Okay, first of all, I HATE snakes with a passion. I do not care that many species are harmless to people, all are beautiful in their way, and all are a needed part of their natural environment. I see one inside my house, it gonna die. Also, the snakes in this episode would quite likely have had their venom sacs removed, since I don't know an actors' union ANYWHERE that would allow this otherwise, even if the extras in question signed waivers. I'm sure PETA had a field day with this one. That being said... The representation of snake-handler denominations is, like anything on tv, over-dramatized... but done so in true X-Files fashion. By which I mean creepy as hell and not to be watched at 2am alone!!