Tags
2000's, Annabeth Gish, Burt Reynolds, Cary Elwes, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Lucy Lawless, Mitch Pileggi, Robert Patrick, The X-Files, The X-Files Season 9
I thought it was about time I got back into my X-Files reviews again after a hiatus. So here is my review of last season of the original run. At this point in the show, it was running out of steam and becoming a bit stale. Season 8 was redeemed by an emotional finale, but I could sense that the show was running a bit low. With Season 9, there are obvious flaws here, but it still has moments that shine. Spoilers will be following in this review so be warned.
Mulder(David Duchovny) has gone into hiding after bring tipped off by Kirsch about the fact that he’s in danger. Meanwhile, Scully(Gillian Anderson) is taking care of her son William and is on maternity leave for the beginning of the season feeling she must protect her son from the possible dangers her work poses, before coming back slowly to work. Determined Doggett(Robert Patrick) is investigating Kirsch as he believes he has links to the conspiracy of creating super soldiers that has been referenced by many for a while. It turns out that Kirsch actually despite his own terse and shifty persona has been helping all the agents present even though those above him have been manipulating him. Doggett and good friend Monica Reyes(Annabeth Gish) continue investigating the X-Files and experience more strange cases, later being joined by Scully and often Skinner(Mitch Pileggi). There is also another new Assistant Director, Brad Follmer(Cary Elwes), who has history with Reyes and is something of an ambivalent character who you’re never quite sure what to make of. More evidence is discovered of the covert experiments to create indestructible beings within the darkness of the government. Scully’s baby begins exhibiting signs of powers far beyond logical explanation, that leads all the agents down into the conspiracy and how it holds links to baby William and the dangers that are posed to him. The main danger begins with a UFO cult who believe that William will lead the Super Soldiers and resort to kidnapping the child.
Thankfully, Scully and Reyes manage to rescue him, but the experience leaves Scully having to make an important and painful decision.When Mulder comes out of hiding, more danger is sure to follow. So what will become of everyone in the story?
By this point in the scope of The X-Files, I believe it was obvious to many that the show had run its course. The absence of Mulder poses one of the biggest problems in Season 9. Season 8 can be forgiven because Mulder reappeared again in the middle and remained, but here his presence is limited greatly bringing incoherence and inconsistency to the mix. A lot of it has that disjointed feeling again that continues. Some Monster of the Week installments are good, but then there are those that start to feel dated and stale later. The various story lines vary in quality, with some very good and some sinking ships. The William story line was one of the better stories as it had some genuine emotion present. Plus, it led to some of the best episodes of this up and down season so it’s something to be grateful for. The Super Soldiers part of the story is good enough, but it never quite makes an indelible work where it really should have.
Despite mounting weaknesses and diminishing results, some shining moments of note can at least be gleaned. The two-part season opener has an excellent air of mystery and intrigue to it, that starts what becomes a very flawed season off very well. ‘Trust No 1’ in which a mysterious man who is in fact a Super Soldier plays on Scully desire to see Mulder in order to draw him out of hiding again is a nail-biting episode. This is an episode that really plays upon the fear of being observed without knowing it through black and white integration of camera footage prowling around the characters. It has a real flavour of The X-Files of old. Emotions run high in both ‘Provenance’ and ‘Providence’ as William is kidnapped and Scully is prepared to do whatever it takes to get her son back from the hands of the cult. It showcases Scully as a fierce matriarch going the distance and fighting with all she’s got to save her son. A comical highlight has to be ‘Improbable’ which guest stars Burt Reynolds as a most mysterious man whose card playing and numerology somehow chimes in with cases of murder revolving around the number three(luck, chance and fate play a large part too). Some of the situations in the episode are hilariously done with Reyes and Scully both having to play checkers with him before discovering something important. Reynolds has a blast in his part and steals the episode away from everyone with his amusing yet mysterious personality. ‘William’ provides sadness as Scully has to decide to give her son up for adoption as the powers of evil will never stop searching for him as long as he is with her. And I have to talk about the final two episodes ‘The Truth’ in which Mulder surfaces again after being accused of killing a military man, who was in fact a Super Soldier. A trial ensues with Skinner representing Mulder and a whole array of characters past and present being seen in various forms. An exciting getaway for Mulder and Scully is helped by those closest, where they must now ponder a unnerving future. The use of flashbacks and past characters is a good touch to have as well as Mulder’s return.
Yet while the finale answers some burning questions, it gives even more of them more convolution. I just really wanted a bit more closure than anything in the finale, but as it was, the finale was pretty good albeit ambiguous.
