When The X Files originally aired I wasn't exactly a fan. I didn't watch it on broadcast TV or time-shift on the technology of the day, the lowly VCR. That wasn't a slam and it has proved to be a good thing as I get to watch the pristinely presented episodes taken from the DVDs. I get the luxury of not having to pause through endless interruptions so I can fully take in the show. Sure, there's chaff among the wheat, but even so I have waded through 2 seasons with plenty of gems unearthed. None more so than the triple-episode story that started with season two's finale and ended with "Paper Clip" which is the second episode of season three.
Paper Clip finishes what,up until now, is undoubtedly the best story line of the entire series. It is, basically, an X File movie when you have the ability to watch all three in succession. Far superior, in fact, to the two later-day X Files movies released in theaters. All of the things that make X Files compelling are here. The focus is entirely on the myth-arc and much is revealed as well as left for future episodes. Everything gels, especially the Navajo tie-in which adds so much richness to the story. It's devoid of comedy, even with the appearance of "The Lone Gunmen". Comic relief would just water things down. This is a definite high water-mark for the entire series.