‘The X-Files’ Early Premiere Has Stars Reuniting And Critics Groaning
Fans of The X-Files are counting the days now. The moment we have all been waiting for is almost at hand, and while most of us will have to wait a couple more weeks, the first episode has already been debuted for a select lucky few, including critics and the stars themselves. While the cast, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson especially, make their rounds, eagerly promoting the reboot of the highly successful sci-fi series, critics seem less enthused by the first installment. Will fans be just as disappointed in Chris Carter’s offering after so much build up?
There’s No Kind Word To Be Found Among Critics Of The First Episode Of The X-Files
Upon reacting to their own special viewing of The X-Files, critics are less than generous with their praise to say the least. While it’s certainly difficult to hear or read such harsh criticism of our beloved Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson), it seems that much more difficult to ignore, when that criticism is coming from so many different sources.
Variety seems the kindest in its take on the revival of The X-Files, first remarking that both Duchovny and Anderson have returned looking as though time has been particularly kind to each of them. The review goes on to reveal that the expenses of marketing and advertising put forth by FOX has been wasted, only because performances from David and Gillian seem forced and laconic.
“[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,” says a writer for The Hollywood Reporter.
Other critics, while still unimpressed by the first episode, hold out hope that the remaining five episodes will bring back the excited, passionate Mulder and Scully of the 90s. Vanity Fair and Indie Wire both offer the hope that this was just the jittery first episode one would expect of a series returning to television after a ten-plus year hiatus.
While The X-Files seems perched in a precarious position, where it may easily destroy our fondest memories of a once great sci-fi series, it will be up to the fans, or The X-Philes, to decide for themselves if they do still want to believe.
The X-Files Cast Reunites On The Red Carpet Premiere
Prior to so much disdain for the first episode from Chris Carter’s return to his most successful creation, everyone gathered on the red carpet. Among those eager to preview the first installment were the stars of The X-Files themselves.
Gillian Anderson, asked about the enduring interest in the series, commented on the enthusiasm that has been so electrifying, ever since plans for the revival were announced. It almost seemed as though she anticipated the reactions of the critics, stressing the excitement surrounding the project, though it’s unclear to who’s enthusiasm she’s referring: the fans or the cast and crew.
“I think the themes that it deals with are universal and timeless, and issues of the paranormal and ‘are we alone?’ ‘is the truth out there?’ ‘can we trust the government?’, these are undying questions and are not related to the fashion of our clothes and our hairstyles,” added David Duchovny.
While the actors are certainly hoping for a hit and fans are trusting that something unique and enthralling has been created, the thoughts of the critics can’t be ignored. Admittedly, some critics may never have been the diehard X-Files fans that many of us are, but some are devoted followers of the Chris Carter series. It can be read in their pained words, as they try to say something positive, give some ray of hope that Fox Mulder and Dana Scully will find a spark of passion to drive them through five more episodes.
The X-Files will air on FOX on Sunday, January 24.
[Featured image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