Season 9 may be something of a nadir, but at least there is excellent acting to be found. Gillian Anderson once more provides the show’s emotional anchor as Scully and is as adept as ever portraying her as a maternal figure of determination. By this point, Anderson has fully embodied the character to such a degree that we believe every move she makes because we’ve been along on the same journey as she has over the course of nine seasons. David Duchovny is shortchanged this time around as Mulder, as he appears only twice and it is the finale. He’s still exemplary as Mulder, no one else could have played the character, but I just wanted more of him this season considering it was to tie up loose ends. Robert Patrick impresses as Doggett, whose skepticism brings out the stern yet sarcastic side to his character, even as he begins to come around to the idea of the paranormal. Doggett is a very by the book guy and Patrick captures this excellently, while revealing a vulnerability beneath his tough guy image. Partnering him is Annabeth Gish, who comes into her own as Reyes. Balancing logic with a curiosity towards things that defy natural laws, Gish plays Reyes as a determined yet caring agent. Doggett and Reyes are no Mulder and Scully, but then again I don’t believe there were meant to be. Mitch Pileggi is resolute as always playing Skinner, who finally added to the main cast. I liked seeing this touch as Skinner has proved a very good and purposeful ally to the show and the characters. Cary Elwes is a shifty presence as Follmer, whose loyalties are very much called into question during his time on the show. An underused Lucy Lawless manages to be intriguing and alluring as a renegade super soldier who passes on information to Doggett. The problem is I would have liked to have seen more of her character than what the show had.
- Nothing Important Happened Today – B
- Nothing Important Happened Today II – B+
- Dæmonicus – C-
- 4-D – D
- Lord of the Flies – C-
- Trust No 1 – A+
- John Doe – B+
- Hellbound – B
- Provenance – A
- Providence – A
- Audrey Pauley – D
- Underneath – C-
- Improbable – A
- Scary Monsters – C-
- Jump the Shark – C
- William – B+
- Release – C-
- Sunshine Days – D-
- The Truth Part 1 – B+
- The Truth Part 2 – B+
So the original run of The X-Files is a definite mixed bag, that sometimes over complicates itself. Still, there is some respite to be found, even though the show could have ended on a somewhat better note.
Though I must say I’ve enjoyed delving into the show and going to the beginning to full experience it after hearing so much about the show. I have found the show to be excellent and can see why it is so iconic, even if the quality slowly ebbs away as it goes on. And fear not, I will continue charting my X-Files watching with a review of the second movie and the six-part series from earlier this year.
Brilliant review of a not so good season of the X-Files … ps: the Burt Reynolds cameo was rip roaring
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It definitely wasn’t vintage X-Files. Reynolds was really funny in his cameo.
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yeah brother, but it was still The X-Files so we overlook the obvious flaws lol
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Exactly, I’ve really enjoyed watching the show.
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stay as cool as you are, brother … laters my man
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I solemnly swear to stay cool.
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my man!
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Glad you took time to watch and review. It remains one of my favorite tv series ever created.
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It’s been a fun ride going through the show. I’m proud that I finally got around to watching it all.
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Season 9 of the X-Files is probably the weakest of all. There were a few good moments, but I think the series had really run out of steam at this point.
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I wholeheartedly agree Paul. You could sense that the show was about to wrap up. At least there are all the amazing moments to remember across all the seasons.
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Yes, I think the X-Files reached a natural end for its time. Seasons 1-3 are still my favourites, and so many other wonderful episodes across all the seasons 🙂
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It still remains such an iconic show. Can’t believe it took me so long to seek it out and watch it.
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On one hand, I was glad it was cancelled, on the other I wish Duchovny would have got his head out of his ass and returned full time. All because it was filmed in Vancouver to save a few bucks. I am glad he is back now, but he was a bit of a crybaby back then.
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I’m not really aware of what was going on behind the scenes so thanks for filling me in Geoff.
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No probs Vin.
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The X-Files had its ups and downs but there were still a few season 9 episodes I quite liked, like the Brady Bunch episode and the flies episode, though I see you rated them both badly.
I remember enjoying Scary Monsters but I have not seen it recently so I don’t know I would feel about it now. Trust No 1 was incredibly frustrating as I really wanted to see Mulder by that stage after not having him on my TV for so long. The finale had its moments but it didn’t really meet my expectations.
Hope you enjoyed your X-Files journey!
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Thanks for commenting Mario. I will concur that quite a few of the episodes were very good here, just the overall package wasn’t the best.
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Yeah, I’m not sure what was happening behind the scenes at that stage.
Chris Carter in the bonus features cites a few things including September 11 and an overall changing world as affecting the decisions behind ending the series. Scully would have otherwise passed the baton to Doggett and Reyes but it ended up never happening.
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I’ll have to check out those bonus features. I do love things like that and watching how something is constructed.
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Me too, there are lots of special effects extras too. And episodes with commentary. I’m not sure if there are bloopers but I’ve watched them on YouTube and Gillian Anderson’s laugh is infectious!!
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I love Anderson’s laugh, it’s wonderfully lovely.
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As I recall, I was getting tired of the show by then. It seemed to be becoming a lot more about the side issues concerning Mulder and Scully, and I was less than impressed by this series.
Cheers, Pete.
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You could see that the show wasn’t what it used to be by this point. Though, I enjoyed watching the show from start to finish.
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Sorry I haven’t been around lately – been in/out of the blog arena due to work. Glad you finally made your way through the series! S9 wasn’t my favourite. Sadly at that time it had run its course. Bit of a shame because Doggett and Reyes were definitely growing on me as a partnership and there’s some underrated gems in there. Gillian as always, just shows class no matter what. Wished the ending was a little better – I still felt they should have told a straight up story instead of taking a trip down memory lane, but then again that’s just me. What’s the plan? Are you going to watch the second film, followed by S10? Make sure you check out my S10 review when you’ve finished!
