Best “The X-Files” Episode
“The X-Files” premiered on the Fox network in September 1993. While the sci-fi mystery show was inspired by earlier series like “The Twilight Zone,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” creator Chris Carter tapped into a unique moment in the cultural zeitgeist to produce something even more resonant. The adventures of two outcast FBI agents investigating aliens, monsters, and unexplained phenomena clicked with a burgeoning interest in the paranormal and conspiracy theories, and a growing mistrust in government authority. What began as a cult classic quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon that defined the 1990s, and which continues to hold serious cultural cache. The truth is out there, and we intend to find it as the Great Pop Culture Debate attempts to name the best episode of “The X-Files.”
Episodes discussed: “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas,” “Small Potatoes,” “Tooms,” “Squeeze,” “Leonard Betts,” “Quagmire,” “Ice,” “Home,” “Beyond the Sea,” “Humbug,” “Die Hand Die Verletz,” “Bad Blood,” “Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster,” “Syzygy,” “The Host”
Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback and Kate Racculia, and special guest author Victor Manibo as they discuss 16 of the very best episodes of “The X-Files,” both from the original run and the 2010s reboot.
Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours!
For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more “X-Files” episodes we love that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.
Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks.
Want to watch the episode instead? As of Season 12, we now have full video episodes up on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel for even more original, exclusive episodes!
Round 1 Match-Ups:
Not a Patreon subscriber? Here’s a primer on how we came up with the bracket.
Match-Up 1: “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” S3, E4 (1) vs. “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas” S6, E6 (4)
Match-Up 2: “Small Potatoes” S4, E20 (3) vs. “Tooms” S1, E21 (2)
Match-Up 3: “Squeeze” S1, E3 (1) vs. “Leonard Betts” S4, E12 (4)
Match-Up 4: “Quagmire” S3, E22 (3) vs. “Ice” S1, E8 (2)
Match-Up 5: “Home” S4, E2 (1) vs. “Beyond the Sea” S1, E13 (4)
Match-Up 6: “Humbug” S2, E20 (3) vs. “Die Hand Die Verletzt” S2, E14 (2)
Match-Up 7: “Bad Blood” S5, E12 (1) vs. “Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster” S10, E3 (4)
Match-Up 8: “Syzygy” S3, E13 (3) vs. “The Host” S2, E2 (2)
Want to play along at home?
Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter!
Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox!
Vote in more pop culture polls!
Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates!
Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next.
Episode Credits
Host: Eric Rezsnyak
Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Kate Racculia
Special Guest: Victor Manibo
Producer: Derek Mekita
Editor: Bob Erlenback
Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch
