Tuesday, October 31, 2017

TERROR TEE-VEE: A Countdown to Halloween (Day 29)





THE X-FILES

Inspired by the cult quirky and strange horror/sci-fi/mystery show from the 1970s KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER, Chris Carter wanted to create a show full of suspense and the unexplained, a show dedicated to purehearted principles such as the search for the truth, where ever the search takes one.  And so, he created The X-Files, which ran for 9 seasons and 202 episodes.  It then spun off into two movies and a six episode revival season.  It will return soon for it’s eleventh season and ten more episodes to begin in January of 2018.



The tiny, much maligned department of the FBI that is devoted to solving the weird cases for which there are no feesable explainations is called the X-Files. Eager Fox “Spooky” Mulder (played by David Duchovny) gladly toils in the shadows, driven by a desire to solve his very own potentially paranormal case—the disappearance of his sister.  But, his sister’s case just feeds his desire to seek out the truth, which he has come to understand has been suppressed by a conspiracy of those in power behind the powers that be.



Dana Scully (portrayed by Gillian Anderson) is an agent on the rise, a medical doctor and a healthy skeptic when it comes to things unexplained.  She is assigned by those powers behind the powers to look into the work of Mulder, who they fear may learn too much of the way the world truly is.  Of course, Dana comes to see the world more from Mulder’s point of view after her scientific mind cannot explain away undeniable proof of the paranormal and extraterrestrial.



Of course, this was just the beginning of the series and it went on to become a great feature for one-off “Monster of the Week” stories and it’s continuing central story called “Mythology” episodes. Episodes ranged from terrifying to hilarious, from thought-provoking to open-ended. Like any series that lasts several years, the quality of the show varied greatly episode to episode.

The series always worked for me because of the dynamic between Scully and Mulder—put them in any situation and the debate they have over the simple facts can keep my interest.  It is a case of perfect casting and I’m not sure it would have worked as well with any other combination of actors.  Their characters, each in their own way, knowing that “The truth is out there” and that they want to believe.

Key scary episodes to watch on Halloween: 

“Irresistible”



“Home”



“Eve”



“Die Hand Die Verletzt”



“Field Trip”






2 comments:

Caffeinated Joe said...

So much love for this show. Used to record it on tape each week to watch, was can't-miss entertainment.

Unknown said...

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