Hutchinson turns in a wonderfully reserved and creepy performance as Eugene Victor Tooms the perpetrator of the murders, most notably his stare when he is originally arrested, or his expressionless emotionless response to the questions when he takes a lie detector test.

This episode is by no means perfect though, the chief problem with it is the performance from David Duchovny as Fox Mulder it is by no means bad, but he simply had not perfected his act. The way he acts and behaves towards the serial killings are very uncharacteristic of later Fox Mulder approach given its his first stand alone to work in its understandable. In general he is just lacking in some elements (Dark suit and trench coat? Dark and controlled demeanour). He just doesn't act at all like he does in even late season 1.

On a whole squeeze is a fantastic episode, the story was original very original and it really just serves very well in departments X files would become famous for, atmosphere music and an unusual serial killer tale.

I don't think it competes with the classic stand alones of later series (Grotesque, irresistible) but certainly it remains in and around the top five stand alones ever made. An old classic that really got people talking about what this great show could do.

Wow. I remember the first I watched this episode (I was around 12 back then), I thought X Files was just a show about a guy trying to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life. I was so not ready or prepare for this. After watching it, I just couldn't sleep alone for 3 days. This is such a great episode. So scary and really violent. I still can't believe they aired that on national television. Back then, it was revolutionary (especially in France where french TVseries are just crap). This is the first episode written by Glen Morgan and James Wong, my favorite writers on the show. We see for the first time that Mulder is not appreciate by his colleagues. Ther are some nice moments too between Mulder and Scully; and the end is really really disturbing, especially if you are a 12 years old. One of the best episode ever. A must see.

Squeeze the Limerick:

Eugene Victor Tooms is a man

Who'll eat your liver with his bare hands.

He sleeps in his bile

And this gooey X-File

In thirty years will come back again.

The more I revisit these Season 1 episodes the more I enjoy them. Squeeze has the wonderful designation of being the very first MOTW episode. I assume that the idea all along was to have these stand alone episodes in between the mythology episodes but if for whatever reason that is not the case then its sure a good thing this episode turned out so great. I love the teaser. No dialogue at all. Just a creepy score done by Mark Snow over a voyeuristic camera shot of the soon to be victim. Doug Hutchinson brings s great presence to the screen as the villain. A short insignificant liver eating mutant. I have seen him in other great roles since but this one still stands out as my favorite. Scully is as hot as ever in her early 90's getup. Mulder is as clever as ever with his remarks about "Do you have any idea what liver and onions go for on Reticula?", and "Is there any way to get it off my fingers quickly without betraying my cool exterior?". Tom Colton is a jerk, Scully stays loyal to Mulder after such a short time, etc. And also we have the classic camera shot of Mulder and Scully entering Tooms apartment at 66 Exeter St. which everyone should recognize from the title sequence. There is just one thing about the episode that kind of gets on my nerves every time I see it. That is the fact that when Scully handcuffs Tooms, for whatever reason he is unable to "squeeze" his way out of them. But that however is not enough to lower my rating from anything but a 10.

One of the hallmarks of The X Files series is brilliant performances by, not only the leads, but guest actors who may be overlooked in any other medium. This episode is no different.

Doug Hutchinson plays Eugene Tooms, the liver-eating freak Mulder and Scully chase after a series of gruesome deaths. His portrayal of a man desperate for sustenance is creepy and spot-on.Unfotunately for him, I'm sure, it's tough to shake the image of his yellow eyes out of your head when you're watching him in The Green Mile and other works after this show debuted, but for X-Files fans, it's a very memorable character.

***Spoiler** One of the things that I came to dread over the course of the show were episodes where Mulder or Scully were left in a dangerous and vulnerable spot with a killer in their home. This is one of the first episodes with Scully in such a scenario, and the effect is certainly tension building. Each time I watch this episode, I can't help but wish Mulder would pick up the phone sooner! But of course, that's what makes a show like this great. ***Spoiler***

High tension, suspense, a little bit of gross-out, and great performances makes this an important episode for X-Files fanatics.

