The X-files | 8x16
: A man named Howard Salt is shot on the White House lawn while attempting to hand over a disk containing information about a pending alien invasion.
: The "Three Words" of the title refer to "Fight the Future," which serves as the password to the census bureau database. This phrase was also the tagline for the 1998 X-Files feature film. The X-Files 8x16
: After being denied reinstatement to the X-Files by Deputy Director Alvin Kersh, Mulder conducts his own investigation into the shooting. He is deeply suspicious of Agent Doggett, believing he is part of a government cover-up. : A man named Howard Salt is shot
: The episode is highly regarded for finally letting the two leads "have it out". Reviewers from sites like The A.V. Club noted that while they clash "like cats in a bag," Doggett proves himself to be a vital part of the team. : After being denied reinstatement to the X-Files
: Doggett realizes the information he gave Mulder was a trap set by his contact, Knowle Rohrer. He rushes to the statistics center to save Mulder from approaching black ops mercenaries, though Mulder remains distrustful of his intentions. Critical Analysis and Themes
: Fans frequently cite the "black ops" mission with the Lone Gunmen and their "adorable" reunion with Mulder as a highlight of the episode.