33 Years Later, ‘The X-Files’ Still Has the Best Sci-Fi TV Pilot Episode

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When The X-Files premiered on Fox in 1993, it set a high bar for science fiction television, and it remains a fantastic starting point for the genre. Today, we have a lot of excellent sci-fi shows like Severance and Pluribus, which are both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of work, life, relationships, and individuality. But despite all the new takes on classic sci-fi elements – monsters, technology, and more – it’s difficult for any show to match the impact of The X-Files.

1993 brought us some classic TV shows, with popular sitcoms like Living Single, Frasier, and Boy Meets World debuting that year. But it wasn’t just about comedy – The X-Files quickly became a hit, thanks to its compelling characters, Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). Even with opinions varying on Season 10, most fans agree that the very first episode of The X-Files was exceptional.

‘The X-Files’ Pilot Episode Is the Perfect Introduction to Scully and Mulder’s Journey


Fox

The dynamic between Scully and Mulder is established right away in the first episode of The X-Files, and a key theme of the show is introduced in one of their early conversations. When Mulder asks if Scully believes in aliens, she responds that the evidence exists, but you need to know where to find it. This immediately clarifies their personalities: Mulder is the open-minded believer, while Scully relies on scientific evidence. As they investigate the deaths of teenagers in Oregon, it becomes clear the series will center around a central question: do aliens actually exist?

What makes Mulder and Scully so compelling is their genuine honesty with each other. From the very beginning, they’re authentic and have a strong foundation of trust and respect. The pilot episode, featuring a disturbing case similar to the show’s scariest installments, also has some genuinely funny moments – like Mulder playfully claiming to be “Steven Spielberg.” We also learn how he earned the nickname “Spooky Mulder.” However, this episode is primarily about building the characters, particularly exploring Mulder’s deep-seated belief that aliens abducted his sister, Samantha. This childhood trauma fuels his dedication, even when others urge him to let it go.

Why ‘The X-Files’ Pilot Episode Is Still the Best in the Sci-Fi Genre


Fox

Many sci-fi shows deal with relevant, modern themes. For example, Black Mirror often focuses on artificial intelligence, and Person of Interest presents some disturbing technological ideas. However, when it comes to the greatest sci-fi TV series pilot, The X-Files remains the best. It expertly blends a scary monster-of-the-week plot with a compelling tone and unforgettable interactions between the characters Scully and Mulder.

As a critic, I have to say the X-Files pilot immediately grabbed me. It balances a genuinely spooky alien mystery with moments of dark humor. The forest scenes, with those unsettling lights and the strange markings on the teens, are legitimately creepy. But it’s the ‘missing nine minutes’ – when Mulder realizes time seems to have vanished – that really stuck with me. Even though Scully, the skeptic, tries to explain it away, her own growing fear is palpable, and that’s what made me desperate to see what happened next. It’s a fantastic setup for the series.

Many shows would make Scully and Mulder annoying – she could come across as a condescending know-it-all, and he could be a rambling theorist who dismisses her views. Luckily, that doesn’t happen here. Beyond creating engaging characters—even flawed ones can be fun—a strong TV pilot establishes a concept with lasting potential. The X-Files nails this. After just one episode, you’re hooked, thinking, “I could easily watch Scully and Mulder investigate mysteries and debate the existence of aliens for years to come.”

It can be disappointing to revisit the first episode of a TV show after you’ve seen the whole series, because the later seasons often change a lot. While The X-Files did evolve over its 11 seasons (including a revival season that wasn’t universally loved), its episodes generally maintain the same feel as the original pilot. The show consistently delivers a mix of scares, humor, and the compelling dynamic between Scully and Mulder – their banter, teamwork, and developing relationship are always a draw for fans.

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At its heart, The X-Files remains consistent, and that foundation is laid in the very first episode. Though Mulder and Scully didn’t pick each other as partners, they’re committed to making the arrangement work, and a potential romance is subtly suggested. A key moment happens when Scully asks Mulder to look at strange marks on her skin; he calmly assures her they’re just mosquito bites, and they share a comforting hug. It’s a small scene, but it demonstrates their ability to be open and vulnerable with each other.

The TV show The X-Files set the stage for many shows that featured a new monster or strange event each week, and its very first episode remains one of the best. The story centers around teenagers disappearing in the woods, believed to be abducted by aliens. The government knows something is happening, and Agent Mulder is determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost. It’s a thrilling, mysterious, and captivating beginning to a truly iconic science fiction series.

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2026-01-27 15:37