Ep 20. Humbug

In the X-Files season 2 episode 20, titled "Humbug," Mulder and Scully goes to Gibsonton, Florida to investigate a series of strange murders at a circus freak show. The episode starts with a gruesome murder near a circus. Soon after, Mulder and Scully are called to Gibsonton to investigate the case. When they arrive, they quickly realize that the town is full of circus performers, who are not shy to show off their unusual skills and appearances.

As they delve deeper into the investigation, Mulder and Scully begin to suspect that the murderer is not human. They discover that the town's residents, who are all former circus performers, have a strong sense of community and protect their own. As the agents continue to investigate, they meet a number of circus performers, including a bearded lady, a sword swallower, and a conjoined twin, each with their unique story to tell.

The episode is filled with a number of strange and mysterious characters who add to the general atmosphere of bump in the night terror. The theme of the episode is one of otherness, with the characters from the circus shunned and ostracized for looking different. The episode examines whether people who are different can really fit into the world, or if they must create their own communities.

Alan J. Ormsby, the episode's writer, does an excellent job of weaving together elements of superstition, folklore, and mystery, bringing suspense to each scene. The storyline is full of twists and turns, and the episode has a satisfying ending. The acting is also top-notch, with the characters fully embodying their roles despite feeling very different from each other.

Humbug is not just a story of murder. It's a story that explores the theme of otherness, highlighting that while we may all look different or have different beliefs, ultimately, we all want the same things: to be accepted, loved, and respected. The episode's dialogue is brilliantly written, with Mulder and Scully's interactions coming across as effortless and natural.

The episode is atmospheric, with grim scenes punctuated by moments of levity. The characters come across as genuinely weird, and they are all beautifully brought to life by the actors. There is a fantastic sense of camaraderie among the performers, all of whom are wonderfully expressive and charismatic.

In the end, the episode is truly satisfying, with a killer reveal that will leave you guessing until the very end. It is a fantastic example of the supernatural approach taken by the X-Files, and you can't help but admire the show's ability to tackle big themes while telling entertaining stories. Overall, Humbug is a thrilling episode that captures the spooky, season two charm that made the X-Files a classic.