‘The X-Files’ Season 1 Episode “Tooms” Is Even Better 32 Years Later

by

Although many episodes of The X-Files are thrilling, one stands out as particularly strong even now. When the show first aired in 1993, viewers quickly became invested in the story of FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny). These two intelligent agents approach each case with differing viewpoints – Scully relies on science and evidence, while Mulder is open to the possibility of the paranormal. Even today, decades later, it’s still captivating and amusing to watch them debate, even briefly, about each case.

It’s easy to see why people were excited when The X-Files became available to stream for free on Pluto. Revisiting the show allows you to catch things you might have missed before and rediscover favorite episodes. While not every episode of The X-Files is a hit, and some aren’t very good, there’s still one episode that really stands out.

‘The X-Files’ Season 1, Episode 21, “Tooms” Is About the Genetic Mutant Named Eugene Victor Tooms


Fox

Although “Squeeze” from The X-Files Season 1, Episode 3, is often considered the first and one of the best ‘monster-of-the-week’ episodes, “Tooms” is also a standout. It’s particularly unsettling watching Eugene Victor Tooms (Doug Hutchison) in this episode, as Mulder refers to him as a ’20th century genetic mutant’ who can squeeze into incredibly tight spaces – even chimneys and windows – to enter people’s homes.

The episode “Tooms” really highlights what makes The X-Files so enjoyable – it’s a genuinely funny and entertaining sci-fi show, and few others compare. It’s a classic moment when Mulder insists Tooms has been murdering people every 30 years since 1903, essentially claiming he’s a century old! And every fan loves Scully’s dry response, pointing out how far-fetched his theory is.

This episode captures everything fans love about The X-Files – from the compelling presence of The Smoking Man to the classic back-and-forth between Scully and Mulder. But it also explores deeper themes. In the episode “Squeeze,” a lunch between Scully and her old classmate, Tom Colton, leads to a thoughtful discussion about career ambitions, competition, and the pressures of modern “hustle culture” and striving for success.

You know, what I really loved about “Tooms” – beyond the creepy villain – was how it let Scully and Mulder actually talk about why they do what they do. It’s rare to see a sci-fi show pause and have its leads consider their careers and motivations. Honestly, chasing aliens and monsters week after week has to be draining! But it was also really heartwarming seeing Scully stand up for Mulder and admit she’s way more fascinated by the unexplained than she ever thought she’d be. It added a nice human touch, you know?

Why ‘The X-Files’ Episode “Tooms” Is an Exciting Sci-Fi Episode


Fox

While many fans prefer “Squeeze,” looking back, the X-Files Season 1 episode “Tooms” stands out as the stronger installment. It demonstrated that the show – and even standalone science fiction stories – could genuinely frighten audiences. This groundbreaking episode is a key reason why genre fans are constantly searching for new shows, hoping to recapture the magic of The X-Files.

Many shows in this genre feature scary plots and moments, but fans still remember the episode ‘Tooms’ for a specific reason. While shows like Black Mirror are disturbing because they deal with realistic fears about technology and AI, and The Expanse creates unease through its political and social commentary, it’s debatable whether they’re truly scary. ‘Tooms,’ however, delivers genuinely frightening scenes – notably, the gruesome act of the villain consuming his victims’ livers, and a terrifying near-death fight with Mulder. It’s a truly chilling episode.

The episode is expertly structured, opening with a striking close-up of Tooms and his unsettling eyes. Every detail of his appearance, from his chilling grin to the sound of his cracking bones, is vividly presented. While the first episode, “Squeeze,” cleverly concealed the creature and built suspense, “Tooms” fully reveals this now-iconic villain. Despite airing 18 episodes apart, these two installments complement each other remarkably well.

MovieWeb Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters

Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe with the latest movie news, reviews, and exclusive content from MovieWeb.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our
Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The show often feels far-fetched because even its lesser-known episodes deal with extraordinary things like aliens, bizarre weather events, and monsters. For example, while an episode might start with a seemingly normal scene of a family at home – like Mulder observing Tooms – a strange detail, such as green water in the toilet, quickly hints at something sinister. It’s a clever touch, but it’s hard to picture ourselves in that situation – relaxing at home only to discover a mutant has invaded. And that’s perfectly fine; the show isn’t necessarily trying to be relatable.

The episode’s final scene is particularly strong – it might be the most important part, even more so than the villain himself. It cleverly foreshadows the season finale and sets the stage for everything that follows. Mulder noticing a caterpillar and sensing a shift hints at the big reveal coming in the finale, raising questions about what the Pentagon really knows about aliens. While most viewers won’t worry about alien conspiracies, everyone can relate to feeling anxious about change and accepting that it’s inevitable.

One scene that really stuck with me is when Scully visits Frank Briggs, a former detective played by Henry Beckman. He’s clearly still deeply affected by the case, and it’s a chilling look at what the future might hold for Scully and Mulder – a future where they’re unable to escape the trauma of their work. Even seeing them years later in the revival season, Season 10, it’s clear they don’t regret the sacrifices they’ve made chasing the truth. And honestly, as a fan, I don’t regret a single minute spent watching them. It’s actually making me think it’s time for another rewatch of all their adventures!



5 Questions
Test Your X-Files Instincts: Why ‘Tooms’ Still Haunts
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-02-16 01:21