It is not related to the opinion article, but I really appreciate the fact that even many years later, you're still on-going with this channel. I can tell how much you love this series only by looking here at the channel. You have my respects!
6 months ago
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Some observations: • I hesitated to go ahead with this opinion article because this is the most contentious aspect of the franchise, and when it comes to The X-Files I am an optimistic fan (the reason I started this project). As I mentioned in one of my earlier comments, I opted for a less celebratory approach than in those pieces I wrote for the three-part series (4th, 6th, and 8th seasons). But you can still tell that I like it. The show approaches paranormal storytelling in such a realistic and varied way that makes it appealing to me – even when Mulder is not around. Besides, I officially became a fan of the show during the previous season, so there is no emotional bias on my part. • I have more to say about it, particularly about the central narrative, but I am leaving that part for a piece with a broader scope (tackling more seasons) that should be up in the first half of June. I hope so. • A 'what if' scenario: insert Mulder into the stories. How would the season have fared with him? Well, I think episodes like "4-D," "John Doe", and "Improbable" have the makings of classics if they had featured the Mulder–Scully dynamic. That gives away the potential in this. It would have performed better as a regular season of the main series or as a separate spin-off featuring Doggett and Reyes. Again, context.
6 months ago (edited) | 7
I think it was a huge mistake to not let Mulder and Scully have their ending in the season 8 finale - and it was as perfect an ending as you could've wished for, for those two. As soon as Season 9 rolled around, instead of keeping one foot in the past by doing the whole missing Mulder thing (again!), they should've committed to making 9 a brand new chapter and letting Doggett and Reyes take the lead properly.
6 months ago | 1
Just finished re watching the whole series recently the last season of the first run was just okay in my opinion
6 months ago | 0
Thanks for the article. I am a big fan of s9 since the x-files value for me came from the stories and atmosphere (yes, never cared how M&S would end up). Dogget also gave a nice different vibe already in s8 and this was very well complemented by the addition.of Reyes. Definitely better than s6, 7, 10 and 11
6 months ago | 1
I rejected seasons 11 and 10. I know that season 9 has a lot of issues but it had a true end of X-Files: without ending. Doggett and Reyes were really cool. The whole season 9 was tied to both of them. Scully and Mulder were became secondary characters. Chris Carter shouldn't add 2 seasons for nothing. I boycotted the most of season 11. I'm a huge fan and I do that.
6 months ago | 2
The X-Files Forever
[Opinion] Season 9 Operates as a Spin-Off Within The X-Files
The ninth season of The X-Files was once one of television’s biggest taboos – rarely acknowledged, ultimately rejected by fans and critics alike. But under the circumstances, those reactions may have been extremely emotional and were potentially unfair. With the benefit of hindsight, a reassessment proves to be worthwhile.
There are two major reasons for the fate of this installment. The most obvious is Mulder's absence in most of the episodes. The fandom saw him as the driving force behind the series – he was the reason the X-Files casework was resumed, as the mystery surrounding his sister led him to develop a big interest in the paranormal. The other reason is the season's status as the endpoint of the original run, given that the series did not conclude with Mulder and Scully on a general level (except for the feature-length finale).
While the ninth season preserves the series' thematic elements, it differs from the rest due to a drastic shift in character dynamics and an overall distinct feel. Its strikingly different title sequence is more than symbolic – it signals that the season operates like an independent entity while remaining part of the main series.
To understand how much of a wild card this season is in the grand scheme of things, let's look at how The X-Files series is figuratively divided:
• Original era
Seasons 1-5; Fight the Future film; Seasons 6-7: the Mulder–Scully relationship front and center; classic title sequence
• Sequel era
Season 8: a change in character dynamics with the introduction of Doggett, with various familiar elements linked to both Scully and Mulder; updated title sequence (classic and new elements)
• Spin-off era
Season 9: more change in character dynamics, with an ensemble cast featuring the Scully–Doggett–Reyes trio; revamped, modernized title sequence
• Revival era
I Want to Believe film; Seasons 10-11: a full reestablishment of the Mulder–Scully partnership; classic title sequence
Key aspects:
• Perception versus actual content
Without context, the season's overwhelmingly negative reputation at the time may seem puzzling now. One indicator that suggests a preconceived bias against it is that roughly half of the individual episodes garnered a positive reception, which increases to more than two thirds when factoring in mixed-to-positive reviews.
• Variety in storytelling
While this season carries a significant degree of darkness reminiscent of the previous one, its style aligns more closely with the blend of horror and conceptual sci-fi/fantasy that defines the seventh season. Concept-driven episodes like "4-D" (parallel universes), "Audrey Pauley" (life–death limbo) and "Scary Monsters" (manifested imagination) exemplify the continued experimentation of the series. Dramatic pieces like "Release", "William" and "The Truth" evoke emotional intensity for the characters.
• Great production values
Despite its long run, the show still delivers visually at this stage. The production remains as polished as in previous seasons, with remarkable cinematography and art direction, such as in "John Doe".
• Feminine energy
The Scully–Doggett–Reyes trio is a novelty, but the intriguing part is the Scully–Reyes relationship. Two steadfast, independent, and distinct female characters who respect and support each other, which is refreshing and forward-thinking. "Improbable" is a fitting showcase of this dynamic.
• External factor
There is now an outside factor that did not exist back then: this is no longer the series' final installment, thanks to the second film and revival seasons, which may enhance its appeal. Instead of being an endpoint, it serves as a bridge between the past and the future.
Mulder's absence, fan disillusionment and the less prominent cultural presence of post-1990s The X-Files all played against Season 9 – overshadowed by the excellence that preceded it. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the negativity that surrounded this installment, between its merits and shortcomings, stemmed more from a matter of context than the quality itself. It may surprise open-minded viewers. In an alternate reality, had it been the first season of a separate Dogget–Reyes spin-off, it might have found success.
6 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 207