The X Files (plus the new movie)

I'm sure every fan of one of the greatest science fiction shows ever created was overjoyed from the news that there is a new X Files film. I think the title is perfect,
X Files: I Want to Believe.

The first movie, Fight the Future was about the great government conspiracy story that was a central point in the series plot. This will be different. If you haven't seen the movie yet you are not supposed to know what the plot is.
But I can give a short background on what the X Files is about. Fox Mulder, one of the main characters, is an FBI agent who is devoted to investigating paranormal mysteries. Such an interest has gained him an unfavorable reputation within the Bureau and he is often mockingly referred to as "Spooky" Mulder. Agent Dana Scully who is also a medical doctor is a skeptic and is assigned to Mulder to watch over him and control his unorthodox methods. Together, they face a wide variety of strange cases involving UFOs, aliens, bizarre events, government conspiracies, strange creatures, and the supernatural.

Fans have categorized two main types of episodes. One is a story about a large conspiracy within the government involving alien visitation and contact and a coordinated invasion. Mulder has devoted his life to finding out the truth about this. These episodes are referred to as the Mytharc or Mythology. The other type of episode is the Monster of the Week. These are stand alone episodes involving some kind of strange creature or being. These became more popular and accessible to newcomers as the mythology became ever more complex.

For 9 years the X files have sure developed quite a cult following. Its opening music, the characters, the intriguing slogans (e.g., "The Truth Is Out There", "Trust No One", "I Want to Believe") have all become pop culture touchstones. It has really inspired people to watch the skies and watch their backs and explore the world. The only science fiction show that was more popular than this is Star Trek. But that is more a collection of shows.

The 90s was the perfect time for the X Files. It was a time when there was much widespread mistrust of governments, interest in conspiracy theories and spirituality, and belief in the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Now with the cold war long gone and a lot of changes, many are satisfied that there really are no alien conspiracies, that the Roswell crash was secret military equipment not an alien craft or a weather balloon. We now know that most of the cover ups had to do with terrorists or military hardware and research or the Cold War. The old guys in the military-industrial complex can't handle state-building in Afghanistan let alone coordinate an alien invasion. More people have too many things to think about already. Frankly the world is more concerned about other things now. I can't help but feel a bit of decade-nostalgia for those days.

However, there are and always be those among us who are still fascinated and mystified by the strange unexplained mysteries that are present in this world. Humans are inquisitive by nature and want to believe in something greater, more magical, more interesting. Fox Mulder represents that quality. Dana Scully is the skeptic who relies on previous scientific information and provides medical information. She is extremely intelligent and resourceful. She serves to keep Mulder honest and rational. Scully is the only person Mulder can truly trust. Apart from those are the fan favorite amateur investigators and hackers, The Lone Gunmen, whose skill, and charisma have earned a special place in the series.

This new movie is like a high school reunion. We are happy to see Mulder and Scully again after 6 years of change. Though many have been disappointing with this film, I thinks the loyal fans will surely enjoy it. Richard Roper seems to like it very much!
Chris Carter said if this movie does well financially, another X Files film will be made. This one may involve the great conspiracy. So I advise all fans to pitch in and watch this current movie or get the DVD!