Mulder and Scully decide to take the weekend off and get away for a while and for Scully it means to actually get away, to Maine. I remember really liking this episode when I was younger and thrilled that it was co-written by Stephen King (even though I hadn't read any King yet back then). I watched it now and wasn't as impressed, but it was still a good episode. I read that in earlier drafts, in King's version of the script, Mulder and Scully's characters were way off. I wondered if he even watched the show. I'd love to read the early drafts, but thank goodness for Chris Carter. And while Scully pined for a relaxing vacation throughout the episode, I think she really was on vacation, at least mentally. She took a brief trip into Mulder-land, where the minds are open and the possibility of a doll making people kill themselves could actually be plausible. Mulder called Scully to offer statistics and facts, so very Scully of him. And this episode wasn't even about religion, where this role-reversal kind of phenomena usually takes place. So I guess the real winner of this episode is not so much the doll plot or the fact that it's written by the King of Horror, but our dynamic duo, their vacation from their own self, the beginning of throwing pencils in the ceiling, and their inability to truly be away from each other without some hilarious phone calls.
19 Reviews
"Let's have fun."
classicsoncall12 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As I'm often wont to do, I had to look up the meaning of the word 'chinga' as the title of this episode, and if you happen to do the same, you'll really get an eyeful you weren't expecting. Turns out neither Chris Carter or Stephen King were aware of all the implications of the word derived from it's Spanish origins, and I'm surprised no one else on the staff of the show managed to question it. As it turns out, the 'Chinga' here was apparently meant to refer to the evil doll.
The way the story is written, it's kind of difficult to figure out who the evil entity in the story really is, the doll or young Polly Turner (Jenny-Lynn Hutcheson). Polly is prone to mostly surly looks and annoying demands of her mother Melissa (Susannah Hoffman), but it's her doll that perks up with that "Let's have fun" line whenever disaster is about to strike. Usually preceded or followed by accompanying lyrics to the 'Hokey Pokey', a dance tune you'll never hear in the same way again after watching this episode.
With Scully drawn into a bizarre murder investigation while vacationing in Maine, there's little for Mulder to do except sit back in his apartment and offer up less than helpful advice from a distance. What was actually kind of amusing was when police chief Bonsaint (Larry Musser) offered up a Mulder-like explanation to Scully on why the windows in Melissa Turner's house were nailed shut - perhaps she was trying to prevent something from getting out!
Tempering her need for relaxation with a seeming necessity to get involved with the police investigation at hand, I was amused to catch Scully's choice of reading material next to the phone in her motel room. It was called "Affirmation For Women Who Do Too Much" by Adrianna Carillo. Trivia junkie that I am, I had to look that up and it appears that it was all made up for the show, as neither the title or author exist. How the book got there then, might have made for a pretty good X-Files story all by itself.
Reading some of the other reviews for this episode, it appears that it's not a favorite with most viewers or fans of the series, but I have to tell you. It has some of the most gruesome deaths depicted anywhere, like Butcher Dave's knife to the eye, and the flashback of Rich Turner taking a grappling hook through his skull. But if I had to bet on the scariest thing in the show, notwithstanding the evil Chinga doll - that had to be the hugest lobster I've ever seen!
The way the story is written, it's kind of difficult to figure out who the evil entity in the story really is, the doll or young Polly Turner (Jenny-Lynn Hutcheson). Polly is prone to mostly surly looks and annoying demands of her mother Melissa (Susannah Hoffman), but it's her doll that perks up with that "Let's have fun" line whenever disaster is about to strike. Usually preceded or followed by accompanying lyrics to the 'Hokey Pokey', a dance tune you'll never hear in the same way again after watching this episode.
With Scully drawn into a bizarre murder investigation while vacationing in Maine, there's little for Mulder to do except sit back in his apartment and offer up less than helpful advice from a distance. What was actually kind of amusing was when police chief Bonsaint (Larry Musser) offered up a Mulder-like explanation to Scully on why the windows in Melissa Turner's house were nailed shut - perhaps she was trying to prevent something from getting out!
Tempering her need for relaxation with a seeming necessity to get involved with the police investigation at hand, I was amused to catch Scully's choice of reading material next to the phone in her motel room. It was called "Affirmation For Women Who Do Too Much" by Adrianna Carillo. Trivia junkie that I am, I had to look that up and it appears that it was all made up for the show, as neither the title or author exist. How the book got there then, might have made for a pretty good X-Files story all by itself.
