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X-Files: The 11 Most Nightmare-Inducing Episodes Ever
Spent the last six years trying to get the spookiest X-Files episodes out of your head? Why fight it! Read our list of which ones still keep us up at night.
RECAPS, WEECAPS, AND MORE
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9-20 Recap |
The Truth, Part IIThe Truth, Part II - In the second hour: with the help of Skinner, Doggett, and Kersh, Mulder escapes from prison and takes Scully along with him in search of this whole "truth" thing that he keeps talking about. Yeah, apparently the aliens are going to be here in about ten years. Then shit blows up, and Mulder and Scully go on the lam and, in the end, just spoon together and fall asleep like little baby cats. |
05.18.2002 | B+ |
Jessica |
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Grade |
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9-19 Recap |
The Truth, Part IThe Truth, Part I - The first half of the X-Files series finale focuses on Mulder's return: his smoochy reunion with Scully, and how he's been accused of killing Noel Roaaaarraaaaaaar and sent to a trial in front of a military tribunal. All that, plus confirmation that William is Mulder's son. Well, as far as Mulder's concerned. Oh, let's not even go there. |
05.18.2002 05.25.2002 |
B |
Jessica |
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9-18 Recap |
Sunshine DaysSunshine Days - Okay, so there's one more episode left of this show, ever. ONE. Uno.Une. And nine years of mytharc to start to wrap up. And so the penultimate episode of The X-Files, naturally, is devoted to The Brady Bunch. There's some crap about how this guy -- who's obsessed with the Bradys or some shit -- is living proof of the paranormal, and now apparently everyone believes, or something, and we're supposed to learn that, like, people are important, but really? This was a Monster of the Week episode. Did Jessica mention that there's only one episode left? Ever? EVER? Yeah. |
05.11.2002 05.17.2002 |
C- |
Jessica |
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9-17 Recap |
ReleaseRelease - Led by the "feelings" of a young, weird cadet at the FBI Academy, Doggett finally breaks the case of his son's murder. Poor Dead Luke hasn't turned into starlight, nor did aliens abduct him; he was just killed by a mobster, a victim of a pedophile, a little kid at the wrong place at the wrong time. We also meet Doggett's ex-wife Barbara (played by Robert Patrick's real-life wife, Barbara Patrick) and learn that Dread Pirate Brad's been taking dirty money from mobsters for years. At the end, it seems, Doggett gets real closure, and DPB exacts some revenge. |
05.04.2002 05.10.2002 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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9-16 Recap |
WilliamWilliam - Scully gives William up to farmers; Jeffrey Spender comes back to town all deep-fried like a basket of shrimp and tells her that Mulder's his brother. He also injects the baby with some stuff that makes him normal. Yeah, it was all pretty easy. Plus: stuff about Mulder. Lots of stuff. No, really. |
04.27.2002 05.04.2002 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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9-15 Recap |
Jump The SharkJump The Shark - Uh. Okay, 1013 does the impossible and makes an episode in which the Lone Gunmen die -- really, actually die -- basically boring and uninvolving. For those of us who didn't watch Chris Carter's ill-fated The X-Files spin-off The Lone Gunmen, this episode featured a lot of people we've never seen before and, therefore, really don't care about. Langly, Byers, and Frohike meet their maker saving the world, but there's no sense of urgency in this case, so their deaths don't have nearly the resonance they should have. |
04.20.2002 04.25.2002 |
C- |
Jessica |
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9-14 Recap |
Scary MonstersScary Monsters - So, there's this kid and his imagination makes, like, bugs infest people, or something? Except not, because it's all in his mind? Or something. And Doggett saves the day by making the kid think he's going to burn him alive. But not. Because it's all in the kid's imagination. I guess. And then at the end, his Super-Potent Imagination is destroyed by extensive exposure to television. Because TV rots your brains. Apparently. Also included: the reappearance of Leyla Harrison, the introduction of her rather amusing pseudo-boyfriend, and a cat autopsy on a kitchen table. |
04.13.2002 04.18.2002 |
D+ |
Jessica |
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9-13 Recap |
ImprobableImprobable - Burt Reynolds guest-stars as God. Or the Devil. Or Fate. Something. Yes. Burt Reynolds. Includes: lip-synching to Italian songs, a late-night checkers game, and Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors as a doomed numerologist. |
04.06.2002 04.13.2002 |
B |
Jessica |
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9-12 Recap |
