The X-Files: Shadows (1.6)

An intriguing exercise in characters finding simple solutions to what, on the surface, looks like a huge problem, Shadows is in no way a classic, but it's a reasonably exciting X-File with the requisite amount of scares and intrigue for a case-of-the-week episode this early in the show's life.

The X-Files: The Jersey Devil (1.5)

The only memorable part of The Jersey Devil is the subplot about Scully's date. Continuing her evolution as a character, it's pretty telling when she ends up realizing it's far more fun tracking down a wild beast-woman than going on a second date with a dull taxman. Unfortunately, the beast-woman story isn't so much fun to begin with.

Film reviews: The House of the Devil (2009)

As much a masterclass in sustained tension and unrelenting suspense as it is a pastiche on all things 1980's, The House of the Devil has deservedly been treated as somewhat of a modern classic. From the effortlessly cool freeze-frame opening titles to the hefty walkman our protagonist carries around throughout the film, the era of those reliably low-budget '80s slasher flicks is masterfully sent up, while at the same time director Ti West produces a film that undoubtedly improves on the trashy horrors that inspired it.

The X-Files: Conduit (1.4)

An emotional episode which really evolves on the character of Mulder and the abduction of his sister, Conduit is hardly perfect but does make for an entertaining hour. Regardless of its quality, it's still one of those forgettable early X-Files hours, only particularly memorable for that great moment where Kevin's binary drawings are revealed to be an elaborate picture of his sister when seen from overhead.

Nip/Tuck: Cliff Mantegna (1.7)

I found Kimber really depressing in this episode. She's clearly a damaged woman, who is madly in love with Christian, and willing to fulfill all his desires in order to make him love her like she loves him. Unfortunately, she's realizing this is impossible. The scene where she begins making out with the girl at the party made for uncomfortable viewing, seeing as she really didn't want to do it, but ended up doing so only to try and please Christian. She's a really sad character.

Nip/Tuck: Megan O'Hara (1.6)

Kimber has always been my favorite Nip/Tuck character, and this episode is the first to give her a lot of material. It also gives her a lot more depth than she had previously been given, as well as a chance for Kelly Carlson to show what a talented actress she is.

Nip/Tuck: Kurt Dempsey (1.5)

Another spanner is thrown into the works when it comes to Sean and Julia's relationship, as an unexpected pregnancy disrupts their lives and they both end up feeling emotions which they never expected they'd feel. In Sean's case, he's surprisingly excited about the possibility of another child, and wants to go through with it. I found it interesting that he originally wanted Julia to have an abortion when she fell pregnant with Matt, whereas now he doesn't. Maybe he's subconsciously nervous over Julia becoming a success, and hopes that a baby would make that impossible?

The X-Files: Squeeze (1.3)

One of the eeriest, most original X-Files episodes, Squeeze was the series' first foray into monster-of-the-week territory, successfully steering away from the UFO/alien-type storylines that could have easily been done every week, and creates the first in a long-line of imaginative, memorable bad guys.