Reading some of the other reviews for this episode, it appears that it's not a favorite with most viewers or fans of the series, but I have to tell you. It has some of the most gruesome deaths depicted anywhere, like Butcher Dave's knife to the eye, and the flashback of Rich Turner taking a grappling hook through his skull. But if I had to bet on the scariest thing in the show, notwithstanding the evil Chinga doll - that had to be the hugest lobster I've ever seen!
"do the hokey pokey..."
Quinoa19849 August 2006
Chinga isn't one of the very best episodes from the X-Files, but as a piece co-written as the only one by Stephen King, it gives more than few obvious but quite entertaining moments. It's all predicated on something that has been in other King works- the girl who is more than a little 'off'. This time, however, her anger and hatred gets channeled- or just put into place- through a doll that was discovered by her (viciously made dead) father. It's also another in the crop of about 85-90% of King's work taking place in Maine, where Scully gets involved while- as she repeats to many- on vacation. The episode is basically for King fans like a short story not made into some overlong movie but a 45 minute film with lots of style trying to mingle with the very (not always necessarily) sly dialog and, of course, lots of violence.
In fact this might be one of the more violent ones in nature, as the special doll sometimes goes on cue based on the girl, or through a song "Do the hokey pokey", which in and of itself is kind of hokey too. Lots of harsh deaths involving clawing eyes out and ends met by witchcraft of some sort. While there aren't any scenes ala Child's Play with the doll running around doing the murders, there's still something sort of missing from other episodes that Chris Carter as co-writer doesn't quite get into it. If not for King's involvement it might've fared even less. But as it is I was glad I saw it, even out of order from watching all of the episodes now season to season, and there's some dry funny moments involving Mulder back at FBI headquarters with his theories and endless time to kill (I loved the little pencil gag at the end). Worth it for fans of the author, if only for the tongue-in-cheek bits, though X-Files fans thinking his name might mean brilliance might be disappointed.
In fact this might be one of the more violent ones in nature, as the special doll sometimes goes on cue based on the girl, or through a song "Do the hokey pokey", which in and of itself is kind of hokey too. Lots of harsh deaths involving clawing eyes out and ends met by witchcraft of some sort. While there aren't any scenes ala Child's Play with the doll running around doing the murders, there's still something sort of missing from other episodes that Chris Carter as co-writer doesn't quite get into it. If not for King's involvement it might've fared even less. But as it is I was glad I saw it, even out of order from watching all of the episodes now season to season, and there's some dry funny moments involving Mulder back at FBI headquarters with his theories and endless time to kill (I loved the little pencil gag at the end). Worth it for fans of the author, if only for the tongue-in-cheek bits, though X-Files fans thinking his name might mean brilliance might be disappointed.
Scully's New England Vacation!
injury-654476 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Suitably Stephen King-Esque this episode takes place in Maine and features a possessed doll, rumours of witchcraft and a creepy little girl. The perfect setting for this kind of a story. We can feel the history of the area rising up from the depths of the lake.
Scully can't catch a break. All she wants is one weekend away from Mulder's obsessive spook hunting to enjoy a relaxing bath and some classical tunes. Unfortunately for her, Mulder's spookiness magnet must be contagious as she soon finds herself embroiled in an X-File of delightful proportions.
The death and possession scenes are fabulous. This episode has one of the best openers I've seen in the whole series! A grocery store full of people overcome by head bleeding and stumbling around - no Mulder it's not the medieval "dancing sickness" - and a vision of impending doom in the freezer aisle. I love how the best episodes of X-Files strike this perfect balance of horror and humour.
The Hokey Pokey music is used to great creepy effect. Nothing like old timey records to set a mood.
Mulder as comic relief is fantastic here. It reminds me of an inversion of the "War of the Coprophages" where Scully would advise Mulder over the phone of the scientific and logical explanations of the deaths. Instead, here we have Mulder yammering on about witches, dancing sicknesses and whatnot. He is bored out of his mind without Scully around and is adorably dependent on her.
The inept police officer is great as a bumbling Mainer. It's adorable how he guilt trips Scully into helping him with the case, despite her best efforts. Their lobster date is a highlight too.
Microwave? I dunno how that set the doll on fire, but I'll accept it.
The Annabelle movies could have learned a lot from this episode. Mulder himself references Chucky in the episode - jokingly. As far as I'm concerned this is the gold standard for a creepy doll movie. I'm glad they didn't waste screentime explaining the origin story of the doll. We just get the good stuff.
