Looking Back at The X-Files
Written by Natale Ryan
In 1993, The X-Files, written by Chris Carter, appeared on the Fox network. The series, which inspired two movies and was revived twice, features two FBI agents, Fox Mulder (played by David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (played by Gillian Anderson). Mulder is a quirky agent who investigates odd and controversial cases, known as X-files, and Scully is a skeptical medical examiner brought in to debunk all of Mulder’s research. Though the two seem to be at odds in the beginning, the pair has become one of the most revered duos in television history. In honor of the latest resurgence of The X-Files, one of the most treasured and beloved science fiction shows in TV history, I decided to take a break from reviewing movies this month and mention some of my favorite episodes from the TV series and why I think any science-fiction fan should add the show to their library.
Squeeze and Tooms (Both Season 1). The reason two episodes share this spot is because they feature the same villain: a man who contorts his body to fit any opening. These are two of the earliest episodes I remember seeing, and they are truly two of the scariest. The episodes revolve around a series of murders. While questioning a suspect, Scully attracts the attention of the killer, who happens to have an unbelievable history you have to see to believe. With special effects that, even though they are outdated now, were advanced for their time, Squeeze and Tooms are two episodes that should not be passed over.
Chinga (Season 5). This is in my number two spot because this episode was written by Stephen King. In this story, Scully is on vacation in Maine and finds herself in the middle of the murderous rampage of a demon-possessed doll. Though some of the special effects in this episode can be viewed as cheesy, this is a very effective episode and will not fail to send chills up your spine – especially if you are a King fan!
Bad Blood (Season 5). Though science fiction, The X-Files is well known for its comedy. One of the funniest episodes, in my opinion, is Bad Blood. The story in this episode features Mulder and Scully investigating the existence of vampires in a remote country village. After a botched investigation, the two agents have conflicting stories, and as each is retold, what unfolds is too funny to miss! In addition, this episode features Luke Wilson as the town’s dimwitted sheriff.
X-Cops (Season 6). This is another comical episode. The story is a crossover between The X-Files and the American crime show Cops (a true crime show where cameramen follow patrolmen). Though this episode was probably written to be a joke, it still has a decent storyline and features an interesting creature. The way Scully reacts to the cameramen following her during the night is believable, and it is one of the most brilliant TV crossovers of all-time.
Arcadia (Season 6). This is a quirky episode that makes fans giggle at the foolishness of it. The episode features a homeowners association that takes itself seriously. Scully and Mulder go undercover as a married couple in order to investigate a series of disappearances. With the comedy of the two investigators acting uncomfortably to the creepiness of the neighbors, this is one episode I don’t think should be missed.
These are only a few of my favorite episodes from The X-Files, and they range from being comical to spooky to dramatic. The two movies that were made based on the show also rank highly on my scale. The first feature film is titled The X-Files: Fight the Future and follows the show’s main storyline. The second one is titled I Want to Believe and acts as a stand-alone movie. The main theme music, which was composed by the show’s creator, is one of the most well-known TV tunes of all-time. If you haven’t seen the show, I guarantee that you have heard the theme song. Recently, Gillian Anderson has stated that this current season, which has just begun, will be her last, and she will walk away from her involvement in the show. Though fans are devastated by this news, the show has outlasted many and has surpassed all benchmarks set by television shows of the past. Though new episodes of The X-Files may soon come to a permanent end, we have the many seasons, books, movies, and multiple television appearances to remind us how groundbreaking the show was.
The Author
Natale is an English teacher in Mokpo. She is from Memphis, Tennessee in the United States. She attended college in Jonesboro, Arkansas and majored in criminology and sociology. In her free time, she enjoys watching scary movies and writing short stories. Her favorite movies are To Kill a Mockingbird, E.T., and Memento. Her heroes are Snoopy and Audrey Hepburn.