Ever since Deep Throat was first introduced inThe X-Files, he quickly became one of the most important characters in the sci-fi TV series. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) interact with many mysterious and dangerous people while doing their jobs, includingThe Cigarette Smoking Man(William B. Davis). Likethe black oil inThe X-Files, Deep Throat is unnerving and impossible to ignore.

Played by Jerry Hardin, who has also appeared in TV series ranging fromThe Golden GirlstoThe Middle,Deep Throat is one reason whyThe X-Filesstill draws viewers in. There is a lot to know about this famous character and his arc in the popular series.

Deep Throat (Jerry Hardin) in The X-Files

Deep Throat’s Identity In The X-Files, Explained

The X-Filescharacter Deep Throat’s real name is Ronald Pakula, and he is an informant belonging to the Syndicate who gives Scully and Mulder tips and information. Deep Throat is an engaging character because Scully and Mulder know that they shouldn’t trust him, but it’s also hard for them to resist hearing whatever he has to say. Deep Throat believes in Mulder’s mission to share what is really going on in the world and whether aliens really exist. Every time he is onscreen chatting with Mulder, Deep Throat is as fascinating asThe X-Filescharacter Nurse Owens.

Which Episodes Of The X-Files Does Deep Throat Appear In?

The most famous line fromThe X-Filesis “the truth is out there” and Deep Throat wants to support Mulder in his quest to find it. The two characters have a compelling conversation about aliens in “Deep Throat.” He asks:

“Mr. Mulder, why are those like yourself who believe in the existence of extra-terrestrial life on this earth not dissuaded by all the evidence to the contrary?”

Deep Throat (Jerry Hardin) in The X-Files

Mulder replies “Because, all the evidence to the contrary is not entirely dissuasive” and Deep Throat says “Precisely.” When Mulder asks “They’re here, aren’t they?” Deep Throat says:

“Mr. Mulder, they’ve been here for a long, long time.”

An object in the season 1 finale of The X-Files

According to several sources, including Mental Floss, Chris Carter took inspiration from the real Deep Throat, who was an FBI informant during the Watergate scandal. While several episodes of the TV series are campy and fun, likeStephen King’sThe X-Filesepisode “Chinga,“Deep Throat’s episodes are much more serious.

When Does Deep Throat First Appear In The X-Files?

Deep Throat is introduced in the season 1episode called “Deep Throat.” In 2015, the show’s creator, Chris Carter, told Entertainment Weekly that this was one of his10 favorite episodes ofThe X-Filessince it’s when fans learn that the government has been keeping the existence of aliens a secret.

What Does Deep Throat Tell Mulder In The X-Files Episode “Deep Throat”?

Deep Throat tells Mulder that people are watching him

Deep Throat says not to work on the case involving Colonel Robert Budahas (Andrew Johnson)

Deep Throat says that there are aliens

What Happens To Deep Throat In The X-Files?

Deep Throat is killed in thefinal episode of season 1 ofThe X-Filescalled “The Erlenmeyer Flask.” Deep Throat leads Scully to find an alien fetus, which becomes a negotiation tactic when Mudler has been kidnapped. The Crew Cut Man murders Deep Throat, whose body ends up at the Arlington National Ceremony. While Deep Throat only appears in season 1 ofThe X-Files, he inspires and motivates Mulder to continue his investigations, especially when there are many obstacles in his way.

Killing off a major character is always a risk, althoughwhen a villain dies on TV, it can be satisfying. Since Deep Throat always had good intentions and wanted to support Scully and Mulder, his death is upsetting and shocking. However, seriescreator Chris Carter always approached the sci-fi series boldly, and Deep Throat’s death makes sense. If he appeared in more episodes, his character might become dull and tired. As Carter said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2018:

“I always end it as if it were the last one. It’s become a thing you come to anticipate with this show with ‘The Erlenmeyer Flask’ in season 1 — we closedThe X-Filesand killed off a beloved character [Deep Throat played by Jerry Hardin]. Things are often sacrificed in the finale. That’s the interesting thing for me. There’s a vertical corner in the final that I think will get people’s attention…”