Beyond the Sea is arguably the best episode of season one. It's a pity that Morgan & Wong didn't stay with the X-Files throughout its duration. They wrote another masterpiece here. This episode is not about a serial killer named Lucas Henry. It's about Scully and her interactions with Luther Boggs, a death row inmate, who is supposedly channeling her deceased father. This is the first X-Files episode where Mulder and Scully switch the roles of believer and skeptic. Scully is not sure whether to believe Boggs or not. The dialogue between Scully and Boggs is very powerful. Of note is their exchange after Mulder is shot by Lucas Henry. There's not a lot of action in this episode. It is secondary to the drama between Scully and Boggs. Morgan and Wong actually gave up their script writing fees for this episode in order for production to be able to afford Brad Dourif to play Luther Boggs. Brad Dourif is incredible and was worth every cent they payed him. People tell me, "I think of Finding Nemo when I hear the song 'Beyond the Sea'". But for any X-phile, you know exactly what you think of when you hear 'Beyond the Sea'.
33 Reviews
The turning point for Scully?
Sleepin_Dragon18 September 2020
The pair are called in to help with two missing students, Mulder believes a Serial killer is to blame. Scully had to deal with a personal tragedy.
This is a terrific episode, no wonder it's so highly rated, and such a fan favourite. This first series has given us multiple styles, even genres. This fits into the psychological thriller bracket.
Very much a Scully central episode, she had a big story here, she's forced to admit to things against the backdrop of her father's death. Anderson is terrific.
Brad Dourif is sensational as Luther Lee Boggs, he is truly brilliant here.
It's great, 9/10.
This is a terrific episode, no wonder it's so highly rated, and such a fan favourite. This first series has given us multiple styles, even genres. This fits into the psychological thriller bracket.
Very much a Scully central episode, she had a big story here, she's forced to admit to things against the backdrop of her father's death. Anderson is terrific.
Brad Dourif is sensational as Luther Lee Boggs, he is truly brilliant here.
It's great, 9/10.
A cold, dark place agent Scully
koalablue_199314 July 2008
Wow! I cant put into words my feelings towards this amazing episode. When i first watched this i had just recently lost a loved one and upon watching this it touched me so deeply. Brad Dourif's performance is at the heart of this episode, it is awe-inspiring. He is such an underrated actor. I don't believe in "channeling" but he certainly made it look real! As a Scully centered episode it serves to showcase Gillian Anderson's talent. She amazed me in this, the emotion she portrays is so real you can almost grasp it. Glenn Morgan and James Wong wrote another masterpiece here.
It is easily the best episode of season one. Heck! One of the best episodes in the entire series run.
Scully: Im afraid to believe...
It is easily the best episode of season one. Heck! One of the best episodes in the entire series run.
Scully: Im afraid to believe...
Among the best.
DWilliams108921 June 2010
"Beyond the Sea" was the first episode to center around Scully, as precious little about her life had been known previously, and is arguably the best of the episodes that did so. The frenzied Luther Boggs, played impeccably by Brad Dourif, leaves such an imprint that every monster-of-the-week from this point forward faces the challenge of living up to him. His spotlight is shared by Gillian Anderson's Emmy-warranting performance, that peaks in a confrontation with Boggs shortly after Mulder has been shot ("no one will be able to stop me from being the one that will throw the switch and gas you out of this life for good, you son of a bitch!").
This is easily the best episode of the first season and very likely one of the best of the entire series. David Nutter's directing sheds animation at every angle, with multiple scenes feeling like something out of a David Lynch film. Although numerous episodes would tackle Scully's struggle between belief and denial, "Beyond the Sea" was the first to do so, and the on-screen chemistry between Anderson and Dourif is one of the best pairings on any X-File, if not television. The only negative thing about it is that it made me wish Boggs had been brought back in a future ep! 10/10
This is easily the best episode of the first season and very likely one of the best of the entire series. David Nutter's directing sheds animation at every angle, with multiple scenes feeling like something out of a David Lynch film. Although numerous episodes would tackle Scully's struggle between belief and denial, "Beyond the Sea" was the first to do so, and the on-screen chemistry between Anderson and Dourif is one of the best pairings on any X-File, if not television. The only negative thing about it is that it made me wish Boggs had been brought back in a future ep! 10/10
Brilliant, complex, intelligent episode
ametaphysicalshark18 August 2008
James Wong and Glen Morgan wrote some brilliant episodes for "The X-Files", but mostly just straightforward standalone thrillers. "Beyond the Sea" differs in that it is really where Scully's character comes to the forefront and where Gillian Anderson first gets a real chance to shine. It's a wonderful, intelligent, wistful, dramatic, thrilling 45 minutes of television that holds a rare degree of power and resonance.
