Mr. Hook's X-Files Primer

Mr. Hook is getting tired of trying to explain the mytharc of the X-Files TV show to the uninitiated, so he has prepared this X-Files Primer for the benefit of those who are new to the show. There are basically two kinds of X-Files episodes, "Stand Alone" episodes which are self contained stories, and then there are the "Myth-Arc / Mythology / Conspiracy" episodes which continue a grand story arc usually spelling out our government's involvement in a conspiracy to cover up the existence of aliens and UFOs. Mr. Hook's X-files Primer lists the bare bones essentials of mytharc episodes for the first six seasons of the show. The list is by no means exhaustive, but watching the listed eps. will definitely equip you with all you need to know about the direction the show is going and introduce you to all of the main characters. The only thing that is probably essential to the mytharc but not listed is the X-Files movie which takes place between seasons five and six. Also listed in a separate category are "Lite" X-files episodes which have light-hearted scripts and are played mostly for laughs. Some of Mr. Hook's all time favorite episodes are in this category. Most Stand Alone eps. could also be called "Monster-of-the-Week" episodes. Mr. Hook hates Monster-of-the-Week episodes, generally speaking. However, there are a few X-files episodes which aren't exactly Myth-Arc, Lite, or Monster-of-the-Week but still represent some of the best that the X-files has to offer. This is why an Honorable Mention category has also been included. Mr. Hook's main complaint about the X-files show is the extreme inconsistency in the quality of the episodes. That's why there's also a Bilge Bin category listing episodes which, for various reasons, Mr. Hook loathes with a passion. If you really are new to the show and have never even seen it, Mr. Hook recommends the following course of action: Go to your local video rental store and rent two widely available X-files videos: 1. Sleepless / Duane Barry 2. Ascension / One Breath This is almost like a four part episode which revolves around Agent Scully's abduction while introducing main characters like Alex Krycek and Mr. "X." Whether or not Scully is abducted by aliens or the U.S. Government is one of the main plot threads throughout the mythology story arc. Then check out a more light-hearted episode like the brilliant Jose Chung's "From Outer Space" with guest appearances by Jesse Ventura and Alex Trebek. And if these five episodes don't float your boat, well then, maybe the X-files just isn't your cup of tea. Even if you've never seen the show and aren't sure you're interested, Mr. Hook thinks you should definitely give these five episodes a try. Without further ado: