After five seasons, The X-Files had established itself as TV's top sci-fi drama--almost unquestionably. As such, series creator/showrunner Chris Carter was given a much longer creative leash in Season Six--a decision that produced wonderfully oddball (but endearing) episodes like this holiday classic.
For a very basic overview, "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" sees Mulder & Scully on a Christmas Eve stakeout (Mulder giddily; Scully reluctantly) at a supposedly haunted house. Upon heading inside, the duo discover there is no "supposedly" about it when two apparitions (played by Ed Asner & Lily Tomlin) appear and deconstruct--both physically & emotionally--each agent's holiday experience.
"Ghosts" represents what I consider to be The X-Files at perhaps its creative peak. Having just moved production from dull-and-dreary Vancouver (perfect for the first five campaigns) to sunny Los Angeles, the episodes in S6 followed suit, containing much more levity and experimentation. Yet, this being 90s episodic TV, the show didn't stray too far from its "skeptic vs believer" premise. In other words, the perfect formula for creative success!
All of this is on display here. The Mulder-Scully banter is top shelf, Carter's signature monologues are delivered perfectly, and the "holiday hijinks" is fun and something new for the show. Asner & Tomlin (two film/TV vets) are perfect for their comical--but philosophically deep--roles. Also notable are the very beginnings of Mulder/Scully romantic hints that would pick up steam as further episodes progressed. Not bad for a "bottle episode"--made on essentially one set with just four cast members to save a little money before the winter hiatus.
Now, I'm not sure that "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" will hold up as every-December viewing if you are not an "X-Phile". It takes understanding the basic natures and shared experiences of the Mulder & Scully characters to truly appreciate the jokes, one-liners, and general atmosphere of the piece. But I will also say this: just by sheer happenstance, this was one of the first X-Files episodes I ever saw as I was first getting into the show. In that sense, "Ghosts" actually provides a really great template for what the show is all about. It hits all the key beats of what made the show so beloved.
As an X-Files fanatic, this is a slam-dunk watch for me every December. For a show often known by its long-arc mythology of aliens and conspiracies, "stand alone" episodes like this one are often what provide the best re-watch value. That's certainly the case with "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas".
For a very basic overview, "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" sees Mulder & Scully on a Christmas Eve stakeout (Mulder giddily; Scully reluctantly) at a supposedly haunted house. Upon heading inside, the duo discover there is no "supposedly" about it when two apparitions (played by Ed Asner & Lily Tomlin) appear and deconstruct--both physically & emotionally--each agent's holiday experience.
"Ghosts" represents what I consider to be The X-Files at perhaps its creative peak. Having just moved production from dull-and-dreary Vancouver (perfect for the first five campaigns) to sunny Los Angeles, the episodes in S6 followed suit, containing much more levity and experimentation. Yet, this being 90s episodic TV, the show didn't stray too far from its "skeptic vs believer" premise. In other words, the perfect formula for creative success!
All of this is on display here. The Mulder-Scully banter is top shelf, Carter's signature monologues are delivered perfectly, and the "holiday hijinks" is fun and something new for the show. Asner & Tomlin (two film/TV vets) are perfect for their comical--but philosophically deep--roles. Also notable are the very beginnings of Mulder/Scully romantic hints that would pick up steam as further episodes progressed. Not bad for a "bottle episode"--made on essentially one set with just four cast members to save a little money before the winter hiatus.
Now, I'm not sure that "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas" will hold up as every-December viewing if you are not an "X-Phile". It takes understanding the basic natures and shared experiences of the Mulder & Scully characters to truly appreciate the jokes, one-liners, and general atmosphere of the piece. But I will also say this: just by sheer happenstance, this was one of the first X-Files episodes I ever saw as I was first getting into the show. In that sense, "Ghosts" actually provides a really great template for what the show is all about. It hits all the key beats of what made the show so beloved.
As an X-Files fanatic, this is a slam-dunk watch for me every December. For a show often known by its long-arc mythology of aliens and conspiracies, "stand alone" episodes like this one are often what provide the best re-watch value. That's certainly the case with "How the Ghosts Stole Christmas".