Sorry, But The X-Files Is Actually Not A Good Show

by

Let’s be honest: The X-Files is a cultural icon, but it’s not consistently a good show. The series, which aired from 1993 to 2002, is often described as groundbreaking, genre-defining, and unforgettable – and it definitely left its mark. However, when you look at individual episodes, the quality can be uneven.

The X-Files is a landmark series and a truly important show in television history.

Just because something is important doesn’t mean it’s well-made. The X-Files is often cheesy, a bit rushed, and honestly, sometimes just not very good. But that’s perfectly fine!

The X-Files Excelled At Capturing The Essence Of Horror, But Its Story Often Left A Lot To Be Desired

Let’s Admit It: X-Files Averages A “C” In Plot

What makes The X-Files such a fantastic show? It starts with a compelling idea: two FBI agents traveling the country to investigate strange occurrences – everything from mythical creatures to potential alien encounters. Throw in a shadowy government conspiracy, and the undeniable chemistry between the lead agents. Plus, the theme music is iconic!

The atmosphere of The X-Files is very memorable. Some TV shows, like The X-Files, become comforting—you just want to have them on, even if you’re not actively watching. This isn’t necessarily about how good the show is, because The X-Files often had weak storylines.

Many episodes of The X-Files don’t have carefully constructed plots; they can feel rushed or disorganized. If you’re strictly judging the show based on plot, you’ll probably find it’s just average – some good episodes, some bad, but mostly just okay. If you’re expecting a perfectly plotted, suspenseful show, you might be disappointed. The X-Files isn’t about the plot, it’s about the atmosphere and overall feeling.

The Hurried Production Schedule Of “The X-Files” Meant An Expedited Writing Process

X-Files Scripts Were Turned Around Too Quickly

While some of the writing in The X-Files wasn’t great, a lot of good ideas didn’t quite work when filmed. However, the show’s biggest issues with plot usually came from the need to write episodes quickly. Back then, TV shows had a lot more episodes per season – The X-Files originally had between 20 and 25.

Because of its fast-paced schedule, most episodes of The X-Files were written in a little over a week. Scripts continued to be revised during the two-week filming process, and further adjustments were made during editing, which typically took between a few days and a week.

Despite its potential, The X-Files wasn’t consistently good. Ironically, the show’s ambition often contributed to its weaker episodes. It wasn’t always aiming for greatness, but rather to be provocative, surprising, and stand out from other television shows. Unfortunately, these goals frequently ran up against the practical challenges of production.

TV Wasn’t Ready For “The X-Files” In The 1990s; The Series’ Production Did The Best It Could

“Ahead Of Its Time” Has Plusses And Minuses

Making The X-Files was a fast-paced process, and the show’s quality was affected by limited funding, the special effects available at the time, and network censorship. A future reboot of The X-Files has the potential to be even better because those challenges no longer exist.

The revival of The X-Files is being made with a large budget, and today’s special effects technology can finally achieve the show’s original creative goals. While things have changed, the original X-Files also faced challenges. Many episodes were made quickly from imperfect scripts, and often had to be heavily edited to satisfy network standards.

Luckily, The X-Files wasn’t a hit because of its storylines. It became popular thanks to its atmosphere, style, and ability to genuinely frighten audiences. For its time, it was a truly scary show, pushing the limits of what was acceptable on television. It perfectly reflected the widespread feelings of distrust and paranoia in American culture, even if not every episode was a masterpiece.

“The X-Files” Flirted With Greatness Early, But Settled For Iconic Instead

“Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” The GOAT X-Files Episode

Naturally, a handful of X-Files episodes are truly exceptional – those standout episodes we talked about before. Any list of the best X-Files episodes ever needs to include “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” a Season 3 episode featuring Peter Boyle. It’s one of only four episodes from the original series written by Darin Morgan.

It’s disappointing, because Morgan had a unique talent for writing the show – even more so than his brother Glen, who also wrote and directed several episodes of The X-Files. The episode “Repose” is a truly exceptional piece of hour-long television, blending comedy and tragedy effectively. Its portrayal of precognition is considered one of the best examples of the concept in storytelling.

This episode of The X-Files is truly captivating and unique—it’s arguably the show at its very best. While the series is rightfully celebrated and Mulder and Scully have become cultural icons, it’s also important to remember its delightfully cheesy, cult classic roots.

Read More

2026-01-25 16:09