Truth or Sci-Fi? 20 Best Mulder & Scully The X-Files TV series Episodes

Best X-Files Episodes: Unearthing the Gems of Sci-Fi TV

The X-Files, a landmark in sci-fi television, has etched its place in the genre’s history, leaving an indelible mark with its seamless blend of science fiction, horror, drama, and comedy. In its 11-season run, the show produced over 200 episodes, but some stand out as the absolute best. Let’s delve into the top 20 episodes that have contributed to The X-Files’ enduring legacy, exploring the show’s knack for balancing standalone tales with a complex overarching mythology.

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20. Season 1, Episode 3 – “Squeeze”

Best X-Files Episodes Unveiled

Kicking off our list is the suspenseful “Squeeze.” This early gem introduces Eugene Victor Tooms, a chilling unaging killer with a knack for contorting his body. Doug Hutchison’s unsettling performance adds to the morbid intrigue of this “monster of the week” episode, showcasing The X-Files at its most riveting.

19. Season 7, Episode 21 – “Je Souhaite”

Exploring The X-Files with “Je Souhaite”

As the final “monster of the week” episode of the original run, “Je Souhaite” bids farewell to the classic episodic format with a dose of humor. Mulder and Scully encounter a literal genie, leading to amusing character moments that highlight the duo’s chemistry. A creative departure, this episode exemplifies The X-Files’ ability to infuse entertainment into its original dynamic.

18. Season 7, Episode 22 – “Requiem”

The X-Files’ Pinnacle: “Requiem” Unraveled

Closing out the seventh season, “Requiem” stands as a gripping, spooky episode laden with major cliffhangers. From Mulder’s alien abduction to Scully’s mysterious pregnancy, it encapsulates the show’s complex mythology. “Requiem” represents The X-Files at its apex, with a perfect blend of tense atmosphere, paranormal phenomena, and emotional depth.

17. Season 1, Episode 1 – “Pilot”

Inception of Intrigue: The X-Files Pilot

The series’ inaugural episode, aptly titled “Pilot,” skillfully lays the foundation for The X-Files. Mulder and Scully’s dynamics are unveiled as they investigate mysterious student deaths linked to alien forces. The tight pacing, eerie atmosphere, and a balance of procedural drama and overarching mystery make this pilot a chilling and formative episode.

16. Season 6, Episode 6 – “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas”

A Holiday Haunt: “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” Explored

This classic holiday episode weaves horror, comedy, and romance into a festive tale. Mulder convinces Scully to investigate ghosts haunting a house on Christmas Eve, leading to frightening illusions and a heartwarming ending. “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” showcases The X-Files’ versatility, offering a perfect blend of scares and holiday cheer.

15. Season 7, Episode 12 – “X-Cops”

The X-Files Meets Reality TV: “X-Cops” Revealed

“X-Cops” ingeniously crosses over with the reality show Cops, injecting a fresh quasi-documentary style into the core X-Files formula. The unexpected TV crossover adds tension and believability, demonstrating the show’s self-awareness and expanding the bounds of possibility.

14. Season 4, Episode 5 – “The Field Where I Died”

Soulful Exploration: “The Field Where I Died” Unearthed

This unique episode delves into emotional depth as Mulder and Scully investigate a cult claiming to harbor reincarnated spirits. Touching on metaphysical themes of loss and destiny, the episode explores life’s profundities while maintaining The X-Files’ signature blend of drama and paranormal intrigue.

13. Season 4, Episode 14 – “Memento Mori”

Critical Crossroads: “Memento Mori” Illuminated

“Memento Mori” marks a pivotal moment in The X-Files mythology as Scully receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. The episode skillfully intertwines personal drama with the show’s expansive lore, providing an affecting character study and advancing key narrative arcs.

12. Season 4, Episode 20 – “Small Potatoes”

Shapeshifting Humor: “Small Potatoes” Unveiled

This comedic masterpiece shines as Darin Morgan’s performance introduces Eddie Van Blundht, a janitor with shapeshifting abilities. The episode explores themes of personal identity and reinvention while delivering continuous humor and cringingly endearing moments. “Small Potatoes” is a standalone gem that balances absurdity with emotional depth.

11. Season 6, Episode 14 – “Monday”

Time Loop Tragedy: “Monday” Explored

“Monday” puts a riveting twist on the repetitive time loop trope, blending dark comedy with a tragic plot. The episode explores trauma and remorse as Mulder and Scully are doomed to relive a botched bank robbery repeatedly. Clever directing and a harrowing character study make “Monday” a standout in The X-Files’ repertoire.

The X-Files: A Genre-Defining Experience

As we unravel the best episodes of The X-Files, it’s evident that the show’s brilliance lies in its ability to seamlessly merge standalone tales with a complex overarching mythology. The following episodes continue to highlight the show’s versatility, cementing its status as a genre-defining experience for fans worldwide.

