"The Gift" is the eleventh episode of the eighth season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files. It premiered on the Fox network in the United States on February 4, 2001. The episode was written by Frank Spotnitz and directed by Kim Manners. "The Gift" has elements of both a "Monster-of-the-Week" episode, and an entry in the series' mythology. The episode received a Nielsen rating of 8.8 and was viewed by 14.6 million viewers. Overall, the episode received largely mixed reviews from television critics; while many appreciated the return focus on Fox Mulder's absence, others felt that the plot revelations were unnaturally forced into the show.
"The Gift" was written by executive producer Frank Spotnitz.
Fox heavily promoted the episode due to the return of David Duchovny as Fox Mulder.
Image: Medicine Wheel
The eighth season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files commenced airing in the United States on November 5, 2000, concluded on May 20, 2001, and consisted of twenty-one episodes. Season eight takes place after Fox Mulder's alien abduction in the seventh season. The story arc for the search of Mulder continues until the second half of the season, while a new arc about Dana Scully's pregnancy is formed. This arc would continue, and end, with the next season. The season explores various themes such as life, death, and belief.
DVD cover
The new opening sequence for season eight, featuring Robert Patrick, as well as images alluding to Scully's pregnancy (lower left) and Mulder's disappearance (lower right).
Robert Patrick played John Doggett on the show.