FoxNow that you've had time to digest the fact that Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) are coming back in six brand-new episodes of The X-Files, let's answer some of the questions you've undoubtedly been having.
Chris Carter, the show's executive producer and creator, revealed discussions about bringing The X-Files back first began in November and he's been thinking about the story pretty much ever since. While Carter told The Daily Beast there are no scripts yet, expect him to oversee them and work with past show veterans. As for when the show takes place, yes it follows the latest outing of Mulder and Scully, the second flick, The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
"It'll be honest to the characters, and what happened to them since the series ended and the second movie," Carter said.
In the 2008 movie, Mulder and Scully were no longer FBI agents—Mulder was a fugitive since the series finale and Scully was working as a doctor in a Catholic hospital. The two come out of retirement of sorts at the request of the FBI to investigate the disappearances of several women. The movie had no direct tie to the show's overarching alien mythology. But the new season will.
"I know what I want to do, how I want it to lay out—the balance of mythology to stand-alone episodes," Carter said. And for fans who didn't obsessively watch all nine seasons of the show, you will be able to jump into the world of Mulder, Scully and their paranormal investigations when the new episodes premiere.
"I like to think that anyone can enter this without much of a run-up. That said, you don't want to have to hit the hardcore fans over the head getting them up to speed," Carter said.
@davidduchovny You gonna keep that curl on your forehead? Why were we so grumpy?!
? Gillian Anderson (@GillianA) March 25, 2015Carter and Fox also didn't have to twist Duchovny's and Anderson's arms to get them on board. The two have been vocal about their desire to revisit The X-Files and when the news as announced they were pretty gosh darned adorable on Twitter.
The six-episode series will film this summer with a premiere date to be announced at a later date.
If you need a refresher, we're here to help. With more than 200 episodes (and two feature films) out there, getting reacquainted—or just acquainted!—with Mulder and Scully can be a daunting task. Below are a few mythology-heavy episodes, freaky monster episodes and fun romps that will bring you back into the world of The X-Files.
"Pilot": You have to see how it all begins. Mulder meets Scully!
"Duane Barry": Heavy mythology episode
"Ascension": Scully gets abducted!
"Paper Clip": Major mythology stuff here. A ship! Those records…
"Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose": Quality "monster of the week" with Peter Boyle.
"Home": Super creepy episode. Keep your lights on all night creepy.
"Bad Blood": Gillian Anderson says this is her favorite episode. You'll see why.
"X-Cops": Cops meets The X-Files.
"The Truth": The series finale...