The X-Files: Fight the Future (1998)

William Taylor5 said:A new season?

Man, give me a break...

Sometimes I feel like the film and TV industry just doesn't know how to let things rest and move on to creating something entirely fresh.

Are you kidding me? Am I really seeing you pop up here only when there's a Medieval II thread going?

I mean, what do I know? Personally, I’d love for it to be good, but honestly, most of these recent mystery shows have been pretty terrible. To me, Supernatural was okay, but it wasn't really "fringe mystery" style, and Lost was just a total disaster! Plus, since the final season made it so the world was supposed to end in 2012, I'm genuinely confused about how they plan to restart it—either in 2016 or whenever they actually start airing it.

Is that so? When do the new seasons premiere? The X-Files are back, yay!

bluenomad2 said:Six episodes—that’s what I keep hearing. If they actually manage to bring back the top-tier writers, this season could absolutely crush it. Honestly, they had over a decade to cook something up. But if you ask me, the bottom line is getting David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson back on screen. That alone makes it worth watching.

I’ve been in a state of pure delirium for months over this; I still can’t quite wrap my head around it... For me, this isn't just some show—it is, quite simply, the best there is. 🙂

The absolute best video tribute for The X-Files (and naturally, my comment has the most likes on the video 🙂): The X-Files - Serenata Immortale (tribute video)

Exactly. For most people, it might just be a really good or even great show they happen to enjoy, which is perfectly fine. But as you pointed out, it’s more than just some typical series. For me, too, it holds a unique significance; much of what happens within it carries a profound sense of meaning in its own way. It is special, in its own distinct fashion. There is so much it communicates that leaves a lasting impact. It possesses something unconventional that sets it apart, making it feel like far more than mere television. It is truly extraordinary in so many respects.

David Alvarez26 said:Exactly. For most people, this might just be a solid—or even great—show they enjoy watching, which is perfectly fine. But as you pointed out, it’s more than just some TV series; for me, it carries a specific weight, and much of what happens within those episodes holds a profound sense of meaning. It’s special in its own unique way. It communicates things and leaves an imprint that stays with you. There is something unconventional about its DNA that elevates it beyond standard television—it’s simply incomparable in so many respects.

👍

It’s a show that possesses that intangible "something"—that certain spark—that is nearly impossible to pin down with vocabulary alone. For those of us who consider it our absolute favorite, or who feel it transcends the medium entirely, words often fall short. But I think you get what I mean, so there isn't really any need to over-explain it. 🙂

The X-Files consistently hits those top rankings, and honestly, only the original Twilight Zone or Star Trek could even come close.

I’ve always been more of a Twin Peaks fan—that’s my gold standard—but The X-Files offers so much variety that it stays relevant. That gore tribute was excellent 👍

lol, now I'm reading they might actually bring back the Cigarette Smoking Man. How on earth 🤣

wiredraven82 said:The absolute best video tribute for The X-Files (and obviously my comment has the most likes on the 🙂 video): The X-Files - Serenata Immortale (tribute video)

Man, 😍 I'm getting chills just thinking about it. They really are the best.🙏

But I have to agree—getting the original writers back is crucial. If they could just round up the old crew and do it right, we could be looking at maybe six episodes a year. 😁

😍 🤣

bluenomad2 said:And let's be honest, The X-Files constantly lands on those top lists—the only things even remotely capable of competing are the original Twilight Zone and Star Trek.

Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for Twin Peaks—it’s my all-time favorite—but The X-Files offers such an incredible breadth of storytelling because its scope is just so damn diverse. That whole horror tribute was brilliant 👍
.
Lol, now I'm reading rumors that they might actually bring back the Cigarette Smoking Man. I mean, how on earth 🤣
?

For me, The X-Files is just... part of who I am, what can I say... It's my favorite series, period.

My second favorite show of all time would have to be the original Twilight Zone 👍. But The X-Files is number one for me. It’s hard to put into words—it’s just my absolute favorite, end of story.

But regarding the Cigarette Smoking Man... man, where do I even begin with that guy? I absolutely loved every single second he appeared in an episode—every facial twitch, every line of dialogue...

He always carried that vibe of being "The man behind everything"...