UnderneathUnderneath - So, there's this guy who looks like Meat Loaf and he was wrongly imprisoned for killing a bunch of people. Or was he? Our heroes investigate yet another case that turns out to be about God. Sort of. Includes an appearance by the woman who played Carly Pope's mom on Popular, plenty of snarky Doggett, and a long conversation about Milli Vanilli. |
03.30.2002 04.04.2002 |
C+ |
Jessica |
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9-11 Recap |
Audrey PauleyAudrey Pauley - Robert Patrick acts his little heart out in this otherwise mediocre episode in which Moronica dies -- well, sort of -- and ends up caught in a sort of Purgatory, all thanks to the machinations of an evil doctor with no apparent motivation whatsoever. Also, Doggett loves Moronica. Whatever. |
03.16.2002 03.22.2002 |
C |
Jessica |
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9-10 Recap |
Providence (2)Providence (2) - Jessica doesn't even know where to begin, here. The Lone Gunmen are alive. Mulder is supposedly dead. And then he's not. But apparently, his being alive (or dead) is preventing William's "true destiny," which is to...uh. Lead the alien race? Lead the humans against the aliens? Become a Jedi knight? Your guess is as good as Jessica's. |
03.09.2002 03.16.2002 |
B |
Jessica |
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9-9 Recap |
Provenance (1)Provenance (1) - You got your Kersh, your Dread Pirate Brad, your gaggle of close-mouthed FBI suits. You got your Ma Scully, acting stupid and almost getting herself and William offed. You got your Scully kicking ass and taking names, just like old times. And finally, you got your return of the mytharc, in the form of that spaceship they found years ago in Africa. (Although this time it's located in fair Canada. Although it might be a second ship. We think.) All that, plus poor Doggett gets hit by a car. Oh, and word on the street is that Mulder is dead. Again. No, again. One more time. |
03.02.2002 03.07.2002 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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9-8 Recap |
HellboundHellbound - This episode -- about reincarnation and these dudes and getting skinned alive and Moronica's fear of failure -- was both a bit scary and a bit interesting (not to mention a tiny bit gross). Who knew? The highlights? Patrick Swayze's brother! Moronica's cute caramel-colored leather coat! The Return of the Eyebrow! |
01.26.2002 02.02.2002 |
B- |
Jessica |
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9-7 Recap |
John DoeJohn Doe - Doggett wakes to find himself in Mexico with amnesia and only one shoe. He tries not to get killed by a Mexican version of CSM, who has the added value of being able to suck out people's memories. Moronica disobeys Kersh and hits Mexico to rescue her partner; she almost succeeds. In the end, one Mr. Walter Skinner pulls Doggett's and Moronica's asses out of the fire. |
01.12.2002 01.18.2002 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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9-6 Recap |
TrustNo1TrustNo1 - So, there used to be this guy on this show? Tall, good-looking, occasionally snarky, got a weird thing for his sister? They talk about him a lot during this episode, but he never makes an appearance in the flesh, much to the dismay of a person he calls "Dana" during their fanfic-inspired email correspondence. |
01.05.2002 01.11.2002 |
C+ |
Jessica |
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9-5 Recap |
Lord Of The FliesLord Of The Flies - Remember Jackass, that dumb show on MTV? Yeah, in this super-timely take on stupid kids and their stupid tricks, Doggett and Moronica investigate a case in which a prankster's brains get eaten by flies. |
12.15.2001 12.21.2001 |
C- |
Jessica |
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9-4 Recap |
4-D4-D - Doggett talks about Polish sausage! Moronica gets her throat slit! And although the plot is a bit confusing (there's a parallel universe involved...we think), there is plenty of violence! And Skinner! |
12.08.2001 12.12.2001 |
B- |
Jessica |
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9-3 Recap |
DaemonicusDaemonicus - It's not really evil at all. Unless by "evil," you mean "boring" and "confusing." |
12.01.2001 12.08.2001 |
C- |
Jessica |
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9-2 Recap |
Nothing Important Happened Today, Part IINothing Important Happened Today, Part II - Chris Carter adds some more ingredients to the mytharc recipe, and gives it a good stir. The concoction gives everyone food poisoning. |
11.17.2001 11.22.2001 |
D+ |
Jessica |
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9-1 Recap |
Nothing Important Happened Today, Part INothing Important Happened Today, Part I - When they say "nothing happened," they mean nothing happened. Oh, except Mulder left Scully and their child. Way to go! |
11.10.2001 11.13.2001 |
C- |
Jessica |
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8-25 Extra |
The Way She MovesThe Way She Moves - Annabeth Gish is an uptight photographer, transformed by the magic of dance! Dance! |
