| In the basement of the
J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington, DC you will find the
main office of the X-Files. At least, you will in this television
program. The X-Files is a division of the FBI that deals with
unsolved cases. These cases typically involve paranormal or unexplained
phenomena. |
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Special Agent Fox Mulder
(David Duchovny) began his FBI career in the violent crimes
section as a top notch profiler. But his interest in things of
a paranormal nature, along with his uncanny abilities and talents,
helped earn him the nickname of 'Spooky' and a definite reputation
in the Bureau. Eventually, he was allowed to work on the X-Files.
Introduce Special Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson),
a fresh from the Academy medical doctor with her point of view
established firmly in the realm of science. Initially assigned
to debunk Mulder's theories, skeptical Scully soon finds there
is more to these X-Files than mere rumors and paranoia. A unique
partnership is formed, and over the course of the series, a unique
friendship as well. |
| While the program has covered
a wide variety of what has come to be know as "monster of
the week" episodes, the show also has developed its own
"mythology". Initially, this mythology was born from
Mulder's own personal experience - that of Samantha's (his sister)
abduction when they were children. It is Mulder's belief that
she was abducted by aliens, and one of the main reasons for his
interest in the X-Files is a hope that what he finds there will
someday lead him to the truth about Samantha. Now, over the period
of several seasons, the mythology has become rather complicated.
While the show's mantra promises "The Truth Is Out There",
it remains to be seen if Chris Carter (creator of the X-Files)
will ever reveal that truth to the satisfaction of this viewer. |
| So why do I like the X-Files?
Well, being an aficionado of science fiction in general, I enjoy
the plots. I also enjoy the mythology of the show, and trying
to figure out what it all means in terms of the 'bigger picture'
(even if it drives me absolutely bonkers). The overall
production of the series is outstanding, including aspects such
as special effects, lighting, music, and all that other fancy
cinematographic stuff that I don't understand but somehow recognize
as looking really cool on the screen <g>. The program has
earned something of a reputation for being particularly skilled
in its production, and if you've ever watched even one episode,
you know it has a particular "feel". Also the acting
is some of the finest around, not only for the two leads but
for the entire supporting cast. I am seldom, if ever, disappointed
in what I see from these people on a weekly basis. And finally,
even I will admit to a certain 'visual appeal' when it comes
to a particular FBI agent... <grin> |
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