The IX-Files
By Kaitlyne McLeod



Season nine. It is something that most fans don't even want to consider, but with Fox facing the prospect of losing one of its highest rated dramas, it is a distinct possibility. No one wants to see The X-Files, arguably one of the greatest shows on television, follow the path of many other great shows, killed by a network's greed and low ratings. Many already see the beginnings of such a downfall, and if the show is to continue into another season, the producers must be willing to take it in an entirely new direction. Here are some of the possibilities.

Mulder and Scully return to the X-Files

Surely this is the scenario that most fans would prefer. Their two favorite FBI agents return to active duty, complete with sexual chemistry, witty conversation, and mind-boggling stories. Everyone's favorite mom, Maggie Scully, actually appears on the show for the first time in years and becomes babysitter. Just for good measure, Carter finally introduces the final mysterious Scully brother, Charles, into the mix. Though this would be an ideal situation, the chances of it ever occurring are slim at best. David Duchovny is unlikely to return for another season, especially not on a full time basis. And despite the fact that people want Mulder back, to return to this format would put extra pressure on the writers to come up with more original ideas, and let's face it, there are only so many paranormal situations to write about.

Scully returns to the X-Files with Doggett

Of course Mulder, still weak from his run-in with the aliens, stays home with the baby and acts as a consultant. Though many fans probably cringe at the thought, it is the most likely to occur. It is also one of the most promising. Doggett's character has brought a new flame to an old show. He allows for refreshing interactions with Scully, and his intelligence and skeptical insights allow for new perspectives. He also has a loyalty and automatic trust that is often lacking on a show who's motto is "trust no one." This would also allow fans the Mulder-fix that everyone needs, even if only on a part time basis.

Mulder and Scully both quit the X-Files, leaving Doggett and his new partner to the paranormal investigations

This would allow for some new blood to enter the show and would add new twists to the mythology. With new players, the conspiracies take on a new light. Krycek and Marita can re-establish the Syndicate, and new cover-ups involving the most recent accounts of abduction and invasion. Trust can again be hard to come by, and the paranoia and conspiracies that were instrumental in the show's popularity can begin to reappear. And with Mulder and Scully free to return for movies, hard-core fans can feel less offended at the new direction. Despite all this, it is an unlikely situation, seeing as how Gillian Anderson is already signed on for a ninth season.

The show decides to go an entirely different direction and changes its focus to Marita and Krycek

Though this is also an unlikely situation, it is one of the most interesting possibilities. Marita and Krycek are two of the greatest mysteries of the series. Likely fighting for the same cause as our heroes, they go about it in a totally different and often morally questionable way. Willing to resort to murder, theft, and blackmailing to achieve their objectives, their ploys would be completely different from those that long-time viewers are accustomed to. With adequate justification, these characters can move from the ranks of villain into the arena of the good guys.

So with a season nine laying somewhere in the realm of the undetermined future, the most likely and most appealing proposition is that The X-Files won't return at all. The midseason spin-off, The Lone Gunmen, would continue where the show left off, following the exploits of three of the show's favorite characters. This show is different enough in style and approach to gather an entirely new audience, yet it also has the possibility of reinvigorating the hard-core fans. It carries with it the best hope of keeping the X-Files alive.

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