The complexity and depth of characterization here is especially impressive, as Scully is dealing with her father's death and questioning her skeptical ways as she is confronted with an emotional connection through supposed psychic Luther Lee Boggs, played brilliantly by Brad Dourif. The questions of faith, of life and death, of moral consequences raised by this episode are legitimate and display a surprising amount of depth for a first season episode.
Thank heavens David Nutter got the directing job here. His visuals are excellent as usual and I'm sure he had something to do with Dourif's spectacular performance. What a classic episode, one I never tire of watching, and one that grows in my estimation just about every time I see it. "Ice" may have been a taut thriller of an episode, but this is the first sign of brilliance on "The X-Files".
10/10
The complexity and depth of characterization here is especially impressive, as Scully is dealing with her father's death and questioning her skeptical ways as she is confronted with an emotional connection through supposed psychic Luther Lee Boggs, played brilliantly by Brad Dourif. The questions of faith, of life and death, of moral consequences raised by this episode are legitimate and display a surprising amount of depth for a first season episode.
Thank heavens David Nutter got the directing job here. His visuals are excellent as usual and I'm sure he had something to do with Dourif's spectacular performance. What a classic episode, one I never tire of watching, and one that grows in my estimation just about every time I see it. "Ice" may have been a taut thriller of an episode, but this is the first sign of brilliance on "The X-Files".
10/10
Perhaps the best episode from Series 1
bigblue12331 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
It is often argued that Series 1 of the X-Files is the weakest and one can see why with episodes such as Gender Bender and The Jersey Devil. Nevertheless it contains, I think, a couple of the best episodes of the X-Files and Beyond the Sea is one of them. It has a Silence of the Lambs feel as Mulder and Scully interrogate a prisoner, Luther Lee Boggs, who claims he is able to use his psychic abilities to save a young couple who have been kidnapped. As he is soon to be sent to the gas chamber Boggs wants to make a deal whereby if he saves the lives of the kidnapped couple he avoids the death sentence and just gets life imprisonment. This plot line alone would make for an interesting episode but what really sets this one apart is an additional storyline centred around the death of Scully's father. The big question is whether the prisoner is telling the truth or not and when, during an interrogation, he says that he has a message from Scully's recently deceased father the episode really gets interesting.Although the storyline is good, it is the performances that are the real highlight. Duchovny is good but he takes a back seat in this episode and so Anderson is really given the chance to shine and she doesn't disappoint. It is great to see an early episode where you get the feeling that she believes in the paranormal. However, the best performance comes from the brilliant Brad Dourif as Boggs. The "channeling" scenes are very well acted and even though his character is a multiple murderer one cannot help but pity him. Both the acting and directing makes this episode an emotional roller-coaster and I cannot recommend it enough.
I Am Afraid to Believe
hrkepler31 May 2018
'Beyond the Sea' is the first time where Mulder and Scully reverse their roles as believer and skeptic. But the most amazing part is the role of Brad Dourif as serial killer Luther Boggs - deep, emotional and intense. Played with nuance and bravura and without feeling one bit hammy. Probably one of the best performances great Brad Dourif has ever given. We also see other side of agent Dana Scully whose father died at the beginning of the episode. Her inner fighting and on the edge of falling apart under the pressure of psychopath Boggs who claims to own psychic powers. Tense psychological play between the two characters reminds little bit Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. The intensity is there in both occasions. One of the best episodes and definitely the most haunting one from the season one.
Little bit of trivia - there is a cap of NICAP in the Mulder's office.
Little bit of trivia - there is a cap of NICAP in the Mulder's office.
Psychic Channelling
thebigeasy55521 September 2006
I would say this episode is the most intense yet compared to standard x-files episodes one of the most challenging to watch.Different and daring,the usual x-files action and special effects takes a back seat.In it's place is dialogue and drama.The character Luther Boggs is one of the most fascinating ever written in the x-files and high praise must be heaped upon the writers of "Beyond The Sea"Not the most accessible of all the x-files episodes but without a doubt one of the engaging.The actor Brad Dourif who plays Luther Boggs is great and his scenes with Scully are an integral part of this episode.The drama and tension created between the two is brilliant and for once Scully seems to be a believer
Don't follow Henry to the devil...Leave that to me...
