The hunt for the truth continues! The X-Files is set to return with 10 brand new episodes for the 2017-2018 television season! Like any good XPhile, I immediately did a happy dance. Mulder and Scully are back! Then, as is the natural course of events, I began a re-watch. That is, a selective re-watch of favorite episodes featuring classic Mulder and Scully moments. Mulder and Scully’s relationship is, without doubt, one of the classic romances of all time. What started as a reluctant partnership evolved into a complex relationship that defies explanation. Every glance, touch, and word was filled with subtleties that spoke to their deeply rooted connection. Their bond has been tested time and time again and found to be unbreakable.
It’s difficult to choose one classic Mulder and Scully moment as the best. After all, every moment is unique to its circumstance. Instead, these are a few classic Mulder and Scully moments any XPhile would appreciate. The list below focuses on the series. Thus, there are no moments from the movies. Also, each classic Mulder and Scully moment portray different aspects of their relationship. There are moments of friendship and humor. Of course, no list is complete without romantic moments! Check out the list below and I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane!
15 Out of this World Classic Mulder and Scully Moments
(In Chronological Order of Episodes)
#1 “Pilot” (1×01)
From the beginning, Mulder and Scully challenged each other to think outside their comfort zones. The pilot not only introduced the mythology of The X-Files but also the Mulder and Scully dynamic. This pilot gave us those classic Mulder and Scully moments we would see repeatedly over the years. Throughout the episode, Mulder and Scully debate fact and fiction, science and science fiction. At last, Scully’s science meets Mulder’s theory in the middle. Scully is as surprised as Mulder and they begin laughing. There’s a new understanding between them. Mulder will always push and prod Scully to think outside of conventional science. Scully will always counter with facts and logic. However, when facts and logic support Mulder’s theories, she will not deny them. This was the beginning. This is where trust began.
#2 “Død Kalm” (2×19)
Yes, the creepy episode in which Mulder and Scully appear to age due to salinization (no, Mulder, not a wrinkle in time). I’m sure you are wondering how this episode could have a classic Mulder and Scully moment. Yet, it does. Underneath the scary, wrinkly skin, Mulder and Scully remain true to who they are. Cut off from the only potable water on the ship, Scully goes on a mission to find something, anything, to keep Mulder alive. The result? A delightful concoction of sardine juice, lemons, and water from a snow globe. They argue like an old married couple (haha!) over who should drink it. Unfortunately, the ship lurches and the jar slides off the table, crashing to the floor. It’s classic Mulder and Scully. Each stubborn and willing to sacrifice their life to ensure the other’s survival.
#3 “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” (3×04)
Some of the most classic Mulder and Scully moments involve them poking fun at each other. When a psychic is brought in to consult on a case, you would think Mulder would be in seventh heaven. Instead, in an interesting twist, Mulder is as skeptical as Scully. As renowned psychic Mr. Yappi gives a dramatic performance, both Mulder and Scully have dubious looks on their faces. When Mr. Yappi picks up “negative energy” in the room, he identifies Mulder as the culprit. Consequently, Mulder is asked to leave.
“I can’t take you anywhere,” Scully teases as Mulder sighs deeply at his fate. A seriously cute moment of teasing in one of the best episodes of The X-Files.
#4 “Quagmire” (3×22)
Quagmire is an episode that is easily forgotten. Yet, it features one of the most character-focused scenes in Season 4. The tension between Mulder and Scully is thick. Once again, Mulder dragged Scully into the field without any real explanation. Turns out, he’s chasing a version of the Loch Ness Monster. As a result, Scully is more vocal in her doubts than usual. When a boating mishap forces them to take refuge on a rock in the middle of a lake, the two are forced to talk. Scully compares Mulder to Ahab from Moby Dick. She calls his search for the truth his white whale. Mulder’s response is typical Mulder only it’s not. He rightfully points out he’s actually the antithesis of Ahab. This is one of those classic Mulder and Scully moments that show their bond is always strong even when they are at odds. Also, R.I.P. QueeQueg.
