X-Files

Support and Suggestions Podcast Arc Suggestions
#1

I’m torn between suggesting something everybody can find interesting and something that may be an overlooked classic. But I’m going to go with “The X-Files”, particularly as they have helpfully separated the “conspiracy” and “monster” episodes in the DVD releases.

IMHO, “The X-Files” was the smartest, scariest, sexiest show on television in the 1990s. “Fringe” and “Eleventh Hour” and “Lost” are just inferior copies, who don’t have a fraction of “The X-Files’” depth. “Fringe”, in particular, completely lacks the tension between mysticism and skepticism, and instead throws any half-assed pseudoscience at the viewer uncritically.

I don’t know if the show has aged terribly well. It seemed to belong in that period between the fall of the Soviet Union and 9/11, with the US had no real external enemies but that Cold War paranoia had seeped into the culture at every level. Nowadays, there is so many bizarre diseases and government dirty deals and weird natural phenomenon going on that “The X-Files” starts to look quaint.

Also, we’re facing a glut of shows with ongoing plotlines that concern gradually revealed information about complex backstories. When they’re done right, they’re epic storytelling. When they’re done poorly, who cares what dark Gothic secret is haunting the protagonist?

Although “Twin Peaks” is probably the true progenitor of long form, gradually-revealed-mystery television, “The X-Files” is the most successful example.

#2

Ooooooh, baby. I’m in like Flynn for this idea, but I worry that (a) it’s too voluminous to take apart without traveling some very lengthy tangents, (b) do you simply extract a particular arc from the XF storyline, or take the whole kit-n-kaboodle, and © in light of the recent floptastic film release, has Chris Carter just shot his entire legacy in the foot?

Ponder, ponder, ponder…but MAN, would I have a ton to blather on about…

#3

If we were to do this, the best way to go would be the mythology episodes from the first 3 seasons. After that it got convoluted with the same thing being explained 3 different ways from Sunday. I would love to get everyones opinions on CSM, Rat Boy & The Lone Gunmen.

Ultimately this great show was reduced to mediocrity simply because Chris Carter refused to have a show bible similar to Star Trek’s. So the writers would have a show idea to continue the mythology & find out AFTER broadcast, that it was already explained differently. It became convoluted, confusing & ultimately never really explained anything.

#4

Total agreement…too many cooks, and an incomplete recipe book. Spotzie did what he could, but I think they were allowed to fly without Carter as wingman too often, and write themselves into corners, time after time.

CSM is a phenomenal pivotal-antagonist, I think the whole hybridization/assimilation arc would be the key one to venture. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t they just release a DVD set somewhere along the lines of “The Essential Episodes” related to the Fight the Future arc? Hmm.

#5

I totally agree, and still, I would really enjoy an X-Files arc. My interest has always been in the mythology episodes rather than the monster episodes. The first few years were gold, the last couple, not as satisfying. But, I stuck with Mulder & Scully from the 1st episode to the last.

#6

I know I suggested sticking with mythology episodes…but the flukeman episode must be included no matter what!

#7

…and the incest episode.

oh, and that ice episode way back in season one. If you’re looking for more MotW episodes.

And this episode:-

Mulder: Yeah, I had a praying mantis epiphany and, as a result, I screamed. No, not… not a girlie scream, but the scream of someone being confronted by some before unknown monster that had no right existing on the same planet I inhabited. Did you ever notice how a praying mantis’ head resembles an alien’s head? I mean, the mysteries of the natural world were revealed to me that day, but instead of being astounded, I was… repulsed.

Scully: Mulder, are you sure it wasn’t a girlie scream?

…And I remember really loving the color cerulean blue. Not that that has anything to do with picking episodes. Though one of the things I’ve always liked about the show was that they had interesting MotW that weren’t just alien related things. Of course, I also loved the ones that were alien related.

Thoughts on:
CSM: What a great character, though I have to admit I didn’t pay too much attention to the show towards the end (I don’t rremember most of the plots in the last 2 seasons), and have no idea what happened to him. But he was a compelling villain/friend character to the show. Ah, those Morley’s.

Rat Boy: was hot! Though I think he made a few too many reappearances (especially all that stuff later on with that blonde woman whose name I’ve forgotten. Marta? Martha? Oh, balls.). It was fun seeing him, but I think they tried too hard to keep the character, and it made his story seem a bit too forced.

The Lone Gunmen: Great in small doses. But that episode that featured them was pretty interesting - a nice insight into how they guys were the way they are. I thought it was cute that Frohike always has this crush on Scully.

#8

Ok, for NON-mythology episodes, these are some of my favorites:

Season 1
Ice -Set in an arctic research station. Some great lines.
Darkness Falls -Ancient killer mites released from ancient felled trees. Good!

Season 2
Humbug - Very funny

Season 3
War of the Coprophages -OMG, so funny!! Deserves its own thread/podcast.
Jose Chung’s from Outer Space - also very funny
Quagmire - Is this the one where it rains frogs on our umbrelled heros?

Season 4
Small Potatoes - a great couch scene w/Sully & psuedo-Mulder

Well, enough, to be continued -maybe

Loved the X-Files.

#9

A-FRACKING-MEN!

#10

Well, glad that 1013 took care of that side of the planet, because for those of us not interested in Krycek, what do they give us? The UberBlonde Marita Whoevershewas (who doesn’t hold a candle to Tricia Helfer), Agent Reyes (unattractive AND a horrid actress – double whammy!) and ugh…Mimi Rogers??

Is it any wonder Simon Pegg refuses to relinquish his Scully fixation?

#11

Can’t say that I blame him, I still haven’t gotten over my Scully fixation after all these years. Scully was the reason I fell in love with the show and the reason I’m still hooked after all these years much in the same way Gabrielle got me hooked on Xena, Starbuck got me hooked on BSG and Prentiss got me hooked on Criminal Minds.

#12

Scully made the show. So many great moments. I love Scully’s eye rolls, they always speak volumes. And when this very intense, serious character smiles… wow. Scully is such a great character.

#13

Big fan here…I’d love to hear an arc…have you done one before I found our, and if not…any possiblity in the future… Thanks

#14

I’m definitely a big X-Files fan. Great, great show !!
My interest has always been the Mythology arc primarily.
And I really enjoy all the humorous episodes.
The monster episodes I can easily skip.

I like Mulder, but really love Sully!
Would love an X-File podcast.

#15

It would be pretty cool. But at least 1/3 of the Crue really doens’t like the show, so for your own sake please don’t hold your breath…

#16

As I own the entire series on DVD I would love to hear an X-files arc. The only problem I forsee is it being a ten episode arc. Pretty long.

#17

So how about an X-Files rewatch instead ?

#18

Dang! Which Third??? lol. I will still respect them although I will die just a little inside…

I could get down with a rewatch! :stuck_out_tongue: (sorry for the late response, still catching up on 'casts, lol)

#19

I’m a newbie. How does one org one of these rewatch things…

#20

HBO is going to show the new movie this weekend. Maybe we should have a frak party in the future…