Sanpaco135 September 2007
Beyond the Sea the Limerick:
Dana Scully's dad has died.
She misses him deep down inside.
When she works on a case,
She again sees his face
On a psychic criminal, then cried.
Having watched this and Season 8's "Per Manum" back to back, the latter being the first and the former watched afterwards, the first thing I have to talk about is what a shock it was to the system of this viewer to see a much much younger and slightly chubbier Scully on a low budget film and sets. I couldn't quite get over the huge difference between Season 8 and Season 1 Scully for the first few minutes until we first meet Boggs. Then I just settled in and enjoyed the show as I would had I never noticed anything. Boggs is such an awesome character and I think is very possibly the best guest star on the show ever. Brad Dourif is so great at those overly exaggerated facial expressions and makes you really believe that this is one crazy messed up guy. I love especially the scene where he relates Scully's story of when she had her first cigarette and he is playing with his hair like a little girl, and also his face as he suppresses letting the spirit of Scully's dad talk to her unless he gets a deal. This is just such a great all around episode with amazing performances by everyone involved. 10/10
Dana Scully's dad has died.
She misses him deep down inside.
When she works on a case,
She again sees his face
On a psychic criminal, then cried.
Having watched this and Season 8's "Per Manum" back to back, the latter being the first and the former watched afterwards, the first thing I have to talk about is what a shock it was to the system of this viewer to see a much much younger and slightly chubbier Scully on a low budget film and sets. I couldn't quite get over the huge difference between Season 8 and Season 1 Scully for the first few minutes until we first meet Boggs. Then I just settled in and enjoyed the show as I would had I never noticed anything. Boggs is such an awesome character and I think is very possibly the best guest star on the show ever. Brad Dourif is so great at those overly exaggerated facial expressions and makes you really believe that this is one crazy messed up guy. I love especially the scene where he relates Scully's story of when she had her first cigarette and he is playing with his hair like a little girl, and also his face as he suppresses letting the spirit of Scully's dad talk to her unless he gets a deal. This is just such a great all around episode with amazing performances by everyone involved. 10/10
Scully To The Fore
AudioFileZ29 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
After a dozen episodes where Scully is mainly used as the skeptic window dressing to Mulder's passionate search for implausible truth she finds reason to believe. Immediately upon her father's sudden death Scully senses he is reaching out to her, perhaps to say goodbye - or that he is fine with her decision not to follow medicine in order to pursue a career that makes her happy.
Luther Lee Boggs has a approaching second date with the gas chamber. Since the terror he felt, where he saw his victims, including his family, as he faced death he is terrified and begins to have visions of another serial killer and his latest young couple. He requests an audience with Mulder to attempt to bargain for life if he helps save the couple. Scully attends her own father's funeral only to jump right back to work and goes with Mulder to interview Bogs. Mulder,uncharacteristically, thinks Bogs is either manipulating the other killer or is a fake psychic. Scully believes otherwise as Bogs seems to know of her father and creepily sings lyrics to "Somewhere Beyond The Sea", a song with profound meaning to Dana's parents. This is a great switch, whereby Scully is the believer and Mulder the skeptic, and it pushes Gillian Anderson's character, finally, front and center. Anderson plays it excellently as the needy soul who is driven to believe, against her usual "right brain" logic. Scully is conflicted in a very realistic and palpable way. When she visually see clues offered by Boggs, and saves the female kidnapped victim, she has to push forward in spite of Mulder, and does so even denying his suspicion. The killer/kidnapper gets away and still has the male victim who, by habit, he will execute within the next three days. She returns to Bogs, after a failed attempt to have the governor commute his sentence to life, lying to Bogs about his fate so he will give in. Boggs goes into his psychic trance and tells her this time exactly where to look. Then, in an excellent writer's twist, tells Scully he knows she has lied to him and that he will die...But, if she attends his execution he will deliver a message from her father anyway.
Speaking of the writing, this is the best episode of season one hands down, in fact it is, perhaps, the best of the series. That says a lot since it isn't about alien/government conspiracy so-called "myth-arc". This all works well because of Anderson's excellent turn, Duchovy's muted performance, and the truly excellent script. The script on it's own is much more earthy, gritty, and believable. But, the real glue that it all hangs on is the "out-of-the-park" performance delivered by Brad Dourif's portrayal of Luther Boggs. Dourif is so uncannily the crazed killer that it stays in the viewer's mind long after the end credits roll. You'd think Dourif is going to collapse from hyper-ventilation as his channeling seems so intense. He should have got an Emmy for the dark presence he delivered.
