 
 The
X-Files: Colonization
(20th Century Fox)
The third set in this four-part series tracing the arc of the X-Files
“mythology,” collects episodes from seasons 5-8 and contains
many of the answers fans had been looking for, while also creating some
new questions. We learn that the multi-national “Syndicate”
has been successful in creating an alien-human hybrid to stave off the
coming invasion and colonization of the planet by aliens, who now also
have to contend with another race of rebel forces determined to thwart
their nefarious plans. Agent Scully (Gillian Anderson) finally comes
face-to-face with the scientific proof of alien life that’s eluded
her for years and discovers that not only is extra-terrestrial DNA part
of all human life, but that the language of the Navajo Indians and parts
of all the world’s religious teachings had their origins on another
planet. The identity of the Cigarette Smoking Man and the extent of
his family ties to members of the FBI is revealed and Mulder (David
Duchovny) finally learns the fate of his sister, then is later abducted
and subjected to painful experiments. His disappearance was actually
a device to allow Duchovny to leave the show and explore other career
options once his contract had expired, but instead of ending The
X-Files on a high note, creator Chris Carter chose to
continue the series for two more seasons (8&9), with less than spectacular
results. As Scully’s new partner, Agent Doggett (Robert Patrick;
Terminator 2) was an excellent choice, but much of the charisma of the
show was between Duchnovy and Gillian Anderson, so most actors would
have paled by comparison. Anyone unfamiliar with the mythology thread
should make a point of picking up Fight The Future
– the full-length film that links the end of season five to the
beginning of season six. Without it, a newbee would have difficulty
understanding some of the references made in the context of the later
shows. Next time, we’ll review Super Soldiers
– the fourth and final collection in the series – just in
time for Christmas! --David Bassin
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