Following the recent season (series?) finale of the critically acclaimed sci-fi show "The X Files", I have decided to compile a list of my personal favorite episodes. With well over two hundred episodes, "The X Files" has had plenty of both Monster of the Week and Mythology episodes that have entertained over two decades of viewers, including myself.
10. Pilot
The first episode of "The X Files" is one of the greatest pilots of any show. It's not the greatest episode of all time, but it sets up the series premise perfectly, and is a great introduction to the characters.
9. Quagmire
An often overlooked episode, but a fantastic one. Obviously there needed to be a Loch Ness-esque episode, and the moments between Mulder and Scully, as well as the very end scene, are completely enjoyable to watch (RIP Queequeg though)
8. Humbug
Arguably the predecessor to "American Horror Story: Freak Show", as well as the birth of this incredibly gif.
7. Bad Blood
Seeing how Mulder and Scully view themselves, each other, and their work so vastly different is amusing and interesting.
6. Post Modern Prometheus
This episode is incredible for an infinite number of reasons (all black-and-white? amazing), but it's one of my favorites because of the very last scene, where Mulder, Scully, and their Monster of the Week dance to 'Walking in Memphis" at a Cher concert.
5. One Breath
If it hasn't been made obvious yet, I prefer the Monster episodes over the Mythology episodes, but this episode encapsulates all that is good about Mulder and Scully.
4. X Cops
This episode is both fun and funny. The idea that somehow Mulder and Scully would end up on "Cops" is pretty ridiculous, but it makes for a great episode.
3. Jose Chung's "From Outer Space"
This episode is one of the most critically acclaimed of "The X Files", and it's well deserved. It has Alex Trebek guest star, and Mulder eat an entire sweet potato pie. What's not to love?
2. Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose
This episode is inarguably one of the greatest episodes in television history, without exaggeration. It's funny, but it is also sad and meaningful. Peter Boyle is probably the undisputed greatest guest star of the show. If you ever want to watch an episode of "The X Files" without watching the entire series, this is the episode.
1. Arcadia
Ok, it might not be the greatest episode, or the most impactful episode, or even the funniest episode, but it is my favorite. Mulder and Scully playing a married couple is some obvious pandering to the fans, but it worked. It has an interesting plot, and I never get bored re-watching it. It's one of the happier episodes in the midst of a lot of deeper and emotional scenes, and sometimes it's just nice to enjoy the happier moments.
