The 23 Best Mulder and Scully Moments

The X-Files, episode: “Pilot;” screengrab via Fox.

#2: Pilot

This obviously had to be included, if not for the stellar content of the episode, just for the majestic shoulder-padded suits that Scully meets floppy-haired Mulder in. Peak 90’s-wear, peak adorable.

X-Files starts like your typical rom-com. She’s a medical doctor/recent police academy graduate; he’s the FBI’s most brilliant profiler who has instead decided to take up the crusade of paranormal investigation. They’re practically MADE for each other!

Except actually, she’s hired to keep an eye on him. The FBI does NOT like what he’s doing with all of those files of the X variety in that basement, and he trusts no one. Enter Scully.

They meet in his office (which soon becomes their office except that she never, in 9 years, 2 movies, and 1 mini-series gets her own desk BUT WHATEVER) and he’s immediately wary of her. He knows she plays by the book. She knows he’s weird and way more dangerous than the book allows for. They’re both more intrigued by each other than they should be, and upon rewatching, it’s totally apparent. Love at first spook.

By the end of the episode, she’s willing to work on his side, he’s willing to trust someone (at least a little), and when they delightfully crack their first case together in that graveyard? It’s almost painful to think of all that’s ahead of them; they have no idea what’s coming. Then again, neither did we.

Next: #1: The Truth (Finale)