#5 “Memento Mori” (4×14)
One of the most heartbreaking episodes, “Memento Mori,” follows Scully on her quest for answers to her cancer. Many classic Mulder and Scully moments were much like this one; intimate and reflective. Faced with the knowledge that someone was responsible for her cancer, Scully is determined to fight. Mulder matches her determination. There is a look shared between them before Mulder pulls Scully into his arms. He whispers to her that the truth will set her free and Scully holds him tighter. At last (too soon!) they break apart, but then Mulder presses his lips to Scully’s head. These two perfected the art of the forehead kiss!
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Bonus: How vulnerable did Mulder sound when he said to Scully, “You weren’t in your room. I was scared.”
#6 “Detour” (5×04)
Of course, there are classic Mulder and Scully moments in which one of them is injured. Some are serious, some are humorous. In this one, we see another side to Mulder. Who knew that an injured Mulder was a cute and cuddly Mulder! The two are lost in the wilderness without food or water. Scully clearly wasn’t a Girl Scout as she fails repeatedly to start a fire to keep them warm. What other option is there? That’s right….snuggle up Mulder and Scully! It’s another one of those character moments where Mulder and Scully are able to banter yet be serious at the same time. In the end, Scully pulls Mulder close, insisting he sleeps while she keeps watch. Mulder tells her to sing so he knows she’s awake and a reluctant Scully does so. A tuneless version of Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World never sounded so sweet!
#7 “The Post-Modern Prometheus” (5×05)
A monster-of-the-week favorite! There are so many classic Mulder and Scully moments in this episode. Yet, the one that always pops to mind, is the dance. Mulder is not without charm and he’s used it on Scully before to varying degrees of success. When Mulder holds his hand out to Scully for a dance, she was as surprised as the rest of us. Mulder? Dancing? Yes, indeed! He pulls Scully to her feet and into his arms, bringing her in close. All the while, he’s smiling at her and, dare I say it?? Gazing at her. It’s a swoon-worthy, romantic moment for Mulder and Scully and one I watch repeatedly.
#8 “Bad Blood” (5×12)
The entire episode is chock full of classic Mulder and Scully moments. It’s a hilarious adventure as they take turns reciting their version of events. The two of them delightfully mock the other with exaggerations of the others’ quirks. It’s an incredible insight into how Mulder and Scully view themselves and each other. Watching Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny perform over-the-top versions of their characters was uproariously funny. From a whining Scully to a Shaft-singing Mulder, “Bad Blood,” is one of the best episodes of the entire series!
#9 “Folie a Deux” (5×19)
What many classic Mulder and Scully moments do is remind the viewer that no matter how outlandish the tale or far-fetched the theory, Scully always does her part. She will turn to science and she will either back his theories or debunk them. But, not until she thoroughly does her part. This time, Mulder needed to remind her and he does so in spectacular fashion. “Scully you have to believe me. Nobody else on this whole damn planet does or ever will. You’re my one in….five billion.” Followed by an intense eye exchange. Scully doesn’t need to say anything. While she may still be skeptical, she will do her part. Hey, if someone told me I was their one in five billion, I pretty much would do what they told me, too!
#10 “The Unnatural” (6×19)
“The Unnatural” was the first episode written and directed by David Duchovny. It is also arguably one of the best of the series. Told mostly in flashbacks to the late 1940s, Mulder and Scully share some super cute classic Mulder and Scully moments at the beginning. Yet, none were so cute as this one at the end. This moment shows their playful side. The banter is familiar and personal, filled with innuendo!! They tease each other and laugh together. It’s emotionally intimate as Mulder shares one of his loves with Scully. Teaching her how to hold the bat and swing, every touch not only instructional but personal as well turns a baseball lesson into an expression of love. Hips before hands, Scully, hips before hands.
