10 X-Files Episodes That Should Have Been Horror Movies
4. Home
Undoubtedly the most infamous episode of the show, 'Home' generated a considerable amount of controversy back in 1996, to the point where the network refused to re-broadcast it for many years.
Coming at a time when TV audiences weren't so used to violence and bloodshed, the sight of malformed country-men burying a screaming baby alive really pushed the envelope for what was acceptable on the small screen.
For those that could stomach that notoriously dark opening, however, they were treated to one of the show's best horror outings.
After the baby is accidentally exhumed, Mulder and Scully are brought in to investigate where the child came from. All rumours and sources lead them to The Peacock house, where the residents live in isolation from the rest of the world and have practised incest for many generations.
The 'backwoods slasher' and 'hillbilly horror' genre is considered old-hat these days, but The Peacock family possess a greater depth when compared to the usual inbred mountain folk we see terrorising horny teenagers. Mrs Peacock especially provides a disturbing insight into their motivations and family dynamics, whilst her three sons are distinct enough in both looks and behaviour to warrant further examination.
Truly chilling stuff.