A team varied between Scully and Mulder, two other scientists, a pilot, and the guy who plays Bana on Seinfeld, go up to an Arctic research post where all members have died off by either killing each other or killing themselves. They discover there's a worm- a virus- that is parasitic to the point of madness and death. The problem is, after a certain dog lashes out, anyone could be infected, but who? This is not just my favorite episode of season 1, but also one of my favorites from the show. The Arctic environment encloses the characters and, of course like Carpenter's the Thing, it's a lot of fun watching these even-tempered characters suddenly start to flip out in dramatic scenes. And the visual effects of the worm and its effects under the skin are cheesy, I didn't mind them at all. The drama between the characters ends up working more than it would usually because of the tension and because all of the actors (including the Bana guy) understand what's going on in the story. And, as usual, I loved the ambiguity of the ending. Highly recommended.
31 Reviews
Before anyone passes judgment, may I remind you, we are in the Arctic.
DWilliams10898 December 2010
"Ice" was an episode that aired way back when The X-Files was still a fledgling series, and perhaps more so than any other episode at that time, proved what a powerhouse of actors and writers 1013 had in their arsenal. After a rather average stretch of standalones, "Ice" delves into the paranoia and un-solidified trust between Mulder and Scully. Paranoia had always been a driving force behind the scripts of early episodes, but not until this one did it really hit home run. In a script that puts Mulder and Scully at each other's gunpoint, the intensity of its scenes are thicker than the crystalline phase of water it's named after.
Morgan and Wong's premise is straightforward: a research team in Alaska is found dead, ostensibly having done each other in, and the FBI is called in to investigate, with the assistance of a doctor, toxicologist, professor and pilot. When a vicious dog attacks the pilot (Jeff Kober, who I always forget isn't actually Steven Tyler), and causes him to behave in a quarrelsome manner, it's clear that something out of the ordinary is going on.
Although the basic plot of "Ice" is not far removed from John Carpenter's classic horror film "The Thing," the addition of Mulder and Scully and the first real test of their partnership make for some memorable moments. The real crux of the dilemma is that everyone is a potential candidate for infection (of an acetylcholine-hungry arctic worm that coincidentally bears similar qualities to the black oil from later seasons). Scully's barely masked horror and Mulder's instinctive inclinations do not keep them from being potential suspects; they realize this. Ironically it is the team of Hodge (Xander Berkeley of 24) and Da Silva (Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives and Transamerica) who falter in their unquestioning trust.
Perhaps even more so than the web of mythology arcs that dominated the show's later years, "Ice" is really what the heart of The X-Files is all about. Trust, vulnerability, friction, the fear of the outsider on the inside. This script would serve as an archetype for a countless number of subsequent episodes ("Darkness Falls," "Firewalker," "Dod Kalm," "Agua Mala" and so on and so forth). All of those varied in quality, but it can be confidently stated that none matched the cutting intensity of this seminal predecessor. This is widely regarded as one of the series's finest hours, and with a plot that still provides chills (pardon the pun) some seventeen years later, it's not hard to comprehend why. 10 out of 10.
Morgan and Wong's premise is straightforward: a research team in Alaska is found dead, ostensibly having done each other in, and the FBI is called in to investigate, with the assistance of a doctor, toxicologist, professor and pilot. When a vicious dog attacks the pilot (Jeff Kober, who I always forget isn't actually Steven Tyler), and causes him to behave in a quarrelsome manner, it's clear that something out of the ordinary is going on.
Although the basic plot of "Ice" is not far removed from John Carpenter's classic horror film "The Thing," the addition of Mulder and Scully and the first real test of their partnership make for some memorable moments. The real crux of the dilemma is that everyone is a potential candidate for infection (of an acetylcholine-hungry arctic worm that coincidentally bears similar qualities to the black oil from later seasons). Scully's barely masked horror and Mulder's instinctive inclinations do not keep them from being potential suspects; they realize this. Ironically it is the team of Hodge (Xander Berkeley of 24) and Da Silva (Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives and Transamerica) who falter in their unquestioning trust.
Perhaps even more so than the web of mythology arcs that dominated the show's later years, "Ice" is really what the heart of The X-Files is all about. Trust, vulnerability, friction, the fear of the outsider on the inside. This script would serve as an archetype for a countless number of subsequent episodes ("Darkness Falls," "Firewalker," "Dod Kalm," "Agua Mala" and so on and so forth). All of those varied in quality, but it can be confidently stated that none matched the cutting intensity of this seminal predecessor. This is widely regarded as one of the series's finest hours, and with a plot that still provides chills (pardon the pun) some seventeen years later, it's not hard to comprehend why. 10 out of 10.
Don't Be So Cold...
dusk_7318 April 2007
This was truly a tense and dark episode. Excellently executed, wonderful acting and atmospheric directing, 'Ice' is one of my favorite episodes. Along with 'Pusher' 'Grotesque' 'Wetwired' and 'Home' (these are quite good in dark atmosphere in my case) It seem quite realistic to me, their paranoia, their suspicion and their ever growing rage was perfectly executed by the great actors. However, 'Ice' had a problem that I got over after a few watches: IT WAS TOO SHORT! I WANTED MORE!
Overall, 'ice' had what 98% of all X Files episodes have: Excellent acting, Intense story-writing, gritty directing. All the works.
10 out of 10
Overall, 'ice' had what 98% of all X Files episodes have: Excellent acting, Intense story-writing, gritty directing. All the works.
10 out of 10
An "X-Files" spin on "The Thing"
ametaphysicalshark11 August 2008
"Ice" is Glen Morgan and James Wong's take on "The Thing", and is a wonderfully executed homage (right down to the production of and sets in the episode and the cinematography, there are several shout-outs to John Carpenter's 1982 classic). It never feels too dependent on the well-known story, however, thanks to a unique X-Files spin on the situation through Mulder and Scully.
