RE-OPENING THE X-FILES: SEASON 1

Greetings internet dwellers!

To say that I am excited about The X-Files series revival, is an understatement. The X-Files is my favorite show in the history of television. And I am not afraid to scream that from the highest hills. I adore this show, and have ever since I was young.

When people ask me about what my influences were to study film, I always cite four things: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, My family, and The X-Files. This show was hugely influential in my life, and came at a time when my curiosity about the paranormal was at its height. ​

The show also made its debut, at a time when TV itself was changing. Networks were taking risks with content, and The X-Files exploited that in its early seasons. The show was dark, scary, intense and even, darkly comic. This was really the first time, I watched an "adult" show as a kid. I was drawn to the subject matter, but it was a show that was squarely aimed at adults. 

As an adult, I am very happy my parents let me watch this show, even though at times, it would scare the bejeezus out of me. The beauty of this, is that I grew up with The X-Files. I matured with it, and even now, I still find stuff that may have gone way over my head as a kid.

This show has been a part of my life for a long time. I have named pets after these characters. My default ringtone is usually the great X-Files theme by Mark Snow. I live with this show. While I have seen all of the X-Files episodes multiple times over, I wanted to re-watch the series again in its entirety before the revival debuts in January. 

Since the series went off the air in 2002, and the last X-Files movie left theaters in 2008, there is a whole new generation of people who may be just finding out about the series. Perhaps the hype about the revival has some curious as well. The X-Files has a hugely rich mythology. This approach to television has been the inspiration for countless show's to come after it. 

While I won't be pinpointing the episodes to watch to prepare for the series revival, I thought it would be fun as I go through the show again, to reveal my five favorite episodes from each season. If there is some curious soul out there who may want to jump into the show, these could be a good gateway drug into the series. 

Because the mythology is so rich (and some may say got too convoluted by the series finale), there are a lot of episodes that pertain to that. But The X-Files isn't just about the mythology, or aliens. There are some great standalone episodes as well. Still, there may be some mythology episodes thrown in for good measure. 

So, without further delay, let's re-open The X-Files, and explore some cases. 

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SEASON 1

The search for the truth begins. The first season set the tone. The mythology episodes are great, and dense. However, they also established the "monster of the week" mentality as well. This show wasn't just about aliens, or government conspiracies. Mulder and Scully, also ran across all different types of monsters, human beings, and creatures of all types. Season 1 has some truly memorable episodes for X-Files fans. 

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

I will do two honorable mentions per season.

ROLAND

• ORIGINAL AIR DATE: MAY 6, 1994

When I saw this episode as a kid, I was deeply moved by it. I grew up around people with mental disabilities. Roland Fuller is a tragic figure here and as an adult, what ultimately happens to Roland, is sad. It tugs at the heartstrings. While the portrayal of Roland may draw some controversy, there's no denying it grabs you. Zeljko Ivanek, portrays Roland Fuller here, and he creates a tragic figure with him, nonetheless. His relationship with Tracy, also helps sell the character. There is a wonderful piano theme that plays over the scenes with Roland, that helps sell his innocence. A good watch, but could be a tearjerker for some. 

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THE ERLENMEYER FLASK

• ORIGINAL AIR DATE: MAY 13, 1994

The X-Files had some great season finales. They often left viewers on the edge of their seats until the fall. In the first season finale of the series, Mulder is tipped off by Deep Throat, about some experiments having to do with cloning viruses. Thing is, those viruses, are extraterrestrial in origin. Tracking down a fugitive who may be infected with such virus, Mulder is closer to the truth than ever. However, the Government has other plans. The episode is rich with X-Files mythology, and leaves viewers with an ending that will propel the series further, as season two begins. It's a great episode, with pivotal moments that will shape the series, as it goes on in its nine seasons. 

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TOP 5

In original broadcast order.

1. THE PILOT

• ORIGINAL AIR DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 1993

The one that started it all. The Pilot episode of The X-Files, does everything a pilot should do. It sets the tone, sets the story, builds the mythology, and introduces the characters. Even though Agent Scully, may be spying on Agent Mulder in the beginning, there is an instant spark between these two. They play off each other nicely. While in these very early episodes of The X-Files the effects may be a little dated, it's the story and characters that propel the episode. It's full of intrigue, twists, turns, and will leave you wanting more when the credits roll.  

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2. SQUEEZE

• ORIGINAL AIR DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 1993

In the X-Files' third episode, they establish the "monster of the week" scenario. The character of Victor Tooms, is creepy. Very creepy. Doug Hutchison, is extremely good as Tooms. Mulder and Scully are dispatched to investigate a murder, where the victim has had their liver eaten out. The Modus Operandi of the murder, can be traced back to X-File cases starting in the early 1900's. Creepy, atmospheric and frightening, Squeeze is a terrific episode. 

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3. ICE

• ORIGINAL AIR DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 1993

This is a fantastically tense episode. Taking obvious inspiration from John Carpenter's The Thing, Ice follows Mulder and Scully to Alaska. They, along with a small group, are sent to investigate what could have made a team of ice core drillers, go crazy and seemingly kill each other. There is some great character building going on between Mulder and Scully here. A familiar theme to pop up on The X-files, can the group trust each other? Who's infected? Who's not? Fun fact, Felicity Huffman is in this episode. 

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4. BEYOND THE SEA

• ORIGINAL AIR DATE: JANUARY 7, 1994

Beyond the Sea, is probably my favorite episode from Season One. It may not have aliens, monsters, or bugs, but it has some of the best performances ever on the show. Brad Dourif, is INCREDIBLE as Luther Lee Boggs. Boggs, is a death-row inmate, who claims to have acquired psychic powers, after having his execution stayed moments before it was carried out. He claims to know where two college students are, after being kidnapped by a serial killer, and wants to assist the FBI. Mulder, who has a history with Boggs, doesn't believe him, but Scully, just may. Gillian Anderson shines in this episode as well, as it is a story ultimately about Scully.   

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5. E.B.E.

• ORIGINAL AIR DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 1994

This is a mythology episode, but highly entertaining. The Deep Throat character, was established in the second episode of the season. Mulder, is having doubts about the validity of the mysterious informant, but he and Scully, embark on a chase across the country after a truck that may, or may not, be holding pieces of a downed UFO. The episode is a good study to Mulder and Scully as friends. Scully may not believe in all this UFO conspiracy nonsense, but she trusts Mulder and his instincts. This episode also introduces us to The Lone Gunmen, a kooky group of conspiracy theorists, who occasionally assist Mulder and Scully, throughout the show. They became so popular as characters, the group got their own short-lived spinoff show later.

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So that does it for Season 1. I have just started Season 2, so once I am finished with that, we will move on to the next batch of cases. Until then, happy watching!