90s TV shows often don’t age gracefully, but The X-Files has managed to remain relevant over time. Originally, it was a reflection of its contemporary era, boldly embracing the trends of the day. Even during its 2016 reboot, Mulder and Scully were not shy about acknowledging their difficulties adapting to the 21st century.
Despite the fact that it’s hard to refute the show’s timeless appeal, some viewers find it challenging to maintain the same level of admiration for “The X-Files” given its age of over 30 years. Consequently, while fans continue to sing its praises as a cult favorite, they also express concerns that the passage of time may have dulled some of its most captivating elements.
The Technology Is Really Dated
Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot”
In the original X-Files series, which was set in 1993, viewers won’t find Mulder and Scully using contemporary smartphones while working at the FBI. However, it’s worth noting that their lack of communication devices made their job significantly more challenging. For instance, Mulder would casually call Scully at any time during the day, which might seem odd to today’s audience, who typically only answer calls from known numbers.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Carter | Robert Mandel | September 10, 1993 | 8.2/10 |
Although these agents possessed mobile phones, they weren’t particularly advanced. Instead of sending quick texts during late-night hours, they were compelled to make phone calls or leave messages. Considering the era, this behavior is not surprising; however, it may seem strange nowadays when we’re so accustomed to our sleek smartphones, observing these FBI agents carrying cell phones as large as bricks might strike us as unusual.
Mulder and Scully’s Relationship Wouldn’t Fly in the Workplace Anymore
Season 6, Episode 11, “Two Fathers”
It’s worth mentioning that one of the show’s main strengths is this romantic relationship. Yet, considering today’s standards, it seems unlikely for such a romance to develop in a modern workplace setting. Spectators might expect a close bond due to their professional roles, but their frequent flirting would certainly cause a few raised eyebrows nowadays.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Carter & Frank Spotnitz | Kim Manners | February 7, 1999 | 8.5/10 |
In the episode “Two Fathers,” Scully takes it upon herself to watch Mulder play basketball. He teases her, and their interaction becomes a bit flirtatious. Despite being away from the office, they’re still technically working, and their banter might not meet professional standards. Although fans today often view their relationship as true love, contemporary viewers might label it as a potential HR issue.
Scully’s Outfits Would Be Considered Vintage
Season 4, Episode 2, “Home”
Rain or sunshine, Dana Scully was always impeccably dressed. She could pull off everything from a stylish Calvin Klein suit to a casual top and jacket. In the 1990s, her fashion sense really stood out. Some critics thought her outfits were a bit too masculine, but many others felt that her smart suits and dresses made her appear as a strong and formidable figure.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Morgan & James Wong | Kim Manners | October 11, 1996 | 8.8/10 |
Regardless of the time period, Scully was always adorned with an array of stunning outfits, all hailing from renowned designers. This leads one to ponder how much a designer suit from the early ’90s would cost today. Yet, the fact that viewers continue to find Scully’s style appealing simply underscores the timeless charm of The X-Files, serving as a testament to the enduring qualities of that era.
The Effects are Dated
Season 5, Episode 19, “Folie à Deux”
For contemporary viewers, it’s often amusing to critique the special effects in certain shows, but overall, The X-Files successfully impressed audiences with its visual aspects. Yet, some episodes no longer hold up and appear more like a humorous sketch than a serious sci-fi production. The episode “Folie à Deux” is a clear illustration of this, as it features a man who believes his boss is a giant monster.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vince Gilligan | Kim Manners | May 10, 1998 | 8.5/10 |
In my perspective, as a supporter, the antagonist, or rather, the monster in the series, is depicted by a stuntwoman in an oversized costume, which to contemporary viewers might appear somewhat comical. Additionally, the inconsistent presence of the monster within the narrative gives off a vibe that it’s more like a recurring joke than a serious plot element. Looking back, these aspects may not have stood out as much when the series first aired, but now, with the ability to stream the entire series in high definition and at our convenience, these flaws seem strikingly apparent.
The Monster of the Week Format Seems Very ’90s
Season 5, Episode 12, “Bad Blood”
In today’s world filled with sequels, re-imaginings, and interconnected universes, it might seem unusual to recall that The X-Files presented a unique story each week, which was featured in numerous contemporary series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. However, current fans are likely more accustomed to extended narratives and connections to other media, particularly during this era of streaming when viewers can easily revisit their favorite shows at their convenience.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vince Gilligan | Cliff Bole | February 22, 1998 | 9.2/10 |
It’s worth noting that some people believe the reason why The X-Files was so popular is due to its unique format. For one, it offered the freedom to explore various genres, such as “Bad Blood”, which has a vibe reminiscent of classic vampire films rather than typical episodes from long-running dramas. Furthermore, given that viewers were accustomed to tuning in every week for a fresh episode, it seems logical that The X-Files didn’t have a rigid lore, as contemporary audiences might find it challenging to follow the intricacies of a complex mythology on a weekly basis.