Whoa! Right from the top sailing beginning to the bottom breaking end, this max floor chill ride keeps on going! Man Tooms is my favorite villain! Love him! Haven't got the chance to see "Tooms" yet, though, but wow! What an amazing villain! This could quite possibly be one of my favorite X Files episodes! Look out for other comments by foxy_mulder (me!) and if you haven't seen Squeeze, see it! The third episode of Season One attracted me. I saw every episode of season one except Pilot, Deep Throat, Tooms, and Roland. I love this show and recommend it immediately. What a great episode! I'm signing out now, and best wishes to you all.

Unsettling episode strays away from extra terrestrials to focus on a genetic freak who returns every thirty years to kill five people for their livers so he can have sustenance as he hibernates in a self-made place using his own bile. Doug Hutchison would leave his mark as the creep with glowing yellow eyes and an ability to stretch his body to fit into small areas so he could enter the homes of innocents to kill them and escape without getting caught. Not in this very much, Hutchison nonetheless leaves a lasting impression, the kind of skin-crawling menace who would return once more to challenge agents Mulder and Scully. Donal Logue has a nice little part as a smart-aleck agent whose opinion of Mulder is noticeably shared by a large number of the FBI who find Fox a laughingstock and is using the Eugene Tooms murders as his possible stepping stone to greater heights in the government. Commissioning school chum Scully to help him on the serial killings case, Logue's agent Colton isn't keen on allowing Mulder to infiltrate his investigation. The problem is that Colton thinks inside the box and with a killer like Tooms and his genetic abilities, the case needs someone unafraid to look outside—and that is Mulder who, along with Scully(quite a profiler in her own right), is able to uncover Tooms as the culprit due to fingerprint evidence. Beating the polygraph(although he fails on two questions which finger him as the killer from the 60s and 30s in Baltimore), Tooms is let go and he chooses his next victim to be Scully. Yes, those familiar with THE X-FILES during its entire run know that the formula often has Scully in a perilous situation with Mulder coming to her rescue, or vice versa. That is the case here as well. There's a solid sub-plot concerning a wheel-chair bound retired cop who worked the Tooms case in the 60s with help assisting Mulder and Scully, his experience invaluable, being alive to see that this "human monster" gets his comeuppance once and for all. The cop's description of the crime scenes in relation to genocide is a chilling depiction of the aura of Tooms' evil. Also very important is how Scully defends Mulder and shows a loyalty to him in relation to Colton's thick-headedness and inability to look beyond getting ahead career-wise to find the true killer.

Squeeze (and Tooms)is a very famous episode of The X Files and probably the most scariest for viewers. Squeeze is, well, I guess you could say the second episode of The X Files. ( Third if you include the the pilot) Squeeze is about a group of brutal and identical murders in Baltimore, USA. Each victim is found with their liver removed. Agents Mulder and Scully 's investigation of these murders link to the same sort of murders 30 to 60 years ago with the same thing, five livers removed from human beings. They then discover the chilling truth, the killer is a mutant named Eugene Tooms who is over 100 years old who eats these livers to hibernate for 30 years. Now the race is on to prevent him from killing again. A brilliant episode of The X Files, chilling scenes, solid acting, and of course, the lines of humour every now and then. This is a cult episode of The X Files, that earned a place in the top 20 of Channel 4's The 100 Greatest Scary Moments. The second death scene will scare the pants off viewers, and everyone remember: The Truth is out There.

I'm absolutely thrilled by the originality of this monster. Who ever made up the idea of a man who eats 5 livers every 30 years, and nests in his own bile in between, is a genius. Of all things... It's such a delightful idea! The fact that he looks so normal and acts kind of like a silent version of Daria (you know, stoic on the outside but angry on the inside?) makes this even better. The first-person rendition of his slow-motion victim-spotting vision is quite enlightening, it really gives a good sense of how this guy thinks and sees the world. The fact that they've actually created a convincing psychology for such an inhuman person is very impressive. This episode is definitely a refreshing watch! It's so weird that it's almost funny, but still creepy as well.

