"X-Files – The End of the End" 
  04/15/2002

1. When did you become a fan of the X-Files?
2. Which storylines are your favorite?
3. Do you think there was an easy integration of Agents Reyes and Doggett?
Who do you prefer? Scully and Mulder or Reyes and Doggett?
4. Are you upset the X-Files is ending? Why or why not?

Melynda, who has a website at http://xceres.livejournal.com , became a fan after seeing "Squeeze" in the first season. “I liked the Scully cancer arc and there are various  non-mythology episodes that I like, Wetwired, Syzygy, Quagmire, Paper Hearts, etc.," she says. Regarding the integration of the new characters: “I think there was with Doggett, I really like his character. I think they might've introduced Reyes a little better, and tweaked her character more as well. I don't really like Reyes so much. I liked Scully and Doggett, actually, although I felt that Scully was mean to him. My favorite would have to be Mulder and Scully though." Melynda’s not really upset that the X-Files is ending: “I felt it should've finished awhile ago. The writing has gone downhill in the past few years. But on the other hand, I like Doggett and I am sort of sad to see his character going already."

MarieEve is a French fan! “I began to watch the series in 1995. My favorites episodes are: Pusher, 4-D, This is not Happening, and Audrey Pauley. My favorite themes of episodes are: Monster of the week." Regarding integration: “YES. But, I think that the fans don't give Doggett and Reyes a chance. The majority of fans want only Mulder and Scully! Doggett and Reyes are good characters and this is sad to see them go like this !.=( I like Mulder and Scully for the old mythology. Today, this mythology is finished. So I very much like Doggett and Reyes because they are a very good new beginning for the series. Today, I *love* Doggett and Reyes -- the new team. January 17, 2002 is the most saddest day I’ve ever had! I'm very sad to know that Reyes and Doggett will be gone in two months. I think that Doggett and Reyes (Robert Patrick and Annabeth Gish) have a second chance in a Season 10, but the fans aren't good [for that]. Today, I don't accept the decision from the creator of the series, Chris Carter...and I always hope for a spin-off with Doggett and Reyes next year." You can visit MarieEve’s website “X-Files : The Search Continues" at http://xfsc.mu3d.com .

Woodcock from Australia says: “My first episode was 'The End'. Then I went and bought all the videos, and never missed one since. The mytharc and 'The Unnatural / Post M. Prometheus. Quite good. Prefer Mulder & Scully always. Wonderful pairing. Relieved that the end is coming. The stories are increasingly absurd, and the writers should, and must make sense of all that has gone before. [Mulder's supposed terminal illness is illustrative of their lack of commonsense in dealing with the stories.] Whatever – doesn’t worry me. I just hope for a happy and optimistic ending."

Al Rapsys came in toward the end of the second season: “The mythology storyline (aliens ). The integration was very smooth. I prefer Doggett and Reyes. (DD and GA's desire to leave the show shows through the characters). I am upset that it is ending because it offers quality horror/sci-fi stories on a weekly basis and there is nothing new now to fill the gap."

From Sosso: “Hm... I really don´t know. I´ve been watching the series almost from the beginning, and I liked it very much, but for about two years ago I started to really ‘LOVE’ The X-Files with all my heart. 2) I can´t tell you that. I know so many good ones. It´s impossible to choose a favorite. 3) Yes. 4) No. I think the series is ‘way past it´s bad time’ since...I don´t know! Chris Carter should have finished it after season eight. The quality of the episodes are bad and the stories are too amazing that anyone in their right mind would believe in them. That was the big fashion with X-Files, seasons one two; they were so TRUE and you believed in them!!"

Lauryn2000 (Lori George) has a website at http://crossoverfanfiction.50megs.com. 1)I started watching the X-Files back in 1993 on Friday Sept 10th. 2)I had preferred the stand alones in the beginning but enjoyed the mythology after Gillian Anderson became pregnant and they added her pregnancy/abduction/cancer into the alien story line. 3)It was easier to add Doggett to the cast than Reyes. If they had kept Spender or Fowley alive they would have been more believable towards the end since they had already worked on the X-Files. 4) I'm happy that they finally decided to end it this year. It should have ended after season five."

Dean from Australia writes, “1) I have been a fan since the start of the series. 2) The mythology storylines are my favorite. 3) Yes I do. If I had a favorite it would be Mulder and Scully, although they both have excellent qualities and attributes. I could easily watch Reyes and Dogget just as much as Mulder and Scully. 4) Yes I am. I am going to miss the X-files so much. For the past 9 years I have never missed an episode and have been totally intrigued with it. The storylines have been brilliant, funny, and have always given us fans a reason to tune in every week. I feel that Reyes and Doggett could have continued on and kept the show moving investigating the paranormal. They had different qualities to Mulder and Scully and brought new a spark to the show. Although the mythology storylines might have lacked something without Mulder and Scully, the regular episodes could have continued on. I am only hoping a few more movies will be made. Like they say though, all good things must come to an end."

