[Review] X-Files Has Made Me a Believer Again

When Fox announced that they were reviving the “X-Files” I had two very strong reactions.  The initial one was obviously excitement.  I grew up on the “X-Files” and was eager to dive back into the world once again.  But then the second reaction began to set in: I started to dread this new season.  Despite being an iconic television series, the “X-Files” suffered through some pretty rough final seasons and some rather lackluster movies.  Would this new season continue the trend or would it manage to bring back the feel of the old season?

If you’re a newcomer to the series and hoping to start without having seen the previous seasons, you should be warned.  After a brief intro that sets up the premise of the series, the show quickly dives head first into its mythos.  It isn’t long before Mulder and crew are speculating over evidence of UFOs, alien abductions, and government conspiracies all while reintroducing characters from the series and bringing in new faces to the fold.

Unfortunately, the first episode suffers from some severe pacing issues and the narrative feels like it’s jumping sporadically from one idea to the next.  The whole thing felt like it could’ve benefited from an extra half hour just to let it breathe and unfold naturally.  In fact, it feels like they filmed an additional half hour and then completely cut it out.  Characters will sometimes jump to conclusions or drastically change their opinions with little to no indication of why.  It really felt like large chunks of the story was being told off screen.

That being said, this episode manages to do the impossible job of reestablishing the X-Files and give the new season a fresh slate to work off of.  It raises new questions and about Mulder’s long standing investigation into aliens and government conspiracies and points the show in a more focused and intriguing direction.  If you’re wondering about the great alien invasion of 2012, don’t expect it to come up.  There’s exactly one mention of 2012 in the first episode and it’s not even about the alien invasion.

Also, as a side note, I have to mention that Joel McHale is great as the conservative talk show host who shares a deep admiration for Mulder and his X-Files.  The character is a bit cartoony, but not in a way that makes him unbelievable or unlikeable.  Instead he simply has a very large persona and grandiose way of talking that gives him a mesmerizing presence. It’s a great role for Joel and hopefully one that we’ll see throughout the new series.

But what about the two most important characters Mulder and Scully?  Rest assured that they’re back to their old form.  Mulder is still a master of dispensing dry wit and long winded speeches about cover ups while Scully retains her cautious skepticism.

However, the characters haven’t been stuck in time, it’s clear that they’ve been heavily impacted by their works.  Mulder looks tired and beat down by constant set backs while Scully struggles with depression and the choices they’ve made.  In fact the second episode really dives into the emotional side of these characters by exploring the topic of their son.  It’s actually a heartfelt story that prys into the subconsciousness of traditionally recluse characters.

Speaking of the second episode, if you prefer the “monster of the week” style-stories to the ones about the core mythos, then you’ll be happy to know this series will definitely feature those kind of episodes.  And, in true “X-Files” fashion, they’re twisted and sordid and often leave you with more questions than answers.  However, based on the ones I’ve seen, they also seem to tie into the central story line.  I don’t know if the rest will be like that, but if they do it’ll be a nice way to give those kind of episodes more weight and importance.

The second episode is also especially remarkable because it’s gory and upsetting in a way that reminds me of the most infamous “X-Files” episode “Home.” It doesn’t quite reach the heights of that episode, but it certainly feels like a spiritual successor to it in terms of tone and imagery.  While watching I actually winced and squirmed with physical discomfort.  It goes places and shows that their “monster of the week” stories can have just as much bite as they do humor.

I was hesitant about jumping back into the “X-Files.”  I was hurt before and didn’t want to be let down again.  But, even after a shaky start, I feel like this series has found its footing and returned the franchise to greatness it once had.  I’ve only seen a few episodes, so it’s entirely possible they drop the ball in the later half, but for now my love of the “X-Files” has been rejuvenated and I’m ready to believe again.

“X-Files” returns this Sunday on Fox at 7pm pacific.