Nothing excites a viewer more than danger, intrigue, a dash of humour and a whole lot of science fiction. Therefore, it makes sense that a TV show like “The X-Files” would take off and be a hit. Created by Chris Carter, this Police Drama/Science Fiction show followed the exploits of two FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, as they explore the FBI’s X-Files, or those cases that cannot be explained by traditional methods. Lasting for nine seasons, the show was able to traverse not only different types of sci-fi stories, but also different story arcs about the massive control of governments and the conspiracies that they sometimes take apart of.
But back to the characters for one moment, for the relationship between Mulder and Scully is a very interesting one. Mulder (played by David Duchovny) is a believer in all things paranormal, whether that be aliens and werewolves to government conspiracies. The reason for this has to do with the kidnapping of Mulder’s sister from when he was young, which he attributes to aliens. On the opposite end of this spectrum is Scully (played, by Gillian Anderson), who, based on her experience as a doctor, is more grounded in reality and often questions the theories posed by Mulder in the episodes. The dynamic between the two is excellent, and is possibly one of the best parts of the series. Often, the most tense parts and the funniest parts come from their banter. Underneath all of that questioning is a respect for each other’s line of work, and throughout the multiple times the X-Files was almost shut down in the show, Mulder and Scully defended their work, for as the shows tagline states “The Truth is Out There.”
The storylines in this episode are also a highlight of the show. The expert writing in episodes like Season 6’s “Drive” and Season 1’s “Squeeze” show off the wordplay and tense moments derived straight from the writing. Writers Vince Gilligan, whose work on “The X-Files” directly helped him with his hit show “Breaking Bad” and show creator Chris Carter pen the best episodes, as they truly understand the characters and the mythology behind the bad guys the best. The one downside to the show writing is the long overarching story lines over multiple seasons, as they often got confusing towards the latter half of the shows run.
If one were to step right now into the work of “The X-Files”, there are some episodes that are crucial viewing. One of the best about “The X-Files” now is that due to Netflix, the episodes can be out of order. In order to get a real idea about whether or not “The X-Files” is for you, here are 5 must watch episodes, in my personal order of excellence:
#5: “Pilot”-Season 1, Episode 1
#4:”Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose”-Season 3, Episode 4
#3”The Postmodern Prometheus”-Season 5, Episode 5
#2”X-Cops”- Season 7, Episode 12
#1”Home”-Season 4, Episode 2
In all, the X-Files was one of the pinnacles of 1990s television, and a great concept. With great cast chemistry, an eerie feel, and tremendous writing, “The X-Files” is certainly a show for anyone into the science-fiction genre.
RATING: 8.5/10
But back to the characters for one moment, for the relationship between Mulder and Scully is a very interesting one. Mulder (played by David Duchovny) is a believer in all things paranormal, whether that be aliens and werewolves to government conspiracies. The reason for this has to do with the kidnapping of Mulder’s sister from when he was young, which he attributes to aliens. On the opposite end of this spectrum is Scully (played, by Gillian Anderson), who, based on her experience as a doctor, is more grounded in reality and often questions the theories posed by Mulder in the episodes. The dynamic between the two is excellent, and is possibly one of the best parts of the series. Often, the most tense parts and the funniest parts come from their banter. Underneath all of that questioning is a respect for each other’s line of work, and throughout the multiple times the X-Files was almost shut down in the show, Mulder and Scully defended their work, for as the shows tagline states “The Truth is Out There.”
The storylines in this episode are also a highlight of the show. The expert writing in episodes like Season 6’s “Drive” and Season 1’s “Squeeze” show off the wordplay and tense moments derived straight from the writing. Writers Vince Gilligan, whose work on “The X-Files” directly helped him with his hit show “Breaking Bad” and show creator Chris Carter pen the best episodes, as they truly understand the characters and the mythology behind the bad guys the best. The one downside to the show writing is the long overarching story lines over multiple seasons, as they often got confusing towards the latter half of the shows run.
If one were to step right now into the work of “The X-Files”, there are some episodes that are crucial viewing. One of the best about “The X-Files” now is that due to Netflix, the episodes can be out of order. In order to get a real idea about whether or not “The X-Files” is for you, here are 5 must watch episodes, in my personal order of excellence:
#5: “Pilot”-Season 1, Episode 1
#4:”Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose”-Season 3, Episode 4
#3”The Postmodern Prometheus”-Season 5, Episode 5
#2”X-Cops”- Season 7, Episode 12
#1”Home”-Season 4, Episode 2
In all, the X-Files was one of the pinnacles of 1990s television, and a great concept. With great cast chemistry, an eerie feel, and tremendous writing, “The X-Files” is certainly a show for anyone into the science-fiction genre.
RATING: 8.5/10