As is always expected there are a couple of hilarious lines ("Before anyone passes judgment, may I remind you, we are in the Arctic."), and the supporting characters are excellent here (as is the cast, featuring the guy who played Bania on "Seinfeld" and Felicity Huffman). "Ice" is one of few season one episodes which looks just as good as later episodes on the show. The photography is quite sophisticated (although nowhere near what Bartley would accomplish with, say, season 3's "Grotesque"), and the direction from relatively frequent X-Files director David Nutter is excellent, keeping the atmosphere as claustrophobic as possible. In addition, Mark Snow's score here is better than anything he had done previously on the show, and the special effects work is excellent.
Although "Squeeze" is excellent, "Ice" was the show's first great episode, an all-around triumph of mood and atmosphere, and with a fine script by X-Files regulars James Wong and Glen Morgan.
9/10
As is always expected there are a couple of hilarious lines ("Before anyone passes judgment, may I remind you, we are in the Arctic."), and the supporting characters are excellent here (as is the cast, featuring the guy who played Bania on "Seinfeld" and Felicity Huffman). "Ice" is one of few season one episodes which looks just as good as later episodes on the show. The photography is quite sophisticated (although nowhere near what Bartley would accomplish with, say, season 3's "Grotesque"), and the direction from relatively frequent X-Files director David Nutter is excellent, keeping the atmosphere as claustrophobic as possible. In addition, Mark Snow's score here is better than anything he had done previously on the show, and the special effects work is excellent.
Although "Squeeze" is excellent, "Ice" was the show's first great episode, an all-around triumph of mood and atmosphere, and with a fine script by X-Files regulars James Wong and Glen Morgan.
9/10
And then there were none meets The Thing.
Sleepin_Dragon17 September 2020
Mulder and Scully are sent to the Arctic along with a few specialists to explain why a team of Geophysicists killed one another.
This is up there with Tooms as contender for series one's best episode. This is pure horror, as my title indicates it is very much an homage to The Thing, plus it has that vibe Agatha Christie created, where one by one the numbers dwindle, and nobody knows who's next, or who's guilty.
This still has the scare factor, watch as paranoia mounts up, and everyone begins to suspect one another.
The unease between Mulder and Scully is brilliant, they are still developing as partners, but here the relative lack of knowledge about one another plays a part.
A great cast featuring Felicity Huffman, they are all on top form.
Superb, 10/10
This is up there with Tooms as contender for series one's best episode. This is pure horror, as my title indicates it is very much an homage to The Thing, plus it has that vibe Agatha Christie created, where one by one the numbers dwindle, and nobody knows who's next, or who's guilty.
This still has the scare factor, watch as paranoia mounts up, and everyone begins to suspect one another.
The unease between Mulder and Scully is brilliant, they are still developing as partners, but here the relative lack of knowledge about one another plays a part.
A great cast featuring Felicity Huffman, they are all on top form.
Superb, 10/10
The Thing meets Mulder and Scully an awesome sci-fi kick ass episode!
ivo-cobra816 June 2016
Ice for me is a science fiction episode classic flick, that really reminds me on John Carpenter's The Thing. Only that the episode has their own plot and their own idea of the story. Glen Morgan and James Wong put as on a test with a science fiction classic horror flick about a mystery with what happened to geophysicists at an outpost in Icy Cape, Alaska. Mulder and Scully fly there to investigate this case with three other scientists and a pilot, that fly them to the outpost. Ice is my favorite episode in the first season and it is the best one for me of all time. The episode is brilliant and intelligent, so you have to understand what the episode is all about.
"You might not be who you think you are."
Plot: When an Arctic research team mysteriously kill each other and themselves only days after drilling deeper into the ice than ever before, Mulder and Scully accompany a team of doctors and scientists to investigate. They discover an organism which infects living creatures and amplifies the host's feeling of anger and paranoia, and the new team starts to deteriorate as they wonder who among them are killers. Guest starring Xander Berkeley and Felicity Huffman.
This horror flick in a John Carpenter's The Thing style is about a worms an alien creatures. When a worm get's inside of you, you become paranoid and you get filed with anger, until you start killing people. To destroy those worms the only way is that you put into a host two worms together at the same time and they both destroy each other. But if you try to get a stand up alone worm out of your body you die.
Mulder and Scully doubts in each other and they both point a gun on each other, they only discovered that they aren't affected, but one of those scientist is and he/she killed the other scientist Dr. Denny Murphy (Steve Hytner). On the end of the episode it turns out that Dr. Nancy Da Silva (Felicity Huffman) was infected, and she killed Dr. Murphy, than she tried to infect Mulder with the last living worm, but Mulder and Scully grabbed her and they put worm inside her and they destroy it.
The only living scientist in this episode is Dr. Hodge (Xander Berkeley).
See I love this episode because you have two famous actors in here one of the actors is Xander Berkeley. Who also played John Connor's (Edward Furlong) foster dad Todd Voight. That is why I love the 90's movies and TV shows, they had a beautiful cast and movies and TV shows that aren't made today.
Xander Berkeley did a perfect job playing the character Dr. Hodge, I love his performance to death.
The second actor is Jeff Kober who is underrated actor who played a numerous roles in movies as a villain.
I love this episode to death, I mentioned in early of my review that the episode reminds me of John Carpenter's The Thing. In The Thing the plot was set on an ice, isolated base in Antarctica in here the plot is set on Icy Cape, Alaska. In The Thing The American scientists discover a decimated Norwegian base some miles distant. Everyone is dead, and only the half charred remains of some unidentifiable thing left to smolder outside the compound might offer any answers to what may have happened. The Thing is brought back to the American base and, too late, the scientists realize that it is alive and lethal.
In this episode you have worms that are organism who infects living creatures and amplifies the host's feeling of anger and paranoia. In The Thing (1982) you have a shape-shifting creature who has the ability to absorb and copy the DNA of any life-form it consumes, allowing it to take on its appearance, memories, and mannerisms.
Again Ice is a classic horror Science fiction flick for me and my favorite kick ass episode Monster-of-the-Week that I love to death! Season 1 is a classic kick ass season with episodes that are really good, joy and fun to watch with an open mind.
