h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello, Researcher 25968! Another X-Files fan here. Regarding the previous conversation, I do see the show in a decline lately, but I still consider myself a fan and watch quasi-religiously. Is it correct to assume that you are not living in America? I am; here, the seventh season is nearing its end, and there is much speculation and rumor flying as to whether there will be another.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know your entry was being read and appreciated. I'd be glad to discuss most any aspect of the show.

-Jane

Hello! Sorry it took me so long to reply to your message, but I've only just discovered it was posted - for some reason my article "The X Files" has disappeared off the face of H2G2! This could be something to do with the fact I've submitted it, but it has completely disappeared even from my list of articles I have written on my home page - perhaps this is normal procedure, I don't know.

Anyway... you're right, I don't live in America, I'm in the UK (Scotland to be a little more precise). I keep hearing about the seventh season of The X Files, and I'm incredibly jealous of all the people who have seen it, seeing as our main TV network, the BBC, has only got as far as mid season six (up to SR819), and have decided they're going to take a break right now and won't tell us when it'll be back!!!!!!!

OK, rant over... I have seen The Sixth Extinction, Amor Fati, Sein Und Zeit and Closure from season seven, as these have been released on video in the UK.

As far as I've heard now, Fox are "forcing" The X Files crew in to making an eighth season, and contracts are set up for a season nine as well. Unfortunately, David Duchovny looks set to leave the series, with the excuse that Mulder has been abducted being used.

I'm sorry this posting has been so long... Like you, I'm happy to discuss anything about the show, so feel free to talk about anything you like, assuming you manage to read and reply to this.

I'm off to try and hunt down my entry again...
R25968

Are you still around on H2G2?

Huge X file fan here - looking for someone to talk to!

If you're still on da community, message me!
Kirp

Hello. I'm still here, and very willing to talk about the X Files to anybody who wants to

R25968

Hi there!
Wow - finally an X-files buddy!

How much of the last season have you seen? If you've seen to the end, please don't tell me - I bought the Truth on DVD, but have been banned from watching it by my friend until the rest of the series has been shown on Terrestial. Damn her!

Just seen the ep where the Lone Gunman died - very sad! I'm gonna miss them fellas!

What're ur fave eps? What bout ur fave season? Wow, I must sound like a right freak!

Do you watch any other sci-fi stuff?

Talk soon!
Love Kirp

Oh no, don't worry - I can out-freak that any day!

I've seen to the end of season 9, because a kind friend has Sky and is willing to use their video recorder when really pressed. Yes, a terrible shame about the Lone Gunmen - I didn't like the decision to kill them, but it was a good episode nonetheless. The biggest shame is that a lot of people in the UK will probably never get to see their 13 episode spin-off series, which is probably the oddest thing I've ever seen, but very good.

Favourite episode is a tough one... I'd probably say season 5's 'Schizogeny' (I love complex plots that take about 5 viewings just to get your head around - and that episode certainly scores on that front), and I'd say season 4 is my favourite overall, although 6 is pretty strong too.

My major obsessions will probably always be the X Files and Stargate, but I watch loads of other sci-fi TV too. You name it, I've probably watched it at some point. The only series I've ever actually abandoned was Farscape, because it creeped me out a little too much, but I know a lot of people that think it's wonderful.

Okay, I think I've done my bit, now it's your turn

R25968

ooh... that was mean!

I would love to see the L-G spinoff, I've been hoping that someone over here would pick up on it, but no such luck!

Favourite eps? Aah... I like the funny ones, hence my love of season 6. 4-D in season 9 is a fave (another that takes a few viewings...) but also Closure, Requiem (both season 7) and the Redux and Redux 2 from season 4. For sheer yuk factor, Roadrunners. I could probably name every episode I've seen here, so gonna stop now. Least favourite was tooms, I found it boring! I haven't seen every season, but own bits from all of them, working towards the full set! I have all the individual eps they bought out - found them in Australia (long story) for $4.95 - thats £1.80 - each!

Yeah sounding freakish again...

I don't watch Stargate, though have tried, but it always seems to be on while I'm out! I love Star wars, star trek (mainly the original series...), thunderbirds... anything involving sci-fi. Or cult, like Buffy and Angel, which are just plain corny. I love em for it! And 24 - into that in a fairly big way now (though still not close to x-files love...)

