The X-Files Episode That Still Bothers Vince Gilligan 29 Years Later

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Though The X-Files is celebrated for its groundbreaking approach to television in the 1990s, writer Vince Gilligan has shared a lingering frustration from his time on the show. Gilligan is now famous as the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but he got one of his first writing jobs working on The X-Files.

Given how popular The X-Files was – and still is, with a dedicated fanbase and lasting impact on science fiction and thriller genres – it’s obvious the show was a major achievement for Vince Gilligan. However, he recently shared that one specific thing often bothered him because it sometimes hindered the storytelling.

Broadcast Standards And Practices Led To A Weird Scene In “Paper Hearts”

In a recent interview with Ringer TV, Vince Gilligan reflected on his work on The X-Files. When asked about frustrating plot points, he recalled a specific detail from the episode “Paper Hearts” that still bothers him.

This episode centers around a man who committed terrible crimes against children. He is eventually apprehended and killed by a gunshot to the head. Strangely, there’s no visible wound on his head – it appears perfectly unharmed. Instead, the window behind him shows evidence of the shooting, with a bullet hole and blood splatters.

The strange inconsistency in the scene happened because broadcasting regulations wouldn’t allow a visible gunshot wound to the head. This creates an awkward moment where the man’s head falls forward, seemingly undamaged, even though everything around him is destroyed.

The X-Files Managed To Be Disturbing Even With All The Network Limitations

Most TV shows and movies have to follow a lot of rules. These rules come from different sources, like the studio making the show, the network broadcasting it, the company distributing it, and even the groups that give it a rating. They all need to be followed for a show to get made.

Fortunately, the team behind The X-Files was skilled at finding clever solutions and bending the rules, which let them achieve their vision and create a truly original show.

As a huge fan of storytelling, I always find it fascinating when limitations actually force creativity. But with The X-Files, a particular constraint led to something a little… strange. It created a plot hole that, honestly, was just as annoying for Vince Gilligan, the writer, as it was for us watching it!

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2025-11-15 21:58