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Writers’ Picks: Our Favorite Episodes of The X-Files

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I know I have mentioned it in past articles but I LOVE The X-Files. My dad got me hooked to aliens by playing XCOM UFO Defense and my curiosity has only increased (see People of Earth). As soon as I saw even the very first episode of The X-Files, I was in love, and not just with Agent Mulder.

This show had everything: aliens, conspiracies, supernatural creatures, ghosts, serial killers and comedy. I think every actor popular today had a cameo on that show. When I heard they were coming back with a six-episode season 10, I became a kid on Christmas. It was everything we hoped and it ended on an insane cliffhanger.

There are rumors floating everywhere of an 11th season and I am crossing my fingers so hard, they may very well snap off. You can imagine how difficult it is to type this with my fingers like that. I WANT TO BELIEVE! So, in the spirit of hope and celebration of the premier of season 10 on this day last year, I’ve gathered some of my fellow X-Philes to present some of our favorite go-to episodes from all 10 seasons.

The Host S02E02

One of the most memorable episodes, to me, is “The Host”. You may not remember the name, but I’ll bet you remember the Flukeman. That creature design was… something else. Pair that slimy terror with an open-ended conclusion and my 7-year-old self was scared shitless. The Flukeman haunted my dreams and made every trip to the washroom absolutely terrifying. So, basically, I love it. –Kelly McNeely

The X-Files

(Image credit: the-x-files.fr)

Blood S02E03

Some of the best X-Files episodes are the ones that don’t have a clear conclusion. Be it supernatural or government conspiracy, there’s a special kind of fear to seeing Mulder and Scully being so powerless in the face of one of their cases. Such as this one in Franklin, Pennsylvania where ordinary citizens are suddenly going berserk and engaging in killing sprees.

As Mulder digs deeper, he discovers a link between a new pesticide and electronics that seems to play on people’s fears until they’re pushed to the breaking point. All while following one nebbish postal worker named Edward Funsch (played by William Sanderson of BLADE RUNNER) who repeatedly resists the push by the strange electronic force trying to get his to kill.

An unsettling episode about government experimentation (citing DDT use being hailed as harmless in the 50’s) and people going “postal” which is sadly as relevant as ever.  –Jacob Davison

The X-Files

(Image credit: x-files.wikia.com)

Paper Clip S03E02
I have always been partial to the conspiracy episodes, and “Paper Clip” may have been the mother lode. Beyond powerful men meeting in darkened rooms while Mulder and Scully pour over hordes of secret medical files in a West Virginia mountain, nothing was more delicious than the showdowns between The Smoking Man (William B. Davis) and Skinner (Mitch Pileggi).

Davis’ calm, threatening arrogance mixed with Pileggi’s seething disdain created an intensity that lept off the screen. “This is where you pucker up and kiss my ass.” To call it pure magic would not be inaccurate. – Landon Evanson

Check out Landon’s article on an interview with The Smoking Man.

https://youtu.be/7OZwMHSQ6wY

Home S04E02

For The X-Files, my favorite episode is “Home”. As the first episode to receive a viewer discretion warning for graphic content, it’s pretty shocking. It’s brutally violent with horrific content, but on a lighter note, there are some really lovely Mulder and Scully moments! –Kelly McNeely

The X-Files

(Image credit: nytimes.com)

Bad Blood S05E12

My favorite is a “monster of the week” episode, but not for the monster. This episode captures everything we love about Mulder and Scully’s dynamic as polar opposites. Seeing how they view each other through their own lens is hilarious as they each tell their own recollections of the same situation. Not to mention a drugged Mulder makes a very memorable Shaft reference! –Piper Minear

The X-Files

(Media credit: giphy.com)

X-Cops S07E12

One of my absolute favorites is “X-Cops”, a delightful “monster of the week” episode. Mulder and Scully get caught up in an episode of Cops after a cop being filmed gets a call about a giant animal running loose. Obviously, when Mulder and Scully are on the case, it’s not your run of the mill dog, cat, or grizzly bear running around.

Besides how different from other episodes it is, this one is great because it’s just so damn funny. There’s a scene involving a 911 call from a couple who’s seen a possible attack and as our favorite agents are leaving the house, a laugh escapes Mulder that you can FEEL is real. When you know the actors had fun recording an episode, it really shows. Amid the story lines of conspiracy, aliens and illness, this one is lighthearted and entertaining. –D.D. Crowley

Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster S10E03

This episode is from the all-too-short release of episodes last year. It includes some of my favorite people along side Mulder and Scully: Kumail Nanjiani (superfan of the show, The X-Files Files) and Rhys Darby (What We Do in the Shadows). After finding a body, the dynamic duo is looking for the strange creature attributed for the crime.

However, things are not what they seem. It’s a vague description, but trust me, you don’t want this spoiled. It has a great twist ending and is THE funniest episode I have ever seen of this show. Even though its placement is odd in the theme of season ten, it was a wonderful little break in the drama. –D.D. Crowley

The X-Files

(Image credit: flickeringmyth.com)

Now go, binge and find the episodes that speak to you. Seasons 1-9 of The X-Files are available on Netflix right now. Afterward, you too will know that “the truth is out there.”

Featured image courtesy of screenrant.com

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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