The X Files 
by Satellite Times

X-Files double-bill 18th at 9:00pm, Thursdays from the 22nd...

It can be safely said that there are many disgruntled X Files fans out there, or X-Philes as the more ardent fans like to call themselves, as the 8th series is about to hit our screens this month, Fox Mulder will only be appearing in eleven shows out of the whole series! The last series went out with a huge bang and left fans dangling off the edge of their seats, with questions creeping from every crevice of their bodies! What happened to Mulder? Where has he gone? Why? Was he abducted by aliens, did he fall into a black hole never to return? Scully believes he has been abducted. She on the other hand is pregnant, but mystery also surrounds the identity of the father! The truth is out there...somewhere. There are thousands of American web sites on the net, where true fans can express their speculations on the disappearance of Mulder, Scully's pregnancy and generally what will happen to the future of The X Files, it's big business!

Scully's new partner John Doggett, played by Robert Patrick has come under an abundance of scrutiny. Will he live up to Mulder? He had a hard time trying to beat off stiff competition from Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba), Bruce Campbell (Jack Of All Trades) and Hart Bocher (The Break-up) to step into the undoubtedly large shoes of Fox Mulder as John Doggett and ex by the book cop who believes that there is a logical answer to even the most complicated and bizarre of situations, by just applying a little common sense and police techniques, but will it wash with Scully? The tables seem to have turned as it is now Scully that is trying to convince a paraphernalia sceptic that everything is not as it seems, or will Doggett manage to convince the once logical, non believer Scully that everything has a simple and explainable answer! It would appear that the plot is very fertile for exciting and intriguing storylines.
 

"Give Robert a chance, I think he's going to surprise a lot of people"

Gillian Anderson

The 8th series has already started in America and received excellent reviews. It would appear that even the American X-Philes were a little apprehensive and the new arrival, as Gillian Anderson is reported as saying "I know that there are people who will have none of it, but the fact is David has chosen to commence into other aspects of his career and I know it will fall on deaf ears, but give Robert a chance, I think he's going to surprise a lot of people" Patrick realizes the intense pressure he is under, but as an experienced actor he is aware that "you have to have thick skin in this business, you can't take it personally" According to viewing figures, since Doggett's arrival, ratings have increased by 7 per cent. It was obviously the boost the show needed as viewers had begun to drop off. Robert Patrick's brother, Richard has also contributed to the pressure of becoming Scully's new partner, He is a massive X Files fan and has warned Robert not to mess up his new role, or he will have him, along with thousands of other fans, to answer to!

The new series may herald many changes, but change is good isn't it? Chris Carter, the creator and producer believes so, as he plans to take the new series into a few new directions, with a general move towards less humour and more horror! He commented "This year we're going back to what we did so well in seasons 1 and 2, and just tell good scary stories" New storylines will cover the search for Mulder, a spate of killings involving a terrifying bat-lie creature and a mysterious murder spree by a religious cult leader who leaves no trace of his crimes!

"This year, we're going back to what we did so well in seasons 1 and 2, and just tell good scary stories."

Chris Carter

What will happen to Scully's character once the baby arrives? It is questions like these that will keep the fans watching, the creators hope! Producers kept Scully's pregnancy very quiet, even managing to keep the secret up until the last show, but not publishing the last page of the script, even the cast were not informed until the day of shooting! Speculation has been high regarding the father of Scully's baby. Do you remember the episode that Gillian Anderson wrote that started and ended in Mulder's bedroom? Make what you want out of that! In the meantime Scully and Doggett set the screen alight with their chemistry, during their first meeting Scully throws a glass of water over Doggett, and then storms out. Probably just the hormones!

Source: Digital Cable and Satellite Times, Typed by me , and all transcripts are my exclusive property