This is a perfect 10 for incredible writing and acting of the cast including a wonderful performance from Gillian Anderson who really was brilliant, intelligent and genius in this episode Ice.
The first season of the science fiction television series The X-Files commenced airing on the Fox network in the United States on September 10, 1993, and concluded on the same channel on May 13, 1994, after airing all 24 episodes.
"Ice" is the eighth episode of the first season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files, which premiered on the Fox network on November 5, 1993. It was directed by David Nutter and written by Glen Morgan and James Wong.
10/10 Grade: Bad Ass Seal Of Approval Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Xander Berkeley, Felicity Huffman, Steve Hytner, Jeff Kober, Ken Kirzinger, Sonny Surowiec Director: David Nutter Producers: Chris Carter, Joseph Patrick Finn, Glen Morgan, James Wong Screenplay: Glen Morgan, James Wong Rated: R Running Time: 46 minutes
"You might not be who you think you are."
Plot: When an Arctic research team mysteriously kill each other and themselves only days after drilling deeper into the ice than ever before, Mulder and Scully accompany a team of doctors and scientists to investigate. They discover an organism which infects living creatures and amplifies the host's feeling of anger and paranoia, and the new team starts to deteriorate as they wonder who among them are killers. Guest starring Xander Berkeley and Felicity Huffman.
This horror flick in a John Carpenter's The Thing style is about a worms an alien creatures. When a worm get's inside of you, you become paranoid and you get filed with anger, until you start killing people. To destroy those worms the only way is that you put into a host two worms together at the same time and they both destroy each other. But if you try to get a stand up alone worm out of your body you die.
Mulder and Scully doubts in each other and they both point a gun on each other, they only discovered that they aren't affected, but one of those scientist is and he/she killed the other scientist Dr. Denny Murphy (Steve Hytner). On the end of the episode it turns out that Dr. Nancy Da Silva (Felicity Huffman) was infected, and she killed Dr. Murphy, than she tried to infect Mulder with the last living worm, but Mulder and Scully grabbed her and they put worm inside her and they destroy it.
The only living scientist in this episode is Dr. Hodge (Xander Berkeley).
See I love this episode because you have two famous actors in here one of the actors is Xander Berkeley. Who also played John Connor's (Edward Furlong) foster dad Todd Voight. That is why I love the 90's movies and TV shows, they had a beautiful cast and movies and TV shows that aren't made today.
Xander Berkeley did a perfect job playing the character Dr. Hodge, I love his performance to death.
The second actor is Jeff Kober who is underrated actor who played a numerous roles in movies as a villain.
I love this episode to death, I mentioned in early of my review that the episode reminds me of John Carpenter's The Thing. In The Thing the plot was set on an ice, isolated base in Antarctica in here the plot is set on Icy Cape, Alaska. In The Thing The American scientists discover a decimated Norwegian base some miles distant. Everyone is dead, and only the half charred remains of some unidentifiable thing left to smolder outside the compound might offer any answers to what may have happened. The Thing is brought back to the American base and, too late, the scientists realize that it is alive and lethal.
In this episode you have worms that are organism who infects living creatures and amplifies the host's feeling of anger and paranoia. In The Thing (1982) you have a shape-shifting creature who has the ability to absorb and copy the DNA of any life-form it consumes, allowing it to take on its appearance, memories, and mannerisms.
Again Ice is a classic horror Science fiction flick for me and my favorite kick ass episode Monster-of-the-Week that I love to death! Season 1 is a classic kick ass season with episodes that are really good, joy and fun to watch with an open mind.
This is a perfect 10 for incredible writing and acting of the cast including a wonderful performance from Gillian Anderson who really was brilliant, intelligent and genius in this episode Ice.
The first season of the science fiction television series The X-Files commenced airing on the Fox network in the United States on September 10, 1993, and concluded on the same channel on May 13, 1994, after airing all 24 episodes.
"Ice" is the eighth episode of the first season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files, which premiered on the Fox network on November 5, 1993. It was directed by David Nutter and written by Glen Morgan and James Wong.
10/10 Grade: Bad Ass Seal Of Approval Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Xander Berkeley, Felicity Huffman, Steve Hytner, Jeff Kober, Ken Kirzinger, Sonny Surowiec Director: David Nutter Producers: Chris Carter, Joseph Patrick Finn, Glen Morgan, James Wong Screenplay: Glen Morgan, James Wong Rated: R Running Time: 46 minutes
We're not who we are...
Sanpaco1311 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Ice the Limerick:
A virus pulled out of the ice
Just didn't know how to play nice.
If infected you'll kill
Because you are ill.
The cure is to be infected twice.
Ice is a great episode; one of the greats from season 1 that began shaping the show and if you ask me you really couldn't ask for much better throughout the entire series. It starts out with an awesome teaser which in my opinion is really one of the best teasers of the series also. A group of scientists in Alaska have drilled something out of the ice core which has for some reason caused them to kill each other. Now Mulder and Scully are sent with three other scientists to investigate what happened. As Mulder says this is either because they are brilliant or expendable. I take this to mean that they had better be brilliant or else... The group soon finds out that the cause of mayhem is a small parasite pulled out of the ice core. A little worm that gets into the bloodstream and causes violent behavior. Since the pilot is infected the rest of the show turns to a suspenseful sort of who-done-it paranoiac thriller as the others begin to suspect each other of being infected. This is not helped at all by an overly paranoid doctor Hodge who is un-trusting of anyone which we learn early on by the first thing he asks: to see everyone's credentials to "make sure we are who we say we are". Events lead to finding out the one who is infected and learning how to cure them.
