The Creepiest X-Files Episodes and How to Find Them

The Truth is Way Out There

The X Files was so consistently good, that discussions concerning the 'best' episodes can end up being more like a complete episodic list itself. When going back to enjoy the best of the series, it may be wise to divide the best episodes into categories. There are the obvious engaging and popular so-called "mytharc" episodes-those that follow the continuing storyline of government conspiracy co-mingled with alien abduction. Other obvious categories with brilliant episodes include: the black comedy episodes, the guest star episodes, and the monster-of-the-week episodes.

For die hard X Files fans like myself, who perhaps have rather pathetically seen each episode dozens of times, more subtle and personal categories seem to emerge and trump the obvious ones. And just in time for Halloween, below are my choices for the most outstanding creepiest X Files episodes of all. They are creepy for different reasons, some are gory, some are psychologically and profoundly disturbing. All are available on DVD at venues like Netflix and Blockbuster; I have designated them by title, season, and disc number so they are easy to find.

Be warned there may be mild spoilers in the descriptions-my assumption is that readers have previously viewed the episodes.

Irresistible--Season 2, disc 4

This is the only episode that ever truly disturbed me. It is known as the first of the few non-paranormal themed episodes, but the subject is so horrendous, and it is executed so well, it makes for quite the creepshow. Agents Scully and Mulder are called in by an overwhelmed small town official who believes there is evidence of cattle and human-corpse mutilation.

Almost unfortunately, Mulder immediately recognizes the signs of an escalating "death fetishist" at work. The part of the the fetishist was originally written to be a full blown necrophiliac, but had to be changed in accordance with FOX's standards. Knowing this gives the episode such a subtext and restraint that it makes it even creepier. It doesn't actually change the story-it's obvious what's going on. It's just that the truth is way too out there.