Jo Ann Kline is sincere with what you’re about to read next. “The X-Files has brought to me a wonderful friendship with Georgina in Australia. She wrote me after seeing my name in a letter to the editor in the X-Files magazine. We have been corresponding since. We both are close to the same age, have husbands and each have one daughter. We are so similar in our views on what we term, ‘Our Show and Our Couple.’ My life has been enriched not only by this show but with our friendship. The X-Files is the best show ever on TV. The best writing, directing, special effects, etc. Most of all the excellent performances by Gillian and David. Chris Carter was a genius to pick these two people. Especially, his fight to sell Gillian to the networks. She is my hero. Chris Carter has written a beautiful character we can admire. 1) I became an X-Files fan in 1998 after seeing the movie. 2) My favorite storylines deal with the relationship. They can be funny like ‘Bad Blood,’ or serious. 3) Doggett was an easier acceptance than Reyes. His character has been easier to define. 4) I am not upset. All good things have to end. I just hope the writers do not make William an alien. I would hate if they went in that direction."

Dawn has specific favorite storylines which include ‘Requim’, ‘Deadalive’ (this is nothappening / three words), ‘Hollywood AD,’ ‘Ice,’ ‘Memento mori,’ ‘All things,’ ‘Bad Blood’ and ‘Humbug.’ She became a fan of the X-Files in April 2001. Dawn continues, “As most, if not every X-Files fan, will probably answer ‘I prefer Mulder and Scully.’ I think Reyes and Doggett were introduced properly and nothing could be done to improve them. I think there’s just something about Mulder and Scully and it’s not that people are used to them with them being there because the first episode I saw was ‘Requim’ when the new characters were introduced. Of course I’m upset that the X-Files is ending because the traumas and joy the characters go through help me in real life deal with the problems I have and seeing how they deal with them is an inspiration."

GoScully’s (great handle by the way!) original favorite episodes are the Old MythArc episodes (with regard to the black oil and government conspiracies) but “now I am interested in the Luke Doggett storyline. I liked Doggett from day one, and did not see the romance budding with Scully so many thought was being forced on them. Reyes is a different matter. After a strong start of being likeable and open minded, Reyes instantly became a flake in last year’s season finale. I don’t think any of this is Ms. Gish’s fault. The wardrobe people should be beaten with a wet noodle too. Although Scully has been flashing cleavage for years, the Reyes character is being blasted for not looking professional. At this point I prefer Doggett and Reyes. ‘4D’ and ‘Audrey Pauley’ were far superior to much of what we saw in Seasons six and seven. I lost interest all in Mulder after ‘Closure.’ The character became a caricature of itself. The entire Seasons eight – nine’s baby storyline is so incredibly bad that I have started disliking Scully. I had hoped that once the old storyline(s) were resolved Doggett and Reyes could get back to solving X-Files instead of sulking and babysitting."

Maura Annette Chappelle: “1) Humbug’ March 1995. 2) ‘Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose’, ‘Small Potatoes,’ ‘Quagmire,’ ‘Wetwired,’ ‘Dreamland’ -- I guess I like the humorous, shippy stand alones. 3) Their integration was better than I expected. I love Doggett; Reyes is okay. S&M-- be real! 4) In a way I'm upset because I'll miss it. It's a part of my routine. But I do not want to it to continue to degenerate. It's like saying goodbye to a very old grandparent. You love them, you have great memories of being with them, but you know their time has come and they go to a better place."

From Berdy: “1) I enjoyed it from the start but the episode that really grabbed me was ‘Genderbender.’ I thought, wow, Amish-like, sex-changing aliens who give ‘doing the wild thing’ a new meaning -- you don't see that everyday! 2) Anything with heavy Mulder and Scully interaction. 3) I think the integration of Doggett and Reyes was very poorly handled. I definitely prefer Mulder and Scully. 4) I'm upset that it is ending so poorly. The baby, the boring new characters, the trashing of Mulder and Scully and the already convoluted MythArc becoming even more confusing makes me wish seasons eight and nine never happened. I think it should have ended after season season, without the horrible (in my opinion) baby plot, and then gone into movies."

Linda Geringer: “1) I've been a fan since season one. 2) My favorite storylines would have to be ‘BAD BLOOD’ and ‘HOLLYWOOD A.D.’ 3) There really wasn't an integration for agents Reyes and Doggett I prefer Scully and Mulder over Reyes and Doggett. 4) I'm not really upset because everything has to come to an end, whether we want them to or not."