See this one if you watch any episode of The X-Files. If more of the series could have reached the heights of "Somewhere Beyond The Sea" it would have equaled Star Trek in the pantheon of Sci-Fi TV history.
Luther Lee Boggs has a approaching second date with the gas chamber. Since the terror he felt, where he saw his victims, including his family, as he faced death he is terrified and begins to have visions of another serial killer and his latest young couple. He requests an audience with Mulder to attempt to bargain for life if he helps save the couple. Scully attends her own father's funeral only to jump right back to work and goes with Mulder to interview Bogs. Mulder,uncharacteristically, thinks Bogs is either manipulating the other killer or is a fake psychic. Scully believes otherwise as Bogs seems to know of her father and creepily sings lyrics to "Somewhere Beyond The Sea", a song with profound meaning to Dana's parents. This is a great switch, whereby Scully is the believer and Mulder the skeptic, and it pushes Gillian Anderson's character, finally, front and center. Anderson plays it excellently as the needy soul who is driven to believe, against her usual "right brain" logic. Scully is conflicted in a very realistic and palpable way. When she visually see clues offered by Boggs, and saves the female kidnapped victim, she has to push forward in spite of Mulder, and does so even denying his suspicion. The killer/kidnapper gets away and still has the male victim who, by habit, he will execute within the next three days. She returns to Bogs, after a failed attempt to have the governor commute his sentence to life, lying to Bogs about his fate so he will give in. Boggs goes into his psychic trance and tells her this time exactly where to look. Then, in an excellent writer's twist, tells Scully he knows she has lied to him and that he will die...But, if she attends his execution he will deliver a message from her father anyway.
Speaking of the writing, this is the best episode of season one hands down, in fact it is, perhaps, the best of the series. That says a lot since it isn't about alien/government conspiracy so-called "myth-arc". This all works well because of Anderson's excellent turn, Duchovy's muted performance, and the truly excellent script. The script on it's own is much more earthy, gritty, and believable. But, the real glue that it all hangs on is the "out-of-the-park" performance delivered by Brad Dourif's portrayal of Luther Boggs. Dourif is so uncannily the crazed killer that it stays in the viewer's mind long after the end credits roll. You'd think Dourif is going to collapse from hyper-ventilation as his channeling seems so intense. He should have got an Emmy for the dark presence he delivered.
See this one if you watch any episode of The X-Files. If more of the series could have reached the heights of "Somewhere Beyond The Sea" it would have equaled Star Trek in the pantheon of Sci-Fi TV history.
One factor redeemed this episode
pmicocci-1890820 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Brad Dourif makes this episode worth watching, but that's about it. Everything else is a rehash of so many previous movies, novels, etc.
Oh, and Scully doesn't come off as a complete idiot, for perhaps the first time in the series; maybe Mulder should have gotten shot more often.
Oh, and Scully doesn't come off as a complete idiot, for perhaps the first time in the series; maybe Mulder should have gotten shot more often.
Jaw-dropper; Anderson shows what she's got
BibChr22 January 2011
I become an X-files fan after the show had been on awhile. So just now, I'm starting over.
The episodes go by: okay, so-so, good, okay, okay, pretty good... and then WHAM! comes this episode, as if from another series.
Knowing what an amazing actress Gillian Anderson is, I'd noted how subdued she's been, not really given the opportunity to do much. But come this episode, amigo, there it is. I don't know whether it was the material, or whether it was partly Brad Dourif's stand-out performance challenging her to come up a notch (as David Duchovny's anemic metro-sexual character couldn't), but wow.
I'll leave it at "wow." That says it. That Gillian Anderson hasn't gone on to take her place by Meryl Streep remains a mystery to me.
The episodes go by: okay, so-so, good, okay, okay, pretty good... and then WHAM! comes this episode, as if from another series.
Knowing what an amazing actress Gillian Anderson is, I'd noted how subdued she's been, not really given the opportunity to do much. But come this episode, amigo, there it is. I don't know whether it was the material, or whether it was partly Brad Dourif's stand-out performance challenging her to come up a notch (as David Duchovny's anemic metro-sexual character couldn't), but wow.
I'll leave it at "wow." That says it. That Gillian Anderson hasn't gone on to take her place by Meryl Streep remains a mystery to me.
