| "The Host" | |
|---|---|
| The X-Files episode | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Thehost.jpg) The Flukeman as seen in the final stages of the episode. Many critics praised the creepiness of the villain. | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Daniel Sackheim |
| Written by | Chris Carter |
| Production code | 2X02 |
| Original air date | September 23, 1994 |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Host" is the second episode of the second season of the science fiction television series The X-Files, premiering on the Fox network on September 23, 1994. It was written by Chris Carter, directed by Daniel Sackheim, and featured guest appearances by Darin Morgan. The episode is a "Monster-of-the-Week" story, unconnected to the series' wider mythology. "The Host" earned a Nielsen household rating of 9.8, being watched by 9.3 million households in its initial broadcast. The episode received positive reviews, praising the creepiness of the antagonist.
The show centers on FBI special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) who work on cases linked to the paranormal, called X-Files. In the episode, Mulder and Scully investigate a body found in sewage after being reassigned to different sections. Their inquiry results in the discovery of a bizarre fluke-like man—the product of the Chernobyl disaster—that soon goes on a rampage in the sewers of New Jersey.
Carter claimed to have been inspired to write the episode based on three incidents; his dog having worms, his research into Chernobyl, and the extinction of species during the 1990s. The Flukeman character was portrayed by Darin Morgan, brother of executive producer Glen Morgan. Darin would become a staff writer for the show later in the second season. In addition, "The Host" also introduced the character of X, the successor of Mulder's former Syndicate informant Deep Throat.