the x-files

i want to believe (that the x-files pilot is the best tv episode ever)

april 2nd, 2024

Heyyyy! Let’s talk about X-Files, shall we? I’m fully convinced that the pilot of X-Files is the best 45 minutes of TV ever made. Definitely not plot-wise, but from an enjoyment standpoint- it’s THE MOST fun. Also, it’s super cozy: the perfect thing to watch on a rainy night. So, I want to break down the awesomeness that was the X-Files debut (and was never topped throughout the rest of the show- I don’t think). (though I’m only on season 4, so maybe there’s a totally epic episode I haven’t seen yet, but I seriously doubt it.) Ok, let’s go. Here are the things that make the pilot ★ PURE MAGIC ★.

Most magical thing #1: Mulder gets out his slide projector, right from the get go. Whenevere the projector comes out, it’s epic, but I don’t think there’s any slideshow sequence that’s better than this one. Possibly because Scully is still a total stranger, and Mulder’s just going off about aliens. His delivery of “Do you believe in the existence of extraterrestrials???” is incredible because it perfectly sets up their dynamic. The slideshow is both a crazy conspiracy thing (Mulder) and a scientific/investigation thing (Scully, when she looks that the chemistry, for example). Their dichotomy is intensified and really shown for the first time with this slideshow scene. Also, the sounds and visuals of the slideshow are pure heaven. The click of the projector, the darkness, and the text and images across his face. HIS NARRATION. Being in that dark basement, witnessing a slide presentation that he prepared especially to “convince her of the existence of extraterrestrials”: this is the height of comfort.

Most magical thing #2: their instant chemistry from the moment they meet. Need I say more??? The way they look at each other is just magical.

Again: I love the look of the projector on her face! (also his smile is so cute)

Most magical thing #3: The presence of CSM!!!!! Sorry, I know we’re going backwards in the order of things that happen, but seriously this is so amazing. (and I didn’t plan the structure of this post at all). I can’t even express how cool this is.

Perfectly spooky thing #4: the plane ride, visit to the hospital, and the general setting of the small-town. The mystery itself is (I’ll admit) not fully fleshed out, nor is it the most inventive thing- but it’s AWESOME in that it allows for a lot of cool locations. The plane turbulence and both of their reactions further cements the ride that we’re about to go on. The plot is a vehicle for cool visuals and I don’t care!! Honestly, for me, plot is always secondary to visuals (see: Wes Anderson). I need media that I’d like to live inside and I hate action-movie type stuff (aka plot). And just look at that second picture: the colors, the composition it’s *chef’s kiss*! Billy Miles’ red pajamas against the light blue- it’s beautiful. Also, what great names: Billy Miles and Peggy O’Dell! Super memorable. And wow look at that lamp, I want that for reading in bed.

Most magical thing #5: the motel room scene and the RAIN!!!! I know it’s cliche, but it JUST WORKS. The power going out, the ragining storm… again IT’S COZY!! And who wouldn’t want to be hugged like that by Mulder??

That one less-than-magical thing: Scully is not quite herself yet. She’s got longer hair, a higher voice, and less confidence. Quite honestly this is my only complaint with this episdoe. In the end, it’s not that bad because even though Mulder is better than her in this one episode, she’s more badass the entire rest of the series. So I’ll let Mulder have his moment.

I have to include one of the funniest X-Files meme-type things I’ve seen. It made me laugh out loud (in the middle of class), because a MEMBER’S DISCOUNT?? They 100% need to look into that.

All in all: go watch the X-Files pilot!!! It's perfect. (I haven't seen it in a hot minute, myself. Once the musical calms down, I'll definitely watch it again). Or maybe I'll just watch it during class. The case of Billy Miles is 100% more important than trigonometry. The X-Files is hard to binge because it can be so episodic, so sometimes it's just best to go for the epitomy of episodic small-town-supernatural(?) mystery.

★ I WANT TO BELIEVE!!! ★