Who would not want to live a thousand years!.. Oh, no one likes to forsee what one is presumed to like or hate anymore.

But who is not curious as to how any person wouldn't live for two centuries!

Well, the series utilizes the idea by drawing a possible scenario, similar only to the urban legends and horrific tales, of which there is the Frenkenstein, the Re-animator and many more... and even others, if we are to apply the idea of mutation, of which there is the creature-like, mutated people of the Time Machine by H. G. Wells that later screened.

However, what these screened tales fail to achieve is met here, in this episode.

The X Files is strong in setting the tone for mystery and horror (here). Okay, this gauche generation of the third millenium seems not to get scared of anything at all.

Then still, the episode, by means of strong usage of technology of the early nineties, is "out there" to capture the interest.

Most importantly, it hints at the Bosnian Genoside, involving the death of 312 thousands of people there, ushered by the UN forces leading the way for the Bosnian civillians to the "safe area" where the would meet their end...

Alija Izetbegovic would be proud to name you one of the few who remained not silent to this cruelty, Mr. Glen Morgan and Mr. James Wong!.. And you, Mr. Chris Carter!.. Thank you!

This is pure evil; and the show passed it into the history of USA. That is good.

And it also hints at the Kurdish families (there are also Arabs and Turks, too), killed by the joined forces of PKK and the emperialists in the southeastern region of Anatolia, and in the lands of Syria and Iraq.

This is also very good, even if it was in the form of a sentence uttered in less then a second and a news on paper, seamingly out of context.

Overall, this episode is very memorable by the acting of Mr. Doug Hutchison who plays the character of Eugene Victor Tooms. Such horror to eyes!..

Here is to live... live a life that will count in the world to come!

A saying from my culture in the book of Al-Bukhari:

"On the authority of Ibn 'Umar, sallallahu 'alaihi, who said: The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, took me by the shoulder and said:

'Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler/wayfarer.' Ibn 'Umar (Abdullah, Son of 'Umar) used to say:

'When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.' "

Within three episodes, The X-Files has completely set the template for the series to follow. The first episode was an excellent hybrid of the Monster-of-the-Week format with the mythology arc and more importantly, established the characters, their dynamic and the world at large with skill. The second episode, "Deep Throat", fully established the mythology arc in an excellent, riveting episode. And now we come to "Squeeze", magnificent wonderful "Squeeze", a highlight of the first season (and possibly the series at large?) and an indelible first impression on the show's Monster-of-the-Week format.

It was such a magnificent idea to play with the notion of standalone episodes that merged with the mythology episodes to create the format for each season of The X-Files. "Squeeze" is an absolute joy of an episode. It puts yet more excellent screen time for Agents Scully and Mulder, whose relationship becomes stronger and more delightful to the viewer with each episode. It enforces the notion of the outside world viewing Mulder as a circus freak for his work on the X-Files, which at once speaks to his character and makes Scully's relationship and projection towards him all the more heartfelt. As she says to Colton, a friend of hers from the Academy and an FBI agent on the Violent Crimes Section, "his methods may be a bit out there, but (Mulder's) a great agent".

While the majority of the FBI seem condescending and dismissive of 'Spooky' Mulder, what's almost as refreshing as Scully's appreciation and respect for him is Mulder's own delight in causing disgust to those who are not favourable to his views. His treatment of Colton in their first encounter is such an endearing and funny moment that encapsulates much of who Mulder is: he's not concerned with what others think of him and on a related note, the follow-up to this episode, "Tooms", will prove how consequential his at times arrogance can be.

