THE X-FILES’ Top 11 Mulder and Scully Shipper Moments

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As a long-time enthusiast of The X-Files, I must say that these moments truly encapsulate the heart and soul of Mulder and Scully‘s relationship. Each scene is a testament to their bond, which transcends the boundaries of friendship, partnership, and perhaps even love.

Unresolved sexual tension is the lifeblood of TV. It’s one of the best ways to make your audience invest, and one of the best shows to ever do it was The X-Files. In honor of Mulder and Scully, the king and queen of nonplatonic coworkers, we’re counting down their best ‘shipper moments in the original series and first film.

11. Opening Presents in “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas”

Instead of a more traditional romantic setting, imagine a unique twist on the holiday spirit with an unconventional Christmas episode of The X-Files. In this episode, Mulder and Scully are tasked with investigating a haunted house, inhabited by two spirits who had made a tragic pact to take their own lives as a symbol of their undying love. The hilarious duo, portrayed by the brilliant Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin, use this opportunity to subtly highlight Mulder and Scully’s deep bond.

10. Mulder and Scully’s First Kiss in “Millennium”

I’m going to say it: Mulder and Scully’s actual, canonical, first kiss is underwhelming. For the years of simmering tension, the actual payoff of a pre-Y2K kiss is chaste and passionless. I was hoping for so much more, which is pretty indicative of how The X-Files handles the entire notion of Mulder and Scully having a romantic relationship. But the kiss is in fact a real kiss, so it still counts. And it’s New Year’s Eve, which invokes another classic kiss. Also, let me take this space to say that Mulder and Scully took *seven* network TV seasons to get an actual kiss, so if your OTP from a new show hasn’t kissed yet, take a seat.

9. Mulder and Scully Playing Baseball in “The Unnatural”

In a later episode of the series, David Duchovny authored and directed a storyline featuring an extraterrestrial with a passion for baseball. This plot led to the climactic scene where Mulder was at a batting cage, coaching Scully on how to swing a bat. At one point, she stumbled into his arms gracefully, evoking a romantic first-date atmosphere. However, their comfortableness suggested they were beyond the initial stage of dating – they are deeply intertwined, both professionally and romantically, for life. This relationship dynamic was clearly established.

8. The Hairbrush in “all things”

In an installment penned and orchestrated by Gillian Anderson, there’s a subtle hint that Mulder and Scully might have shared a night together, even though no such event is explicitly shown or backed up with solid proof. The scene where Mulder appears to be asleep in Scully’s bed at the start of the episode subtly suggests this scenario. However, the episode primarily revolves around themes of destiny, timing, and recovery – Scully experiences a spiritual vision during the narrative. This could potentially cast doubt on the initial scene. Despite these ambiguities, the story concludes with Mulder and Scully conversing on Mulder’s couch. As Scully dozes off in the middle of their conversation, Mulder tenderly clears her hair from her face and covers her with a blanket. My emotions are overflowing.

7. The Entire “Arcadia” Episode

In “Arcadia,” Mulder and Scully pretend to be a married couple living in a suburban neighborhood. They banter playfully, with Mulder referring to Scully as “honey bunch” and Scully calling Mulder “poopy head.” They share intimate moments such as Mulder patting the bed next to him for Scully to join him, and discussing the creation of their honeymoon video. The episode is steamy and adorable, stoking the flames of shippers while also featuring a touch of domestic life.

6. The “Walking in Memphis” Dance

“Post Modern Prometheus” is often hailed as one of the finest episodes of The X-Files, boasting several distinctive elements: it’s filmed in black and white, it playfully reworks the classic Frankenstein narrative, introduces a Cher impersonator, features eccentric side characters, and contains an unforgettable moment from the series. Following the resolution of the case, Mulder and Scully escort their Frankenstein’s monster creation to witness his idol, Cher, perform live in concert. As he rejoices, Mulder extends his hand to Scully, and the duo engage in a brief but meaningful dance illuminated by the stage lights. Their interaction carries an atmosphere that transcends mere friendship.

5. “You’re my one in five billion.”

One more noteworthy addition to the list is an episode where Mulder investigates a building besieged by some strange insect-like creature. The specifics of the plot aren’t crucial, as the key scene occurs in the hospital, where Mulder implores Scully to trust him. “You’re my one in five billion,” Mulder declares, reinforcing a recurring theme in The X-Files: that their partnership was destined by fate. This heartfelt moment, played comically, perfectly suits the dynamic between these characters.

4. “Triangle” Kiss + “I love you”

In a strange, Bermuda Triangle-like wormhole, Mulder finds himself on a German luxury liner during World War II, where he encounters alternate versions of himself and Scully. Since even time distortions can’t keep them apart, they team up with an OSS version of Scully. However, this isn’t the usual Scully; she throws a punch at Mulder instead of kissing him back. This scene offers a unique twist for fans who enjoy their romantic dynamics, as David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson share a passionate moment. The surprise comes at the end of the episode when Mulder wakes up from his coma induced by the ocean’s magic, and for the first time, he declares his love to Scully. She responds with an eye roll – a classic Scully move! Aww-worthy moment indeed!

3. Hands and eye contact in “Pusher”

In this episode, “Pusher” introduces one of the series’ most intricate antagonists, Robert Patrick Modell, who possesses the ability to manipulate people mentally. Modell challenges Mulder and thinks he has met his equal, leaving it to Scully to bring Mulder back to his senses. Towards the end of the episode, Mulder is fitted with a camera and microphone beneath his bulletproof vest, and Scully and Mulder grip each other’s hands tightly, their gaze locked intensely, compelling me to avert my eyes.

2. Forehead kiss in “Memento Mori”

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Mulder and Scully’s relationship is the mutual respect and support they have for each other. When Scully has cancer in Season 4’s “Memento Mori,” Mulder is at the hospital with flowers and open arms. He gives her a forehead kiss that is extremely tender.

1. The Almost Kiss, The X-Files: Fight the Future

It’s unlikely that the scene is the absolute best acted scene ever in modern cinema. However, it’s far from an exaggeration to label it as one of the most passionate and tension-filled moments in The X-Files. The intense staring, the tears, the prolonged eye contact, and then the sudden interruption by a bee, just inches away from their lips. I can’t help but feel anger towards that bee given the alarming rate of bee extinction. Instead, my frustration is directed towards the writers of The X-Files, who skillfully used this moment to showcase the complex dynamic between Mulder and Scully: their deep love for each other is continually obstructed by work, life, and death. This scene perfectly captures what I admire about their relationship.

Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge those hilarious mistakes from the movie that feature Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny sharing an authentic kiss as one of my favorites.

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2024-09-27 19:02