Farscape, yes, freaky. Guess thats why I like it!

What did you think of da intro of Doggett, and later, Reyes? I thought I'd miss Mulder, but I didn't until he came back, and the same when he left again. What do u think?

Ok, rant over!
Kirp

So, have you only ever seen bits of the seasons, or do you mean you've only got bits of them on tape? I've been picking up the DVD box-sets as they've been released - a little expensive, but I think they're worth it in the end. My parents almost certainly don't agree.

I didn't like Tooms either. For some reason Squeeze/Tooms is cited by many people as their favourite episode(s), but I thought they were quite dull and silly, overall. I love Roadrunners too - season 8 revelled in a return to darker, creepier (and, truth be told, more violent) episodes, and Roadrunners was of that ilk.

I'm also a big 24 fan. I have to admit I don't really watch Star Trek, though, and if I do it tends to be The Next Generation I prefer. Star Wars, Andromeda, Buffy, Angel, Babylon 5, Alias - I watch them all, pretty much. Apart from Farscape. I'm not going to talk about my Farscape phobia

I don't think either Doggett or Reyes were introduced particularly well, and their vague apathy towards the X Files has led the programme to falter ever so slightly in season 9. Season 8 was somehow powerful, and the lack of David Duchovny wasn't a problem at all, really. Season 9, on the other hand has been disappointing to me. Few of the stories have any impact, and more and more episodes are falling into the category of 'silly' rather than 'funny' (take, for example, 'Lord of the Flies'). However, the mythology was still going strong, and it's a shame it had to be wrapped up in a slightly rushed way.

R25968

Hello over there!

Fraser, I sort of talked to you on a different thread, and as a different me, and never got round to replying after you did. Sorry about that!

Anyhow I was trying to tell you about the project I'm working on, with a few trusted sources. We're creating The Basement Office A917525
& other assorted pages, with The BBC's Most Unwanted ID (U213914)

You said you were confused as to what we were doing and how it ended up on a "Buffy" site, OK the story goes...

We discovered the new DNA based site, set up to discuss exclusively Buffy related content, I went to ask one of the italics if they might consider extending the subject mater to include a wider range of subjects, one being X-Files.

Anyway nothing official has happened, but someone suggested that we add bits ourselves, and after some meddling, we discovered a way to do this As a huge X-Files fan myself, I began to see the possibilities, resulting in the creation of the unofficial X-Files pages you will find if you follow those links, by myself and a dedicated band of fellow X-Philes

The site is pretty new, we're looking for people to join in, expressing ideas, adding reviews, conversation, profiles etc.
If you think you might be able to help we would be very pleased to hear from you

Our e-mail addy is posted on our h2g2 space, or we'll get back to any messages you leave here

It's good to see some active X-Files fans still about

Unfortunately I've only seen parts of the seasons, but all of season 8, 9, 1 and 6! I'm aiming to buy the lot, but will be searching on Ebay and on sales! I was a latecomer into the whole x-files gig, and have always regretted not starting to watch earlier!

R u watching Buffy season 7, and Angel season 4? I am, and loving 'em! I've seen every ep of Buffy, bcos my friend watches and talks about nothing else, and was kind enuff to lend me her vids! I have an ambition to land a job as an extra on one of my fave shows, but Buffys ending, X files and Farscape (sorry, had to mention it, apologise for your phobia!) have finished, and to top it all off, I don't live in America. 24 season 3 here I come! Looking forward to watching 24 on sunday... teehee!

Hey there Kirp.

I'm sort of envouis of the fact that you got to the X-Files late, you still have 4 series of great stuff to catch up with! Lucky you!

I have to admit complete obsession with the series from S1-8 & even now I'm a massive fan, I think S9 is lacking something, & I'll argue that that something is *not* Duchovny! But then I always was a Scullyist (what a strange term!). I have enjoyed the standalones, notably Improbable, which was from the school of the strange which I tend to like a lot!
I'm very much looking forward to Sunshine days this weekend, this is my favourite of the season with out a doubt. Wont say anything more, I just hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Guess you missed the fox offer which was going about 2 months ago, they were doing 2 VHS complete sets for somewhere between £30 & £35. Slightly annoying as I've forked out up to £90 in the past for new ones - and then I can't resist the DVD's on top of that!