Some Conspiracy Theories Don’t Make Sense Anymore
Season 9, Episode 19, “The Truth”
Besides presenting evidence for extraterrestrial intelligence beyond Earth, The X-Files was known for investigating a vast array of intriguing conspiracy theories. In its reboot, Mulder and Scully dived further into the enigma of the Mandela Effect, examining how it influenced their roles in the FBI. However, some contemporary viewers find themselves chuckling at some of these seemingly absurd assertions.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Carter | Kim Manners | May 19, 2002 | 8.2/10 |
In “The Truth,” the ominous figure known as Cigarette Smoking Man predicts an alien colonization of Earth on December 22, 2012. This prediction was somewhat plausible in the 1990s, but viewers in the mid-2020s often find this episode amusing due to the non-occurrence of the predicted event. However, despite the fact that the world did not end in 2012, fans continue to hold onto the belief that the truth is out there, albeit with a little more patience required to uncover it.
The FBI Had Far Too Much Paperwork Back in the Day
Season 6, Episode 19, “The Unnatural”
It’s worth mentioning that some viewers find the FBI portrayal in early seasons of The X-Files appearing rather old-fashioned. Given its global influence, it might be surprising to see the FBI relying heavily on paperwork, which modern audiences might view as outdated. For instance, in “The Unnatural,” Mulder tries to snatch a newspaper clipping from the archive, but only after sifting through a bulky folder first.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Duchovny | David Duchovny | April 25, 1999 | 8.4/10 |
Apart from being a significant fire hazard, it also gives off an outdated image for the FBI. Given that cloud storage wasn’t an option during their time, Mulder and Scully were compelled to sift through countless filing cabinets in search of pertinent evidence. Consequently, The X-Files frequently portrays the FBI as a struggling medical practice instead of a vital government agency.
The Agents Can’t Track Each Other
Season 8, Episode 4, “Roadrunners”
In the hit series The X-Files, one of the major points of stress arises when the investigators become separated from one another. From Mulder’s experiences with alien abductions to Doggett’s journeys into alternate realities, these instances underscore that working for the X-Files is far from an ordinary occupation, as both agents constantly put their lives on the line. However, it’s worth noting that in those days, cell phone tracking wasn’t an option for them.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vince Gilligan | Rod Hardy | November 26, 2000 | 8.0/10 |
In “Roadrunners”, Scully finds herself captured by a cult in the heart of Utah, leaving Doggett to unravel her whereabouts. With technology advancements in the latter part of the 21st century making it simple to trace someone’s smartphone, this storyline often takes away from the genuine fear felt by both Scully and Doggett. As a result, many contemporary viewers are compelled to recall how truly terrifying such a scenario could have been for them.
The Cars Seem Really Impractical
Season 11, Episode 7, “Rm9sbG93ZXJz”
It seems that Mulder and Scully often encounter car-related misfortunes. In the show “Rm9sbG93ZXJz,” Scully finds herself stuck inside a self-driving taxi, causing chaos on the streets. Even in the original series, their vehicles appear excessively large and impractical.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon Hamblin & Kristen Cloke | Glen Morgan | February 28, 2018 | 8.0/10 |
Given the possibility of traversing the United States anytime soon, Mulder is assigned a Ford Taurus, a vehicle that appears challenging to maneuver in tight spots. Though it was quite common in 1992, this particular model was surprisingly heavy for its time. So, contrary to what modern viewers might expect – sleek sports cars zooming around Washington D.C. – Mulder and Scully found themselves behind the wheel of a rather ordinary family sedan.
The Show Is Too Long Compared to Its Modern Counterparts
The X-Files: Fight the Future/ The X-Files: I Want to Believe
Because streaming services are highly competitive and shows often don’t make it past a few seasons before they’re canceled or reimagined, it’s tough for contemporary viewers to grasp the sheer scale and renown of The X-Files. However, it had an impressive run with nine original seasons, two revivals, and even two full-length movies.
The buzz surrounding this series persists even to this day. Despite David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson maintaining their prominence in popular roles, they will forever be associated with the warmth that The X-Files evokes. However, given the large number of episodes, viewing it might sometimes feel like a task, but its enduring impact is undeniable.
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2025-05-15 06:23