The X-Files: Ice (1.8)

It's X-Files meets The Thing, and while Ice adds nothing new to a pretty standard "paranoid folk isolated in the middle of nowhere" storyline, the overwhelmingly great characterization and reliable tension of Morgan and Wong's script creates what is the show's first, and one of this show's most commendable, series classics.

At the center of the palpable tension is Mulder and Scully, whose relationship is truly tested for the first time. Here they are forced to trust each other alongside a backdrop of constant paranoia, as well as the involvement of two equally close and equally terrified doctors. There's a real sense of helplessness to the story, as well as a surprisingly intimate scene where they check each other for the killer worms. Another success story to the episode is the fact that this finally sees Mulder and Scully as part of a mystery, and not just as observers. Here they are in just as much danger as the guest stars, and the fear grows from that.

The great script also sees some wonderful characterization for its small group of supporting characters. All played by memorable actors, including a future Oscar nominee, each character has their own personality, and it was pretty affecting when Murphy showed up with his throat cut. Like any decent story of this kind, the entire cast are given their own individual background and relationships (see the intriguingly romantic Hodge and Da Silva), giving Ice a familiar Alien-style cast of characters, making you feel sympathetic when some of them kick the bucket, and alternatively suspicious when you realize one of the survivors must be infected.

A truly exciting episode which is understandably loved by fans, Ice is the show's first attempt at spine-chilling horror, and it completely works. Rating A+

Credits
Guest stars Xander Berkeley (Dr. Hodge); Felicity Huffman (Dr. Nancy Da Silva); Steve Hytner (Dr. Denny Murphy); Jeff Kober (Bear)
Writers Glen Morgan, James Wong Director David Nutter