Of course a review of "Squeeze" would be a complete failure without writing a piece on Eugene Victor Tooms, the most memorable villain of the first season and Doug Hutchinson's excellent, unhinged and chilling performance of the memorable liver consuming monster. He brings something so palpable to the character that makes him an uncomfortable and frightening sight before we ever see him unmasked from the shadows.

"Squeeze" is an incredibly entertaining episode, one devoid of any dull patches. It introduces and establishes a formidable villain, one that may cause distress to a great many viewers, and presents a riveting mystery. It is the first Monster-of-the-Week and a formidable first impression and standard, has a magnificent cold open that will be sure to hook viewers and further explores these great characters.

I haven't seen anyone else mention it, but the opening sequence of this story was highly reminiscent of the 1990 Stephen King made for TV movie and the novel on which it was based titled "It". You had Eugene Victor Tooms (Doug Hutchison) peering out from an underground water drain as if scanning the neighborhood for his next potential victim. The idea is given even more resonance later on in the story when Mulder and Scully interview the retired sheriff Frank Briggs (Henry Beckman), who recalls the malevolence he felt when he investigated Tooms' residence thirty year earlier. He stated that "I could feel...it". If the writers of this episode were paying silent tribute to Stephen King, I wouldn't be at all surprised.

Anyway, this episode in the series took a quick break from the UFO/extraterrestrial theme established in the first two shows, wisely venturing into a different sort of paranormal territory to hook even more potential viewers. Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) begins taking her share of shots from fellow FBI agents for teaming up with 'Spooky' Mulder, who even this early in the series, acknowledges that his work runs beyond your traditional homicides and typical undercover investigations.

This case stays close to home for the agents in the city of Baltimore, and involves a creepy guy who has the unusual ability to elongate his body and get into some really tight places. The writers of the episode explored the novel idea of a character who comes out of hibernation every thirty years in order to extract the liver of it's victims to set up the next cycle. If the person of Tooms wasn't creepy enough, the actor wore a set of yellow contact lenses to give his appearance even more of a demonic, snake like character. The image one will remember coming out of this episode occurs when Tooms reaches into the duct-work of a victim's home, and begins his slither to take his next victim. Very creepy.

It turns out Mulder has to return Scully's favor of making the save from the prior episode, as he arrives in the proverbial nick of time to prevent Tooms from claiming Scully's liver. One gets the feeling that perhaps the writers were setting up a sequel (they were) when the camera comes in on Tooms's challenging grin when offered a meal through a slot in his jail enclosure. That is, if he didn't want to wait around for another thirty years.

'I don't think it's where he lives. It's where he hibernates.'

This third instalment was the first not to be written by the show's creator. Penned by Glen Morgan & James Wong, who would go on to produce the highly original 'Final Destination' for the silver screen, this represents the first in a series of episodes they would create, providing some of the most memorable moments of this cult series. A welcome break from the previous mythology-dominated episodes, Chris Carter, was aware that the show's longevity would benefit from occasional diversions away from UFO investigations. Called in by one of Sculley's ambitious Academy classmates, Agent Tom Colton, stumped by a series of inexplicable murders in Baltimore, Mulder and Sculley's quarry here is a serial killer, whose signature is to rip out the victim's liver with his bare hands. In addition, the murderer appears to gain access to the victims without any established entry points. In formulating this character, the writers were inspired by the very real exploits of Jack the Ripper and the 'Night Stalker', Robert Ramirez, whose brutal series of home-invasion murders terrorised residents of LA and San Francisco in the mid-80s. Accordingly, it was Carter who formulated both the idea that this killer extract the victims' livers for their regenerative potential, and that he hibernate and reappear every thirty years to collect his next harvest. From the outset, with the frame by frame zooming shot to a pair of blood-red eyes within a storm drain, and the killer's impossible entry by means of the smallest of air-vents within his chosen victim's office, the audience are aware of the otherworldly nature of the monster lurking out of sight. At the crime-scene, Mulder's discovery of an elongated finger-print on the rim of the vent leads him to a similar conclusion to the derision of Colton and his superiors. The growing mutual respect between Mulder and Sculley is highlighted by the episode sub-plot in which Sculley is prepared to relinquish her career aspirations to defend the integrity of her partner. As such, her friendship with the superficial Colton, played superbly in his first standout performance by now respected character actor, Donal Logue, deteriorates as the latter tries to safeguard his reputation while besmirching that of 'Spooky Mulder'. Yet, it is Doug Hutchison who steals the show with his spine- tingling performance as the demonic Eugene Victor Tooms - which he claims was based on Hopkin's portrayal of Hannibal Lecter. Despite being aged 33 when he auditioned for the role, both writers and producers thought him far younger, and not mature enough to play such an enigmatic part. Their opinion changed as soon as he was instructed to suddenly adopt belligerent behaviour. Such was the impact of the performance that, the danger of being typecast aside, Hutchison is reported to have sent Carter a calf's liver as an amusing thank-you gift. In spite of his character's arrest, a successful polygraph test results in his release, to commit a second murder. A combination of telling special effects, and the extraordinary skills of a contortionist named 'Pepper' provides one of the most unnerving scenes as Tooms descends the narrowest of chimney spaces. As Mulder delves deeper into the historical records, it becomes apparent that a killer with the same modus operandi has been committing murders every thirty years in the same vicinity, dating back as far as 1903. Even more unsettling, they discover that for each crime-spree the fingerprints of the assailant are a perfect match, and photographic evidence reveals Tooms to be an ageless assassin. Mulder and Sculley's entry into 68 Exeter Street, the abandoned derelict residence of the 1903 Tooms, leads to the stomach-turning discovery of a nest constructed from this 'monster's bile, and the conclusive evidence of the trophies he has collected from each victim. This visit also triggers the selection of Sculley as the killers next intended victim, and the exciting culmination of the action as Mulder comes to his partner's rescue and captures Tooms. It also serves as the source of the frame-by-frame shot of our protagonists in the title sequence for future episodes. Frequently, voted as one of the top-ten episodes of the entire 'X-Files' output, and often at the top of the list (such as that compiled by 'Empire' magazine), many of the quality aspects were completed in post-production with the writers, producers, and cast having all been at odds with the director. Finally, the opportunity for a sequel was also left open with the final chilling smile of Tooms as he realises the feeding hatch in his cell door could proffer a means of escape.

Squeeze is the first MOTW of The X Files and one of the best. A very interesting idea and the first of many 'Scully-Attacks'. Tooms is truly a terrifying character. Here are some good and bad points about 'Squeeze',

The Good: The whole stretching out of shape thing. Good idea.

Scully has got pretty hair. *Love*

Tooms is scary. Real, real scary.

I loved how he was making another nest at the end. XD

The whole 'He could come out' cliffhanger was a nice touch and i'm glad they followed up on that.

Mulder showing up Scully's Friend. xD

Mulder's "Am I spooky?" face. x]

The Bad: How did he get passed the "Have you ever killed a human being?" on the lie detector!?

Scully's Friend was kind of annoying.

Why take a souvenir?

Conclusion: Great episode, great beginning for Season 1. 8/10

"Is there anyway I can get it off my fingers quickly without betraying my cool exterior?" – Fox Mulder.

Episode 3, 'Squeeze', original air date, September 24th 1993. Directed by Harry Longstreet and written by Glen Morgan and James Wong. Monster of the week episode count, 1. Episode 3 marks the first of many standalone X-Files episodes referred to by fans of the series as Monster of the Week (MOTW) shows. The first instalment is written by the writing duo Morgan and Wong, who also act as executive producers, and will pen some of the most popular MOTW episodes throughout the life of the series. They are widely regarded by the X-Files fan base as two of the most innovative and visionary writers on the series, contributing 15 individual episodes. Their foray in to X-Files screen writing has them produce a successful horror themed show which introduces one of the very few 'monsters' who will make a second appearance in a later episode, such was the popularity this character. As previously discussed, The X-Files was a show that managed to traverse many genres, even throughout a single episode. 'Squeeze' however is clear-cut horror affair and like so many of the series successful standalone episodes it has a film like quality to it that would not seem out of place on the big screen.

The episode begins with us witnessing a crime committed by the shows antagonist. Morgan and Wong have chosen to let the audience in on the secret before Mulder and Scully. We witness a person unscrewing a vent from the inside out, presumably squeezing through a rather tight space, hence the title, and murder an office employee before escaping back through the vent. As the audience we see first hand how the killer gets in and out of the room and as such we are given information that the murders investigatory team have yet to uncover. This is interesting because often we are left as much in the dark about the particulars of an x-file case as the two agents themselves. Yet here we are allowed an inside look at the murder, allowing us to ponder the supernatural implications that these scenes imply throughout the opening titles. The monster this week is Eugene Victor Tooms, played with suitably creepy unearthliness by Doug Hutchison early in his acting career. Tooms is able to contort is body to a great degree, so much so that he is able to squeeze through areas otherwise inaccessible to humans. The case is being worked by another agent and has not yet been classified as an X-File so to speak. Agent Tom Colton, Donal Logue, is finding the cases subject matter to be somewhat irregular and requests Scully's help in solving the murders, she of course brings Mulder along and they ultimately end up solving the case, a rarity in the X-Files, by pursuing Mulder's more extreme theories.

Apart from being a terrific standalone show that is entertaining in it's own right as a horror adventure it is also contains significant character development for the two lead players. We first see Scully at lunch with Agent Colton, another rare sociable occurrence, discussing the case particulars. Scully is still on the fence about her current position within the FBI, she is not willing or able to accept her placement as an X-File agent. She respects Mulder for his achievements as a criminal profiler and his determination and work ethic. However, the X-Files is still his territory, this is a temporary position for Scully, she is not invested in the unit as yet. This is evidenced by her still referring to the unit as "your work" when speaking to Mulder about X-Files cases. This episode, however, is a turning point for the characters development as Scully finds herself conflicted about working without Mulder and feels the need to defend his work when criticised and ridiculed by his peers at the FBI. She feels uneasy about hearing him referred to as "Spooky Mulder", we witness a gradual progression throughout the episode as she slowly begins to accept her standing in the unit.

As Mulder and Scully examine the crime scene at the beginning of the episode, Scully and Colton attempt to intellectualise and theorise on the possible explanation for the killers disappearing act. Mulder on the other hand seems to know exactly where to look for the one piece of hard evidence that the investigation yields. We get a glimpse of Mulder's thorough investigatory skills as he presents Scully with findings dating back to the turn of the century which relate to the murders. As we see many times throughout the show, Mulder has seen this type of crime before, he has copious amounts of x-files dating back many years and is often able to correlate the current and past findings to further his understanding of the case. This also gives us an idea of the level of obsession and fascination that Mulder has for his work. As always Scully attempts to use logic to explain the killers actions. This episode shows how Mulder and Scully's disparate, often conflicting methods of working a case can yield positive results, furthering their understanding in a way that may not have been possible had they been working alone. They are in one sense the antithesis of each other yet wholly complimentary. It is Scully's logical approach, which Mulder is quick to dismiss, that enables them to catch Tooms in the air vents. Yet it is Mulder's willingness to accept and embrace the extraordinary that helps the pair track Tooms to his hideout.

The episode ends with Tooms in a prison holding cell, as mentioned this is a rare occurrence in a MOTW episode in which the killer is caught and the X-File official closed. However, he is seen staring and smiling at the small opening of his prison door, used to deliver meals to inmates, leading us to believe that Tooms' story is far from over.

A mutant who squeezes himself through spaces and wakes up every 30 year to eat some livers before hibernating again - that's some original story! No big blown effects here, but it isn't needed to get the idea through. The actor's innocent look was a perfect choice for Mr Tooms. Fresh script, great directing, and the slow paced camera fits the mysterious atmosphere just right.

What makes this episode shine even more is the surrounding layers (ok then, script- related), and one layer is the M&S character development. The main leads were more alive and in motion somehow in the beginning, often thanks to a side-kick though (ex-partner, old friend, etc). Later on in the series it was almost like they were molded in rock, and they developed/changed only in a couple of episodes here and there (the acting of DA & GA have always been good though). But I'm on my 2nd full viewing so who knows, I might change my mind.

The viewer also gets introduced into the view of Mulder at work, it's almost as he gets ridiculed and mocked for his paranoia and out of world theories. We grow sympathy for him and I think it's an important detail, since Mulder is a bit strange character when you think of it and not that easy to identify with. I dunno what happened in the later seasons, but this is one of the early episodes that dealt with this matter good enough.

Also, Mulder telling Scully "You were right" with a serious expression was an interesting twist of the episode. I've already watched some further episodes of season 1 and there are more cool twists to come.

Sidenote: I can recall some have argued that Tooms could have squeezed out of the handcuffs. But one might think that he looses the ability when he gets emotionally disturbed, notice how the glow in the eyes is disappearing right before (perhaps it has something to do about that). And/or simply he just gave up the fight, since Mulder had a gun etc.

No question about it, 10/10.

Nope, unfortunately my feelings for this episode didn't change.

I'm very indifferent about it. I like the way it builds up and I like the monster of the week. Eugene has a lot of potential (as shown later in Tooms). He is a very creepy guy and his attack on Scully was well done. But way too short.

The rest of this episode for me is slow moving and a little boring. Scully's friend Tom annoyed me immensely. But then again, I almost never liked the guest agents. And this guy was just completely unnecessary.

Overall, I give it TWO stars. Like I said, it has it's moments.

If "Deep Throat" gave us an idea of what we could expect from early mythology episodes, "Squeeze" does the same for the 'Monster of the Week' episodes that made up the bulk of "The X-Files". "Squeeze" is certainly a good script, with some key characterization, great dialogue ("Gray. You said "green men." A Reticulian's skin tone is gray. They're notorious for their extraction of terrestrial human livers, due to iron depletion in the Reticulum galaxy") which is a remarkably early example of the sort of dry humor Mulder would use more often in later seasons, and a solid story.

What I don't get about the popularity of this episode is that there's nothing really striking about the story or villain. Tooms is a lot of fun, certainly, but I have never considered him one of THE great standalone episode villains along with Donnie Pfaster or Robert Patrick Modell. The idea is creepy, certainly, but aside from the script the execution of this episode is a bit rubbish. The direction, in particular, is extremely poor, with plenty of cheesy slow-motion.

"Squeeze" is a very good early episode which overcomes issues with the production through the quality of the script and performances. Extra note: X-Philes might want to read the excellent comic adaptation of the episode, available in volume 1 of the Checker collections of X-Files comics.

8/10

Squeeze is the best episode of the X-Files in season one and again it is my favorite season of all time. I love the third episode to death I absolutely enjoy this episode including I love Eugene Victor Tooms who is a genetic mutant serial killer who was capable of squeezing his body through narrow gaps; his unique muscle and bone structures allowed for extreme elongation and contortion of his body.

"Squeeze" is the first "monster-of-the-week" episode of The X-Files, a stand-alone plot which is unconnected to the series' overarching mythology. I love that it is the first stand up alone episode in The X-Files I absolutely love the motives about the killer who has incredible skills.

Plot: Mulder and Scully search for a humanoid killer whose savage murder spree reoccurs every 30 years.

Doug Hutchison who played Eugene Victor Tooms reprise his role in Episode Tooms the twenty-first episode of the first season.

The villains and the characters in this show were really incredible and they where really scary.

Eugene Victor Tooms really scared me, he was really creepy and scary villain in The X-Files. He was the first monster that he was captured from Mulder in the show.

First ever "monster of the week" episode, and it's the best one. A man who is the monster equivalent of a one-hundred-year-old Mr. Fantastic is tearing out livers in order to survive another thirty years of hibernation. This is couched in an interesting character conflict for Scully, who makes her decision here regarding where she wants her career to go. Does she go with the "cool kids club" or does she stick it out with Mulder? By the third episode we've established the bad guys and the existence of aliens and cover-ups, now the writers are establishing the reasons behind the lasting relationship of our two heroes.

What can I say more I love this episode in The X-Files the acting from Doug Hutchison is incredible and awesome. The rest of the cast did a good job as a supporting cast.

In here we also have Donal Logue before he become a famous actor who is a leading detective of this case and it is against Mulder who he believes that Mulder try's to steal his case. It is a shame that Donal Logue never returned for another episode on The X-Files.

This is also the first episode that was written from James Wong who later directed Final Destination 1 and 3. I like James Wong as a director and the writer of TV shows and movies. Final Destination is my favorite horror franchise series.

Harry Longstreet did incredible job directing this episode.

The rating is 10 out of 10 for me for incredible performance from Doug Hutchison and the special effect are great.

The first season of the science fiction television series The X-Files commenced airing on the Fox network in the United States on September 10, 1993, and concluded on the same channel on May 13, 1994, after airing all 24 episodes.

"Squeeze" is the third episode of the first season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files. It premiered on the Fox network on September 24, 1993. "Squeeze" was written by Glen Morgan and James Wong and directed by Harry Longstreet, with Michael Katleman directing additional footage.

10/10 Grade: Bad Ass Seal Of Approval Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Doug Hutchison, Donal Logue, Henry Beckman, Kevin McNulty Director: Harry Longstreet Producers: Chris Carter, Joseph Patrick Finn Screenplay: Glen Morgan, James Wong Rated: R Running Time: 43 minutes

The first time I watched this episode i was alone in an empty house, with all the lights off. Lets just say, I didn't sleep very well that night! This episode really sets the bar high as the first ever MOTW, or stand alone episode, as it deals with some quite horrifying concepts. A monster that can stretch and contort its body, so it can get to you through small spaces, no matter how safe you think you are. Oh, and it may have a small tendency to harvest livers. There's quite a few good, lighthearted moments to this episode, like Mulder trying to get bile off his hands, but in the meantime keeping hold of his 'cool exterior'. Eugene Victor Tooms is a household name among X-Files fans, and is a truly horrific monster, the ending will surprise you and chill you up and down, lets just say, we haven't see the last of Tooms.....

One of Scully's school mates asks her for help in apprehending a serial killer who seems to kill people with no visible way of entry. Mulder of cause comes along for the ride and goes on to solve the case by backtracking through the X-Files.

The plot in this episode is brilliant with a mutant that for some reason (maybe liver failure) has to eat livers every 30 years to survive.

The effects are good, especially Tooms' Hive made of saliva saturates paper. the acting is also good, Doug Hutchison as Eugene Victor Tooms captures the mutant survival instinct very well.

This is a very good episode and gets a 8 out of 10.

The third episode of "The X-Files" already has us in the case-of-the- episode mode, with a friend of Scully asking for her help as they can't find any information about a serial killer that collects livers. The story is more than a little bit silly (in that they don't explain many things and overplay the suspect-is-really-creepy card) but the dynamics between Fox and Scully more than make up for this. The atmosphere is also creepy enough and helps in making the episode a nail-biting one. "The X-Files" is doing a really good job in those two departments (the acting and dialogue between characters and the atmosphere, but the 'mysteries' are, for now, a little bit lame).