I am one of those who like The Tooms episodes, how so do you think it's dull & silly? Perhaps if they were to have done it in later seasons it would have been more graphic, but I think EVT was a pretty creepy dude!

How can I look further than Bad Blood for a favourite ever episode? Such a brilliantly told story, and soooo funny! Triangle comes close & so does the whole Redux bit

I keep telling myself that S4 is the best, but then when I think of S5, 6 & even 7 I'm not too sure anymore, think I over did S1, 2 & 3 with multiple watchings in a short space of time, however they are all quality!

Quite simply I love it!
Andy

Wow, other people are joining in!

Okay, perhaps I ought to apologise - I don't hate Squeeze/Tooms, but they're certainly not my favourites, and the fact that whenever I try to talk to anyone about the X Files they almost always say "I used to watch that, but got kinda bored with it - I remember the one about the guy who could fit down chimneys, though..." has tended to annoy me. Sorry.

I actually know someone whose favourite episode is season 5's 'Chinga'. I have to say that worried me slightly, as, for me, the only redeeming features that episode has are the comedy moments (eg Mulder throwing pencils at his office ceiling - somthing we've seen regular references to over the last couple of years!)

To the BBC's Most Unwanted, as I said before, I'd be more than happy to get involved, but I don't know how i'd be much use. I still intend to finish that episode guide, and I can try my hand at writing reviews, but at the moment there's quite a bit of pressure from university work, which is slowing things down considerably (I haven't stopped, I'm just moving as quickly as the average Little Chef waitress - did I mention I love Red Dwarf too?).

I have a feeling the £35 offer for X Files VHS boxsets may still be running. I saw them in Virgin in Glasgow recently at £19.99, and if I weren't waiting for the DVDs I'd have been sorely tempted. If the offer isn't still on, it's probably due to limited stock, rather than a time limit having expired, if that makes any sense.

R25968 / FraserD

Hi there Andy!

To answer the tooms bit, I have just seen it way too many times, and think its a slow mover!

Season 4 is one I really want to get - I'm also a Scullyist, always have been! Only problem being that in seasons 8 and 9, she is always being protected, and she has proved in the past (Sixth extinction, paper clip etc) that she is quite capable of looking after herself! Season 9, I think, has turned out some crackers, in particular 4D. But I agree, it lacks something. I think that its realism, which has always been a strong point of the series. My friends are all like 'Aliens, how lame?' but it was always feasible, until season 9. Theyve played with reality b4 (Who could forget Monday or How the ghosts stole christmas?) but never as much as this. And, three tearjerkers in a row - what are they trying to do to me?!?

Sorry, I'm ranting again...

I got two boxsets for £30, and am working on getting the rest! I have still not watched 'The Truth' DVD, and the temptation is getting strong... But I'm stronger, I will resist!

I think Doggett is a better character than Reyes. Hes had some good storylines (John Doe) but again, they lacked something, the script wasn't as well executed as it could have been!

I met Gillian Anderson about 6 weeks ago, and have a photo of me with her, which a very nice man took and sent to me! I haven't stopped talking about it, and its beginning to annoy my friends!

Also looking forward to nxt weeks episode... Though really missing the Lone Gunmen. They really rocked! Also, wheres Skinner been recently?

Ok, I'm gonna stop ranting now - its just I really like having other people to talk x files with - I only have one other friend who watches it!

See ya!

Kirp
xxx

Continue ranting, please!
I know the feeling of finally finding other people to waffle to (rather than at) about the X-Files. When I got the net about 2 years ago, I met a bunch of people through the BBC X-Files Message board, been talking to several of them since, many of whom have now become very good real life friends too

However I think that the BBC will shut the Official Message board for the X-Files soon after the series ends, there are already fewer and fewer people on the MB, so I don't expect there to be enough numbers for the BBC to be willing to keep it open. Which is partly why we've begun work on The Basement Office (see post #9 above) - well that and because I we can

OK enough with the plugging already! (no pressure, whatever whenever would be great, even if it's just starting a thread regarding a particular ep, anything to breath a little life in to the place, that goes for you both! I'm beginning to talk to myself over there!)

Re EVT, no need to apologise for anything. If push came to shove I probably wouldn't have either of those two in my top 5, maybe not even top 10 of the season (which I always want to change immediately after I try to put one together anyway!). I think Tooms in particular solidified everything good we know about the M&S relationship, and also hinted at the Conspiracy, so is fondly remembered by most fans for that if nothing else. Other than that, I think he was a pretty memorable MOTW!

