The X-Files: Deep Throat (1.2)

While the pilot only hinted at it, Deep Throat reveals that the government knows all about the existence of extraterrestrial life and are willing to do anything to keep their secrets from being revealed to the general public. In a pretty nifty twist, the episode itself unravels so that the audience is left with greater knowledge than our two leads, which sets up a great dynamic between us and the characters over the next nine seasons.

Deep Throat really sets the tone for the series, while it also features excellent performances from David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson (the former especially growing into his role), as well as a bunch of guest stars. The introduction of Deep Throat, working as a go-between for the shadowy folk keeping the truth hidden and our intrepid heroes, is a positive for the show itself, and of course the complete lack of information about his character makes him immediately intriguing.

The storyline to the episode unfolds well, with an array of surprising twists that seem to pop out of nowhere, as well as some pretty great effects as the UFO hovers over Mulder, a moment that truly stays with you long after the episode wraps. Performance-wise, Seth Green is memorable as Emil (clearly getting in some practice on his stoned-hippie-dude routine later used on Buffy), and Gabrielle Rose was excellent as the wife of the returned military pilot, slowly realizing the man in her home isn't her husband.

Deep Throat also sees the introduction of the classic X-Files opening titles. From the haunting theme music to the memorable images, it's easily one of the greatest title sequences in the history of television, and immediately sucks you in to the show. The opening chords of that theme song get me every time.

Like the second part of the pilot, this is another entertaining hour with an involving storyline, a ton of action sequences and some intriguing insight into the conspiracy. Rating B+

Credits
Guest stars Jerry Hardin (Deep Throat); Michael Bryan French (Paul Mossinger); Seth Green (Emil); Gabrielle Rose (Anita Budahas); Monica Parker (Ladonna)
Writer Chris Carter Director Daniel Sackheim