Who in their right mind would give a little girl a creepy lake-dredged doll for her birthday? Hasn't he ever seen a horror movie before?
It might just be a personal guilty pleasure but I'm willing to overlook any faults here - I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Perfect 10 in my book.
Scully can't catch a break. All she wants is one weekend away from Mulder's obsessive spook hunting to enjoy a relaxing bath and some classical tunes. Unfortunately for her, Mulder's spookiness magnet must be contagious as she soon finds herself embroiled in an X-File of delightful proportions.
The death and possession scenes are fabulous. This episode has one of the best openers I've seen in the whole series! A grocery store full of people overcome by head bleeding and stumbling around - no Mulder it's not the medieval "dancing sickness" - and a vision of impending doom in the freezer aisle. I love how the best episodes of X-Files strike this perfect balance of horror and humour.
The Hokey Pokey music is used to great creepy effect. Nothing like old timey records to set a mood.
Mulder as comic relief is fantastic here. It reminds me of an inversion of the "War of the Coprophages" where Scully would advise Mulder over the phone of the scientific and logical explanations of the deaths. Instead, here we have Mulder yammering on about witches, dancing sicknesses and whatnot. He is bored out of his mind without Scully around and is adorably dependent on her.
The inept police officer is great as a bumbling Mainer. It's adorable how he guilt trips Scully into helping him with the case, despite her best efforts. Their lobster date is a highlight too.
Microwave? I dunno how that set the doll on fire, but I'll accept it.
The Annabelle movies could have learned a lot from this episode. Mulder himself references Chucky in the episode - jokingly. As far as I'm concerned this is the gold standard for a creepy doll movie. I'm glad they didn't waste screentime explaining the origin story of the doll. We just get the good stuff.
Who in their right mind would give a little girl a creepy lake-dredged doll for her birthday? Hasn't he ever seen a horror movie before?
It might just be a personal guilty pleasure but I'm willing to overlook any faults here - I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Perfect 10 in my book.
Eat your heart out Annabelle.
Sleepin_Dragon2 September 2022
A mother walking around a supermarket desperately tries to get her daughter out of there, as she leaves, the customers begin to hurt themselves.
There was something about this episode that I really did enjoy, I know the theme of talking killer dolls was perhaps done to death in the 80'sand 90's, but the fact that Scully was on the case, instead of Mulder, made it all the more interesting.
I loved the creepy elements, I want to play, those eyes, and of course the hokey kokey, there's something so wonderfully sinister about those elements.
A woman single handedly solving crimes in Maine, you'll wonder why Jessica Fletcher didn't get there first! The visuals are great, it's a beautiful area they filmed in.
I enjoyed that, 8/10.
There was something about this episode that I really did enjoy, I know the theme of talking killer dolls was perhaps done to death in the 80'sand 90's, but the fact that Scully was on the case, instead of Mulder, made it all the more interesting.
I loved the creepy elements, I want to play, those eyes, and of course the hokey kokey, there's something so wonderfully sinister about those elements.
A woman single handedly solving crimes in Maine, you'll wonder why Jessica Fletcher didn't get there first! The visuals are great, it's a beautiful area they filmed in.
I enjoyed that, 8/10.
Or Bunghoney, if you will.
Muldernscully9 November 2006
With Chinga, you know you have something evil going on at the very beginning, when you have a little girl that frowns that much. Freaky! Stephen King, the well-known horror novelist co-wrote this episode with Chris Carter. Thankfully, Chris Carter's contributions save this episode from middle of the road mediocrity. Chris Carter's contributions are apparent with the witty Mulder/Scully dialogue that add some humor to the episode. Chinga isn't a bad story at all, you just expect something a little more original than a killing doll from the King of Horror. Also, I felt that the story was inconsistent with whom the doll chose to kill. It also left unexplained if the doll influenced the daughter to be sullen, or if she was like that before the doll arrived. Unfortunately, the best parts of this episode were the Mulder/Scully moments on the phone. Mulder has no idea what to do when Scully is not around. It was also nice to see Larry Musser return as a guest actor in the roll of Chief Bonsaint. It was slightly reminiscent of his role as Detective Manners in "Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space'", just not as humorous. Chinga is a good episode, but it wasted its potential to be something more.
Mommy I want more cherries!
XweAponX17 March 2022
"We just can't give them away, hon..."
This little girl played by Jenny-Lynn Hutchison (who was also one of the victims Mulder sees in a dream in "Paper Hearts") was the best thing in this episode. This little girl frightened me... she really played the part well, but she did not do much acting after this episode.
