The X-Files was never the most consistent show. For every standalone that scared the pants off of viewers with a liver-eating contortionist or death fetishist, there was an episode about El Chupacabra or a sexually adventurous vampire lady to put a damper on things. The mythology got to the point that even producers were confused. At the end of the day, however, none of that mattered. Who cared if Scullys necklace has two different origin stories or Samantha's initials change between episodes or Mulder supports the Yankees despite growing up in Massachusetts? Viewers didnt need consistency to enjoy the show. Viewers needed Mulder and Scully. Even today, the partnership of Mulder and Scully is the stuff of legend. Theirs was first and foremost a romance of the mind born of a mutual respect that grew each week despite fundamental differences. Mulder challenged Scully to broaden her horizons and open her mind. Scullys strict rationalism and science kept Mulder honest and made him a whole person. Whats a little codependence between coworkers? It didnt hurt that those coworkers generated so much chemistry together that they could make a scene of dumpster diving for a decapitated head positively sizzle on screen. In fact, the chemistry between Mulder and Scully was so palpable that their relationship spawned a way of interacting with fiction or a way of life, really - that would go on to consume devoted fans everywhere. Shipping. There were shippers who wanted nothing more than endless Mulder/Scully rolls in the hay that couldnt possibly result in a mystery alien supersoldier miracle baby. Conversely, there were noromos who wanted the dynamic to remain platonic. Ship wars raged on what social media was available at the time. All could only agree on one fact: Mulder and Scully are better together.
Fiction buff and writer. If it's on Netflix, it's probably in my queue. I've bought DVDs for the special features and usually claim that the book is better than the movie or show (and can provide examples). I've never met a TV show that I won't marathon. Follow on Twitter @lah9891 .
