Without (The X-Files)

"Without"
The X-Files episode
Fox Mulder is abducted and experimented upon by Colonists. Mulder's abduction was written in to the show as a way to explain Duchovny's partial departure from production.
Episode no.	Season 8 Episode 2
Directed by	Kim Manners
Written by	Chris Carter
Production code	8ABX02
Original air date	November 12, 2000 (2000-11-12)
Running time	44 minutes
Guest appearances
Mitch Pileggi as Walter Skinner James Pickens, Jr. as Alvin Kersh Brian Thompson as Alien Bounty Hunter Kirk B. R. Woller as Gene Crane Jeff Gulka as Gibson Praise Jo-Ann Dean as Secretary Christine Firkins as Thea Sprecher Marc Gomes as Danny Mosley Sal Landi as Landau Arlene Malinowski as Teacher Jonathan Palmer as Principal[1]
Episode chronology
← Previous "Within" Next → "Patience"
The X-Files season 8
List of episodes

"Without" is the second episode of the eighth season of the science fiction television series The X-Files. The episode first aired in the United States and Canada on November 12, 2000, on Fox and subsequently aired in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2001. It was written by executive producer Chris Carter and directed by Kim Manners. The episode helps to explore the series' overarching mythology and continues from the seventh season finale, "Requiem", and season eight premiere, "Within", in which Fox Mulder was abducted by aliens who are planning to colonize Earth. The episode earned a Nielsen rating of 9.0 in the United States and was seen by 15.1 million viewers. As with the previous episode, "Within," it was generally well-received by critics, although some detractors criticized various plot points.

The show centers on FBI special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) who work on cases linked to the paranormal, called X-Files. In the episode, John Doggett (Robert Patrick) continues his search for Mulder, and attempts to uncover an alien bounty hunter within their ranks. After the task force is called off, Scully is surprised to learn that Doggett, the leader of the team, has been assigned to the X-Files.

"Without" featured scenes of Mulder imprisoned on an alien spaceship and new sets were created for this unique locale. The production crew of The X-Files designed the set in a decidedly "low-tech" and "interesting" manner. In addition, unusual filming techniques were used, such as motion control, in order to achieve the desired footage.