Dice tattoo
gerry-robin14 March 2022
Why does the tattoo on the guys neck get lighter and darker? It is really dark at the end of the episode and almost not able to be seen near the beginning of the episode. Like the way all the people he killed showed up for his walk of shame.
Black Lodge
chaos-rampant18 May 2013
This may prove to be a turning point in the show.
So far X-Files has been a mixed bag, but scrap the often silly 'monster' aspect and at root what is worth investigating in the show is the noir notion of an extralogical reality that comes alive according to the narrator's desire. So far Scully's raison d'etre had been to provide the logical counterpoint to spooky Mulder, inserting again and again the possibility of logical explanation to phenomena.
Here she has her own breakthrough, tied to loss and bereavement of her dead father. Usually in the context of the show we have 'hard' presentation of extralogical forces as 'real' outside of mind, but for the first time we have some 'soft' ambiguity; the thing may be only as real as the story we choose to remember, and yet no less ontologically real for that.
Anchored on one end in a powerhouse performance by Brad Dourif as spiritual conduit (or charlatan), on another we have what another reviewer astutely noted as the Twin Peaks connection. I did make a note of resemblance in my post for the Pilot, so it's nice to see it confirmed here.
So far X-Files has been a mixed bag, but scrap the often silly 'monster' aspect and at root what is worth investigating in the show is the noir notion of an extralogical reality that comes alive according to the narrator's desire. So far Scully's raison d'etre had been to provide the logical counterpoint to spooky Mulder, inserting again and again the possibility of logical explanation to phenomena.
Here she has her own breakthrough, tied to loss and bereavement of her dead father. Usually in the context of the show we have 'hard' presentation of extralogical forces as 'real' outside of mind, but for the first time we have some 'soft' ambiguity; the thing may be only as real as the story we choose to remember, and yet no less ontologically real for that.
Anchored on one end in a powerhouse performance by Brad Dourif as spiritual conduit (or charlatan), on another we have what another reviewer astutely noted as the Twin Peaks connection. I did make a note of resemblance in my post for the Pilot, so it's nice to see it confirmed here.
Outstanding performance
FDidriksen18 March 2012
Although I do prefer the "alien myth" episodes, Beyond the Sea is a favorite. Brad Dourif is outstanding in his performance, not just in his "talking to the dead/describing where the killer is" but in showing the regret and fear of a man going to the gas chamber. It was also very nice to see Don Davis in the role as Scullys father. With very few lines, father and daughter showed a relationship between two people still in the process of learning to show emotions. After his great role in Twin Peaks, I found it comfortable to know he would also be a part of the X Files universe. Brad Dourif and Don Davis are the type of actors you can always count on, when it comes to great acting.
A Lynch's Twin Peaks homage
virtualresidence24 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Dear All,
I'm very surprised no one mentioned about the very strange yet pleasant "Lynchian" content of this episode.
First... this episode is a turning point the show. There's a before and an after episode 12. No surprise there considering the fact that I really believe Chris Carter did direct this episode the exact way Lynch would have build this story. Here I don't blame Carter for being copying Lynch, I see it more as an homage to one of the best TV shows of all time: "Twin Peaks".
From the 1st second you're in Twin Peaks when appear Don S. Davis (Scully's father) who happened to have a very similar play in Twin Peaks: an US army officer and, moreover, involved in some extraterrestrial matters and "did see things". In X Files, he's a captain from the US army, dies and reappear in Scully's room, sat in an armchair, talking to her yet no sound can be heard. I believe that was Morgan intention to shoot the scene this way and it could have been one of Twin Peak's intense scene.
Other elements such as the "Waterfall", the "Angel" and the set up in the warehouse it absolutely similar to Twin Peak's plot: the Great North Hotel is located nearby a waterfall that is so important that it became a gimmick and was included in the opening title. The "Angel" reminds Laura Palmer's "pure death" after having been killed by Bob in both Twin Peaks and "Fire Walk with me". The set up in the warehouse looks a lot like the one in the train car where Laura and Ronette Poulaski where bounded, including the little mount of dust/sand and a medallion/chain from the victim (in Twin Peaks a half heart shape medallion). The killer looks just like Bob, the horrible grim kind of face, long grayish hair, blue jeans... the way he moves and acts also is similar to Laura Palmer's murderer. One of the female victim who survived is being interviewed in her hospital bed, reminding Ronette Pulaski after she had escaped from Bob and is asked to identify Bob's portrait.
