[Opinion] William Redefined The X-Files Mythology and Single-Handedly Resolved It
It is fair to assume that the character of William (also known as Jackson) was not in Chris Carter's mind when he created The X-Files in 1993. In fact, narrative improvisation used to be a topic of discussion in relation to the show – sometimes framed negatively. But such criticism overlooks one valuable element in scriptwriting: creative discovery. It is apparent that some aspects in the series' mythology, particularly the William storyline, arose from narrative exploration. This is also observed in how the stand-alone episodes evolve and vary both tonally and thematically as the show progresses. All of this makes it clear that Carter refused The X-Files to remain narratively static. In retrospect, only the first season completely reflects his original vision. During the second season, improvisation became necessary: Gillian Anderson's real-life pregnancy led to a poignant multi-season story arc for Scully, beginning with the "Duane Barry"/"Ascension"/"One Breath" trilogy. Therefore, intuitive plotting is a fundamental part of The X-Files fabric and one of the factors behind its enduring success. Under different circumstances, a detailed master plan might have made the series more consistent, but not necessarily more interesting.
Key points pertaining to the William story arc:
• "En Ami" [Season 7]: the Cigarette-Smoking Man tricks Scully into a scientific experiment.
• "Requiem" [Season 7]: after Mulder disappears, Scully reveals her pregnancy to Skinner.
• "Per Manum" [Season 8]: the mystery surrounding Scully's pregnancy intensifies, as she begins to wonder about it.
• "Existence" [Season 8]: Reyes assists Scully deliver the baby while a group of super-soldiers observe, evoking a messianic arrival.
• "Nothing Important Happened Today" [Season 9]: Scully begins to notice baby William's ability to move objects with his mind.
• "Providence" [Season 9]: a UFO cult takes William, believing he could be either the savior of humanity or a leader of the alien colonization.
• "William" [Season 9]: William is given up for adoption for his own safety, as Scully is too exposed to the conspiracy.
• "Founder's Mutation" and "Home Again" [Season 10]: Mulder and Scully turn emotionally reflective reminiscing about William.
• "My Struggle III" [Season 11]: the Cigarette-Smoking Man reveals to Skinner that William is a successful result of a scientific experiment.
• "Ghouli" [Season 11]: Mulder and Scully finally find William/Jackson.
• "My Struggle IV" [Season 11]: the episode tagline displays "Salvator Mundi" (Latin for "savior of the world") before William/Jackson uses his powers in intense confrontations.
As indicated by the aforementioned key points, the William story arc was initially foreshadowed in the seventh season, and the final season brought all the pieces together – the interconnected plot events enigmatically demonstrate foresight and setup. Chris Carter conceptualized William through biological experimentation, prophecy, and emotional trauma. On the trauma front: William affected Mulder and Scully in an unprecedented way, as he is their symbolic son. This story arc was crafted as the culmination of the increasingly personal entanglement the two main characters have with the mythology throughout the series. Taking reactions into consideration, this story arc did not always resonate with fans, but the intention and structure make for solid storytelling. Carter did some retconning in later seasons to adapt the plot, but it is important to note that the show maintains thematic coherence across its run – never subverting its own lore beyond recognition or becoming an entirely different version of itself. That is noteworthy given it is a layered narrative that spans a quarter century.
What is William, really? A scientific rarity, an organic super-soldier with a unique genetic makeup (including alien DNA) that grants him psychokinesis, rapid healing, shapeshifting, telepathy, and other abilities well beyond human limits. How does this mean resolution? With those powers, William stands in the way of any major terrestrial or extraterrestrial threat to the planet. He is destined to become the prophetic leader of the resistance. He is virtually invincible. He is The X-Files version of a superhero. This bold plot development challenges one of the series' foundational aspects: its grounded, realistic approach to the paranormal. But considering the risk-taking nature of the show and how this story arc develops, such an improbable character is not beyond the realm of plausibility. Especially because by the end of any story, it is recommended to raise the stakes. Ultimately the narrative progression feels earned: telegraphed in advance, without a convenient plot device being wedged somewhere.
The series' lingering theme of finding light in the darkness is crystallized in William: from a shady creation to humanity's last hope against an existential threat. He distinctively redefined the show's mythology and significantly reshaped Mulder and Scully. For practical and emotional reasons, William is the most consequential character in the mysterious universe of The X-Files, and one of the most intriguing sci-fi figures of all time.
