X-Files was one of those massive cult TV shows that many of us grew up with in the 90s. It was a blend of sci-fi and horror mixed with shades of The Twilight Zone, only with a full-time cast and proper character development. It certainly ticked a lot of boxes for its audience in terms of what it offered.
And so when Fox announced that they were bringing the show back, it obviously led to a lot of excitement, fanfare and hype – which only led to disappointment when that reboot came and went in a scant 6 episode series that promised much, but delivered little. While it featured the return of FBI agents Mulder and Scully, it didn’t have that same mystery and spark that the original series had.
It was, however, still a success for Fox and something which they want more of. Fox Broadcasting Company Entertainment President David Madden had indicated previously that they would love to get more of the series going and are in discussions with securing creator Chris Carter, and leads David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson for future episodes.
This was further echoed by Fox Television CEO Dana Walden recently to Deadline:
We would have liked to do more in the first place, but there were limitations, Gillian lives in the U.K. David in New York and Los Angeles. The show shoots in Vancouver. So it’s about coordinating a time when they can carve time to be in Vancouver. We’re in conversations where we can do more, I don’t see a full season of episodes, but I’d be happy to get 10 or 8 episodes.
I understand the challenge of getting the key cast together when they stay in separate locations, but the truth is, I don’t think too many fans actually care about it being a full series or not. While 6 episodes is probably a bit short for most fans’ appetites, if they are 6 superbly written episodes that leave you wanting more, mission accomplished. And that is what didn’t happen last time round, so what are they doing to set up a proper premise this time round?
The show was off the air for a very long time. It was introduced to new viewers, and (the writers) had the challenge of filling in the mythology. Going forward, there won’t be the same obligation to reset the series.
It’s a little bit of a cop-out, as the first time round they were still able to establish characters and create lots of suspense, straight up. But, hopefully they have learnt their lessons and any future series we see of X-Files will be a lot closer to the original.
Are you keen for more X-Files? Did, I just leave that theme tune stuck in your head – sorry about that…
Last Updated: August 11, 2016
