CTP Episode of the Day - 05.24.06

Today's Cherished Episode: Redrum (8x03)
Original Air Date: December 10, 2000
Story By: Steven Maeda and Daniel Arkin
Teleplay By: Steven Maeda
Directed By: Peter Markle

Scully and Doggett are called in to investigate the case of a man accused of murdering his wife. However, the man has no recollection of the crime. Initially skeptical of his claim, Scully and Doggett discover that time may not be on his side.

(Thanks to chrisnu for today's episode pics.)

"This is the day we meet. Something is happening to me … something I need to try to explain to you, to you both. I'm moving backward in time. Every morning I wake up, it's the day before. For me, yesterday was Thursday, the day before that was Friday, only it's all new to me. Every single morning I wake up, I can only remember what's happened the following day."

Some "Redrum" Tidbits & Musings:

-- "Redrum" is "murder" spelled backwards. It's probably best known in pop culture as a phrase from Stephen King's book (and subsequent movie) The Shining. It's appropriate as a title for this episode about a man, Martin Wells, accused of his wife's murder who is suddenly living his life backwards.

-- "Redrum" was the third episode of Season 8 filmed but was the sixth shown, probably because it was not only Scully lite but *Doggett* lite as well. It was probably pushed back to air episodes that established Doggett's character before airing one that used so little of the lead actors.

-- This episode takes place in the beginning of December, contributing to the problems with the pregnancy timeline.

-- This was Peter Markle's third XF directing assignment. He also directed "Christmas Carol" and "Alpha."

-- Actor Joe Morton who played Martin Wells has been acting since the 1970s and has appeared in many films and TV shows. He was possibly most recognized from his role as Keanu Reeves' boss in the 1994 blockbuster "Speed."

-- Robert Patrick and Joe Morton worked together on Terminator 2: Judgment Day, where Patrick played the T-1000, and Morton was Dr. Miles Bennett Dyson, the creator of the future super computer.

-- Martin Wells is named for H.G. Wells, the late 1800s novelist who wrote "The Time Machine" and "The War of the Worlds."

-- The case number for Martin's court appearance was 8ABX03, which is actually the episode number for "Redrum."

-- Martin Wells' assassination scene was filmed at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan in the Hotel's pantry following his victory speech after the California primary election in 1968. The hotel was the home of the infamous nightclub, The Coconut Grove, which was the site of many of the early Academy Award ceremonies. The Ambassador is no longer a working hotel, but has become one of the most popular sites in L.A. for on-location filming. Since 1995, over 200 productions have been filmed there, including Forrest Gump and Pretty Woman.

-- Janet Wilson, Martin's lawyer, is the name of writer Steve Maeda's wife.

-- Channel 9 in Washington is not WKPZ but WUSA.

Please share your first impressions, favorite (or cringe-worthy!) moments, classic lines, favorite fanfic, nagging questions, repeated viewing observations, etc., as today we celebrate "Redrum"!

Polly