[ The X-Files Mythology Series ]
 |
The X-Files - The Complete First Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| In the first season of The X-Files, creator Chris Carter was uncertain of the series' future, so each of the episodes is a self-contained suspense story; they do not delve deep into the ongoing X-Files mythology or turn to self-parody and humor as do episodes in later seasons. Yet, these episodes display the elements for which the show would become famous: the cinematic production values and top-notch special effects, the stark lighting of the Vancouver sets, the atmospheric halo of Mark Snow's score, and the clever plots dealing with subjects ranging from the occult, religion, and monsters to urban legends, conspiracy theories, and science fiction. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Second Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| Building on its earlier success, the show evolves, and in these 25 episodes, a glimpse is shown of a longer-running story line (which will continue through subsequent seasons) that is woven into the usual stand-alone episodes of the paranormal. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Third Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| By its third season, The X-Files had grown from a cult hit to a global phenomenon, becoming the most popular show in many countries outside the U.S. Armed with the knowledge that the show was here to stay, series creator Chris Carter expanded its mythology, and the 24 episodes in this boxed set. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Fourth Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| Now you can own the entire fourth season of THE X-FILES. ALL 24 classic episodes are available for the first time in this exclusive 7-disc collector's edition. From "Herrenvolk," "Home," "Tunguska," and "Terma" to "Memento Mori," "Max," "Small Potatoes," and "Gethsemane," these Season Four episodes are a must for every X-Files fan. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Fifth Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| The last season shot in Vancouver has some of the finest episodes of the series. While the show would slip a couple of notches in quality with succeeding years, the fifth season still shows the production staff and actors in top form. The fifth season features one of my favorite episodes "The Pine Bluff Variant" about a group of U.S. terrorist that modify a bioagent produced by the military to kill rapidly and that can be passed on common objects. It's got a frightening opening that chills not just because of the drama but also because it reflects the fanatical insanity of terrorism. Excellent performances abound in this terrific episode written by John Shiban and the taunt direction is worthy of a feature film. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Sixth Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| "The Beginning" ties into the movie although the movie could stand independently on its own (which is just as well because despite some marvelous set pieces it basically was a rehashing of a number of alien movies). Mulder and Scully have been removed from the X Files and replaced by two new agents. One of the most interesting episodes includes "SR 819" where Assistant Director Skinner is black mailed into helping an old foe. Skinner has been infected with some mysterious organism that this other person can control to make Skinner do his bidding. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Seventh Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| The 7th season of "The X-Files" found the stand alone episodes as the stand out episodes as well. The best episodes did what the series always did best. "Hungry" told the story of a creature that sucks out brains to live and regrets every minute of it. It's a compelling episode because for the first time we see the point of view of the monster. "The Goldberg Variation" about a guy with all the luck in the world and disaster for anyone who messes with him. "X-Cops" plays as a witty parody of the Fox TV show "Cops". Shot in the same style as "Cops" it perfectly captures both the absurdity and sense of danger in that show. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Eighth Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| Among the outstanding episodes are one in which Doggett and Mulder check out a oil refingery rig that's pumping something other than oil, another stand out episode involves a tense one set in the deserted subway tunnels of Boston where something is literally dissolving passengers as they ride the rails. Doggett goes underground to investigate while Scully works against the clock to figure out if there's a biological contagion. The conclusion is disappointing but the episode itself is a tense 45 minutes. | |
 |
The X-Files - The Complete Ninth Season (Slim Set)Studio: 20th Century Fox |
| "Underneath", "Scary Monsters" (an interesting variation on the same themes and material as Jerome Bixby's story "It's a Good Life"), "4-D", Sunshine Days" and most of the stand alone episodes are better than many of the mythology arc episodes particularly the finale "The Truth" which crams the previous seasons loose ends into a mishmash that doesn't quite work. "The Truth" in fact feels like it was setting us up for a sequel that has yet to be made (although Carter is reportedly working on a screenplay for a film) particularly since William disappears from the lives of Scully and Mulder for his safety. "Release" is a pivotal episode from this season and provides Robert Patrick with an opportunity to shine as well as Cary Elwes and Annabeth Gish. |