There are a number of things I like about the episode and of course certain characters that I want to smack in the face from this episode, as well as a couple loopholes but most can be attributed to heightened caution and not thinking clearly. I like Bear from the moment I first meet him. Its a shame he has to die. I also like the scene shown from the other scientist's point of view as Mulder and Scully argue in the other room. It gives an interesting twist to our typical perception as a viewer and for me seems to say maybe we shouldn't assume that just because someone is government means they know all sorts of conspiracy secrets. As much as Hodges frustrates me in this episode I do think that Mulder was as much to blame for some of the rash actions taken as any. I really like Scully in this episode. First of all she can tackle like a frickin linebacker! Second I really like the focus on her terror of what can happen to them out there and how she tries not to let trust and friendship of Mulder keep her from biasing her judgment. I love the scene when she goes into the room to sleep and first looks as the picture of the previous group all hugging and the birthday presents from them to whoever used to sleep in that room and then how she suddenly freaks out and pushes the dresser in front of the door and in a final touch of subtlety as she sits on the floor with her knees pulled into her chest we see the bottom of a poster on the wall that says "Bosom Buddies". This is such great writing. A way to say without any words that Scully is worried that she may not be able to trust even her very best friend.
Unfortunately this heightened suspicion leads the group to believe Mulder to be infected since he discover's Murphy's dead body even though they haven't inspected him at all to find out for sure. That was my main problem with the behavior of the characters is they could easily have solved all the suspicion simply by giving blood. But I guess I probably would have acted rashly in that situation too. But then stupid Hodges decides that he has to assume Mulder is infected even though Mulder willingly surrenders and then is going willingly to be inspected and almost infects Mulder in the process. Luckily he sees that it is really Dasilva that is infected and we finally reach a resolution. At least as much as you can expect from an X-File. The "government" wastes no time in torching the evidence as always happens in these cases and Mulder is left with yet another frustrating "unsolved" case. In closing I give "Ice" and easy 10/10 and I leave you with a haiku.
"We're not who we are. It goes no further than this. It ends right here right now."
A virus pulled out of the ice
Just didn't know how to play nice.
If infected you'll kill
Because you are ill.
The cure is to be infected twice.
Ice is a great episode; one of the greats from season 1 that began shaping the show and if you ask me you really couldn't ask for much better throughout the entire series. It starts out with an awesome teaser which in my opinion is really one of the best teasers of the series also. A group of scientists in Alaska have drilled something out of the ice core which has for some reason caused them to kill each other. Now Mulder and Scully are sent with three other scientists to investigate what happened. As Mulder says this is either because they are brilliant or expendable. I take this to mean that they had better be brilliant or else... The group soon finds out that the cause of mayhem is a small parasite pulled out of the ice core. A little worm that gets into the bloodstream and causes violent behavior. Since the pilot is infected the rest of the show turns to a suspenseful sort of who-done-it paranoiac thriller as the others begin to suspect each other of being infected. This is not helped at all by an overly paranoid doctor Hodge who is un-trusting of anyone which we learn early on by the first thing he asks: to see everyone's credentials to "make sure we are who we say we are". Events lead to finding out the one who is infected and learning how to cure them.
There are a number of things I like about the episode and of course certain characters that I want to smack in the face from this episode, as well as a couple loopholes but most can be attributed to heightened caution and not thinking clearly. I like Bear from the moment I first meet him. Its a shame he has to die. I also like the scene shown from the other scientist's point of view as Mulder and Scully argue in the other room. It gives an interesting twist to our typical perception as a viewer and for me seems to say maybe we shouldn't assume that just because someone is government means they know all sorts of conspiracy secrets. As much as Hodges frustrates me in this episode I do think that Mulder was as much to blame for some of the rash actions taken as any. I really like Scully in this episode. First of all she can tackle like a frickin linebacker! Second I really like the focus on her terror of what can happen to them out there and how she tries not to let trust and friendship of Mulder keep her from biasing her judgment. I love the scene when she goes into the room to sleep and first looks as the picture of the previous group all hugging and the birthday presents from them to whoever used to sleep in that room and then how she suddenly freaks out and pushes the dresser in front of the door and in a final touch of subtlety as she sits on the floor with her knees pulled into her chest we see the bottom of a poster on the wall that says "Bosom Buddies". This is such great writing. A way to say without any words that Scully is worried that she may not be able to trust even her very best friend.
Unfortunately this heightened suspicion leads the group to believe Mulder to be infected since he discover's Murphy's dead body even though they haven't inspected him at all to find out for sure. That was my main problem with the behavior of the characters is they could easily have solved all the suspicion simply by giving blood. But I guess I probably would have acted rashly in that situation too. But then stupid Hodges decides that he has to assume Mulder is infected even though Mulder willingly surrenders and then is going willingly to be inspected and almost infects Mulder in the process. Luckily he sees that it is really Dasilva that is infected and we finally reach a resolution. At least as much as you can expect from an X-File. The "government" wastes no time in torching the evidence as always happens in these cases and Mulder is left with yet another frustrating "unsolved" case. In closing I give "Ice" and easy 10/10 and I leave you with a haiku.
"We're not who we are. It goes no further than this. It ends right here right now."
Skating on Thin Ice
hellraiser73 February 2018
This episode is another of my honorable mentions, it's pretty much "The X-Files" doing "The Thing" which is cool since that's one of my favorate films of all time and it's obvious that Chris Carter is a fan of that film so this is kinda his homage to that film.
I really like the use of the bunker, you really feel the small space and you even feel the old from both inside and out. Even love that red lighting in places, which reminds me of the Argento films, in a way it ads to the fear as it reflects the heat (or cold) tenchion and paranoia building up by the minute.
There is just a palpable feeling of isolation and paranoia thoughout this episode as we are just in constant suspense from the fact that there is some viral strain of unknown origin loose in the bunker which means anyone can get it and be a carrier. And to make matters worse even if your not a carrier you can't really run away because the bunker is located in the middle of the artic, with sub zero tempitures on all sides; so yeah Mulder and Skully are trapped in a deathtrap.
I really love the psychological aspect of this episode as we see each of the characters are just loosing it, mainly Mulder and Skully which is surreal as both are usually people that keep their cool. Mulder we see already is heated up with tencion as he smells already something rotten is going on in Denmark. Skully despite keeping her usual cool icy demineor we see is cracking a little herself. Thoughout the ordeal she is struggling to keep things and herself together which is about as hard as trying to keep chunks of ice drifting away from each other.