There is some fun with a record player constantly playing "do the hokey pokey"... again and again and again...
And although Mulder and Skully are having a comedic discussion over long distance telephone in the vein of "War of the Coprophages", this episode has a serious dark streak, epitomized by this little girl who is tormenting her mother- a little girl who seems to be controlled by her doll. Which speaks even when the pull string is not pulled... and whoever the doll speaks to, the mother sees a horrific death for in a vision, usually reflected in glass. When Scully is given a brief history of the little girl and her family by an old man, we see how the child came to be in possession of it, indirectly from her father. The doll originated from the ocean and returned to the ocean... this also is reminiscent of "the cursed objects" from "Friday the 13th: The Series". I could have sworn I saw this exact doll in "Uncle Lewis'" Inventory... Raise your hand if you remember "Friday the 13th: the series".
The creepiness of the little girl was homaged in Season 11's "Familiar" almost 20 years later to the day this episode came out, when the little girl named "Emily" tells her mother "I want juice please"- Emily uses the same demanding tone of voice as this child does. This episode was released somewhere around February 8, 1998. "Familiar" was broadcast March 8, 2018, so it is like 20 years and one month after "Chinga" that "Familiar" was broadcast. I don't know if this was deliberate, but it's just another one of those things that connects the two episodes.
This episode has a creepy doll, "Familiar" has a creepy Evil "Pee-wee Herman/Bobs Big Boy" clown named "Mr. Chuckleteeth". There were also Teletubby style creatures called "Bibbletiggles", so when the christians freaked out about the pink Teletubby, if they were to see BibbleTiggles they would freak right out even more. I mean, as Mulder says, who would not be obsessed with Bibbletiggles?
There is the similarity in locale as well, this episode in a harbor town in Maine, Familiar, in the forests of Connecticut. Two very traditional and ancient East Coast locations.
It is as if Stephen King had his hand in both episodes, although not directly for the latter.
I find myself watching this episode just for the scenes with the little girl, she was very good. She should have been given more acting parts, she was mostly used as a prop. Almost. These were the most speaking lines I had heard from the actress. She was also in a Millennium episode involving a train car that fills with water while at the same time Jordan Black's lungs keep filling up with water inexplicably... but it is only in this episode where she becomes menacing.
This little girl played by Jenny-Lynn Hutchison (who was also one of the victims Mulder sees in a dream in "Paper Hearts") was the best thing in this episode. This little girl frightened me... she really played the part well, but she did not do much acting after this episode.
There is some fun with a record player constantly playing "do the hokey pokey"... again and again and again...
And although Mulder and Skully are having a comedic discussion over long distance telephone in the vein of "War of the Coprophages", this episode has a serious dark streak, epitomized by this little girl who is tormenting her mother- a little girl who seems to be controlled by her doll. Which speaks even when the pull string is not pulled... and whoever the doll speaks to, the mother sees a horrific death for in a vision, usually reflected in glass. When Scully is given a brief history of the little girl and her family by an old man, we see how the child came to be in possession of it, indirectly from her father. The doll originated from the ocean and returned to the ocean... this also is reminiscent of "the cursed objects" from "Friday the 13th: The Series". I could have sworn I saw this exact doll in "Uncle Lewis'" Inventory... Raise your hand if you remember "Friday the 13th: the series".
The creepiness of the little girl was homaged in Season 11's "Familiar" almost 20 years later to the day this episode came out, when the little girl named "Emily" tells her mother "I want juice please"- Emily uses the same demanding tone of voice as this child does. This episode was released somewhere around February 8, 1998. "Familiar" was broadcast March 8, 2018, so it is like 20 years and one month after "Chinga" that "Familiar" was broadcast. I don't know if this was deliberate, but it's just another one of those things that connects the two episodes.
This episode has a creepy doll, "Familiar" has a creepy Evil "Pee-wee Herman/Bobs Big Boy" clown named "Mr. Chuckleteeth". There were also Teletubby style creatures called "Bibbletiggles", so when the christians freaked out about the pink Teletubby, if they were to see BibbleTiggles they would freak right out even more. I mean, as Mulder says, who would not be obsessed with Bibbletiggles?
There is the similarity in locale as well, this episode in a harbor town in Maine, Familiar, in the forests of Connecticut. Two very traditional and ancient East Coast locations.
It is as if Stephen King had his hand in both episodes, although not directly for the latter.