The X-Files Forever
[Opinion] William Redefined The X-Files Mythology and Single-Handedly Resolved It
It is fair to assume that the character of William (also known as Jackson) was not in Chris Carter's mind when he created The X-Files in 1993. In fact, narrative improvisation used to be a topic of discussion in relation to the show – sometimes framed negatively. But such criticism overlooks one valuable element in scriptwriting: creative discovery. It is apparent that some aspects in the series' mythology, particularly the William storyline, arose from narrative exploration. This is also observed in how the stand-alone episodes evolve and vary both tonally and thematically as the show progresses. All of this makes it clear that Carter refused The X-Files to remain narratively static. In retrospect, only the first season completely reflects his original vision. During the second season, improvisation became necessary: Gillian Anderson's real-life pregnancy led to a poignant multi-season story arc for Scully, beginning with the "Duane Barry"/"Ascension"/"One Breath" trilogy. Therefore, intuitive plotting is a fundamental part of The X-Files fabric and one of the factors behind its enduring success. Under different circumstances, a detailed master plan might have made the series more consistent, but not necessarily more interesting.
Key points pertaining to the William story arc:
• "En Ami" [Season 7]: the Cigarette-Smoking Man tricks Scully into a scientific experiment.
• "Requiem" [Season 7]: after Mulder disappears, Scully reveals her pregnancy to Skinner.
• "Per Manum" [Season 8]: the mystery surrounding Scully's pregnancy intensifies, as she begins to wonder about it.
• "Existence" [Season 8]: Reyes assists Scully deliver the baby while a group of super-soldiers observe, evoking a messianic arrival.
• "Nothing Important Happened Today" [Season 9]: Scully begins to notice baby William's ability to move objects with his mind.
• "Providence" [Season 9]: a UFO cult takes William, believing he could be either the savior of humanity or a leader of the alien colonization.
• "William" [Season 9]: William is given up for adoption for his own safety, as Scully is too exposed to the conspiracy.
• "Founder's Mutation" and "Home Again" [Season 10]: Mulder and Scully turn emotionally reflective reminiscing about William.
• "My Struggle III" [Season 11]: the Cigarette-Smoking Man reveals to Skinner that William is a successful result of a scientific experiment.
• "Ghouli" [Season 11]: Mulder and Scully finally find William/Jackson.
• "My Struggle IV" [Season 11]: the episode tagline displays "Salvator Mundi" (Latin for "savior of the world") before William/Jackson uses his powers in intense confrontations.
As indicated by the aforementioned key points, the William story arc was initially foreshadowed in the seventh season, and the final season brought all the pieces together – the interconnected plot events enigmatically demonstrate foresight and setup. Chris Carter conceptualized William through biological experimentation, prophecy, and emotional trauma. On the trauma front: William affected Mulder and Scully in an unprecedented way, as he is their symbolic son. This story arc was crafted as the culmination of the increasingly personal entanglement the two main characters have with the mythology throughout the series. Taking reactions into consideration, this story arc did not always resonate with fans, but the intention and structure make for solid storytelling. Carter did some retconning in later seasons to adapt the plot, but it is important to note that the show maintains thematic coherence across its run – never subverting its own lore beyond recognition or becoming an entirely different version of itself. That is noteworthy given it is a layered narrative that spans a quarter century.
What is William, really? A scientific rarity, an organic super-soldier with a unique genetic makeup (including alien DNA) that grants him psychokinesis, rapid healing, shapeshifting, telepathy, and other abilities well beyond human limits. How does this mean resolution? With those powers, William stands in the way of any major terrestrial or extraterrestrial threat to the planet. He is destined to become the prophetic leader of the resistance. He is virtually invincible. He is The X-Files version of a superhero. This bold plot development challenges one of the series' foundational aspects: its grounded, realistic approach to the paranormal. But considering the risk-taking nature of the show and how this story arc develops, such an improbable character is not beyond the realm of plausibility. Especially because by the end of any story, it is recommended to raise the stakes. Ultimately the narrative progression feels earned: telegraphed in advance, without a convenient plot device being wedged somewhere.
The series' lingering theme of finding light in the darkness is crystallized in William: from a shady creation to humanity's last hope against an existential threat. He distinctively redefined the show's mythology and significantly reshaped Mulder and Scully. For practical and emotional reasons, William is the most consequential character in the mysterious universe of The X-Files, and one of the most intriguing sci-fi figures of all time.
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