This episode is a favorite of both creator Carter, who calls it his favorite episode of the first season and actress Gillian Anderson. Co-writer Morgan also praises it as a script he is proud of. Director Nutter says of the episode, "I think it's the most accomplished piece of directing of actors I've been able to do ... I think this episode really made a difference in how the audience looks at Scully. I think it brought a lot of dimension to her character and for her person it definitely had a lot of impact."