I too knew several people who were "big fans" in the early days, collecting the vids etc. - who even joined in with my obsessive ranting for a time - but since then have drifted away from X-F. Though I don't know why exactly. I think some of it has to do with the long term Mythology which became more and more important in S2. For me that was appealing, but I guess to others less committed (seems strange to use that word in this context, but then again, not - now who's ranting?) to seeing it through, I suppose it was it's shortfall (yes I liked B5 too).

I think in the same ways as Tooms, may eps can be saved, or at least be boosted in peoples regard, by single moments, or a small exchanges. Which then become remembered for something truly funny/touching/spectacular/shocking, rather than the averageness surrounding it. Not that I'm knocking average. Average for the X-Files is still 10 steps ahead of pretty much everything else out there!

(*Andy wonders if they are in danger of burnout here*) - On to S9! I'd agree with what you said about Scully appearing to need too much protection, although given the situation she was in I can almost understand it, but not quite. In William especially I was sitting in my chair shaking my head saying "No Way!" to the ending, she just wouldn't! Argh! Can of worms there - run away, run away!!!

Anyhow I think S9 was in a way a wasted opportunity, not so much with the standalones, think I said I enjoyed many of them. But the Mythology just didn't feel right (). I would have liked it to be a showcase for Anderson (again I see why she didn't really want to bust a gut for them at this stage, and don't blame her for any of it, unlike *her* co-star, who IMO began to suffer from a severe case of head swell!). I would have liked to see Scully in particular getting a little of the payback I think she was due.

I take it you went to see What The Night Is For, Kirp? I went too, but I didn't manage to get to the stage door, serves me right for going to the matinee performance
Still it was well worth it the effort of going down to there, it and GA were great

I know what you mean about the top ten list... with just the ones I have seen I have about 50 favourites, all for different reasons! I also get what you mean about the touching moments, in s6 the baseball one, where M&S play at da end, thats a gr8 one, as is the one where S gets injected and turns into a bimbo - the moment where she gives her 'medical opinion' on cause of death is so funny (BEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPP)!

I promise to go to the Basement office page - will go there in a sec!

William - oh my God, I couldn't believe it in one way, but in another she really cared for him, and knew she couldn't protect him. I sat there, and I'm afraid to say that I cried, and have done so every time I've seen it since. I knew what was gonna happen (I try to avoid spoilers but every now and then one sneaks through...), yet still it was shocking, as was Scully breaking down during her soliloquay.

Blonde moment, but MOTW? IMO? Sorry, I can't work it out...

How about you put together a top 20 list? Go on, you know you can do it. I'll make it easier, double eps (IE Redux and Redux 2) count as one!

I don't understand how anyone could not like the mythology. Its what its about - Scully's abduction plays a major part even in stand alone eps! CSM is a pivotal character, its what it was building to from the beginning, he was there then, and he's there at the end (so I've read, have now owned the Truth for 2 months, and still not watched it so as I don't spoil the season!). How can you abandon it just because its getting some substance to it. I agree with your use of the word committed, it is the word I would use as well.

Ok, make ur task easier (or harder, I don't know which) what are ur fave moments from all the seasons?

Ur right, I did go and see what the night is for and LOVED it! GA was amazing (as ever). One question; Do you think that they got together afterwards? I kinda think both, but I'd love to know ur opinion, bcos I can't find anyone to ask theirs!

What do u think of D and R?

See ya!
Kirp

Two questions...

Just been to Basement office, and found something interesting... in da character profiles, it says that reyes joined Quantico in 1990. Well heres an interesting fact, it says that Scully did the same, teaching there for 2 years b4 joining the x files in 1992. Thats not really a question, is it? What I'm saying is, wouldn't they have at least seen each other in passing?

Another one, how would I go about adding a thread?
Kirp

Will deal with last one fist, cos it's right in front of me & come back to the other later, got a driving lesson...

I never noticed that, very interesting!

Starting a thread over there works the same as it does here. While reading the entry in question, scroll down to the bottom and there's a link which says "Discuss this Topic" click it to start a new conversation thread, and it'll take you to a screen like the one you'd get here if you were to reply I look forward to seeing you over there too , it's good to have new peeps to talk to.