At the most dramatic moment of the episode no fan of Twin Peaks would miss the music theme that is nothing else than the 3 first notes of the famous Angelo Badalamenti's Twin Peak's main theme with heavy oppressive strings.
Brad Dourif in his jail is a mix between Leland Palmer and the Mike the one-armed friend of Bob who he used to kill with. Both Leland and Mike have breakthrough moments during which Bob would speak through them. In X Files Brad have the same kind of seizure that would eventually help the FBI agents.
There's some other elements that don't come to my mind right now but the similarities between both shows are obvious.
As a matter of fact, not only Don S. Davis played in Twin Peaks but also David Duchovny was agent Dennis in 3 episodes of the 2nd season.
I believe there was there many signs that let me consider this episode as a kind of fan fiction story by Morgan being and Wong and it makes the guys even more likable.
Using the same effects and story lines used in Twin Peaks this episode kind of helped X Files to find its own personality. I believe that being put in a Twin Peaks alike story, Duchovny and Anderson found the resources to become Mulder and Scully and the show to become the success we know. Before episode 11 every piece sounded like pilots to me.
I'm very surprised no one mentioned about the very strange yet pleasant "Lynchian" content of this episode.
First... this episode is a turning point the show. There's a before and an after episode 12. No surprise there considering the fact that I really believe Chris Carter did direct this episode the exact way Lynch would have build this story. Here I don't blame Carter for being copying Lynch, I see it more as an homage to one of the best TV shows of all time: "Twin Peaks".
From the 1st second you're in Twin Peaks when appear Don S. Davis (Scully's father) who happened to have a very similar play in Twin Peaks: an US army officer and, moreover, involved in some extraterrestrial matters and "did see things". In X Files, he's a captain from the US army, dies and reappear in Scully's room, sat in an armchair, talking to her yet no sound can be heard. I believe that was Morgan intention to shoot the scene this way and it could have been one of Twin Peak's intense scene.
Other elements such as the "Waterfall", the "Angel" and the set up in the warehouse it absolutely similar to Twin Peak's plot: the Great North Hotel is located nearby a waterfall that is so important that it became a gimmick and was included in the opening title. The "Angel" reminds Laura Palmer's "pure death" after having been killed by Bob in both Twin Peaks and "Fire Walk with me". The set up in the warehouse looks a lot like the one in the train car where Laura and Ronette Poulaski where bounded, including the little mount of dust/sand and a medallion/chain from the victim (in Twin Peaks a half heart shape medallion). The killer looks just like Bob, the horrible grim kind of face, long grayish hair, blue jeans... the way he moves and acts also is similar to Laura Palmer's murderer. One of the female victim who survived is being interviewed in her hospital bed, reminding Ronette Pulaski after she had escaped from Bob and is asked to identify Bob's portrait.
At the most dramatic moment of the episode no fan of Twin Peaks would miss the music theme that is nothing else than the 3 first notes of the famous Angelo Badalamenti's Twin Peak's main theme with heavy oppressive strings.
Brad Dourif in his jail is a mix between Leland Palmer and the Mike the one-armed friend of Bob who he used to kill with. Both Leland and Mike have breakthrough moments during which Bob would speak through them. In X Files Brad have the same kind of seizure that would eventually help the FBI agents.
There's some other elements that don't come to my mind right now but the similarities between both shows are obvious.
As a matter of fact, not only Don S. Davis played in Twin Peaks but also David Duchovny was agent Dennis in 3 episodes of the 2nd season.
I believe there was there many signs that let me consider this episode as a kind of fan fiction story by Morgan being and Wong and it makes the guys even more likable.
Using the same effects and story lines used in Twin Peaks this episode kind of helped X Files to find its own personality. I believe that being put in a Twin Peaks alike story, Duchovny and Anderson found the resources to become Mulder and Scully and the show to become the success we know. Before episode 11 every piece sounded like pilots to me.
An utterly outstanding episode
SleepTight66620 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
An utterly outstanding episode. Easily the first Season's best. Just what this show needed to keep me interested.
Brad Dourif definitely gave the best guest performance in this episode, and maybe of the entire series. He was absolutely outstanding. As was Gillian Anderson, it's one of her best acting. I never thought highly of DD in the first seasons, but GA was brilliant from the very start. She was very convincing.