I also really like the who dunnit aspect as throughout the episode we are never really sure who is really infected, whether it be one or all. Throughout it I was just constantly guessing, as there is no real way to deduce who it could be which just turns up the degrees of danger to a record high.
In the words of John Carpenter "Man is the warmest place to hide."
Rating: 4 stars
I really like the use of the bunker, you really feel the small space and you even feel the old from both inside and out. Even love that red lighting in places, which reminds me of the Argento films, in a way it ads to the fear as it reflects the heat (or cold) tenchion and paranoia building up by the minute.
There is just a palpable feeling of isolation and paranoia thoughout this episode as we are just in constant suspense from the fact that there is some viral strain of unknown origin loose in the bunker which means anyone can get it and be a carrier. And to make matters worse even if your not a carrier you can't really run away because the bunker is located in the middle of the artic, with sub zero tempitures on all sides; so yeah Mulder and Skully are trapped in a deathtrap.
I really love the psychological aspect of this episode as we see each of the characters are just loosing it, mainly Mulder and Skully which is surreal as both are usually people that keep their cool. Mulder we see already is heated up with tencion as he smells already something rotten is going on in Denmark. Skully despite keeping her usual cool icy demineor we see is cracking a little herself. Thoughout the ordeal she is struggling to keep things and herself together which is about as hard as trying to keep chunks of ice drifting away from each other.
I also really like the who dunnit aspect as throughout the episode we are never really sure who is really infected, whether it be one or all. Throughout it I was just constantly guessing, as there is no real way to deduce who it could be which just turns up the degrees of danger to a record high.
In the words of John Carpenter "Man is the warmest place to hide."
Rating: 4 stars
Cold Aggression
thebigeasy55520 September 2006
A true stand out episode from season 1 is what Ice is.An artic location,claustrophobic conditions and a general feel of paranoia looming in the freezing air makes this is a must see episode from season one.The previous occupants of the artic station Mulder,Scully and four others go to have either killed each other or killed themselves.A virus is bringing out murderous aggression and is responsible for bringing out deadly paranoia and fear.Mulder and Scully actually begin to question each others sanity.Tension is that high.The writers have to receive great credit for creating that sort of scenario where the atmosphere is so tense Mulder and Scully come into conflict in such a direct manner
You might not be who you think you are
koalablue_199314 July 2008
This is one of the best episodes from the entire X-Files series, creepy beyond words. The tension and suspense in this episode is very well executed, in its entire 45 minutes it managed to be almost as scary as an entire movie. This episode joins the ranks of best episodes with such greats as "Home", "Humbug" "Bad Blood" and "Milagro" for being the best in their respective season.
Mulder and Scully's growing relationship is put to the test in this episode: Can they really trust each other? This episode also contains a tiny scene that will leave romantic viewers smiling.
Mulder: "Bring your mittens"
Mulder and Scully's growing relationship is put to the test in this episode: Can they really trust each other? This episode also contains a tiny scene that will leave romantic viewers smiling.
Mulder: "Bring your mittens"
Ice, Ice Baby
Muldernscully11 April 2006
Wow! It's hard to put into words my feelings for this episode. Ice is one of the best episodes of season one for sure. It's my favorite of the season. Six people and a dog in a claustrophobic structure isolated in the middle of the arctic with an unknown organism that causes murderous aggression, the drama can't get any better than that. Paranoia reigns supreme as even Mulder and Scully have doubts about each other's sanity. I've heard people complain about this episode's similarities to the movie 'The Thing'. I haven't seen it, so I wouldn't know. Ice is more than worth watching just to see Mulder and Scully truly testing their still developing trust of one another. This episode is intense and suspenseful to the end. You won't be disappointed!
Still one of the BEST episodes!
and_mikkelsen14 November 2023
To me, this is an iconic episode, that remains one of my favoties of the entire show, due to its great and memorable atmosphere, that makes one of the more scary episodes!
This episode kicks off the trend, where Mulder and Scully are isolated at some location having modt of the episode take place in the same environment!
After the mysterious dead of a sciencecrew, Mulder and Scully travels to a remote arctic base! From here everything is to be seen and experienced! The haunting sense of isolation and paranoia is what makes this episode stand out for me! You don't know what is gonna happen next or who to trust! This puts you geniuely on edge for most of the time!
The episode also payes homage to The Thing!
Overall a classic!
This episode kicks off the trend, where Mulder and Scully are isolated at some location having modt of the episode take place in the same environment!
After the mysterious dead of a sciencecrew, Mulder and Scully travels to a remote arctic base! From here everything is to be seen and experienced! The haunting sense of isolation and paranoia is what makes this episode stand out for me! You don't know what is gonna happen next or who to trust! This puts you geniuely on edge for most of the time!
The episode also payes homage to The Thing!
Overall a classic!
Not sure I quite buy it...
connorgperkins19 October 2020
This episode is not an homage to "The Thing," it's a copy. I'm just not sure I buy that something as unimaginative a carbon copy of the original as this episode should be lauded quite so much as it is. It's not a bad episode by any means. I actually thought Duchovny and Anderson showed a greater emotional and tonal range in this episode than in most of the rest of Season 1, and the execution of the episode from a production side is fairly strong. But a bottle episode duplicating another creative work (which itself borrows substantially from Howard Hawks and Christian Nyby's 1951 film "The Thing from Another World" but also reinvents that story in innumerable, riveting ways) is somewhat less impressive to me than it seems to be for others. If a stand-up comedian tells a joke that lands really well and the next comedian to take the stage tells the exact same joke in the exact same way, the joke objectively will be just as good, but I imagine one's perception of the two tellings would not be the same. The first requires (at least perceived) ingenuity, the second only mimicry. "Ice" is mimicry, relatively well-executed mimicry but lacking the creative spark.