#11 “The Sixth Extinction II – Amor Fati” (7×02)
This classic Mulder and Scully moment is breathtakingly romantic in its simplicity. After Mulder was rescued from certain death, Scully is dismayed to find him attempting to dress and come into the office. Scully has experienced events that rock the foundations of her beliefs. She does not know what to believe or who to trust. After Scully tearfully tells Mulder of Diana Fowley’s murder, she hugs him close. Mulder’s own experience reinforced the one constant in his life. So, he tells Scully of an alternate reality where everything was as he wanted. At this point he cups her face tenderly, telling her how this life he experienced was nothing he recognized except for one thing. Scully.
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“You were my friend and you told me the truth. Even when the world was falling apart you were my constant. My touchstone.”
“And you are mine.”
Scully then gives Mulder the LONGEST forehead kiss ever. She cups his face and traces his lips with her thumbs before disappearing down the hallway. Sigh.
#12 “Millennium” (7×04)
It’s New Year’s Eve and as Mulder and Scully often do with holidays, they are celebrating in a hospital. As they are leaving, Mulder and Scully stop to watch the ball drop on television. Suddenly, Mulder looks at Scully and then really looks at Scully. Feeling the weight of his stare, Scully turns but before she can say anything, he kisses her. Not a kiss on the cheek. Not a brush of the lips. A real, honest to goodness kiss. Their first kiss! It was sweetly romantic in its utter perfection. When they break apart, they smile at each other.
“The world didn’t end.”
“No, it didn’t.”
Well, for us fans, for a moment there, it certainly did!
#13 “All Things” (7×17)
Written and directed by Gillian Anderson, “All Things” is one of the more spiritual episodes of The X-Files. It is a Scully-centric episode that delves into a past relationship from her youth. It’s also one of those episodes you either love or hate. Either way, there is no denying this classic Mulder and Scully moment. They sit impossibly close on Mulder’s couch. Scully is visibly exhausted. Mulder is tender as he watches her. As Mulder and Scully discuss choice and fate, Scully falls asleep. Then, ever so gently, Mulder brushes Scully’s hair from her face. He stares at her tenderly, lingering on her lips before covering her with a blanket. There is no doubt this moment is romantic, filled with longing, and achingly sweet.
#14 “Deadalive” (8×15)
Season 8 and 9 of The X-Files are difficult for me to watch. Sometimes, I like to pretend the seasons don’t exist but then I remember classic Mulder and Scully moments like this. Season 8 is one long search for a missing Mulder. Scully’s heartbreaking cries when Mulder is found dead are haunting. However, this is The X-Files so of course, he’s not. But he is dying. When all hope seems lost, Mulder finally wakes. The first person he sees is Scully. She is crying as she whispers a hello. In true Mulder fashion, he pretends to not know her. For a second, Scully looks devastated. Then she catches the teasing look on Mulder’s face. At last, they share that look. You know the one I mean. The look they perfected over eight years. There is no need for words.
#15 “My Struggle” (10×01)
With the return of The X-Files in 2016, fans received a plethora of new yet classic Mulder and Scully moments. Ranging from the humorous (“Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster”) to deeply emotional (“Home Again”), there were many out of this world moments. However, one of my favorites was from the first episode of Season 10. When Mulder and Scully return, they are estranged. Mulder is still angry, taking swipes at Scully’s expense. They are an ocean apart. Despite this, their connection is still deep. As Mulder tells Scully of his discovery, he is vibrating with emotion. Scully fears for Mulder’s well-being. He fears she no longer believes in him. They argue and their argument is more about their relationship than Mulder’s discovery. It was a beautiful classic Mulder and Scully moment.
These are just a few classic Mulder and Scully moments…..yes, a few! Had I not given myself a set number, this likely would have featured 30 or more! Which ones would you add? Share them below!
Photo Credits: Fox
Editorial Note: This article is from our contributor archives and has been lightly edited and updated by us. Since 2021, The Silver Petticoat Review has been exclusively written by Amber & Autumn Topping. See About Us.
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