I find myself watching this episode just for the scenes with the little girl, she was very good. She should have been given more acting parts, she was mostly used as a prop. Almost. These were the most speaking lines I had heard from the actress. She was also in a Millennium episode involving a train car that fills with water while at the same time Jordan Black's lungs keep filling up with water inexplicably... but it is only in this episode where she becomes menacing.
"Are you aware of the statistics on decapitation?"
bigblue1239 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Chinga is a good episode but it probably could have been better. Nevertheless it has many positive points.
It has an interesting and creepy storyline involving a little girl with a doll that is capable of causing people to injure and kill themselves. The episode certainly has the creepy X-Files atmosphere and has some rather horrific scenes, notably the scene in the shop when the doll causes people to begin scratching their eyes out.It is scenes such as this that really make this episode worth a watch. I also like the choice of song that goes with some of the death scenes.
However, arguably the best thing in this episode is the banter between Mulder and Scully. It is Scully who helps on this particular case (even though she is on vacation, as she stresses numerous times) and Mulder is back at FBI headquarters. Nevertheless their conversations over the phone are brilliant and really add to our understanding of their relationship. The end scene is one of the funniest ever in the X-Files. The supporting actors are all good too.
Other than the conversations between Mulder and Scully, the script is OK and the episode is ably directed.
Not one of the best but certainly an entertaining episode.
6/10
It has an interesting and creepy storyline involving a little girl with a doll that is capable of causing people to injure and kill themselves. The episode certainly has the creepy X-Files atmosphere and has some rather horrific scenes, notably the scene in the shop when the doll causes people to begin scratching their eyes out.It is scenes such as this that really make this episode worth a watch. I also like the choice of song that goes with some of the death scenes.
However, arguably the best thing in this episode is the banter between Mulder and Scully. It is Scully who helps on this particular case (even though she is on vacation, as she stresses numerous times) and Mulder is back at FBI headquarters. Nevertheless their conversations over the phone are brilliant and really add to our understanding of their relationship. The end scene is one of the funniest ever in the X-Files. The supporting actors are all good too.
Other than the conversations between Mulder and Scully, the script is OK and the episode is ably directed.
Not one of the best but certainly an entertaining episode.
6/10
chinga episode.......
JoBilodeau3413 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Does anyone know where this episode was filmed ? I'm curious because i live in Maine. It says in the short summary of it, that its a small Maine town, it looks very familiar to me, is anyone from Maine so they can comment ? I did like this episode, it shows that, not only is Chris Carter is talented, but that he has a great imagination, along with Stephen King, to make great television. And the dialogue back and forth between Mulder and Scully is so funny, as usual. Its very spooky when they doll opens her eyes, i had dolls like that when i was a kid, no wonder some people hate dolls, LOL.
Thanks.
Thanks.
There's gotta be an explanation...
XyphoidProcess10 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Although co-written by Stephen King, the plot of this episode feels like a cheap horror flick. I'm a big fan of all of King's stories, but especially the ones in which he makes you scared of normal things or people. This episode had little "Stephen King" and lots of "Chucky". This is the first time that I've seen this episode (I've missed a lot when it was aired here) and I think it's worth seeing it for a second time, but only for the jokes and not for the plot. So 7 stars for the jokes.
****SPOILERS*****
The weak plot aside (I mean, why would they throw the burnt doll in the water?), I really liked the jokes. The one where you only hear the sound of the movie that Mulder is watching. And knowing what kinda movies he likes, you would think he's watching one of those. Only to find out it really was "The World's Deadliest Swarms". It was also fun to see that Mulder doesn't know what to do when Scully is not around.
Well, I'm off to work...Where's my pencil sharpener...
****SPOILERS*****
The weak plot aside (I mean, why would they throw the burnt doll in the water?), I really liked the jokes. The one where you only hear the sound of the movie that Mulder is watching. And knowing what kinda movies he likes, you would think he's watching one of those. Only to find out it really was "The World's Deadliest Swarms". It was also fun to see that Mulder doesn't know what to do when Scully is not around.
Well, I'm off to work...Where's my pencil sharpener...
Possessive doll creepy little girl Scully in the middle and a sympathy for Melissa Turner
NightmareOnElmStreetFan29 June 2019
Yes I gave this episode 8 out of 10 because I have sympathy for Melissa Turner (Susannah Hoffman) because she was abused by her own daughter and her creepy possesive doll. She was driven by an edge so much that she wanted to kill her self and her daughter to stop the terror. I sympathy with Melissa because I know how it feels to be abused and be afraid of someone you love. Chinga does not deserve a hate. So what it is different and Mulder is usseles so what?
