In an age of hyperbole and fake news, obstruction and deflection, it’s no lie to say that The X-Files is a true genre phenomenon, and may be one of the most important and prophetic television series ever broadcast considering the times in which we find ourselves. The weekly exploits of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in their ongoing quest for the truth amid government conspiracies, cover ups and the machinations of powerful men in suits with their own agenda have been around off and on for twenty five years – an initial nine year run that included a feature film, a second feature film reuniting the stars after a six year absence, and eight years later a further two seasons. That’s an incredible 218 episodes and two movies.
It was always a tough series for the casual viewer to pick up in the middle of a season, because over the years the standalone episodes were interspersed with a very long and convoluted story arc. This was woven carefully throughout the entire run of the show, and careful attention had to be paid because very often then the most minute of details would become vitally important several episodes later.
Finally, as the series is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has (as far as we are aware) ended its run (though the show’s history has taught us never to say never as far as a return in concerned), it’s time for a welcome overview of the entire X-Files. This companion book contains a massive 488 pages and is an invaluable guide for both the long time X-Phile as well as newcomers drawn to the series by the last couple of seasons.
Coverage of all episodes is skilfully handled, with comments from members of the production team giving a fresh new insight into episodes which have been exhaustively covered elsewhere over the years. Each episode is also entertainingly critiqued by the authors who clearly have a love for their subject but aren’t about to shy away when it comes to naming and shaming the episodes (and there were a fair few) that didn’t work as well. Of particular use is that the authors have noted which episodes among the entire run play into the ongoing unfolding arc, herein referred to as “mythology episodes”.
This approach, rather than simply providing a plot synopsis, makes the book an essential guide with a unique perspective that will appeal to fans at every level, from those just beginning a bewildering navigation of the enigmatic show to those who tuned in to the first episode back in 1993 and were instantly hooked.
For the ultimate experience, we suggest watching the show from the first episode on with this book at your side. The Truth is in Here.
MONSTERS OF THE WEEK: THE COMPLETE CRITICAL COMPANION TO THE X-FILES / AUTHOR: ZACK HANDLEN, TODD VANDERWERFF / PUBLISHER: ABRAMS PRESS / RELEASE DATE: 5TH NOVEMBER
