Humbug (The X-Files)

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“Humbug”
The X-Files episode

Humbug
Episode no. Season 2
Episode 2X20
Written by Darin Morgan
Directed by Kim Manners
Guest stars Jim Rose
Wayne Grace
Michael J. Anderson
Vincent Schiavelli
Alvin Law
Original airdate March 31, 1995
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"Humbug" was the twentieth episode of the second season of The X-Files science-fiction television series created by Chris Carter. It was also designed to be the very first comedy episode in the series, and employs black humour throughout the episode.

Contents

[edit] Plot

Mulder and Scully must find the paranormal among the abnormal when they are sent to investigate a long standing series of ritualistic killings which match no known patterns, the latest of which is the death of the "Alligator Man," just one of many sideshow acts around which the town of Gibsonton, Florida is built.

Mulder's supernatural focus for the episode is the Fiji Mermaid, a sideshow attraction that first appeared in the mid-1800s. During their investigation, Mulder and Scully shift their suspicion around three of the inhabitants of the city, "The Conundrum", a geek who never talks and will "eat anything", "Dr. Blockhead", a body manipulator, and "Jim Jim, the Dogface Boy", the local Sheriff.

This creature ends up being Leonard, the underdeveloped fetus in fetu twin of Lanny, played by Vincent Schiavelli, a resident of Gibsonton. Lanny mournfully suggests that the motivation behind his brother's attacks is that he is seeking a new brother, by attempting to burrow into their side.

Mulder and Scully observe "The Conundrum" lying on the ground while chasing Leonard. It is strongly suggested that "The Conundrum" was attacked by Leonard, and ironically ended up eating him. At the end of the episode, Mulder observes "The Conundrum" in a state of discomfort, and he replies "Probably something I ate." Thereby uttering his first line in the show, and leaving confused looks on Mulder and Scully's faces.

[edit] Trivia

  • In the background of Hepcat Helm's studio you can see what appears to be the Flukeman from the episode "The Host" from the second season. This was also the first of a number of episodes written by Darin Morgan, who was the actor who played the Flukeman.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Guest Star

  • Jim Rose - Dr Blockhead
  • Wayne Grace - Sheriff James Hamilton
  • George Tipple - Hepcat Helm
  • Alex Diakun - Curator
  • John Payne (II) - Jerald Glazebrook
  • Alvin Law - Reverend
  • Blair Slater - older Glazebrook Child
  • Devin Walker - younger Glazebrook Child
  • Debis Simpson - Waiter
  • Michael J. Anderson - Mr. Nutt
  • The Enigma - The Conundrum
  • Vincent Schiavelli - Lanny

[edit] External links

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The X-Files Season 2
Episode List | Official Website
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