08.28.2001 09.04.2001 |
C- |
Jessica |
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8-24 Extra |
Terminator 2Terminator 2 - Doggett's made of liquid metal? When did that happen? |
06.28.2001 06.28.2001 |
B+ |
Montykins |
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8-23 Extra |
Still Fighting the FutureFight The Future, Part II - Mulder and Scully. Still on the big screen. Still fighting the future. Still confusing the hell out of everyone, thanks! |
06.01.2001 06.01.2001 |
B- |
Jessica |
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8-22 Extra |
The One Where We Recap The MovieFight The Future, Part I - Mulder and Scully hit the big screen, completely confusing fans and newcomers alike. |
06.02.2001 05.31.2001 |
B- |
Jessica |
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8-21 Recap |
The KissExistence (2) - Season eight's finale goes out with a big fat juicy kiss between Mulder and Scully, at long last. Other stuff happens, but it's hard to remember what, exactly. |
05.19.2001 05.23.2001 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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8-20 Recap |
Baby, It's YouEssence (1) - Really. You're the savior of all mankind. Enjoy those last few days in Scully's uterus, though, because once you get out things might get a little hectic. |
05.12.2001 05.18.2001 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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8-19 Recap |
Alone Again, NaturallyAlone - Poor Doggett. He saves upstate New York from an evil scientist/crazy LizardMan, but still goes home alone. |
05.05.2001 05.08.2001 |
C+ |
Jessica |
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8-18 Recap |
Fired!Vienen - Mulder and Doggett do a lot of manly posturing while investigating an infestation of the infamous black alien oil. Then, Mulder gets fired. 86ed. Booted. Kicked out. Canned. Out of the FBI forever! Until next week. |
04.28.2001 05.01.2001 |
C+ |
Jessica |
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8-17 Recap |
I'm Monica! I'm Disgusting!Empedocles - The We Hate Monica club convenes for its first of many meetings, as Agent Reyes smacks her lips and opens her eyes all wide and acts bossy and is basically totally irritating in an episode about how evil is like a virus. Or something. No news on the baby's paternity, dammit. |
04.21.2001 04.24.2001 |
C+ |
Jessica |
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8-16 Recap |
More Fighting of the FutureThree Words - Something about the census? And its being used to track alien abductees? Or something. Anyway, it's bad. Also, Mulder shoves Doggett! That's what this show needed: some more violence! |
04.07.2001 04.13.2001 |
B- |
Jessica |
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8-15 Recap |
Our Long National Nightmare is Over!DeadAlive (2) - Mulder's back! Krycek's in the house! Scully's pregnancy is showing! Skinner and Doggett throw each other into walls! And Chris Carter makes Jessica pay for all that smack-talking she did earlier in the season. |
04.01.2001 04.05.2001 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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8-14 Recap |
Can This Be Happening?This Is Not Happening (1) - Mulder: Possibly Dead. Scully: Real Upset. |
02.24.2001 02.28.2001 |
B |
Jessica |
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8-13 Recap |
That's No Alien, That's My Baby!Per Manum - Doggett discovers Scully's pregnancy. Mulder makes a crack about masturbation. Skinner bites his lip. And Scully begins to suspect that her baby might not be totally human. They didn't cover that in sex ed. |
02.17.2001 02.21.2001 |
B |
Jessica |
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8-12 Recap |
This is Why Jessica DrivesMedusa - Boston's subway tunnels are infected with a deadly contagion found in milk and cheese! There's plenty of cheese in this episode, all right. |
02.10.2001 02.17.2001 |
B- |
Jessica |
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8-11 Recap |
You're the Man Now, Doggett!The Gift - Doggett gets himself shot and killed while investigating one of Mulder's old cases. Good thing there was a shaman around to eat him and then vomit him up back alive. Blink, and you'll miss Mulder. Miss the credits and you'll miss Scully. What's this show about, again? |
02.03.2001 02.10.2001 |
B |
Jessica |
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8-10 Recap |
The Up My Ass PlayersBadlaa - A mean Indian mystic guy starts killing people for no reason. It's never explained. At all. Sometimes, for fun, he climbs up people's butts. Insert your own joke here. |
01.20.2001 01.25.2001 |
C- |
Jessica |
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8-9 Recap |
It's a shame about RaySalvage - Ray has a problem. Ray is all made of metal. And he's out for blood. Cue giant yawns. |
01.13.2001 01.20.2001 |
F |
Jessica |
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8-8 Recap |