This is really the first, and only episode of Season 1 where I prefer Scully over Mulder. Her episodes have always been strong and give her character justice. and gets us to understand her a little better. 'I'm afraid to believe'.
All around, FIVE + stars for sure.
Brad Dourif definitely gave the best guest performance in this episode, and maybe of the entire series. He was absolutely outstanding. As was Gillian Anderson, it's one of her best acting. I never thought highly of DD in the first seasons, but GA was brilliant from the very start. She was very convincing.
This is really the first, and only episode of Season 1 where I prefer Scully over Mulder. Her episodes have always been strong and give her character justice. and gets us to understand her a little better. 'I'm afraid to believe'.
All around, FIVE + stars for sure.
"Did you get my message, Starbuck?"
classicsoncall15 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This episode of 'The X-Files' became an early favorite of mine for two reasons - the fantastic performance of Brad Dourif, and the way the story utilized Bobby Darin's popular tune 'Beyond the Sea' to such mysterious, hypnotic effect. It's not even that kind of song really, more a romantic ballad of a man expectantly waiting for the next time he'll see his lover again. It's too bad more of the song couldn't have been used in the story.
As for Brad Dourif, I became an instant fan the first time I saw him give an equally incredible performance in his very first credited screen role as Billy Bibbit in 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". He plays a very similar character in that story prior to committing suicide at the instigation of a domineering Nurse Ratched. Dourif was also quite brilliant as Doc Cochran in the HBO Western series 'Deadwood', and he's an actor I can watch again and again just because of the performance he puts on.
That's not to take anything away from Gillian Anderson's breakout here in the role of Agent Dana Scully. She takes the lead in the story after partner Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) takes a bullet during a chase, and it's an interesting juxtaposition the story takes when Scully becomes a believer in the paranormal while Mulder attempts to dissuade her gut instincts. Actually, I couldn't understand why the writing for the story didn't allow for Scully to confide in her partner more regarding her dead father channeling through Luther Lee Boggs (Dourif).
One has to take it on faith that Scully comes to terms with the relationship she had with her father (Don Davis). Her own answer at the close of the story sounds more like a rationalization than a certainty when the question of his being proud of her is broached by Mulder. 'He was my father' sounded more like an attempt to bury the issue rather than confront it head on, and so, I felt that left an unresolved question mark for Scully. There's that, and Scully's apprehension at becoming convinced of forces out there that can't be explained, because even though she experienced Boggs's uncanny ability to tap the beyond, she's inclined to remain the ever vigilant skeptic when she proclaims - "I'm afraid to believe".
As for Brad Dourif, I became an instant fan the first time I saw him give an equally incredible performance in his very first credited screen role as Billy Bibbit in 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". He plays a very similar character in that story prior to committing suicide at the instigation of a domineering Nurse Ratched. Dourif was also quite brilliant as Doc Cochran in the HBO Western series 'Deadwood', and he's an actor I can watch again and again just because of the performance he puts on.
That's not to take anything away from Gillian Anderson's breakout here in the role of Agent Dana Scully. She takes the lead in the story after partner Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) takes a bullet during a chase, and it's an interesting juxtaposition the story takes when Scully becomes a believer in the paranormal while Mulder attempts to dissuade her gut instincts. Actually, I couldn't understand why the writing for the story didn't allow for Scully to confide in her partner more regarding her dead father channeling through Luther Lee Boggs (Dourif).
One has to take it on faith that Scully comes to terms with the relationship she had with her father (Don Davis). Her own answer at the close of the story sounds more like a rationalization than a certainty when the question of his being proud of her is broached by Mulder. 'He was my father' sounded more like an attempt to bury the issue rather than confront it head on, and so, I felt that left an unresolved question mark for Scully. There's that, and Scully's apprehension at becoming convinced of forces out there that can't be explained, because even though she experienced Boggs's uncanny ability to tap the beyond, she's inclined to remain the ever vigilant skeptic when she proclaims - "I'm afraid to believe".
Masterpiece from season 1
rwalker2513 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Having suffered through the mediocre and worse episodes of the reboot seasons, I was reminded why I became a hardcore fan in the first place when I revisited this episode. A simply terrific, taut drama with multiple layers that work on every level. This is the first episode where the character of Scully is given some depth and Gillian Anderson is more than up to the task, from the scenes where she regresses to her little girl voice, to the scene where she is screaming in rage at Boggs. Brad Dourif as Boggs is brilliant. The ending where Mulder puts his hand on Scully's arm strikes exactly the right note. All told one of the best of any season and my only complaint is that we do not get to know Captain Scully better; in his first and only episode (excepting flashbacks) he is killed off before he even reaches the first commercial break.
