War of the Coprophages 

While looking for signs of alien ships in the sky above a small town, Mulder learns of a series of deaths supposedly caused by metallic cockroaches. He turns to sexy entomologist Bambi for help, which makes Scully angrily rush to his aid.

Director:

Kim Manners

Writers:

Chris Carter (created by), Darin Morgan

Stars:

David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Bobbie Phillips

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
David Duchovny	...	Fox Mulder
Gillian Anderson	...	Dana Scully
Bobbie Phillips	...	Dr. Bambi Berenbaum
Raye Birk	...	Dr. Jeff Eckerle
Dion Anderson	...	Sheriff Frass
Bill Dow	...	Dr. Rick Newton
Alex Bruhanski	...	Dr. Bugger
Ken Kramer	...	Dr. Ivanov
Nicole Parker	...	Chick
A.J. Buckley	...	Dude (as Alan Buckley)
Tyler Labine	...	Stoner
Maria Herrera	...	Customer #1
Sean Allan	...	Customer #2
Norma Jean Wick	...	Reporter (as Norma Wick)
Wren Roberts	...	Orderly (as Wren Robertz)

Storyline

Agent Mulder is out investigating reports of strange lights in the night sky when he learns from the local sheriff that there is another death in town from killer cockroaches. Intrigued, Mulder tags along and a series of deaths ensue with witnesses all claiming the dead body was covered with roaches, though none are to be found when the police arrive. When he learns that there is a local experiment going on, Mulder meets the entomologist involved, the rather attractive Dr. Bambi Berenbaum. The answer however, lies with other tests going on in town. Throughout, Mulder keeps in touch with Scully who seems to have a logical explanation for everything that's happened so far. As people in the town begin to panic, Scully travels there and joins Mulder to get the poop on just what is going on.

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Plot Keywords:

panic | exterminator | explosion | methane | laboratory | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 January 1996 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 2, North Shore Studios, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ten Thirteen Productions, 20th Century Fox Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Scully arrives in town, at the grocery-store riot, a sailor in classic Navy uniform grabs a bunch of chocolate and pantyhose, 2 things that were heavily rationed during WWII.

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Goofs

Near the end Fox is eating a piece of cake or cookie, he is picking up the same piece twice. In between shots of the first and second time, it shows that the plate has nothing on that side of where he picked it from the second time.

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Quotes

Stoner: This stuff takes your mind and just sort of, you know... expands it.
Redheaded Chick: Well, something tells me it's more than my mind you guys are interested in expanding.
Stoner: Well, how about another beer then?

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Crazy Credits

Just before the closing credits roll, after the final "chord" and display of exec Producer Chris Carter, there is a clear "whirr/chirp" like that the roaches in the episode made.

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Connections

Referenced in The X-Files: Mulder & Scully Meet the Were-Monster (2016)

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Soundtracks

The X-Files
Written by Mark Snow
Performed by John Beal

User Reviews

Not like the rest

I am going back and watching all the seasons before the new movie comes out and I must say that in the first three seasons this episode stands out like no other. It's a throwback to old science fiction movies and the playful banter between Scully and Mulder is reminiscent of early season one. This episode was funny and a nice depart from the myth/arc episodes and the MOTW episodes. I always love the dynamic between Mulder and Scully and it's really showcased here. It's meant to be a light-hearted venture rather than the serious intense episodes of late or even some of the weaker MOTW episodes. Kick back and relax. I give it 10/10 for being a much welcomed surprise.