Bor-Ring!Surekill - Some guys are killing some other guys using this one guy's x-ray vision. Scully and Doggett are in the area, but they don't do a whole hell of a lot. Jessica understands, because it's all she could do to stay awake. |
01.06.2001 01.12.2001 |
C |
Jessica |
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8-7 Recap |
Psychic EyesVia Negativa - How does one accessorize a third eye? With a big old ax to the skull! |
12.16.2000 12.26.2000 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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8-6 Recap |
Back to the Future. Or Whatever.Redrum - Super-special guest star Joe Morton is a man with a secret. A man for whom time moves backwards. A man who may get a second chance. At life. At truth. At pretentious, overlong monologues. |
12.09.2000 12.15.2000 |
B |
Jessica |
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8-5 Recap |
The Seventh SenseInvocation - You know that movie where the kid sees dead people? This week, so do Doggett and Scully. |
12.02.2000 12.09.2000 |
C+ |
Jessica |
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8-4 Recap |
What Would Banana Slug Do?Roadrunners - Doncha hate it when crazy religious cults insert banana slugs into your body against your will, just because they think the slugs are Jesus Christ? Scully sure does. |
11.25.2000 11.30.2000 |
C+ |
Jessica |
|
8-3 Recap |
Bats are not your friendsPatience - They might eat your friends and family! Also, the squeaking and blood sucking is most unpleasant. |
11.18.2000 11.24.2000 |
D |
Jessica |
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8-2 Recap |
Doggett! Part DeuxWithout (2) - Forget rhyme. Ignore reason. It's The X-Files and everyone is still really, really confused. |
11.11.2000 11.17.2000 |
A+ |
Jessica |
|
8-1 Recap |
Doggett!Within (1) - Mulder's missing....OR IS HE? Scully's pregnant...BUT HOW? All your questions will be answered...OR NOT! |
11.04.2000 11.08.2000 |
A+ |
Jessica |
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7-19 Recap |
Big PrimpingHollywood A.D. - David Duchovny writes, directs, and casts his wife Téa Leoni in this classic episode from...um, last season. |
04.29.2000 05.03.2000 |
B- |
Jessica |
|
7-17 Recap |
all thingsall things - You knew it was going to come to this one eventually, didn't you? |
04.09.2000 04.12.2000 |
B- |
Jessica |
|
6-3 Recap |
TriangleTriangle - The one where Mulder goes back in time to World War II and gets to run around yelling nonsensical things about the future and the past and the Nazis and then he kisses Scully and jumps into the deep blue sea. Don't worry -- everything ends up fine in the end. |
11.21.1998 11.25.1998 |
B+ |
Jessica |
|
5-12 Recap |
Bad BloodBad Blood - Mulder sings "Shaft." Scully flirts with Luke Wilson. Luke Wilson wears giant phony teeth. It's a classic, baby. |
02.21.1998 02.25.1998 |
A |
Jessica |
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4-13 Recap |
Never AgainNever Again - Scully finally gets some. |
02.01.1997 02.05.1997 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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4-2 Recap |
HomeHome - Crazy inbred freaks plus Johnny Mathis equals gross-out comedy gold. |
10.10.1996 10.14.1996 |
A |
Jessica |
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3-20 Recap |
Jose Chung's From Outer SpaceJose Chung’s From Outer Space - With guest appearances from Alex Trebek and Jesse Ventura, a diagnosis of Mulder as "a ticking time bomb of insanity," and whole lot of blankety blank bleeps. What's not to love? |
04.11.1996 04.15.1996 |
A |
Jessica |
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3-4 Recap |
The One With Peter BoyleClyde Bruckman's Final Repose - Yeah, it's that one with the guy from Everybody Loves Raymond, where he tells Mulder he's going to die from autoerotic asphyxiation. We love that one! |
10.12.1995 10.16.1995 |
A |
Jessica |
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2-20 Recap |
Super-Freaky, Yow!Humbug - Mulder and Scully investigate the murder of an Alligator Man, and meet all kinds of nifty people, including a guy with a conjoined twin hanging out of his stomach, and a little tiny Frohike. |
03.30.1995 04.03.1995 |
A |
Jessica |
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2-13 Recap |
He's Totally Resistible, DudeIrresistible - Donnie Pfaster scares Jessica. Because he's freaky, and he's going after our Scully. |
01.12.1995 01.16.1995 |
B+ |
Jessica |
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1-10 Recap |
Kids Today! I Blame the Rap Music.Eve - Two unrelated but identical girls kill their respective fathers after they find out that the two of them are actually just clones from this wacky eugenics experiment gone oh so very wrong. It's creepy! |
12.09.1993 12.13.1993 |
A |
Jessica |
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1-1 Recap |
In the Beginning...Pilot - ...Chris Carter created a show about two fresh-faced FBI agents who investigated paranormal phenomenon. And people who stayed home on Friday nights watched it. And it was good. |
09.09.1993 09.13.1993 |
B+ |
Jessica |