X-Files Season 1, Episode 13
Gotrek_Fabian13 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
* Warning - Possible spoilers *
This is, in my opinion, Season 1's best episode of the cult show.
The norm of the FBI's paranormal investigating duo is flipped on its head here whereby Mulder is a non believer of an incarcerated murderer on death row who claims to be psychic and Dana Scully, the skeptic of the duo, has her logical and scientific mindset pushed to the point of its limits when she sees her recently deceased father channeled via Lucas Boggs (the psychic prisoner). Mulder requests proof of the abilities of Boggs and accuses him of being a charlatan when his test isn't passed and he reveals that he set up the test. Scully however is suddenly shocked to hear something immediately after the interview and test which shocks her to her core and later in the episode she decides to act on the information which Mulder ruled out as being unreliable when she sees things foretold by Boggs' precognition.
The incarcerated serial murderer is played with supreme expertise by Brad Dourif and brings the shows best moments. Despite the role being confined within three walls and and bars, Brad somehow elevates the performance into something amazing and outshines even the shows stars with his portrayal of Lucas Boggs' emotion of others persons being channeled by the character, his fear of his outcome and the knowledge of what others are thinking.
Despite it being 23 years old, this episode has stood the test of time and will, most likely, still shine in another 20+ years.
This is, in my opinion, Season 1's best episode of the cult show.
The norm of the FBI's paranormal investigating duo is flipped on its head here whereby Mulder is a non believer of an incarcerated murderer on death row who claims to be psychic and Dana Scully, the skeptic of the duo, has her logical and scientific mindset pushed to the point of its limits when she sees her recently deceased father channeled via Lucas Boggs (the psychic prisoner). Mulder requests proof of the abilities of Boggs and accuses him of being a charlatan when his test isn't passed and he reveals that he set up the test. Scully however is suddenly shocked to hear something immediately after the interview and test which shocks her to her core and later in the episode she decides to act on the information which Mulder ruled out as being unreliable when she sees things foretold by Boggs' precognition.
The incarcerated serial murderer is played with supreme expertise by Brad Dourif and brings the shows best moments. Despite the role being confined within three walls and and bars, Brad somehow elevates the performance into something amazing and outshines even the shows stars with his portrayal of Lucas Boggs' emotion of others persons being channeled by the character, his fear of his outcome and the knowledge of what others are thinking.
Despite it being 23 years old, this episode has stood the test of time and will, most likely, still shine in another 20+ years.
Somewhere Beyond The Sea...
Dresden_Doll_10131 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Beyond The Sea is a brilliant Season 1 episode. I nearly had a heart attack when I found out Brad Dourif was in it. I love One Flew Over The Cukoo's Nest. <3 The Story line was good and a heart-breaking journey for Scully. Anyway, here are some good and bad points about this episode,
The Good: Mulder calls Scully, Dana. <33
And Scully mutters it under her breath softly. <3 x]
Brad Dourif. Enough said.
I love the song, Beyond The Sea.
The Bad: Why did Boggs channel all that stuff while holding a Knicks T-Shirt?
Conclusion: Really good episode, deserves full marks. 10/10
The Good: Mulder calls Scully, Dana. <33
And Scully mutters it under her breath softly. <3 x]
Brad Dourif. Enough said.
I love the song, Beyond The Sea.
The Bad: Why did Boggs channel all that stuff while holding a Knicks T-Shirt?
Conclusion: Really good episode, deserves full marks. 10/10
The best episode of the 1st season
chris_0407198931 March 2019
Actually in this episode there is pure acting!!!
Great performance by Brad Dourif.
And there also is the right way (in my opinion) to tell a supernatural or fictional story with suspense and mystery. We never have evidence for anything and we can't choose the right side.
Good job. Congrats!
As time goes by...
aleroman14 November 2019
No matter how many years have elapsed since the first airing of this episode, time can only - as with the best wines - improve the product. Extraordinary performance by Brad Dourif, and convincing Gillian Anderson throughout the development of the story.
Best from Season 1 and one of the best from the show
leonardopoisl25 July 2020
Not only for the plot through the eyes of Scully (Anderson), but Brad Dourif was brilliant and so real in his acting! His eyes, the tears, the fear in his voice (and also his madness)
One of the best acting in a TV Series
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