He had this very specific way of speaking; in his own twisted way, he seemed to care for Mulder—even protecting him at times—despite the fact that he dropped that bombshell in the final episode. But god, the way the Cigarette Smoking Man exited was pure style: while Aliens are firing rockets from helicopters in some old Anasazi town, the Cigarette Smoking Man pulling the last smoke through his throat before vanishing into the flames 🙏.

The episode dedicated solely to him, "Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man," captured his essence perfectly.

P.S: I honestly have no idea how they plan to bring him back... but frankly, I don't care about the mechanics of it—just BRING HIM BACK. 😁

Angela Alvarez10 said:Well, that's about all there is to say, I suppose. Just... ehhh.😍 I’m telling you, they really are the absolute best—it's almost hard to put into words how much I enjoy them.🙏

I have to agree—it is absolutely vital that they bring back the original writers. If they could actually get the A-team back together and let them do the job properly, we wouldn't be stuck with this mediocrity; they could easily drop six solid episodes on us every single year.😁

😍🤣

👍

I still can't quite wrap my head around the fact that I'm actually going to see them again... Honestly, once it happens, I think I might just... throw a massive party to celebrate. 🤣

I'm not sure if you've had a chance to check this out yet—and honestly, if you haven't, you're missing out (by the way, my comment on this video is sitting right there among the most upvoted ones, haha). The X-Files 20th anniversary reunion panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2013 was quite the moment—really something to wrap your head around if you were there. It wasn't just a simple nostalgia trip; it felt more like a deep dive into why this show still holds such a grip on the collective psyche decades later. Watching the cast navigate those questions, you could see the weight of the legacy they built together.

P.S. Honestly, Thursday remains my absolute favorite day of the week—it’s a bit of a nostalgia trip for me. Back in the 90s, while I was still in elementary school, I used to sprint home every single Thursday evening, driven by that singular, frantic goal: making sure I was settled in front of the TV before a new episode of The X-Files aired. 😁 I actually remember spending quite a bit of time trying to imitate Fox Mulder using my cell phone—back when having one was actually a thing, before everyone was glued to them. I got my first phone in 1999, right after I finished eighth grade, and I couldn't help myself. Haha.

bluenomad2 said:briskhound2, as a total fan of the show, what’s your take on the revival?

To be honest, I'm stoked to see them back on our screens, but... I really wish they'd just put the cash toward writing a killer script and filming a brand new movie instead. That first movie was actually pretty solid, even if it felt a bit weighed down by trying to tie back to the series too tightly. These new episodes might feel a little aimless since both of them got kicked out of the FBI—which we already saw happen in the second movie, so... yeah.

wiredraven82 said:For me, The X-Files is more than just a show... it’s part of who I am, honestly. It’s my all-time favorite series.

My second favorite series of all time would have to be the original Twilight Zone 👍 But The X-Files takes the number one spot; I can’t quite find the right words to explain it, it’s just my absolute favorite, period.

But regarding the Cigarette Smoking Man... man, I don't even know where to start with that character. I absolutely loved every single second he was on screen—every facial expression, every line he delivered...

He always carried that aura of being "The man behind everything."

He had such a distinct way of speaking, and in his own twisted way, he seemed to care for Mulder, even going as far as protecting him at times. Even though he said what he had to say in that final episode, my god, the way the Cigarette Smoking Man exited was pure style: while Aliens are launching rockets from helicopters in the old Anasazi territory, the Cigarette Smoking Man pulling the last smoke through his throat before vanishing into the flames. 🙏

The episode dedicated entirely to him, "Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man," captured his essence perfectly.

P.S.: I have no idea how they plan to bring him back... but truthfully, I don't even care about the method, as long as they just bring him back.😁

I still haven't quite wrapped my head around how things spiraled so far out of control! I mean, Fox Mulder already stopped an invasion once.

Anthony Ward44 said:I still haven't wrapped my head around how things spiraled so far out of control—I mean, Mulder already stopped an invasion once, didn't he?

He didn't stop the invasion.

The invasion actually already started; those "Aliens" in human form have been systematically taking over everything. The syndicate (the one run by Cancer man and his crew) had been gone for a long time. According to the story from the final season, the total takeover of government institutions by the Alien was supposed to happen on December 21, 2012—and looking at the state of the world today, I wouldn't be surprised if they actually succeeded 😁. By the final seasons, Cancer man was the only one left from the old syndicate group; in that scene where he dies in the flames, he tells Mulder that he knew this day would come and that he specifically wanted to see the look on Mulder's face when it finally arrived.

There should probably be some kind of connection now—at least in my estimation, we'll see—within these new episodes (good grief, I can hardly believe I'm even typing the words "new episodes" regarding The X-Files...🍿🙂)

briskhound2 said:To be honest, I love that I'll see them back on the small screen, but I'd much rather they had put the money toward crafting a killer script and filming a brand-new movie. That first film was excellent, even if it suffered a bit from being tied so closely to the series. These new episodes might not make much sense, though, since both of them were kicked out of the FBI—which was already established in the second movie.

Personally, I thought that film was great, but I always viewed it more as a bonus to the series rather than a standalone movie, even though it technically is one; it functions as the bridge between seasons, and I found that concept brilliant.

Come on, briskhound2, it’s better that they’re doing new episodes because they'll last longer. I mean, seriously, ALOOO, we're getting new X-Files episodes 😁 We really need to raise a glass to that.😁

Kicked out of the FBI? You never know when the Bureau might need them again—I can already envision a hundred different scenarios for their return.🙂

Just imagine the feeling when a NEW episode of The X-Files starts... Seriously... you're sitting there, watching the opening of a NEW EPISODE OF THE X-FILES, and it's practically... pure ecstasy, haha.

wiredraven82 said:Regarding the Cigarette Smoking Man... honestly, I don't even know where to start. I loved every single second he was on screen—every facial expression, every line...

He always felt like... "The man behind everything."

He had such a distinct way of speaking, and in his own twisted way, he actually seemed to care for and protect Mulder, even if he did drop that bombshell in the final episode. But damn, what an exit for the Cigarette Smoking Man: while Aliens are firing rockets from helicopters in the old Anasazi territory, the Cigarette Smoking Man pulling the last smoke through his throat before vanishing into the flames.🙏

The episode dedicated solely to him, "Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man," described him perfectly.

P.S: I have no clue how they plan to bring him back... but frankly, I don't care how they do it. JUST BRING HIM BACK.😁

He’s easily the most compelling TV face in any series. I was always rooting for him to get away with it. And you have to admit, one other character lived through nine lives: Alex Krycek 🙏 went from being the Cigarette Smoking Man's little errand boy to a man with his own vision and agenda.

Life is like a Box of Chocolates. The ultimate irony in that episode is that even the most powerful man can't betray a book, and that realization just sends him into a spiral.🤣

When you hear this: X-Files - Modern EDIT it still feels like the golden era.

wiredraven82 said:Honestly, I love seeing them back on screen, but I wish they’d put the money toward a killer script and a new movie instead. That first film was great, even if it struggled trying to tie back to the series. These new episodes might feel aimless since both of them were kicked out of the FBI, which we already saw happen in the second movie.

I only have one wish. Monster of the Week episodes. I know it's unlikely since they only have six episodes to focus on the main arc, but maybe they can squeeze one in somewhere.

bluenomad2 said:To me, he’s arguably the biggest TV icon from any series. I always wanted him to make it through, and you have to admit—he’s one of those characters who practically had nine lives. Alex Krycek 🙏 evolved from being a mere errand boy for the Cigarette Smoking Man into a man with actual vision and purpose.

Life is like a Box of Chocolates—the ultimate irony in that episode is that even the most powerful man can't betray the book, which ultimately lands him in the gutter. 🤣

You’re reading my mind; I was trying to point out that exact scene to you in my last post. It’s legendary 😁 but man, how do you even begin to explain that whole bit with the box of chocolates? Just look at the facial expressions, the voice, the cigarette... haha. What a character... simply put: an ICON, the Man. The Cigarette Smoking Man was the embodiment of competence and that archetype of "the man who knows everything"—you know, the kind of knowledge that isn't meant for public consumption. He doesn't say much, but he says everything in a single sentence, followed by that sigh at the end of every phrase before he pulls the smoke... haha.

With Alex Krycek, we never knew where we stood, but I actually spent the entire run thinking he was a good guy—and I still do, even though he always played his own game. Mulder despised him, sure, but he also knew what a snake he was because he was painfully capable.

