There’s an irresistible charm about the science fiction genre. It combines elements we consider possible with those that seem impossible, creating a viewing experience that’s both realistic and otherworldly. John Carpenter’s The Thing is one such film that excels at this delicate balance, while shows like The X-Files stand out for their seamless blend of the ordinary and extraordinary on TV. Interestingly, it won’t come as a shock to learn that The Thing and an acclaimed episode of The X-Files share a common source of inspiration (and even the same production designer).
The eighth episode of the first season of The X-Files, titled “Ice,” and John Carpenter’s film, The Thing, share a common inspiration: a renowned novella published in 1938. While some viewers might argue that “Ice” copied the plot of The Thing, it may be too simplistic to make such a claim. A more accurate statement would be that both “The Thing” and “Ice” were inspired by the same source material.
The X-Files Episode “Ice” and The Thing Are Both Based on the Novella Who Goes There?
The novella “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell is a significant work that was initially transformed into the 1951 film titled “The Thing From Another World.” Later, in 1982, John Carpenter remade the story under the title “The Thing,” and it’s worth noting that this tale also heavily influenced the creation of the short story “Ice.
Fundamentally, both “Ice” and “The Thing” share a common theme: A team of individuals discover themselves in a secluded, wintry research station, where an alien entity capable of assuming different forms stirs doubt among them.
As a movie critic, I found a striking parallel between John Carpenter’s classic film and the gripping episode of “The X-Files.” Both narratives cleverly employ a limited scope, maintaining an air of self-containment that adds to their suspenseful atmosphere. The confined settings in each production effectively heighten the sense of tension, creating a claustrophobic feeling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
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Following a chilling murder-suicide at an Alaskan research facility, an incident requiring their expertise in extraordinary phenomena, Agents Dana Scully (played by Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) are summoned to investigate. Upon their arrival, they encounter a vicious dog that promptly attacks Bear, the pilot assisting them, echoing the opening scene of “The Thing” where the creature transforms into a canine. However, the parallels don’t end there.
A short while after the attack, the bear exhibited bizarre behavior, eventually succumbing when an alien-like worm was extracted from beneath its skin. With no one to fly their ship, Mulder and Scully found themselves in a similar predicament as the characters in The Thing, stranded without a way home.
Moving forward, the storyline unfolds with a succession of tense and unexpected events as doubts start to creep in. Just like in “The Thing”, the characters in “Ice” swiftly come to suspect one another as potential dangers. Mulder himself is drawn under suspicion, ending up isolated and confined for further examination, much like Dr. Blair (played by Wilford Brimley) who met a similar fate when the group confined him in a tool shed following their suspicions.
It’s been pointed out by numerous viewers that the “Ice” episode of The X-Files and The Thing have a similar visual style. Interestingly, this is because they share the same production designer – Graeme Murray, who contributed to both productions.
The ways the properties differ are mostly influenced by the evil entity’s objectives in each story. For instance, in “The Thing,” the antagonist aims to mimic and replace various lifeforms it encounters. On the other hand, the parasite in “Ice” provokes episodes of unrestrained fury among those it infects.
The “Ice” episode from The X-Files and the movie The Thing draw inspiration from the same source – the novella Who Goes There?. Upon reflection, it’s quite logical to see the many parallels between them. Both stories take place at a chilly, isolated research station and involve an antagonist that subtly infiltrates the facility, bringing about disastrous results.
If you’re missing the good old days of watching The X-Files, why not catch up with all 11 seasons on Hulu? And if that doesn’t quite hit the spot, here’s some exciting news: Ryan Coogler is working on a reboot of the series! Although this project is still in its infancy, we’ll make sure to keep you informed as more details emerge.
https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-x-files-most-controversial-episodes-ranked/embed/#
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2025-06-15 05:11