I love Season 5 they really do have good storylines, great episodes. Chinga was writen by Stephen King and Chris Carter sadly I am sorry to say this, but this is terrible. This episode is so terrible bad that turns out good just like Christmas Carol and Emilly. Chinga is another Emily episode about Possessive doll and creepy little girl killing people with a spirit of a doll.
The problems: I hated that litle girl with that creppy doll so much. Mulder (David Duchovny) was useless in this episode. This was another Scully episode without Mulder again and I was tired that this Season focus only on Scully (Gillian Anderson). This is another Child's Play Chuckie movie without Chuckie. What did Chris Carter thinking about writing screenplay only about Scully while Mulder is not even the star in here? David Duchovny is useless and he dosen't do anything in the whole episode, except acting like he is bored out of his mind and dosen't want to be in here!
Again I hated that little girl she annoyed me so damn much with that doll that has the power possesing people and killing them. I am glad that Scully saved that Young single mom Melissa (Susannah Hoffmann) by hiting her self with a hammer in her head in which Scully throw the doll in the microwave, where it bursts into flames and melts. The ending made no sense to me. The doll is burned but is found and alive again? this sucks sh***y ending.
Tired of terrible episodes, the only redeeming aspect is Gillian Anderson's performance and Susannah Hoffman as Melissa Turner who was been abused and was victim by her own daughter. She driven by edge and she try to ended so that was reedemed in the episode. Gillian Anderson is incredible at acting awesome heroine a real bad-ass FBI Agent but without Mulder sorry, it is not the same. It could have been at least more scary and horror about it, but it wasn't. If you want to watch a damn good scary horror episode in The X-Files? I suggest you watch "Die Hand Die Verletzt" Second Season I think you will s**t in you pens, I did.
I love Season 5 they really do have good storylines, great episodes. Chinga was writen by Stephen King and Chris Carter sadly I am sorry to say this, but this is terrible. This episode is so terrible bad that turns out good just like Christmas Carol and Emilly. Chinga is another Emily episode about Possessive doll and creepy little girl killing people with a spirit of a doll.
The problems: I hated that litle girl with that creppy doll so much. Mulder (David Duchovny) was useless in this episode. This was another Scully episode without Mulder again and I was tired that this Season focus only on Scully (Gillian Anderson). This is another Child's Play Chuckie movie without Chuckie. What did Chris Carter thinking about writing screenplay only about Scully while Mulder is not even the star in here? David Duchovny is useless and he dosen't do anything in the whole episode, except acting like he is bored out of his mind and dosen't want to be in here!
Again I hated that little girl she annoyed me so damn much with that doll that has the power possesing people and killing them. I am glad that Scully saved that Young single mom Melissa (Susannah Hoffmann) by hiting her self with a hammer in her head in which Scully throw the doll in the microwave, where it bursts into flames and melts. The ending made no sense to me. The doll is burned but is found and alive again? this sucks sh***y ending.
Tired of terrible episodes, the only redeeming aspect is Gillian Anderson's performance and Susannah Hoffman as Melissa Turner who was been abused and was victim by her own daughter. She driven by edge and she try to ended so that was reedemed in the episode. Gillian Anderson is incredible at acting awesome heroine a real bad-ass FBI Agent but without Mulder sorry, it is not the same. It could have been at least more scary and horror about it, but it wasn't. If you want to watch a damn good scary horror episode in The X-Files? I suggest you watch "Die Hand Die Verletzt" Second Season I think you will s**t in you pens, I did.
Scully, marry me.
Sanpaco1313 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
What can I say about Chinga? I like the episode as a stand-alone, but there are parts that kind of bug me. I like the fact that Stephen King was a guest writer but unfortunately it doesn't really seem like there is too much of Stephen King's influence other than it being set in Maine and having a creepy child in it. It could also have done without the doll silhouette everywhere. I thought the story would have been much better if instead of trying to portray it as this doll that goes around physically killing people, they portrayed it as a doll through which the autistic child manifests her bizarre ability to make people do what she wants. There are all kinds of accounts of autistic people having strange abilities including telekinesis. Anyway, it does have some great Scully shots, some good comedy, and some genuinely creepy scenes so I give the episode a 7 out of 10.