But do you remember that episode where the Aliens in human form basically take over the entire FBI building? Mulder entrusted Dana Scully and the child to Alex Krycek to watch over while he and the others secured an escape. Krycek actually proved himself as an ally to Mulder there. It was honestly a great feeling to see the cup finally overflow—with Aliens everywhere—and realize everyone was standing together in that moment. 🙂

bluenomad2 said:When you hear this: X-Files - Modern EDIT although I suspect they'll stick to the classic vibe.

That kind of intro is great, but personally, I’d prefer if they went with the old-school classic. This remixed music might work as something fresh, but... nothing beats the original intro. Even if the show just starts, that music—the original version—has to be there. Whether they go with this remix or the vintage version, we'll see. Still, it isn't bad—really, it's quite good—this entire intro works as a fantastic tribute to the original nine seasons.

bluenomad2 said:I honestly have just one single wish here. Monster of the Week episodes. I realize that’s probably asking too much—given they've already committed to six episodes focused entirely on the overarching mythos—but maybe, just maybe, they can squeeze one in somewhere along the way.

I’m basically living in a state of pure delusion—or perhaps just desperate hope—that once those six episodes wrap up, they might decide to greenlight another 🤣

wiredraven82 said:You're reading my mind. I was going to bring up that exact scene in my last post—absolutely legendary. 😁 Seriously, look at how he explains that whole thing with the box of Chocolates. Just look at those facial expressions and listen to that voice. What a character. Simply put: FACA, the Man. The Cigarette Smoking Man was the literal embodiment of competence—the guy who knows everything. He knows all the secrets they don't want the public to see. He doesn't say much, but then he drops a truth bomb in a single sentence, lets out that sigh, and pulls the last smoke. Haha.

Like that scene where he’s talking to Deep Throat and they’re arguing over who gets to kill the captive Alien—flipping a coin only for it to land on Deep Throat as he heads inside. Meanwhile, the Cigarette Smoking Man peels off the anti-nicotine seal on the door, pulls out a cigarette, and lights up with his lighter. Trust no one. And he lights up right as the shot goes off. 🙏 I mean, those scenes are designed to give you chills while making you smirk, even when you know better.

wiredraven82 said:We never really knew where we stood with Alex Krycek. Honestly, I always viewed him as a good guy, and I still do—even if he was constantly playing his own game. Fox Mulder despised him, sure, but he also knew exactly what kind of snake he was dealing with because the guy was incredibly capable.

Remember that episode where those Aliens basically took over the entire FBI building? Mulder leaves Scully to watch the kid with Alex Krycek while he and the rest try to secure an escape route. Krycek actually stepped up as an ally to Mulder there. It was a hell of a feeling seeing the glass overflow—with Aliens everywhere—and realizing everyone was finally on the same side for once. 🙂

I think that's near the end of season 8, when they toss that Alien into a recycling truck next to the buildings.

Just tell me about that first movie. That Alien who killed the scientist—which episode does he show up in during Season 6? Somewhere near the beginning? I know they had that whole storyline involving Gibson Praise.

wiredraven82 said:I’m living in a complete delusion, holding onto this slim hope that after those six episodes, they might actually decide to film more. 🤣

I wouldn't be surprised if their popularity never dips; you have a massive, constantly active fanbase, and if the actors stay on the same page, it'll happen.

It feels almost surreal. I just started rewatching the series from season one after about a ten-year break, and right on cue, news breaks that they’re starting production on new seasons 🙂. I am absolutely thrilled. I can't wait to follow more adventures with Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.

wiredraven82 said::

I don't know if you've seen this yet (and hey, my comment on this video is sitting right there among the most upvoted ones, haha). The X-Files 20th anniversary reunion panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2013.

