One of The X-Files’ Weirdest Episodes Got Roasted as “Repulsive” by Gillian Anderson

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Many devoted fans of “The X-Files” might not realize that lead actress Gillian Anderson found one episode’s script deeply troubling. Over its initial nine-season span from 1993 to 2002, and the two-season revival in 2016 and 2018, “The X-Files” delivered numerous frightening and unsettling tales featuring FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Anderson). These characters were often tasked with investigating paranormal phenomena and bizarre occurrences, including encounters with terrifying creatures, supernatural beings, and gruesome murders. One episode of this iconic sci-fi show left Anderson shocked to the core, and it’s mind-boggling to discover just how graphic its violence was.

In 1996, during the fourth season of “The X-Files,” an episode titled “Sanguinarium” was broadcast. This standalone episode, directed by Kim Manners, focused on a string of grisly murders in a hospital’s cosmetic surgery department. The title, derived from the Latin word for blood, alludes to the graphic violence depicted in the story. In his 1998 book “I Want to Believe: The Official Guide to the X-Files Volume 3,” David Duchovny (Mulder) described the episode as one of the most disturbing he ever filmed due to its graphic and gory scenes. The excessive blood and gore in “Sanguinarium” set it apart from other particularly unsettling episodes of “The X-Files.

What Prompted Gillian Anderson Repulsed Reaction to “Sanguinarium”

In the chilling opener of “Sanguinarium,” I found myself shuddering at an unsettling scene unfolding in a hospital setting. As Dr. Harrison Lloyd, a skilled yet tragic surgeon (portrayed by John Juliani), was performing a routine liposuction, he inadvertently caused the patient’s demise due to an excessive removal of fat. The ensuing bloodbath left me spellbound.

Later on, my favorite duo, Mulder and Scully, made their entrance. They were quick to notice a pentagram etched on the floor, hinting at supernatural elements possibly influencing this grisly murder. As the episode progressed, Dr. Ilaqua (Paul Raskin) added another layer of horror by searing a hole through a patient’s neck with a laser, leaving the surgeons baffled and helpless in explaining their actions.

Mulder and Scully delved deeper into this mysterious case, suspecting that witchcraft had taken control over the doctors, emanating from an unknown source. A false lead led them to one of the hospital’s nurses, but eventually, they uncovered Dr. Jack Franklin’s (Richard Beymer) sinister plot: he was striving for immortality by attempting to replace his face with a younger-looking visage belonging to one of his patients during a ritual. It was this quest that connected the gruesome killings throughout the hospital.

This episode contains additional intense scenes, such as a character severely burned by acid and a nurse vomiting pins, along with the previously mentioned events. The show “The X-Files” effectively creates an unsettling ambiance through these graphic depictions of blood and violence in a medical setting. It’s understandable why some might find “Sanguinarium” off-putting, as its gruesome death scenes are not typically seen in “The X-Files”. Many viewers have even labeled it one of the most unsettling episodes of the series. While “The X-Files” often explores themes like paranormal possessions and serial killers, “Sanguinarium” takes these topics to a much more graphic and violent level.

“Sanguinarium” Is Still a Standout X-Files Episode Despite Its Mixed Reception

Despite being notably disturbing, the “Sanguinarium” episode of The X-Files received mixed opinions from viewers. On IMDb, it has a user rating of 7.3, which is lower than many other episodes that score in the 8s and 9s. Instead of building and maintaining tension throughout, “Sanguinarium” relies more on shock value from start to finish. The ending is also not particularly satisfying, as Dr. Franklin’s character accepts a new job, implying he will continue to commit murders. Additionally, the background of Dr. Franklin’s witchcraft could have been fleshed out further, and Mulder and Scully have limited opportunities for meaningful dialogue in this episode.

In essence, “Sanguinarium” might not be the most thrilling episode in the X-Files series, but it stands out by demonstrating the show’s ability to keep viewers guessing – even surprising its cast members at times. Chris Carter’s comments underscore the unique nature of “Sanguinarium,” as it departed significantly from The X-Files’ signature approach of creating suspense and fear through atmospheric tension and haunting visuals, with minimal gore. Post “Sanguinarium,” The X-Files didn’t often revisit this level of graphic horror, which could be seen as a positive development.

All seasons of The X-Files are available to stream on Hulu.

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2025-06-28 06:10