Just Grab it!
llewellynf197422 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's just a little bratty kid! Why ask 5 times for the doll? Jeez Scully, just grab the bloody thing and destroy it. As already mentioned by another reviewer - the doll is burnt in the microwave....and then it's found by another fisherman in the marina? 🙄🙄
Classic X-Files!
robertgirau1 June 2020
Take the crown from his head
madman-6386227 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is hard to watch, not so much because of the content, or the fact that it has a very cliche story, but the constant "I want to play" is so annoying that it becomes like nails on a chalkboard. You can even anticipate when the doll is about to say it because the story is so derivative it makes it laughable and not in a good, Mulder quips, sort of way. It isn't scary, it isn't fun it isn't remotely enjoyable. I have watched every episode and this is one of my least favorites. It almost appears as if there was a meeting with King and he, in a moment of concession, reached into the junk drawer and produced something he wouldn't send to his publisher for fear that he would have his contract terminated. He handed it over and giggled like a kid getting away with something. That's what I think of when I see the higher rating of this episode. We have been duped to think its watchable only by the name attached when it is subpar on every level.
I am rather embarrassingly susceptible to doll tales in horror and yet, "Chinga" completely missed the mark for me. One of my least favourites
SLionsCricketreviews11 February 2018
The idea of bringing an acclaimed and influential horror writer like Stephen King into the world of 'The X-Files' to do what is essentially intended to be a horror episode probably sounds like a great idea but I found "Chinga" anything but scary and that is an unusual statement coming from someone who has an embarrassing fear of dolls and their portrayal in film, as marked by the film Child's Play which still to this day remains a fairly effective horror film in my eyes.
"Chinga" could, and should, have been a lot of fun. Here is another episode that sees Scully and Mulder separated from one another as was often the case with the fifth season as the season's production was hampered by the ongoing production of the film, Fight the Future. The greatest thing to really happen to this episode is the way in which Chris Carter has written the dynamic of Scully and Mulder. Though it's no "War of the Coprophages" which did the same concept to greater effect, it's still very solid and there's plenty of humour in watching this, the best part of the script, come together nicely on screen thanks to an ever palpable chemistry between the stars.
And that's really all I particularly enjoy about "Chinga". Even the Scully/Mulder element is nothing profound but it's enjoyable in an episode that is otherwise somewhat of a chore. Stephen King's screenplay really misses the human element that is so often present in 'The X-Files' in that he fails at surface level characterizations, in this case the widowed mother who is going through hell with her young daughter. In most episodes, there would be a decent level of empathy that the viewer could project onto the supporting characters but there's nothing of the sort here.
Even more disappointing is how truly non-frightening this episode is and the doll in particular is terrible. The voice work done on the doll is the complete anthisesis of what it is intended for, which is to be creepy. Whenever the doll would say "I want to play" or whatever other remarks it would come up with, just prior to performing another killing, I was not scared but completely frustrated and uncomfortable that something so ineffective made its way into 'The X-Files', especially via the hands of an auteur (albeit in a different medium) like Stephen King.
"Chinga" isn't offensive but I was particularly frustrated watching this episode. What I sought was not what I got and while that's not an inherent negative, this episode offered little to no fun. The mystery is weak, the suspense is non-existent, there are no real palpable stakes at play here and the idea of having a passive protagonist, which the show often does superbly in episodes like "Die Hand Die Verletzt", is not well handled here. If what you seek is a fun Child's Play sort of remake from one of the genre's great writers, then "Chinga" will be sure to disappoint. It's a surprisingly non 'X-Files' episode of 'The X-Files' that is probably the result of Stephen King's guest writing opportunity.
"Chinga" could, and should, have been a lot of fun. Here is another episode that sees Scully and Mulder separated from one another as was often the case with the fifth season as the season's production was hampered by the ongoing production of the film, Fight the Future. The greatest thing to really happen to this episode is the way in which Chris Carter has written the dynamic of Scully and Mulder. Though it's no "War of the Coprophages" which did the same concept to greater effect, it's still very solid and there's plenty of humour in watching this, the best part of the script, come together nicely on screen thanks to an ever palpable chemistry between the stars.
And that's really all I particularly enjoy about "Chinga". Even the Scully/Mulder element is nothing profound but it's enjoyable in an episode that is otherwise somewhat of a chore. Stephen King's screenplay really misses the human element that is so often present in 'The X-Files' in that he fails at surface level characterizations, in this case the widowed mother who is going through hell with her young daughter. In most episodes, there would be a decent level of empathy that the viewer could project onto the supporting characters but there's nothing of the sort here.
