The X-Files
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Episode Guide
"Invocation"


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Episode 8ABX06

Title: Invocation

First screened in Australia: 7 March, 2001
First screened in the USA: 3 December, 2000

Credits: Director: Richard Compton
Writer: David Amann Starring: Guest Stars: Plot:
Agents Scully and Doggett investigate the reappearance of a young boy kidnapped ten years ago, who returns to his family having not aged at all. Doggett takes a very personal interest in the case, and he and Scully discover that although the boy appears to be normal, things are not what they seem. Fox Press Release
My Rating: 8/10
An excellent dark and scary episode that really got back to the old X-Files style after probably too many light and humourous episodes in the past few seasons. The episode was well written and directed and the suspense built throughout. There were some nice touches such as the opening scene looking down on the pony ride and Billy on the swing. The "ghost" Billy was reminiscent of The Midwich Cuckoos and was suitably terrifying, although I guess a little too much is left unexplained as to why he returns when he does and the abduction of Josh.

Where Have I Seen That Face Before?
Twins Kyle and Ryan Pepi (Billy Underwood) have (both) appeared on the TV soap "Another World" plus "Outside Providence".

Kim Greist (Lisa Underwood) had a recurring role on "Chicago Hope" and has been seen in the movies "CHUD", "Brazil", "Throw Momma From The Train", "Roswell" and "Zoe".

Colton James (Josh Underwood) has been in the movies "Lost World: Jurassic Park" and "Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me". He also appeared in the "Seinfeld" episode "The Blood".

Erich Anderson (Doug Underwood) has had regular roles in the TV shows "Felicity", "Thirtysomething" and "NYPD Blue". His movie roles include "Friday The 13th The Final Chapter", "Bat 21", "Missing In Action" and "Thick As Thieves".

Jake Fritz's only other role was in the "Lucky Numbers" movie with John Travolta, recently released in Australia at the time this episode aired.

Where Have I Heard That Name Before?
Director Richard Compton has had a long career. He started as a writer, including the movie "The California Kid" an early role for both Martin Sheen and Nick Nolte. He also wrote and directed "Macon County Line" starring Geoff Lewis [from the Tithonhus episode.]

He's directed many TV movies plus the feature film "Ransom"; as well as many TV series including "TJ Hooker", "Hill Street Blues", "Miami Vice", "LA Law", "Star Trek Next Generation", "Baywatch", "Home Improvement", "Profiler", "The Fugitive" and "Hercules".

He's also had acting roles, including two "Star Trek" episodes. He was also a producer of "Sliders".

For more information check his Director's Net page.

Trivia and Research:
The melody that is played over the opening shot of this episode is a traditional lullaby called All The Pretty Little Horses:

  Hush-a-bye don't you cry,
  Go to sleep-y, little baby.
  When you wake you shall have
  All the pretty little horses.
  Blacks and bays, dapple grays,
  Coach and six white horses.
  Hush-a-bye don't you cry,
  Go to sleep-y, little baby.

From The Official X-Files Web Site.



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