Complete and total ripoff of The Thing
ANannyMoose0212 November 2023
I don't even know how this episode was legally aloud to be aired. It is a complete ripoff of the The Thing's original script in every way. The plot is exactly the same, the scenes are all the exact same, even the location is exactly the same. The only difference is that The Thing had good acting (Kurt Russel), good directing (John Carpenter), and a Hollywood budget. This episode takes The Thing and butchers the script like a B-horror. If this was an episode that was inspired by The Thing then it would stand to reason that most things would be different, the location, the monster, the characters, but no. There was no originality of any kind. You can read the original script for The Thing and you have this exact episode scene for scene.
The episode was thrilling
SleepTight66620 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, that was just brilliant. I wish that the rest of Season 1 had been this strong. It really needed more episodes like this.
The cast worked perfectly, even though they were all nobodies back in the day. Writing was fantastic and so was the editing. Great job in all accounts.
The episode was thrilling, suspenseful and just kept you guessing until the very end. Which is what most MOTW episodes had tried, but failed until now.
The first FIVE star episode for me. Really good, almost like a movie. I didn't even remember it being this good. I think it's even better than the great horror movie called 'The Thing'.
The cast worked perfectly, even though they were all nobodies back in the day. Writing was fantastic and so was the editing. Great job in all accounts.
The episode was thrilling, suspenseful and just kept you guessing until the very end. Which is what most MOTW episodes had tried, but failed until now.
The first FIVE star episode for me. Really good, almost like a movie. I didn't even remember it being this good. I think it's even better than the great horror movie called 'The Thing'.
Mully Becomes Wooly
Dresden_Doll_10127 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Yeah, I know my title sucks. I couldn't think of any other title. x] Ice is a brilliant first season episode. Very interesting idea and good acting as well. The whole worm-looking-thing was really creepy in my opinion. I've never been a fan of insects, so all the insect episodes are creepy to me. x] Anyway, lets go on to the good and bad things about this episode,
The Good: The parasite thing. Awesome!
Scully finally trusting Mulder. Awww... <33
It was a good idea to put another parasite in the ear. Though if someone told me they had to put that thing in my ear... I think the whole cabin would be dead.
The Bad: How did the dog stay alive for so long?
How didn't Huffman get those black spots? Or maybe she did, but no-one saw it...
Conclusion: Very good episode, especially for Season 1. 8/10
The Good: The parasite thing. Awesome!
Scully finally trusting Mulder. Awww... <33
It was a good idea to put another parasite in the ear. Though if someone told me they had to put that thing in my ear... I think the whole cabin would be dead.
The Bad: How did the dog stay alive for so long?
How didn't Huffman get those black spots? Or maybe she did, but no-one saw it...
Conclusion: Very good episode, especially for Season 1. 8/10
Great episode
msmy989 June 2020
Greatest episode of season 1!
tv_is_my_parent17 January 2011
I must say i'm not a The X-Files fan. There are some boring and useless episodes like The Jersey Devil in season 1. But this amazing episode just made me hooked on screen.
The most creepy and well-written episode of season 1 of The X-Files. I watched the movie 'The Thing' but i must say this episode is more excellent than the movie. Felicity Huffman is great on her guest role. The episode is about a virus in a mountain. It makes people sick and angry.From first minute to the last minute whole episode was amazing.
This my first episode review. I wish all of The X-Files episodes would be this great. Amazing job. 10/10.
The most creepy and well-written episode of season 1 of The X-Files. I watched the movie 'The Thing' but i must say this episode is more excellent than the movie. Felicity Huffman is great on her guest role. The episode is about a virus in a mountain. It makes people sick and angry.From first minute to the last minute whole episode was amazing.
This my first episode review. I wish all of The X-Files episodes would be this great. Amazing job. 10/10.
My favourite episode!
joshi_359213 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This definitely the most tension filled X-Files episode of the first season. this episode is what I think of when I hear "X-Files". the plot is simple but exiting. Our main cast plus a few scientist go to investigate an Alskan outpost in which it's research team appears to have killed each other. It turns out a small parasite that got dug up from the ice, had infected the research team. The parasite attaches itself to the brain and causes paranoia and insanity. Soon none can tell who they can trust, or who's infected or not.
This episode was a direct tribute to John Carpenters great horror film "the THING". the Thing is set in Antarctica and a team of scientist find a destroyed outpost in which it's occupant have been killed or killed themselves. An alien that had been buried in the ice for a 10000 years had been thawed out. It has the abilities to imitate any life form. therefore the main characters can no longer distinct friends from foes.
Believe me The THING is one of the most exiting, and tension filled horror movies you'll ever see. if you liked the episode ICE I advice you to see it. Or if you have only seen the THING I advice you to see ICE.
ICE is the best direct tribute/homage to John Carpenter's The THING I have ever seen, and it lives up to it's inspiration as one of the best X-Files episodes. I give it a 10/10.
This episode was a direct tribute to John Carpenters great horror film "the THING". the Thing is set in Antarctica and a team of scientist find a destroyed outpost in which it's occupant have been killed or killed themselves. An alien that had been buried in the ice for a 10000 years had been thawed out. It has the abilities to imitate any life form. therefore the main characters can no longer distinct friends from foes.
Believe me The THING is one of the most exiting, and tension filled horror movies you'll ever see. if you liked the episode ICE I advice you to see it. Or if you have only seen the THING I advice you to see ICE.
ICE is the best direct tribute/homage to John Carpenter's The THING I have ever seen, and it lives up to it's inspiration as one of the best X-Files episodes. I give it a 10/10.
"I want to trust you."
classicsoncall13 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
By this point in the series, and it was only the eighth episode, it became pretty obvious that the writers had a penchant for the use of flashlights. I know it sounds goofy, but one of my memories of watching the series the first time around was the ubiquitous presence of Mulder and Scully in some dark place in which they had to illuminate their surroundings, and the resultant light saber-like flourishes they created in the darkness. It got to the point that I was even looking for it in subsequent episodes yet to be aired. Funny the kinds of things one remembers.