Even more disappointing is how truly non-frightening this episode is and the doll in particular is terrible. The voice work done on the doll is the complete anthisesis of what it is intended for, which is to be creepy. Whenever the doll would say "I want to play" or whatever other remarks it would come up with, just prior to performing another killing, I was not scared but completely frustrated and uncomfortable that something so ineffective made its way into 'The X-Files', especially via the hands of an auteur (albeit in a different medium) like Stephen King.
"Chinga" isn't offensive but I was particularly frustrated watching this episode. What I sought was not what I got and while that's not an inherent negative, this episode offered little to no fun. The mystery is weak, the suspense is non-existent, there are no real palpable stakes at play here and the idea of having a passive protagonist, which the show often does superbly in episodes like "Die Hand Die Verletzt", is not well handled here. If what you seek is a fun Child's Play sort of remake from one of the genre's great writers, then "Chinga" will be sure to disappoint. It's a surprisingly non 'X-Files' episode of 'The X-Files' that is probably the result of Stephen King's guest writing opportunity.
Unfortunately boring and annoying.
noorutin11 January 2016
Of the entirety of The X-Files, I hate this episode the most, and it's mostly down to how annoying the main child character is. It's not a badly written episode per se, but it just misses the spark and intrigue that we all love The X-Files' cases for.
The opening in the store looks pretty cool, but we very soon learn that there's simply no meat on the bones of this lackluster story. The plot consists of the cheapest recycled elements and no twists are to be found.
The story revolves around a little girl and her mother, around whom other people seem to get hurt an awful lot for no apparent reason. I've seen all 9 seasons of the X-Files for at least five times, and the child character in this episode still infuriates me beyond belief, as does her mother's absolute ineptitude to put her brat in check. I guess some people find little children scary, but I only ever found myself extremely annoyed.
The only saving grace here is some funny and heartfelt dialogue between Scully and Mulder, no doubt written by Chris Carter.
The opening in the store looks pretty cool, but we very soon learn that there's simply no meat on the bones of this lackluster story. The plot consists of the cheapest recycled elements and no twists are to be found.
The story revolves around a little girl and her mother, around whom other people seem to get hurt an awful lot for no apparent reason. I've seen all 9 seasons of the X-Files for at least five times, and the child character in this episode still infuriates me beyond belief, as does her mother's absolute ineptitude to put her brat in check. I guess some people find little children scary, but I only ever found myself extremely annoyed.
The only saving grace here is some funny and heartfelt dialogue between Scully and Mulder, no doubt written by Chris Carter.
Tired plot stolen from an awful movie.
erky8219 March 2013
This is one of the worst episodes of the show, right in the middle of one of the best stretches in its history. Unoriginal and predictable, you're better off watching the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" episode where they riffed "Merlin's Shop of Mystical Wonders," a movie made two years earlier with the exact same plot. At least the MST3K episode is will make you laugh.
Creepy kids + dolls + olde-timey songs do not necessarily equal quality suspense. This episode has a tired plot ripped off from a horrible Ernest Borgnine movie. The only redeeming aspect is that Gillian Anderson is looking super fly.
Skip it.
Creepy kids + dolls + olde-timey songs do not necessarily equal quality suspense. This episode has a tired plot ripped off from a horrible Ernest Borgnine movie. The only redeeming aspect is that Gillian Anderson is looking super fly.
Skip it.
Where's my popcorn?
bombersflyup10 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Chinga is about a little girl and a cursed doll, causing people to harm themselves. Scully, while on vacation helps the local police.
The episode has a bit of day time talk show dreariness about it, which is possibly what they were going for, as a sort of hellish experience the mother cannot escape. I can't for the life of me see why though. The entertainment comes from Scully on vacation and the police chief who wants her help. Her knowing nothing will be solved and that he will keep bugging her if she doesn't and Mulder's constant calls with nothing to do. Much like the episode "War of the Coprophages" in season three, with the roles of Scully and Mulder reversed. That episode's plot was much better though. The little girl and the doll itself offer little in terms of exposition, though I think Susannah Hoffmann captured the essence perfectly.
The episode has a bit of day time talk show dreariness about it, which is possibly what they were going for, as a sort of hellish experience the mother cannot escape. I can't for the life of me see why though. The entertainment comes from Scully on vacation and the police chief who wants her help. Her knowing nothing will be solved and that he will keep bugging her if she doesn't and Mulder's constant calls with nothing to do. Much like the episode "War of the Coprophages" in season three, with the roles of Scully and Mulder reversed. That episode's plot was much better though. The little girl and the doll itself offer little in terms of exposition, though I think Susannah Hoffmann captured the essence perfectly.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
