Let me take you back to the ’90 – nostalgic people arise, younger generations grab a chair because you might learn a thing or two. Today, in 2026, the X-Files are no more than a distant echo of a time forgotten, an older television series that many know by name, but not many have watched in its entirety; so, I just had to go back and watch it in order to form a better opinion. My first impression, similar to what the general consensus, is that the first four or five seasons were overall better and had more to say (which coincidentally is where the original creator wanted to stop it). Between seasons 6 to 9, the series falls into a constant state of conspiracy-based narrative that never really fully delivers. Seasons 10 and 11, from what I gather, do not exist.
For those who haven’t got the foggiest idea of what I’m talking about, the X-Files series follows the investigations of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson) on cases that deal with unexplained and paranormal phenomena, frequently touching on the topic of extraterrestrial life and government conspiracies. The episodes normally follow the monster-of-the-week formula, occasionally instilling in the viewers the doubt of the existence of something more than what is merely portrayed; one of the cardinal mantras or catchphrases that accompanies the series is in fact “the truth is out there”.
I will say that, given its length, there are good episodes as well as there are banal and insignificant ones. Some are more messed up than others (especially since we are speaking of the ’90s), some have a more surreal take, others focus on the absurd or eerie and five to ten episodes per season focus on the proverbial mythos of the series, the lore of what canonically happens to Mulder and Scully. What I will say is that the series was a bit ahead of its time judging from the attitude and themes portrayed; various episodes present either a socio-political awareness, an eco-critical lens or an attitude to problematize the future and technology. By the way, another interesting thing is noting how the series navigates the technological shifts that the real world is going through and implements it within its narrative.
Anyways, aliens, aliens, aliens! After all, that is what the series is mostly remembered for. The first seasons in fact portrays the search for the unknown and extraterrestrial life in a fascinating light; it is more than just a mere plot hook. Aliens represent otherness, as well as mystery and fascination, but they are also a synonym for the dangers of the future. Ultimately, the X-Files directs the question back on the side of humanity and our own approach to something we do not fully comprehend. The government seeking control and hiding in secrecy is a trope that dystopian novelists had already portrayed plentifully. This also becomes the reason I would argue that from season six onwards, once the alien existence is ascertain and in fact depicted as an invasion and threat, the series loses part of its charm and momentum; the conspiracies become even more pointless and you end up feeling that no answer is ever really given. It is a pity because I really liked the character of John Doggett (who incidentally would go on to become a ‘terminator’ of humanity – but hey, that’s life).
So, is it worth the time to go back and re-watch the X-Files? If you understood everything that I have argued thus far, and find no new nuance in what I have said, then probably not. If you are passionate about movies and series, then you will certainly see so many guest stars that back then were virtually unknown but today you would just go *insert Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme here*. Make your choice.
One thing that I have however noticed is that back then there was still a portrayal of doubt against higher powers. The X-Files invites the viewers to think for themselves, to challenge a version of the truth of what they are being told and question everything (admittedly, the ‘trust no one’ trope is a bit overused). That being said, I feel that in our current society there are not many more movies or series that have a similar intent; the general status quo of affairs, as bad as it is, is just accepted with a quiet (yet maybe frustrated) complacency. To wrap up, I will leave you with a quote from an episode of the second season that may spark an idea or two – take it as you will.
“Fear, it’s the oldest tool of power; if you’re distracted by fear of those around you, it keeps you from seeing the actions of those above” (Season 2, Episode 3).
That is about all I have for you, until next time, this has been just another article from the Twilight Zone…I mean…the X-Files.