X-Files Complete Series review | 85%

went for the more cheap slim pack dollar sets instead of the original releases that were 80 dollars. However with the slim pack sets you weren't given any of the extra features. However once I heard the announcement of a complete set of the originals plus the movie and extras from the mythology sets I decided to forego buying the other slim pack sets and just buying the complete collection. The set has each of the nine seasons, the Fight the Future, and the threads of mythology disc with four featurettes. Each actual season comes with the bonus features that were released on the original X-Files sets which include deleted scenes, tv spots, commentaries, documentaries, and more for each specific season.

With even greater influence than "The Twilight Zone" or "The Outer Limits," "The X-Files really charted unknown waters. Making such a long-lasting series out of a couple of renegade FBI agents investigating the paranormal was an accomplishment that no one could have predicted -- and, naturally, this lack of preparation and planning created numerous inconsistencies -- especially with the eventually tiresome track of an alien invasion. The best episodes were those that stood on their own and didn't seek any stake in the soap-operaish alien theme. But, with any series that extends long after its expiration date, the writers continued to churn out stories that were (for the most part) engaging and highly entertaining. Gillian Anderson provided ALL of the backbone and genuine drama. Duchovny was at his best when delivering witty quips and displaying a deprecating sarcasm toward his superiors. Toward the end of his tenure, I got the sense that he was just walking through the scripts. It was high time for him to go or for the series to end, but the show went on. With Duchovny out, Anderson stepped up her performance to an even higher notch to make up for any slack. Robert Patrick was a breath of fresh air from the suffocating Duchovny-Anderson relationship (that should never have happened). Patrick, coming at The X-Files as a complete skeptic, was a smart way of revitalizing the initial dynamic of the program (where, originally, Scully was the skeptic, and Duchovny was the "believer" or at least would-be believer). Without the awards and accolades garnered by "The X-Files," we wouldn't be seeing the avalanche of sci fi/paranormal programs now shown on television. The full body of work is impressive and will survive as a kind of historical photo album of the TV broadcasting limits existing in its time.