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I too was growing to like Doggett and Reyes, even though I missed David Duchovny as Mulder. This season had a few good moments, but was overall a weak season. The plan for me is to watch the other film and Season 10 in the future.
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Yeah I agree. It’s not to say Doggett and Reyes were bad, in fact it was the opposite – they were brilliant and different. It’s just I think most fans missed the Mulder/Scully chemistry. Plus the show at that time was running its course. Gillian did phenomenal work on carrying the last 2 seasons. It will be interesting to know what you think of the second movie and S10. Give my reviews a read once you’ve finished!
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Doggett and Reyes did add something different to the show, it just happened that they followed the incomparable work of Mulder and Scully. Gillian Anderson, throughout the whole run of the show was fantastic, we genuinely felt her journey from doubtful to believing.
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A part of me likes to think that if DD and GA left after S8, S9 could have had a better focus because clearly Doggett and Reyes were their natural replacements. The show could have gone a different direction and be like what the ‘Next Generation’ was for Star Trek, but hey ho, it wasn’t meant to be. It’s funny, the more I’ve grown up with The X-Files, the more I see it from Scully’s perspective. Her journey as a stubborn skeptic to on/off believer is incredible. The show is just as much as about her as it is about Mulder’s search for the truth. It’s one of the things that makes me love this show, why other creators use it as a benchmark or influence for their creative endeavours and why it continues to be successful, no matter what.
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That could have been an interesting angle for the show to go on. And I’m totally with you about the perspective of Scully, she and Mulder are the driving forces throughout. Scully’s arc is so intriguing and a genuinely emotional and personal journey.
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Scully’s journey is so subtle and underrated. People think she’s stubborn to believe Mulder but all she’s doing to trying to prove his theories to the unbelievers WITH PROOF! The fact that she gets caught up in the conspiracy, starting with her abduction that her journey is as significant as Mulder’s. Mulder and Scully really are the heartbeat of the show. They’ve both been through so much but it’s their loyalty to each other that keeps them going.
They need to hurry up and confirm S11 – the interest is still out there!
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I liked the subtlety of her metamorphosis. It would have been unrealistic for her to become a believer over night, so I liked the way she evolved quietly but noticeably.
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What’s good about Scully is her transition in becoming open minded. She’s a strong believer in science but she believes in God. It’s the constant balance between her two strong beliefs makes her such an endearing and loveable character.
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The dichotomy of her scientific and religious beliefs made for some excellent parts of the show. It struck a balance because Mulder believed in the paranormal and occasionally would question why Scully’s religious beliefs couldn’t help her be more open minded to possibilities.
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And you’ve pointed out the greatest thing about the show itself. It is that balance between science and the paranormal that makes the show so appealing. It doesn’t matter what you believe, but in essence in the characters of Mulder and Scully, they are there to investigate and challenge the conventional. That’s why people classify them as heroes.
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Balance is key and The X Files had it in spades.
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Indeed. A very unique show.
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I think in the next few months I’ll check the second movie and Season 10 out.
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Well I’m just glad you made it through the main bulk of it. You’re now on the home straight towards catching up with everyone else!
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It feels good to be on the home stretch as I’m behind on it.
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You have to do series 10, the lizard guy is funny as f**k 😊
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I will do Season 10 in the near future.
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Nicely done Vinnie. I remember watching that last season was almost painful for me but you’ve reminded me that there were some good moments. Here’s some interesting trivia: The TV series Supernatural, which was inspired by The X-Files, is about to begin its 12th season, thereby overtaking its predecessor. You’ve realy got to watch it!
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Thanks for commenting Kim, as a big X Files fan I appreciated your opinions. I think the show just fell apart a bit this season, though there were some cool moments. I promise I’ll get to Supernatural.
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Oh and in case you missed this post of mine. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2016/07/27/which-celebrity-has-the-best-ass/
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I loved X-files until dogget and rayes came over. Mulder and scully were a better team 🙂
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Mulder and Scully were the heart and soul of The X Files.
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Very true. I stopped watching it when dogget joined in. I somehow feel he had this blank face-expression…
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I warmed up to Doggett and Reyes, but Mulder and Scully were just so iconic and unbeatable.
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Agreed 😀
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Thanks for checking my reviews out.
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Your welcome vinnie 🙂
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I have tons of movies in my review index so whenever you want give them a read.
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Yeah sure. Was just going through few. 🙂
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Thank you.
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I told ya and I warned ya but some things you have to see for yourself. Speaking of I should probably this show.
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I need to check the series reboot. Appreciate you reminding me Lloyd.
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I’ve had this page on my phone for months and finally got around to reading it.
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I’m happy you did read it Lloyd. You’re always good to talk to.
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Thanks mate, I don’t get around to everything but was enjoying your X Files recaps.
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You’re a great guy.
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You’re a great guy!
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Well you flatter me so.
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🙂
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