What could have been a good episode was made a great episode by the performance of guest star Billy Drago as Oral Peattie a man who blames a successful doctor for the death of his daughter. Peattie uses hexcraft as a way to exact revenge against the doctor by targeting members of his family.
Although there are a few inconsistencies in the plot, the creepy atmosphere and tension more than compensate. Drago who simply lives and breathes the part creates a truly chilling villain and although fans often consider Eugene Tooms, Donnie Pfaster and Robert Modell to be some of the best villains, Oral Peattie should be up there with them. Drago's appearance, his voice, his mannerisms come together to create a villain you just know will never stop his mission of vengeance. James Morrison is also good as the doctor who Peattie is terrorising.
There is a real claustrophobic feel to this episode and it contains some superb scenes (particularly the one involving the microwave). The climax is good and it is also great to see Scully questioning her rigid belief in science at the end of the episode.
8/10
Although there are a few inconsistencies in the plot, the creepy atmosphere and tension more than compensate. Drago who simply lives and breathes the part creates a truly chilling villain and although fans often consider Eugene Tooms, Donnie Pfaster and Robert Modell to be some of the best villains, Oral Peattie should be up there with them. Drago's appearance, his voice, his mannerisms come together to create a villain you just know will never stop his mission of vengeance. James Morrison is also good as the doctor who Peattie is terrorising.
There is a real claustrophobic feel to this episode and it contains some superb scenes (particularly the one involving the microwave). The climax is good and it is also great to see Scully questioning her rigid belief in science at the end of the episode.
8/10