Case 06, File 15: Arcadia

AKA: Domestic AU, Don't Like Don't Read

There are some episodes that are, shall we say, widely beloved by the fanbase, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's because the episodes are just generally really good; Intensely scary, extremely well written, fantastically acted or just unique concepts executed immaculately. But the fanbase is also human, with human tastes and human ships and sometimes widely loved episodes can be widely loved for...more base reasons.

Case 06, File 14: Monday

AKA: I Am Legally Barred From Making A Joke About That Bangles Song

There are premises, concepts, ideas, in fiction that for one reason or another become so fixed in the culture's imagination that in the end, anyone who can figure out a way to explore that concept in their premise, will feel the temptation to try it. And one of those concepts is the Groundhog Day loop, where the same day is lived over and over again. Movies and tv shows from Buffy and Angel to The Twilight Zone have used it, with some like Russian Doll and Happy Death Day using it as their central premise. As such, it's not at all surprising that a show like The X-Files would want to give it a shot.

Case 06, File 13: Agua Mala

AKA: The Most Interesting Thing To Ever Happen In Naples

If there's one thing I appreciate more and more about The X-Files as I get older is how out there they were willing to be with their premise. I watch sci-fi shows today with access to special effects that The X-Files could only dream of, and they never once take a wild swing on an idea as bizarre as "A tentacle monster made out of sea water." That doesn't mean the episode is great, or even good, it just means that even when the show wasn't at it's best, it was always willing to hog wild on some truly strange concepts.