New X-Files season described as 'messy, tedious and limp' in first reviews
It's not good news for diehard fans of the classic cult series
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When news of an X-Files reboot surfaced, fans were awash with excitement - this was, after all, the biggest cult hit TV series of the Nineties.
Unfortunately, it seems that viewers' excitement could well lead to disappointment upon sitting down to watch the first of six new episodes beginning in the US on 24 January.
Yes, a wave of negative reviews have hit holding the unanimous verdict that it would have been best for series creator Chris Carter to let his show lie.
The Hollywood Reporter critic Tim Goodman quite simply offers the verdict that the episode is "not very good."
"In messy, tedious form, the revered sci-fi series starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson limps back for a limited run on Fox.
"[It] is a very underwhelming hour that will force even diehard fans (and yes, I was one of them) to consider whether pushing onward is really worth the time."
Variety comments that: "It's simply hard to escape the prevailing malaise of this being a deal-driven exercise" surmising that the premiere episode of the limited series - the show's tenth - feels like "...a missed opportunity."
Concurring is Vanity Fair who goes on to offer a more hopeful approach: "It's possible none of the critics have seen the best that the rebooted X-Files has to offer. In other words, I want to believe."
Not so hopeful, though, is Goodman who question's broadcaster Fox's decision to preview a mere one episode to critics.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
"Given that the second episode airs one night later and wasn't sent, that's not a good sign."
Duchovny and Anderson return as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who were both last seen in 2008 film The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
All we need to do now is hold out hope that the other classic series making a return - Twin Peaks - fares better.
Channel 5 will be airing The X-Files in the UK, although no airdate has currently been set.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments