Thirty-three years ago, the third episode of The X-Files, titled "Squeeze," premiered, establishing a formula that would define the show's enduring appeal and set a new standard for standalone science fiction narratives.
Before the era of binge-watching and on-demand streaming, television series relied on early episodes to capture and retain viewers. The X-Files, which premiered in 1993, introduced FBI agents Fox Mulder, a believer in the paranormal, and Dana Scully, a skeptic, investigating unexplained phenomena. While the first two episodes focused on the show's overarching alien mythology, the third episode, "Squeeze," shifted to a self-contained "Monster of the Week" format. This strategic pivot was crucial in balancing the series' serialized plot with episodic mysteries, ultimately hooking a broader audience.
"Squeeze," written by Glen Morgan and James Wong, marked the first instance of writers other than creator Chris Carter contributing to an X-Files episode. The story begins with a series of baffling murders in Baltimore, characterized by the removal of a victim's liver by seemingly impossible means, with crimes occurring in inaccessible locations. Mulder notes a historical pattern of similar deaths stretching back decades. The investigation leads Mulder and Scully to Eugene Victor Tooms, a man whose peculiar nature hints at something beyond human comprehension. Despite initial suspicion, Tooms is released when he passes a lie detector test, only for the murders to continue.
Tooms is eventually revealed to be a creature capable of contorting its body to fit into the smallest spaces, sustaining itself by consuming human livers before entering long periods of hibernation. While his true nature remains unexplained, Tooms was a unique and memorable antagonist. Actor Doug Hutchison's portrayal of Tooms, marked by a chillingly blank demeanor and unsettling yellow eyes glimpsed in tight vents, contributed significantly to the episode's pervasive sense of dread.
The Lasting Impact of "Squeeze"
"Squeeze" proved vital in showcasing the series' capacity for compelling standalone stories. The success of these procedural episodes was essential for the show's longevity, enabling it to run for 11 seasons. Morgan and Wong crafted a tightly plotted, genuinely frightening narrative featuring a monster unlike any previously seen on television. Hutchison's performance imbued Tooms with a profound sense of mystery, making the character deeply unsettling despite his otherwise ordinary appearance.
The episode's excellence also established it as a benchmark for subsequent "Monster of the Week" installments. While a few later episodes, such as "The Host" and "Home," achieved similar or greater acclaim, "Squeeze" largely remained the definitive example of a successful standalone story. Its success ensured that any episode that came close to its quality was likely to be a strong entry in The X-Files canon.
The X-Files is available to stream on Disney Plus, Hulu, and for free on Pluto TV.