Of course I watched it.😁 It’s good to see that both of them still look great for their age.👍 There’s still that undeniable chemistry there, especially that friendship. You can see it so clearly whenever they do joint interviews. I've watched pretty much all of them. 😁

wiredraven82 said::
P.S. Honestly, Thursday is still my favorite day of the week. Back in the 90s, I was just a kid in elementary school, always racing home on Thursday evenings just so I wouldn't miss a new episode of The X-Files. 😁

And then tomorrow, I'll be back at school, recounting the whole thing to everyone.🙏

I caught something interesting recently—Cris Carter mentioned that those six episodes will be a balanced blend of mythology and standalone mysteries. It looks like fans won't have to worry about being stuck with just one style or the other.👍

Someone suggested they’d rather have a movie, but honestly? I’m not feeling it. A film would probably clock in at maybe ninety minutes, which isn't nearly enough time to actually flesh out the characters or answer all those burning questions fans have been dying to resolve. The series is where the real magic happens. There's a certain satisfaction in being able to just download an episode whenever you want, or having a constant stream of new promos and leaked photos popping up online. Those little details—that constant drip of content—are what make TV so much more rewarding.😁

bluenomad2 said:I think we’re talking about the end of Season 8—that moment where they toss that Alien into a recycling truck parked right next to the buildings.

Just give me the rundown on that first movie. That Alien who took out the scientist—which Season 6 episode does he show up in? Was it somewhere near the beginning? I know there was that whole subplot involving the bald kid.

Yeah, we’re looking at the end of Season 8.

And here’s my take regarding the Alien from the movie:

So, if you look at the structure, the movie essentially serves as the bridge between Season 5 and Season 6—it’s the connective tissue. And that Alien (I mean, look at what that creature actually looks like) shows up right away in the season premiere set in Arizona during that specific incident...

Think about that scenario where some guy is just heading home from work when that Alien completely wrecks his life—and then you have Fox Mulder and Dana Scully out there hunting it down. Since the creature has this obsession with heat and radiation, they end up tracking it straight to a nuclear power plant.

And that kid—Gibson Praise—is essentially a hybrid, born with Alien DNA spliced right into his human genome. He’s been an invaluable asset to Fox Mulder, helping him track down various types of Aliens and those specialized Alien hunters over and over again. Even in this very first episode of season six, Gibson is stepping up to give Mulder the edge he needs.

And he was essentially the linchpin of the whole thing—because he served as direct, undeniable proof that Aliens actually exist. Since he was Gibson Praise, he was constantly living under the shadow of being hunted by Hunter.

Actually, if you look closely, that first episode—"The Beginning"—serves as a direct, almost seamless sequel to The X-Files movie. 🙂

bluenomad2 said:Think about that scene where he’s talking with Deep Throat—the tension is thick, they're actually arguing over who gets to take out the captured Alien, flipping a coin like it's some high-stakes game of chance, only for it to land on Deep Throat as he slips away into the shadows. Meanwhile, you have the Cigarette Smoking Man, casually peeling back that anti-nicotine seal on the door, pulling out a cigarette, and lighting up with a lighter that probably has some dark significance written right on it. Just imagine the sheer weight of those moments. "Trust no one." And right as he’s firing away, he lights up. 🙏 I mean, those scenes are specifically crafted to give you chills—the kind where you find yourself watching with a smirk on your face, even though you know, deep down, you really shouldn't be enjoying it.

It’s legendary, truly—but for me, one of the most iconic moments had to be that scene involving the Cigarette Smoking Man. He’s younger then, listening to Martin Luther King Jr. on the radio, and right when Luther makes that point about how Black Americans shouldn't be sent to fight in Vietnam, the Cigarette Smoking Man just looks at his own mustache and mutters to himself, "Man, why did you have to say that... why..." It’s such a perfect, subtle beat.

And even when they confront the Cigarette Smoking Man—one of those shadowy figures lurking in the background—asking him who he’d actually trust to take out Luther, his response is just classic, unhinged behavior from him. He drops this absolutely LEGENDARY line: I'm going to be the one to take him out—I have far too much respect for the man to let anyone else handle it. 😁 Good grief—what kind of sentence was that? 😁

I watched the first movie ages ago, and I remember thinking it was actually pretty solid. I’d love to give it another watch, though honestly, I'd much rather dive back into the series instead.
The second one? Ugh, if I remember right, it was offensively bad—it felt like the whole plot just boiled down to two guys being lovers while harvesting organs or something... I might be misremembering the details, but it definitely felt like that kind of mess.

Look, I’m not trying to be a total buzzkill here—trust me, I love Mulder and Scully just as much as the next guy—but we really can't be debating the series in this specific thread. There’s already a dedicated TV discussion happening over on the main boards, and I’m pretty sure someone (if they haven't already) is gonna spin up a new thread once the upcoming episodes drop. Just gotta stick to the rules and keep things organized, you know?