I too got the impression this show was paying an homage to "The Thing", though in my case I was thinking of 1951's "The Thing From Another World". It has the same claustrophobic feel of being trapped in a harsh environment, and in this case, a self imposed limitation on prospects of escape due to the nature of a threat the group discovered. I love the pseudo-science involved in stories like this - how can you beat the idea of an alien tapeworm attaching itself to the hypothalamus gland, releasing poisonous acetylcholine into the brain, thereby producing violent behavior. It sounds so cool I'm not even going to look it up to see if those components make sense.
The one thing I didn't find credible here was Mulder going so ballistic when geologist Murphy (Steve Hytner) wound up dead. That was really out of character and was played with too much aggression. It would have been one thing if he'd been infected, but his behavior made it seem like he went past the tipping point. I thought that sequence could have been handled more effectively.
Along with 'The Thing' connection, there was a bit of 'Alien' inserted in the story line too with the tapeworm thingy making it's entry via the ear route. That always creeps me out no matter what movie I see it in, suggesting one put on a pair of earmuffs whenever you go to sleep.
I too got the impression this show was paying an homage to "The Thing", though in my case I was thinking of 1951's "The Thing From Another World". It has the same claustrophobic feel of being trapped in a harsh environment, and in this case, a self imposed limitation on prospects of escape due to the nature of a threat the group discovered. I love the pseudo-science involved in stories like this - how can you beat the idea of an alien tapeworm attaching itself to the hypothalamus gland, releasing poisonous acetylcholine into the brain, thereby producing violent behavior. It sounds so cool I'm not even going to look it up to see if those components make sense.
The one thing I didn't find credible here was Mulder going so ballistic when geologist Murphy (Steve Hytner) wound up dead. That was really out of character and was played with too much aggression. It would have been one thing if he'd been infected, but his behavior made it seem like he went past the tipping point. I thought that sequence could have been handled more effectively.
Along with 'The Thing' connection, there was a bit of 'Alien' inserted in the story line too with the tapeworm thingy making it's entry via the ear route. That always creeps me out no matter what movie I see it in, suggesting one put on a pair of earmuffs whenever you go to sleep.
John Carpenter's Ice
godzillasaveschristmas22 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It's pretty obvious what the homage is, and it's well done. At first I didn't enjoy it that much, since the change of setting and eloquent acting caught me off guard. But days after seeing it, I got the idea and managed to appreciate "Ice" like it deserves. I find it hilarious they didn't notice the pilot was sick... like, look at him. Also, lesson learned from "Pilot" and "Deep Throat" yet again, as they didn't show any crazy effects, and went for the minimal production.
LOTS OF FUN!
Analog_Devotee26 January 2022
It's OK for what it is.
corbettc-2325928 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Unlike most people who praise this episode, I'm not one of them. It is one of the better episodes of the season but it would not be in my Top 10. This is mainly because it is the first season and the noticeable lack of budget shows, especially in the awful effects for the worms. This episode would have worked better in season 3, maybe even season 2, when the show was taking off and the budget for each episode was higher and more money could be put into the special effects. In terms of bottle episodes, I would much rather watch 'Firewalker' over this. One big gripe I have is that it's established early on that anyone infected by the worms cannot control their anger and aggression, but Da Silva doesn't show any of that until Hodge notices a worm moving under her skin. Big oversight on the writers part.
We are not who we are. It goes no further than this. It stops right here. Right now.
alexandercappelli25 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"We are not who we are. It goes no further than this. It stops right here. Right now." – Richter.
Episode 8, 'Ice', original air date November 5, 1993. Written by Glen Morgan and James Wong, directed by David Nutter. Monster of the week episode count, 5. MOTW masters Morgan and Wong are back with their third installment for season one and it's arguably their best yet. David Nutter also makes his directorial debut on the series with an episode that raises the bar significantly, delivering an emotionally taught thriller that's inspired by John Carpenter's 'The Thing'. There is a commonly held belief amongst a wide variety of fans that the standalone MOTW episodes were the finest of the series and really conveyed what the X-Files team were capable of producing. That is, the cinematic quality of these episodes pushed the boundaries of what mainstream television was producing in the early 90's. 'Ice' is the first of many episodes to come that truly feels like it could have been fleshed out to span the length of a feature film. The plot involves Mulder, Scully and a team of highly trained specialists, sent to investigate the mysterious and grim circumstances that lead to the death of an Arctic Ice Core project team. In the opening scene we're introduced to a battered and bloodied man, struggling to utter his final words to a video camera, "we're not who we are." He is then attacked by another man and the fight ends with both men choosing to turn their respective guns on themselves. Cue the opening titles. It's a fantastic opening scene that draws the audience in, knowing very little of the circumstances that led to these events we are suitably intrigued. While investigating their deaths, Mulder and Scully learn that a parasite had infected the ice core team, altering their behaviour into a hyper aggressive state which caused them to attack and ultimately kill one another. Whether this parasite is of alien origin, or simply an ancient species lying dormant in the Arctic ice is up for debate. It soon becomes clear that a member of the new team has been infected and things quickly escalate as they frantically try to determine who poses the danger.
The writing is first class, unlike previous entries in the series that contain questionable character development and plot elements, 'Ice' captivates it's audience through an albeit 'fantastic' scenario. Character choices and motivations all make sense with the verisimilitude of the story and this is all that matters in story telling, regardless of how unbelievable the situation would be in the real world. While Morgan and Wong's script is certainly well crafted, with interesting characters and plot turns, it's David Nutter's direction that helps this episode to truly shine. We spend most of the time in one location, the ice core teams research base, and with a modest cast of five characters. The tension builds steadily throughout as the characters gradually lose control, becoming more and more unhinged and distrusting of one another. The pacing is handled with considerable skill as the delicate balance between scenes of erratic dialogue and drawn out, suspenseful silence keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of our seat. Unlike some episodes where the audience is given either too much or not enough information, 'Ice' gets the balance just right, offering up slivers of information to advance the story which serves to keep the mystery alive without leaving the audience confused. Mark snow's score is particular memorable here, aiding in the tension and horror elements.
