The X-Files is back, but only as a miniseries, set to premiere for Fox in 2016 but considering its short lifespan and an absence that isn’t as long as it seems, what is the point?
The original series first aired in 1993 and spanned nine seasons consisting of over 200 episodes. It was fantastic. The theme was iconic, the show balanced humour, suspense and fear brilliantly and David Duchovny as Fox Mulder was irresistible along with his partner Dana Scully, played by Gillian Anderson. The chemistry between the two FBI agents investigating unsolved cases involving paranormal activity was such a drawcard. Mulder was a believer while Scully was a sceptic and the back and forth was at times fun, tense, and tender. This show wasn’t just about creepy aliens and monsters or even Cigarette Smoking Man, it was about the emotional relationship that developed between the two that caused audiences to become so invested. People really cared about these characters.
The mythology of the show and the way a larger story gradually rolled out was expertly done and it has influenced more modern television such as ‘Lost’ and ‘Supernatural’ in a big way. For a show in the 90’s, the writing was amazing in how it balanced the serious and emotional scenes and the sometimes ridiculous investigations. It also made you think about many things; questioning religion, life, and death.
Two feature films were released attempting to capitalise on the success of the show, one in 1998 and another in 2008 but ultimately they didn’t live up the small screen version, especially 2008’s ‘I Want To Believe’ which had a decidedly messy plot.
So given how good it was already and the fact it was on our screens not so long ago, why is it coming back and does it need to? Do we want it to? While it’s certainly exciting for old fans, and a chance for new ones to get a modern taste of the cult classic, it may be just a money grab, cashing in on today’s streaming opportunities. The potential for the show on Netflix is massive, where the original series could also be shown exclusively for people wanting to catch-up to the new miniseries. Series creator Chris Carter said earlier this year, now was a perfect time to relaunch a six-part reprisal.
“I think of it as a 13-year commercial break. The good news is the world has only gotten that much stranger, a perfect time to tell these six stories.”
In a way, he’s right. The social media potential for the show could be incredible, mystery’s always do well on public forums and The X-Files was one of the most popular shows to discuss in the past.
Duchovny and Anderson will re-join the show in their famous roles with the series to include one-off investigative episodes and also episodes that expand the story. It will also feature guest appearances from a diverse set of actors including Joel McHale (Community) and Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords).
Duchovny spoke to variety, saying he always wanted the show to return.
“We always envisioned a movie franchise when we stopped the TV show, and we did two — the second one did well, but I guess not well enough to do a third, and we were all kind of disappointed that didn’t happen that way. I would never have gone and done another 22 episodes of ‘X-Files’ but we’re going to do six — well, that’s like doing a movie. That’s like continuing the show in a way that we all can do at this point in our lives so that’s it all came about.”
Here’s the trailer, fresh as can be.
https://youtu.be/_1SmJUBT5q0
It seems to require some definite knowledge of how the show progressed originally so some fans may need to do their homework. It’s unlikely to measure up to the 1990’s version but hopefully it upholds the significant legacy.
It premieres on January 24, 2016.
How do you feel about The X-Files returning?
