The Jersey Devil

I should point out that the Jersey Devil has nothing to do with Big Foot. It is NOT an Eastern version of the Yeti. It is, if the stories are to be believed, a creature with the head of a horse, bat-like wings, and talons as would be found on a dragon. There are numerous illustrations on the internet. It supposedly inhabits the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where it has existed in folklore since before the American Revolution. That it would invade Atlantic City is just silly. It was supposedly born of a woman that committed some kind of sin against God. How the writers of the X-Files came to think that pretending it is some kind of hairy human throwback to prehistoric times is beyond me. I can certainly sympathize with the notion that the city fathers of Atlantic City would want to suppress such sightings, but that is no excuse for completely distorting the narrative. Sometimes the research put into these episodes is severely lacking. I am reminded of the episode where they reference the "Catonsville PD," which, of course, does not exist, since there are no incorporated cities in Baltimore County.

The fifth episode of "The X-Files," titled "The Jersey Devil," directed by Joe Napolitano, marks a significant shift in tone for the series, introducing a lighter, more comedic approach while still engaging with the themes of mystery and the supernatural. The episode follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate a series of gruesome murders in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where local lore suggests that the legendary Jersey Devil is responsible. This blend of folklore and investigative drama allows the episode to explore both the absurdity and seriousness of its subject matter.

The narrative kicks off with a gripping prologue that establishes the eerie atmosphere of the Pine Barrens. The scene introduces a couple camping in the woods who encounter a terrifying creature, setting the stage for the ensuing investigation. As Mulder and Scully arrive on the scene, they face skepticism from local authorities, a recurring theme in the series that highlights their outsider status. The pacing of "The Jersey Devil" is brisk, balancing moments of tension with humor, particularly through Mulder's enthusiastic belief in the creature's existence contrasted with Scully's pragmatic skepticism. This dynamic creates an engaging interplay between the two characters as they navigate their investigation.

Visually, "The Jersey Devil" maintains the series' signature aesthetic, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to evoke a sense of foreboding. Napolitano's direction effectively builds suspense during key moments, such as when Mulder confronts the creature in its lair. The cinematography captures both the beauty and danger of the New Jersey wilderness, immersing viewers in the setting. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel formulaic or underdeveloped, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder and Scully connect their findings to local legends. The episode's reliance on familiar tropes may detract from its overall impact.

The performances in this episode are strong, with Duchovny and Anderson continuing to develop their dynamic as partners. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder is characterized by his characteristic charm and enthusiasm for cryptozoology; he embodies a childlike wonder that contrasts sharply with Scully's grounded skepticism. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her scientific approach grounds Mulder's wild theories while showcasing her own curiosity about their cases. The chemistry between them is palpable, particularly during scenes where they share humorous banter or confront local authorities together.

Thematically, "The Jersey Devil" explores issues of belief versus skepticism while also touching on deeper questions about humanity's relationship with nature. The character of the Jersey Devil serves as a metaphor for primal fears and societal myths; it reflects how folklore can shape perceptions of reality. Additionally, Mulder's fascination with the creature underscores his ongoing quest for understanding in a world filled with uncertainty. The episode also offers glimpses into Scully's personal life as she navigates her own relationships outside of work; her brief date serves to humanize her character further and adds depth to her partnership with Mulder.

In conclusion, "The Jersey Devil" stands out as a unique entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending humor with supernatural intrigue while deepening character dynamics between Mulder and Scully. While it may not reach the emotional heights of earlier episodes or fully develop all plot points, it effectively maintains tension and entertainment throughout its runtime. The exploration of folklore within a modern context invites viewers to reflect on their perceptions of myth and reality, setting a precedent for future episodes that balance levity with deeper themes. This episode enriches the overarching narrative while solidifying "The X-Files" as a thought-provoking examination of human experience amidst extraordinary phenomena.

"The Jersey Devil" is so typical of why the first season of "The X-Files" is the weakest of the Vancouver seasons and why one could be forgiven for being frustrated with the quality of several of the monster of the week episodes in this season.

The episode lacks any sort of worthwhile characterization aside from the first Mulder porn joke (forgive me if I'm mistaken regarding that) and the dialogue is wildly inconsistent although occasionally fun. The episode's real flaw however is the utterly lazy plotting; beyond just not being a particularly interesting take on the Jersey devil mythology, the plot inexplicably changes course far too many times for a 45 minute episode, and the transitions are not handled well by writer Chris Carter.

