This summer, I begrudgingly agreed to watch an episode of a TV show from the 1990s. This show, while iconic, was not something I was sure I'd be interested in despite my interests in the paranormal and science fiction. After a single episode, however, I was hooked and began marathoning this show, The X Files, at every possible convenience. Each episode has drawn me in, and the show has become one of my favorites for several reasons.
1. Dana Scully
Dana Scully is perhaps one of the best and most well-rounded female role models I've seen in a television show. She's an extremely intelligent and strong woman who handles everything life throws at her. She is very sassy and analytical and has no problems holding onto her convictions. A lot of her story arcs show that she is not a perfect person but that she works to overcome her flaws and do what is right. Scully is a fantastic character with great one-liners and stories, and Gillian Anderson's portrayal is spot-on in every episode.
2. Fox Mulder
Fox Mulder is quite the character, functioning as both a dramatic character and as the comic relief. Mulder, much like Scully, holds tightly to his convictions, sometimes to the point of getting himself in trouble. He has some really intense moments where his story arc is involved, and David Duchovny brings those emotions to life very well, but Mulder also has some more whimsical moments where he comes up with some off-the-wall theories. Mulder is often kind of a wild card, and it's always interesting to see what he'll come up with next.
3. The One-Liners
Scully and Mulder are both quick-witted and sarcastic characters who have some really funny exchanges throughout the show's run, usually when talking about someone's belief in the strange (or lack thereof). Other characters come up with some witty lines, too, which work to lighten this show which definitely has its darker moments.
4. Mulder's Theories
Part of Mulder's goofy charm is his strong belief in extraterrestrial life, psychic energy, and even ghosts. Mulder has a strong desire to prove the existence of such things and often goes to extreme lengths to look for answers, including facing arrest, expulsion from the FBI, or physical harm. His convictions drive the main story arc and often leave you wondering where the episodes will go next. Some of them are also pretty entertaining to hear on their own.
5. Mulder and Scully's Chemistry
One of the things that makes this show so enjoyable is the interactions between Mulder and Scully. No matter how much they may get annoyed with one another or tease, you can see how much they care about each other and how far they would go to make sure the other is safe. Watching the development of their relationship throughout the seasons leads to both some happy moments and heartfelt ones between the two that are nothing short of satisfying to watch.
Although "The X Files", at its core, is a cheesy nineties television show, it retains both enjoyable and relevant story lines and continues to bring joy to both old fans and new to this day. It makes us want to believe, and maybe gives us just a little bit of courage to believe in things that are, perhaps, out of the ordinary.