The character development is handled well and is aided by the inspired casting choices. The X-Files had some great supporting cast members and this episode is packed with them. The three features roles this week include Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives), Steve Hytner (Seinfeld) and Xander Berkeley (24), with a more minor role given to Jeff Kober (Sons of Anarchy). All of these actors deliver stellar performances that are an integral part of what makes this episode a stand out entry. The characters are well developed, all with their individual personalities and quirks and witnessing them slowly lose control over the course of the show is a treat to watch. We also get to see a side of Mulder and Scully we have not seen before, as this is an augmented version of reality, at least from the characters perspective, the writers were free to explore some as yet untouched character emotions. Mulder yelling at Scully, pleading her to believe him at gun point as she is forced to lock him away for what she believes is the safety of the group. A side of the two leads we haven't experienced until now at this point in the series. Even as a scientist Scully is convinced that their only logical course of action is to destroy the parasite. While Mulder argues that there is much to be studied. In keeping with his character, Mulder is open and drawn to the unexplained, fueled by his desire to understand it, despite what could potentially be disastrous consequences. Of course his attempts prove futile as the crucial evidence is destroyed during the episodes conclusion, his search for truth thwarted yet again by an unknown government agency.
'Ice' is quite possibly the best standalone episode of the season so far and it certainly shows us what Morgan and Wong are capable of as a writing team. As a whole though what makes this episode work is the amalgamation of the separate elements working together; writing, directing, acting, sound production and score to deliver a memorable experience. This is what the great entries of the series all had and it's important to acknowledge the team effort that is required to deliver a stand out show.
Episode 8, 'Ice', original air date November 5, 1993. Written by Glen Morgan and James Wong, directed by David Nutter. Monster of the week episode count, 5. MOTW masters Morgan and Wong are back with their third installment for season one and it's arguably their best yet. David Nutter also makes his directorial debut on the series with an episode that raises the bar significantly, delivering an emotionally taught thriller that's inspired by John Carpenter's 'The Thing'. There is a commonly held belief amongst a wide variety of fans that the standalone MOTW episodes were the finest of the series and really conveyed what the X-Files team were capable of producing. That is, the cinematic quality of these episodes pushed the boundaries of what mainstream television was producing in the early 90's. 'Ice' is the first of many episodes to come that truly feels like it could have been fleshed out to span the length of a feature film. The plot involves Mulder, Scully and a team of highly trained specialists, sent to investigate the mysterious and grim circumstances that lead to the death of an Arctic Ice Core project team. In the opening scene we're introduced to a battered and bloodied man, struggling to utter his final words to a video camera, "we're not who we are." He is then attacked by another man and the fight ends with both men choosing to turn their respective guns on themselves. Cue the opening titles. It's a fantastic opening scene that draws the audience in, knowing very little of the circumstances that led to these events we are suitably intrigued. While investigating their deaths, Mulder and Scully learn that a parasite had infected the ice core team, altering their behaviour into a hyper aggressive state which caused them to attack and ultimately kill one another. Whether this parasite is of alien origin, or simply an ancient species lying dormant in the Arctic ice is up for debate. It soon becomes clear that a member of the new team has been infected and things quickly escalate as they frantically try to determine who poses the danger.
The writing is first class, unlike previous entries in the series that contain questionable character development and plot elements, 'Ice' captivates it's audience through an albeit 'fantastic' scenario. Character choices and motivations all make sense with the verisimilitude of the story and this is all that matters in story telling, regardless of how unbelievable the situation would be in the real world. While Morgan and Wong's script is certainly well crafted, with interesting characters and plot turns, it's David Nutter's direction that helps this episode to truly shine. We spend most of the time in one location, the ice core teams research base, and with a modest cast of five characters. The tension builds steadily throughout as the characters gradually lose control, becoming more and more unhinged and distrusting of one another. The pacing is handled with considerable skill as the delicate balance between scenes of erratic dialogue and drawn out, suspenseful silence keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of our seat. Unlike some episodes where the audience is given either too much or not enough information, 'Ice' gets the balance just right, offering up slivers of information to advance the story which serves to keep the mystery alive without leaving the audience confused. Mark snow's score is particular memorable here, aiding in the tension and horror elements.
The character development is handled well and is aided by the inspired casting choices. The X-Files had some great supporting cast members and this episode is packed with them. The three features roles this week include Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives), Steve Hytner (Seinfeld) and Xander Berkeley (24), with a more minor role given to Jeff Kober (Sons of Anarchy). All of these actors deliver stellar performances that are an integral part of what makes this episode a stand out entry. The characters are well developed, all with their individual personalities and quirks and witnessing them slowly lose control over the course of the show is a treat to watch. We also get to see a side of Mulder and Scully we have not seen before, as this is an augmented version of reality, at least from the characters perspective, the writers were free to explore some as yet untouched character emotions. Mulder yelling at Scully, pleading her to believe him at gun point as she is forced to lock him away for what she believes is the safety of the group. A side of the two leads we haven't experienced until now at this point in the series. Even as a scientist Scully is convinced that their only logical course of action is to destroy the parasite. While Mulder argues that there is much to be studied. In keeping with his character, Mulder is open and drawn to the unexplained, fueled by his desire to understand it, despite what could potentially be disastrous consequences. Of course his attempts prove futile as the crucial evidence is destroyed during the episodes conclusion, his search for truth thwarted yet again by an unknown government agency.
'Ice' is quite possibly the best standalone episode of the season so far and it certainly shows us what Morgan and Wong are capable of as a writing team. As a whole though what makes this episode work is the amalgamation of the separate elements working together; writing, directing, acting, sound production and score to deliver a memorable experience. This is what the great entries of the series all had and it's important to acknowledge the team effort that is required to deliver a stand out show.
Give me a break
curse-of-egypt4 July 2021
Ok. This is the second thing I have given a bad rating to. I mean right away. The Arctic Circle. That pretty much tells you that is was an episode based on John Carpenter's The Thing From Outer space and Stephen King's Sometime they come back for me? Both deserved a lousy rating.
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