Last night, the first episode of season 10 of X-files aired on Fox, and we watched it live, in order to make it a responsive and in-depth review! This is the event of this beginning of the year 2016. THE most anticipated return. THE phenomenon series…In short, you will understand, the first episode of season 10 of X-files was eagerly awaited by all fans all over the world. This global craze was largely encouraged by excellent communication shots: for several weeks, Fox unveiled trailers, behind-the-scenes videos, etc. During the evening, the Twitter account of the X-Files series kept fans busy by creating hashtags that were shared very quickly, and "Find The X" operations that were continued all over the world! Even the CIA account has joined the movement by declassifying UFO documents, that's to say! So, it is after a few minutes of delay that the episode begins and the excitement is at its peak! To start, we will give a small summary of this first episode, then, we will give you our opinion! Warning, spoilers !
What story for this first episode of X-Files?
The summary of this episode 1 will be very brief, and for a very particular reason: if you have followed the spoilers and the news around this season 10, you know almost 80% of the episode. However, for those who had not read anything (I admire your self-control), here is a little recap: The episode begins with a monologue by Mulder where he explains his theory about UFOs, aliens, etc. Moreover, this monologue was strangely similar to those we had already heard in previous seasons. Mulder and Scully are reunited thanks to an individual named Tad O'Malley, who is a conservative in charge of a talk show, where he shares his ideas about government conspiracies, aliens etc. Next to him, Mulder's theories pale (yes, yes, it's possible!). Tad researches Mulder and Scully's experiment and introduces them to a young girl, Sveta, who has been abducted several times by aliens, and who claims to possess alien DNA. As always, Mulder believes it very quickly, while Scully decides to give her tests to verify what she claims (Finally, no alien DNA!). Cut Short: Throughout the episode, Mulder stays close to Sveta and understands that everything he believed for decades was lies. As usual, he tries to convince Scully that they are the target of a conspiracy, and she remains quite skeptical. In the middle of all this is always this dear Tad, who seems to be interested in Scully (much to Mulder's misfortune) and whose intentions are not very clear. And we find as always cult moments: Mulder who tries to convince Scully, the latter who warns him that she will not follow him … But that's what she ends up doing anyway. Finally, we have the right to great special effects at the level of UFOs. On the other hand, the aliens resemble those of the 90s, which adds a touch of humor to a very intense episode. On top of all that, the episode is punctuated by flashbacks to the first crash of a post-World War II UFO.
What we didn't like about this first episode:
To begin with, one thing is to be regretted: as said before, FOX had revealed too much information about this first episode. Admittedly, it was possible not to read them (even if it requires a superhuman effort that many are not able to provide) but it was, in our opinion, a mistake. Those who had watched the promos knew practically and partially 80% of the scenes. Even though in most of the promo videos unveiled, the scenes had not been broadcast in full, it still removed a large part of the mystery.
Then, the episode is too intense: a lot of information is given in too little time. It would have been better to make a longer episode, even if it meant merging the first two episodes, because it lacks so-called "calm" sequences.In addition, a longer episode would have allowed new fans who have never watched previous seasons to better understand the mythology because, it must be admitted, even those who watch from the very beginning have sometimes struggled to follow.
In terms of storyline, one thing is quite shocking: the scene where Mulder learns that everything is lies is very fast, so that we can miss it very easily. And yet, this sequence is supposed to be THE key moment of the episode ! Regarding the actors: their talents have undoubtedly improved. However, a few scenes can make you tick. Nothing serious, but it just feels like they're still learning to reprise their roles. In terms of storylines, we remain on familiar ground, and we regret some scenes already seen and lines very often heard: "Don't give up", "I want to believe", "You are on a dangerous ground here, Mulder," Mulder), etc. Just to name a few.
Finally, new recruits like the characters of Tad O'Maley and Sveta have a little trouble convincing, because their stories remain quite superficial and we do not always understand their intentions.
However, don't worry, there are still many positives!
What we liked about this first episode
MULDER AND SCULLY. Seeing this formidable duo again is almost enough to forgive all the weak points. 14 years after the last episode aired, it's hard to believe we're watching a new one! The series is perfectly set in the current era. This is how we can see Barack Obama on Jimmy Fallon 's talk show, or images of G.W. Bush. In short, the X-files version 2016 in accordance with its time.
Storyline level, we directly understand the interest of having separated the former couple: the tension we love is present. One would even think that Scully is jealous of seeing Sveta at Mulder's house. And the latter seems not to appreciate too much how familiar Tad is with Scully, so much so that he calls her in turn, just to show that he can do it too. The characters have evolved. However, we find the same character traits: Mulder is still paranoid and driven by his desire to establish the truth, and Scully is still skeptical. This last point is quite paradoxical: On the one hand, we find the Scully of the beginning, but on the other, we forget the last two seasons where the latter had taken the place of Mulder, and tried to convince Agent Doggett that there were supernatural facts. However, it is still a positive point, which suggests that it will evolve again in this season.
Great moment of emotion when Skinner, their former boss, appears on screen! Even if his scene is short, we find one of the relationships that fans loved the most in X-Files: this relationship between Mulder and Skinner that is still intact.It is immediately understood that these two men have shared many things, and that Skinner is always there to protect Mulder despite his stern air. A bit like a father!
As expected, we also find the man with the cigarette who looks surprisingly good for someone who was shot by missiles! So we find the original team, which has been so successful in previous seasons!
The special effects are breathtaking, especially UFOs ! We remember this particular scene where Mulder is taken by Tad to a hangar where a UFO is kept that starts flying in front of Mulder (who has rarely been seen so happy), or the scene where a UFO crashes in a desert! Breathtaking effects! However, we can't help but laugh at ridiculously made aliens (but at the same time, we don't really know what an alien looks like). This last point adds a touch of humor in a rather dark episode overall (sorry for all the "believers").
In conclusion, what to think of this episode of X-Files?
In short, the first episode of this new season of X-Files lays the foundations of the plot, despite scenes a little heavy and a busy episode. You should still know that all those who had the chance to see the rest of the season agree that the following episodes will be better than this one, which is far from bad, without however managing to tape us! This is why Fox decided to broadcast 2 episodes in 2 days before starting again on the normal rhythm of one episode per week.
To summarize, in 6 words: Good episode but can do better!
N.B: According to early figures, the series garnered 13.5 million viewers with a rate of 5.1% on 18-49 year olds during the first half hour (the episode aired from 10:30 to 11:30 due to a delay caused by the NFL). These figures being admirable, it is not impossible that a season 11 is planned if they manage to maintain!
What do you think? Feel free to leave your opinions in the comments.