While I think of it, MOTW = Monster of the week
IMO = In my opinion

I'll be back later this evening Ooooh Beer!

Yay, managed to get back (should be in bed though , but never mind!) I want to watch The Unnatural & Three Of A Kind LOL, classic moments indeed!

With William I just get a horrible feeling that they wrote themselves into a corner early on in S8, maybe even before that, with things like En Ami. Anyway it could and absolutely should have been handled much better than it was in the end. I didn't cry, I just sat there gorping thinking "". I was on holiday in the US when William aired here, and have not seen it since my friend over there sent me a S9 tape when it aired over there, it's been a while. I suppose I'll watch it again to refresh my memory, even though this is not one I was keen to see again
Possibly leading in to a connected issue, have you been watching Taken?

Top 20 list will really have to wait till tomorrow, yay the weekend starts there! - Top 20 list from each season, or all of them combined? - Regardless, I like your thinking with the multiple parters counting as one Ep

I think the mythology became the spine of the season, holing it together, supporting it. Those stories gave it reason to carry on, - if it had not developed as it did, I don't think the series would have lasted 9 years. And they got the mix of myth & standalones absolutely perfect, they complimented each other brilliantly
I could never abandon it, even if I didn't agree with some of the turns it took later in the run.

I have one moment springs to mind for a favourite moment; from Triangle, where the present day Scully & 1930's Scully are running about on the ship. When the screens divide & they cross over - Such a clever moment & I love the way they both stop & look round after LOL. Classic. Gonna stop thinking now before I kick myself for not remembering something, I'll probably get back to you.

Do I think Adam & Lindy got together at the end? - I'd like to think that they did. They were both clearly unhappy with their lot, I hope they had the courage to chase what they really wanted. I was wishing them the best of luck as the lights went down.

D & R; again one for tomorrow, gonna have to get off
Bye, for now

I thought that the episode 'William' was very well handled, and that Scully's decision to put her baby up for adoption shows the strength of will she has, and the lengths she will go to to ensure his safety. However, I do have a couple of problems with the episode - such as 'how could Spender have survived a gunshot to the face?'. I also thought the idea that baby William could be 'cured' by simply injecting him with magnetite was a rushed and simplistic solution to that story arc, and one that throws away possibilities that could have been developed in later films, should they be made. And if magnetite has such a devestating effect on aliens, and William is genetically part alien, then how can it have cured him without ripping apart every cell in his body? Perhaps I'm being too pedantic here, but the attraction of the X Files has always been its intelligence and the complexity of its storylines.

I've been watching 'Taken', but can't say I'm particularly impressed by it so far - it seems to be treading ground the X Files has been over before, and doing it badly. The episode 'God's Equation' was, effectively, a re-write of 'Duane Barry', but nowhere near as good (I hope you noticed the hostage-taker of the episode was 'Gary' from season 5's 'Folie a Deux' - the poor guy's already been typecast). it's hard to shake the feeling that after around ten hours' worth of TV, the plot of 'Taken' has barely advanced at all.

You'll be pleased to hear that's my little rant over with Forgive me, I think it's lack of sleep on my part too.

R25968

I can't get away form those initial feelings. 'William' was a huge disappointment, I was speaking to a friend of mine, Peanut (one of whom I spoke about with regard to the RL friends of mine if have made via the BBC X-F MB), & suffice to say that my eyes have been opened to the 'abuse of Scully' issue, leading to the ultimate insult - her giving up her child. One which she was in the first place denied, but those involved in the conspiracy, but then (it seems), implemented in its saving action. This is as close as I will ever get to criticising X-F. Here I think they got it very wrong. I'll direct Peanut here; I think she'll appreciate talking to you two


Where I was leading with taken is that I think the William Scully thing would have been much better handled if it had taken the same, or at least similar path of Ally (sp?), at least she has the opportunity to make a difference, WS was never afforded one, I think he was all too continently 'taken care of', the extraordinary event of his existence & the hope it could have conveyed all too quickly wiped out.

Why all of a sudden after almost 9 years of un-ended avenues did they decide that this one should have been closed off? It all seems rushed, and to my mind very unsatisfactory....

I'm pondering & will come back, but 3,55am, with under the belt, is not the best time to think about such things, I'll be back...