Kitsunegari

Kitsunegari is the eighth episode of the fifth season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files. It premiered on the Fox network on January 4, 1998. The episode was written by Vince Gilligan and Tim Minear, and directed by Daniel Sackheim.

Plot

The episode follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate the escape of Robert Patrick Modell, a convicted murderer with the ability to force his will upon others. Modell, also known as "Pusher," had previously appeared in the third season episode "Pusher."

After escaping from a prison hospital, Modell resumes his deadly game of cat and mouse with Mulder. The agents discover that Modell's sister, Linda Bowman, also possesses the same mind-controlling abilities. The episode culminates in a tense showdown where Mulder must resist Modell's influence to save Scully and himself.

Production

"Kitsunegari" was conceived as a sequel to the popular third season episode "Pusher." The title is a Japanese term meaning "fox hunt," a reference to Mulder's first name and the nature of the episode's plot. The episode was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, which served as the primary filming location for the series during its first five seasons.

Reception

"Kitsunegari" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the return of the character Robert Patrick Modell and the intense psychological drama, while others felt the episode did not live up to the original "Pusher" episode. Despite the mixed reviews, the episode is often noted for its exploration of Mulder's character and his relationship with Scully.

Cast

• David Duchovny as Fox Mulder
• Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully
• Robert Wisden as Robert Patrick Modell
• Diana Scarwid as Linda Bowman

See also

• List of The X-Files episodes
• The X-Files (season 5)
• The X-Files mythology