10. Season 6, Episode 3 – “Triangle”

Temporal Odyssey: “Triangle” Navigated

In this audacious episode, Mulder time travels to 1939 aboard a ship in the Bermuda Triangle. The plot inserts familiar characters into WWII-era action with meta references, creating a thrilling what-if scenario. “Triangle” walks a fine line between self-contained comedy and a glimpse into beloved characters disconnected by time, showcasing The X-Files at its cinematic best.

9. Season 2, Episode 8 – “One Breath”

A Glimpse into Grief: “One Breath” Unveiled

“One Breath” stands as a gem of an episode that thoughtfully examines loss and grief. Scully is found comatose after her abduction, prompting Mulder to confront his guilt and focus on being present with her. This emotionally resonant episode makes a profound statement on coping with despair, solidifying Mulder and Scully’s profound bond.

8. Season 4, Episode 10 – “Paper Hearts”

Facing Dark Realities: “Paper Hearts” Explored

“When a dream indicates serial killer John Roche took Samantha, Mulder painfully confronts how his alien abduction narrative could be a fantasy masking a darker reality.” Directed with nuance and bolstered by Tom Noonan’s chilling performance, “Paper Hearts” explores the psychology underscoring Mulder’s beliefs with rare emotional honesty.

7. Season 7, Episode 4 – “Millennium”

Cults and Crossovers: “Millennium” Unveiled

This crossover with the forgotten 1990s TV show Millennium brings in Lance Henriksen’s Frank Black, whose ability to profile killers aids Mulder and Scully’s investigation. The grim plot dealing with disturbing rituals and omens of end times makes “Millennium” unusually ominous. The darkness is tempered by a long-awaited romantic moment between Mulder and Scully.

6. Season 1, Episode 8 – “Ice”

Arctic Isolation: “Ice” Explored

This thriller of an episode strands Mulder and Scully in an isolated Alaskan facility with a team of scientists who become violent after coming into contact with a mind-controlling parasite. “Ice” channels thick claustrophobia as the Arctic setting traps victims together, testing Mulder and Scully’s implicit trust in each other.

5. Season 4, Episode 13 – “Never Again”

Imperfect Relationships: “Never Again” Unveiled

This Darin Morgan episode features Scully grappling with her all-consuming bond with Mulder during a solo hour on a case involving a murderous hallucinogenic tattoo. Scully’s self-reflection on sacrifices of sainthood is symbolized by her ouroboros tattoo, exploring imperfect relationships with nuanced acting and keen psychological insight.

4. Season 3, Episode 23 – “Wetwired”

Paranoid Delusions: “Wetwired” Explored

“Wetwired” stands out primarily due to Gillian Anderson’s phenomenal acting when her character falls prey to paranoid delusions. Seeing the typically rational agent spiral into intense paranoia and madness provides a riveting departure from her usual characterization. Anderson brings raw emotional potency to Scully’s breakdown, tapping into cerebral themes of uncertainty and subjective reality.

3. Season 3, Episode 17 – “Pusher”

Abuse of Power: “Pusher” Unveiled

“Pusher” distills the show’s central theme of mediocre men abusing power into a sharp procedural following a brain tumor patient whose resulting telepathic skills become weapons for manipulation. The episode thrives on showcasing the partners’ profound trust despite being pawns to a sociopath, affirming how their bond helps them survive anyone who tries to tear them apart.

2. Season 5, Episode 12 – “Bad Blood”

Comedic Brilliance: “Bad Blood” Explored

“Bad Blood” showcases the show’s versatility by embracing full-fledged comedy, presenting conflicting accounts of a suspected vampire case from the hilariously skewed perspectives of Mulder and Scully. The cheeky dual-narrative structure overtly channels The Dick Van Dyke Show, yet the plot remains distinctly X-Files, balancing humor and thrills.

1. Season 3, Episode 4 – “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose”

Philosophical Heights: “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” Unveiled

Winner of Emmys for both Darin Morgan’s screenplay and Peter Boyle’s guest performance, “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” represents a philosophical high point for the series. Boyle portrays the titular psychic, whose sole ability is foretelling others’ deaths. Through this paranormal premise, Morgan insightfully examines the show’s driving theme of dangerous obsession, concluding that human connection is the vital counterforce. Blending gentle humor with emotional sincerity, the episode muses profoundly on finding meaning when chasing elusive truths. No other installment encapsulates The X-Files’ essence. At once hilarious and wise, this episode is transcendent storytelling only The X-Files could manifest.

The Legacy Lives On

The X-Files, with its iconic mix of suspenseful standalone episodes and intricate mythology, has left an enduring legacy. As we journeyed through the best episodes, it’s clear that the show’s brilliance lies not just in its paranormal plots but in its exploration of human connection and the pursuit of profound truths. The legacy of The X-Files continues to captivate new audiences, offering a timeless blend of mystery, intrigue, and the enduring chemistry between Mulder and Scully.