This was, of course, the first standalone script by Chris Carter, so I'm not going to be too harsh on him as he certainly did improve later on. Some other stuff worth mentioning: Scully's personal life is explored more here as well and it makes me glad that this didn't become the norm later on in the series and is mostly confined to early episodes, and the direction by Joe Napolitano is actually pretty solid and wasted on a mediocre script by Carter.

4/10

First time Mulder and Scully go their separate ways. Seeing Scully being a real person and doing real person stuff was really important to develop the world of the first season. I know it's not much, since we know both her and Mulder have lives besides the investigations. However actually seeing it happen is very important, imo.

Mulder improvising his way to the mystery was absolutely crucial to paint his personality better. Same idea from the last point, we know he is a wildcard with an unconventional approach, but seeing it happen is what solidifies it.

If the MOTW wasn't just ok, the rating would be higher.

The Jersey Devil is very underrated Monster-of-the-Week episode that I don't think deserves 7.2 on IMDb. I like this episode a lot and for a lot of reasons. This was the first episode that I have seen the clip about Mulder been on a stakeout for a man-eater who eats homeless people as a child. Of course I switch the channel to other program, because I promised my self I will not watch X-Files cause I don't want get scared. Today been adult I enjoy watching Season 1 and I enjoy this episode a lot.

Plot: The murder of a homeless man which is very similar in detail to a murder committed in 1947 leads Mulder and Scully to the legendary man-beast the Jersey Devil (Claire Stansfield) roaming in the forests surrounding Atlantic City.

Again for me Season 1 kicks ass and Mulder is still a hero for me. Here is a case open since 1947 New Jersey when a man was attacked and eaten by other human been. Police officers killed that person but in the present day, that case keeps continuing Mulder and Scully fly to New Jersey investigate the case, when they are unauthorized on this case. Detective Thompson (Wayne Tippit) does not want them on this case so they are dismissed. Scully fly's to Washington D.C. while she attends her godson's birthday party and she meets a handsome man and she goes on a date. Mulder stays in New Jersey and he tracks the creature down, on his own agenda, when he surrounds Atlantic City Forrest. When the local authorities finds out, that a naked man-eater is roaming trough forest and through city eating people they start a hunt for this creature. Mulder wants to catch the creature alive, while Detective Thompson want's it dead. The hunt for The Jersey Devil begins.

Here is the first time we see Scully on a date and she also dresses beautiful and she is adorable in this episode.

I like how Scully rejects her date on the end of the episode for helping Mulder on a cases I like that.

I love how Mulder (David Duchovny) is a real heart in the show. I love how Mulder gives money and a key to his hotel room to a homeless man who helps him on a search for a man-eater creature.

I love how they hunt and chase a man-beast (Claire Stansfield) when she is running though abandoned building in the Atlantic City.

"He's a jerk. He's not a jerk. He's, um... he's obsessed with his work."

I disagree with Scully, Mulder is not a jerk he is a hero and he cared about the truth and he love to help people. In this episode we have Mulder giving a homeless man, his money and keys to his hotel room.

This is actually a real study case for David Duchovny, who was really on a real stakeout, that is why we see Mulder not shaved and not been sleepy. David Duchovny did not sleep whole night, while he was preparing for his role filming this episode. I know that because I read it somewhere.

Tough we don't see Claire Stansfield face enough, she did a great job playing her villain character man-beast.

Joe Napolitano did directed well and Chris Carter did a great job directing this episode.

I like this episode and I like watching it and I still love Mulder to death. David Duchovny did an outstanding job playing his lead character.

This episode get's 9 out of 10, I still love Season 1 and the first season kicks ass and it is the best Season for me.

The first season of the science fiction television series The X-Files commenced airing on the Fox network in the United States on September 10, 1993, and concluded on the same channel on May 13, 1994, after airing all 24 episodes.

"The Jersey Devil" is the fifth episode of the first season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files. It premiered on the Fox network on October 8, 1993. It was written by series creator Chris Carter, directed by Joe Napolitano, and featured guest appearances by Gregory Sierra, Wayne Tippit and Claire Stansfield. Although the episode is the series' second "Monster-of-the-Week" story—after the earlier "Squeeze"—it was the first to have been written by Carter.

9/10 Grade: A Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Claire Stansfield, Wayne Tippit, Gregory Sierra, Michael MacRae Director: Joe Napolitano Producers: Chris Carter, Joseph Patrick Finn, Glen Morgan, James Wong Screenplay: Chris Carter Rated: R Running Time: 44 minutes