In just two years it will be ‘The X-Files’’ twentieth anniversary. Twenty years. Memories flood in when thinking about being in 3rd grade and watching this new television show about the paranormal and possible life visiting our planet; it is a concept that has always been intriguing and one I think will never go away. ‘The X-Files’ definitely changed TV drama for the better and without it we would not have fan-favorites like ‘CSI,’ ‘Bones’ and ‘Fringe’; and while recent shows as such have banked success off of the road ‘The X-Files’ paved, none have quite stacked up to its influence. We all know the talk of the year 2012, the Mayan calendar and the end of the world (whether you believe in it or not is another matter) which is also a huge part of the ‘X-Files’ mythology and fans know that there will be more of agents Mulder and Scully in an inevitable third film for the franchise.
The first ‘X-Files’ film, titled “Fight the Future,” released to audiences during the series’ heyday (between the 5th and 6th seasons) and stuck to the mythology arc that the show based its main plot around. It was met with great reception and captivated audiences with the first look at the series’ alien. It was a great springboard into a new era of the show and solidified its influence on the world by giving even science fiction’s harshest critics reason to even entertain the idea of life beyond our own.
The show concluded in 2002 after a nine year sprint and while there were a couple low points, like the fact Fox Mulder only appeared in the last episode of the final season, it never really faltered in terms of substance and entertainment as the actors all did fantastic jobs and the stories felt fresh and well-written. By the time the show hit its final two seasons, fans knew what to expect in terms of quality and the fact that it never let up. With a few light-hearted episodes dotting each season, everything felt natural for the series and it ended on a high note even if people were left to make their own speculations on what happened after the credits ran on the series’ closer. If there was one thing Chris Carter (the series’ creator) is good at, it is making people guess. For the general audience the final episode was the end, but for the fans –or “X-Philes” as they refer to themselves as- it was a waiting-game until their favorite FBI agents reappeared, knowing deep down that “The X-Files” was not done.
In 2008 fans got the opportunity to revisit the series and their favorite characters once more with “The X-Files: I Want to Believe,” the second film in the franchise. For the fans it was a nod to the mini monster-flick episodes that had as much a part in the series as the mythology arc. Unfortunately it was not as big of a hit as its predecessor and made only a little profit based on the film’s budget. Many fans enjoyed it, many fans were hoping for more alien madness, but nonetheless it fit into the series and even touched on key controversial issues that currently plague our newspaper headlines, such as stem cell research, gay marriage and even the issues that the Catholic Church faces, which will not be discussed here; while it sounds like a lot to fit into one film, it all flowed very nicely with appropriate research and story.
After the second film hit theaters to mixed reviews and questionable sales, Chris Carter, Frank Spotnitz and Fox Studios were unsure of the future of the series. Talk of a third film has been circling the internet since “I Want to Believe” released and there were even mentions of straight-to-DVD releases for any future installments based on its performance. Thankfully that does not appear to be the case. David Duchovny and Chris Carter have both planted tidbits of information surrounding the possibility of a third film and while it has not been confirmed by anyone it has been highly rumored that the third film’s script is being written. So while we wait for final confirmation from Fox and Chris Carter, we can only speculate which cast members will return and just how everything will play out in the 2012 that ‘The X-Files’ paints for us. Keep checking back for updates on “The X-Files: 2012” (I’m just giving it a title…) right here on ROH!!
Feel free to leave comments and ideas you’d like to see in the film! Also, Relyonhorror.com is joining forces with www.xfilesnews.com in a campaign to ensure the 3rd film sees the light of day! Check out their site for even more information! BELIEVE IN THE FUTURE!
