Next week, the highly anticipated show Pluribus makes its debut on Apple TV, signaling Vince Gilligan’s thrilling return to the realm of science fiction. Known for his monumental successes with crime dramas like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Gilligan has a solid track record. He began his journey on The X-Files in its second season, initially as a writer. His contributions expanded over time to include producer and director roles, and he co-created the memorable spin-off, The Lone Gunmen.
To celebrate the arrival of Pluribus, let’s take a nostalgic look back at 12 quintessential episodes of The X-Files that showcase Gilligan’s talent as a writer, co-writer, or director. These episodes remain some of the series’ most remarkable standouts.
1. Soft Light (Season 2, Episode 23)
The first episode penned by Gilligan aired in 1995 and notably starred Tony Shalhoub as a physicist consumed by dark matter. After an experiment goes awry, he unwittingly gains a sinister power, causing people to disappear, leaving behind only scorch marks. Mulder suspects spontaneous human combustion but uncovers an even stranger truth: the scientist’s shadows pose a lethal threat.
A thrilling twist introduces Mulder’s informant, X, whose intervention helps halt the scientist’s chaos but uncovers a darker governmental interest in his abilities.
2. Pusher (Season 3, Episode 17)
In “Pusher,” a deeply menacing villain named Modell, portrayed by Robert Wisden, showcases his chilling mind control abilities. He manipulates individuals into lethal decisions, including one colleague who suffers a heart attack from just a phone call. The high-stakes finale, where Modell forces Mulder into a deadly game, is a masterclass in suspense.
3. Paper Hearts (Season 4, Episode 10)
This emotionally charged episode revisits the long-standing mystery of Mulder’s missing sister, Samantha. Instead of alien abduction, Mulder suspects Roche, a deadly serial killer he once helped convict. Through haunting dreams, Mulder wrestles with painful memories, ultimately leading to Roche’s demise, leaving his sister’s fate unresolved.
4. Leonard Betts (Season 4, Episode 12)
Co-written by Gilligan, this episode grapples with bizarre themes, showcasing a headless corpse that walks out of a morgue. Paul McCrane stars as a man with the power to regenerate, unraveling a story steeped in body horror. The episode takes a shocking turn when Betts reveals Scully’s cancer, setting up a significant plot point that continues later.
5. Bad Blood (Season 5, Episode 12)
This episode cleverly juxtaposes Scully’s and Mulder’s interpretations of events surrounding a supposed vampire case, blending comedy and suspense masterfully. As each agent recounts their version, we’re treated to witty references and exaggerated character portrayals that culminate in a harmonized conclusion, reinforcing their dynamic.
6. Folie à Deux (Season 5, Episode 19)
This unsettling entry features a telemarketer convinced that monstrous insects are masquerading as humans. Mulder’s involvement leads to riveting moments of paranoia and tension, exploring how professional relationships evolve in the face of shared craziness and doubt.
7. Drive (Season 6, Episode 2)
In this gripping episode featuring pre-fame Bryan Cranston, a man kidnaps Mulder, leading to a harrowing race against time. As Scully uncovers the medical secrets behind the man’s actions, this narrative highlights the mounting tension between the agents and their superiors.
8. Monday (Season 6, Episode 14)
In this creative twist on the time-loop narrative, Mulder and Scully experience repeated scenarios in which only Pam, a minor character, is aware. There’s something engaging about the slight variations that keep you guessing, offering a fresh take on a familiar format.
9. Field Trip (Season 6, Episode 21)
In this mind-bending episode, Mulder and Scully investigate mysterious skeletal remains while falling under the spell of hallucinogenic spores. Their shared hallucinations escalate the tension and provide deeper character insights as they confront their surreal reality.
10. The Amazing Maleeni (Season 8, Episode 8)
In this intriguing episode co-written by Gilligan, a magician’s grisly murder revolves around an illusion that misleads everyone. The suspense builds as Mulder pieces together the evidence in a captivating investigation rife with clever twists.
11. X-Cops (Season 8, Episode 12)
Merging the worlds of The X-Files and Cops, Mulder and Scully’s investigation of a supposed werewolf is simultaneously filmed in a mockumentary style. The playful tone guarantees plenty of laughs, while keeping hints of intrigue alive.
12. Je Souhaite (Season 8, Episode 21)
Gilligan’s script and directorial debut resulted in a playful exploration of the chaos conjured by a genie in normal life. It humorously critiques wishes gone wrong, encapsulating the show’s inventive spirit.
With all seasons of The X-Files now available for streaming on Hulu, there’s no better time to revisit Gilligan’s impactful work. You can catch the first two episodes of Pluribus on November 7, exclusively on Apple TV.
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