Cheryl Stansfield is age 16 and has been an X-Phile since age nine. “I first became a fan when I was in elementary school. I believe I was in fourth grade. I had seen episodes before then, but being that young... they really scared me sometimes. So once I became about nine or ten years old, that was when I started to like scary movies and TV shows and that was when I really began to watch on a regular basis. The storylines of the show were just so different then the rest of the shows on TV back then, and that's what made TXF interesting and fun to watch. 2) My favorite storylines used to be the mythology episodes... the ones that had to deal with Mulder's sister, Samantha, and other cases that were connected to Mulder and Scully personally. Also the episodes that were written by Darin Morgan, like ‘Humbug’, ‘Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose,’ ‘War of the Copraphages,’ and "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" for the simple reason that every time one of his episodes would air, you knew that you would be laughing most of the time. But now in season nine, my favorite storylines are the ones that deal with Mulder and Scully's relationship, like ‘Trust No 1.’ I also enjoy the storylines that have to do with near death experiences, like when Doggett was shot in ‘4-D’ and Reyes was in a coma after being hit by a car in ‘Audrey Pauley.’ 3) I have accepted the characters of Agents Reyes and Doggett. When Doggett first came on back in season eight, I was prepared to hate him and
just wait for the episode where something terrible would happen to him. But now I have grown to love his character due to how caring and considerate he is to Scully and how he tried to protect her when she was about to have her baby. His character has really changed for the better within the past year. I have loved Agent Reyes from the beginning. She just seemed like the type of person that would make a really good friend. She was very open-minded, tried to be optimistic as often as she could, and also really cares about her colleagues. That was shown when she first came on in ‘This is Not Happening’ last year. In that episode, when Doggett began to worry about Scully because he knew everything that she was feeling about finding Mulder... due to the fact he felt the same way when looking for his son... Reyes tried to comfort him and she knew that was the reason why he was so determined to find Mulder alive. That is what a good and caring friend would do. Reyes is just really good at first impressions. That may be the reason why I like her so much. Even though I really enjoy the characters of Reyes and Doggett, I still prefer Mulder and Scully. The show just seemed to have better storylines when it was Mulder and Scully. The show was more focused on the paranormal, when in this season, I see a lot of episodes that have had to do with evil and not to many on aliens. I just can't wait until David Duchovny comes back in the finale, because I just know that the finale will have something to do with the paranormal... most likely about what William really is. 4) I am a little upset about it ending, but now that I think about it, it is time for them to end. The X-Files
has been on the air for nine wonderful years, and lately the storylines have seemed to be a little dull. Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed this season very much so far, but it seems like every week, someone's life is in danger. I mean so far this season, Doggett has been in the hospital twice and close to death, and Reyes has been in a coma also on the brink of death. We even had a dead Reyes in the beginning of the episode ‘4-D’ earlier this season. So it is obvious that writers are running out of ideas. I am just so proud that they have made it this far, since there had been talk about ending the series ever since season six. These have been nine wonderful years, and I am sad to see it all end, but all good things have to end sometime."

Bear has some good chiming! “Well, I consider myself a quasi-new fan by and large. I had seen a few reruns on syndication here and there, but it wasn't until the fifth season that the hook started getting into my mouth so to speak, and by the time I finally saw the movie, I was most definitely a Phile, trying desperately to catch up to the mytharc via the syndicated episodes and online transcripts. One of the first episodes that started indicating to me that this was indeed a cool show was ‘Bad Blood’ -- at the time I was rather turned off by the seriousness of the likes of ‘Millennium’ and afraid ‘X-Files’ was more of the same, so it was *very* refreshing to see an episode that didn't take itself nearly as seriously, and I was *very* intrigued by the fact that David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson could pretty much play the same roles in very different ways, even for laughs. 2) I love Mulder and Scully-focused storylines, although if I have to choose between the two, I definitely find Mulder-centrics more intriguing, such as the character study of ‘Demons.’ One of the most fascinating episodes to me was the sixth season's ‘Field Trip,’ where Mulder and Scully hallucinate under the power of a giant mushroom while investigating the death of a couple around the area in question -- I *love* episodes where we find how much their relationship has evolved over the years, and any episode where they have to work together to come up with the solution to the problem. Lighter moments, such as Mulder and Scully playing baseball at the end of ‘The Unnatural,’ also made it fun -- I do believe David Duchovny has *great* talent as a writer and even a director should he choose to go that route. 3) Not at all -- to me, Doggett and Reyes are the equivalent of trying to replace, say, Superman and Lois Lane with characters named ‘Even Better-Man and Chloe Kane’ or Tarzan and Jane with ‘Marzan and Jan’ or somesuch. The fact of the matter is that Mulder and Scully are now pop-culture icons who have earned their place among the likes of Superman, Tarzan, Batman, and even James Bond that can *never* be successfully replaced, no matter how many people may try to do so, and will to this very day be referred to on such shows as ‘Crossing Jordan’ where not even ‘X-Files’ will be mentioned, just the phrase ‘Mulder and Scully’ and it will ultimately click exactly who you are referring to. *Nobody* will *ever* refer to ‘Doggett and Reyes’ in such a manner, I can almost guarantee it -- unless of course someone mentions it and the response is ‘Who?’ It is ultimately a tragedy that the very creator of Mulder and Scully failed to see that for whatever reason. Well, quite obviously Mulder and Scully, who once again have earned their place in pop-culture history as pop-culture icons in a way that Doggett and Reyes will *never* become pop-culture icons. Mulder and Scully are no doubt by now among the likes of Sherlock Homes and Doctor Watson, Nick and Nora Charles, and too many other pop-culture icons to mention made popular by the likes of television, film and literature, due in *many* ways to the *enormous* talent by David and Gillian in sculpting these characters so carefully and, more importantly, making us *care* so deeply about the fates of these characters. I can only hope at this juncture that the last five minutes or so of the finale will do justice to these characters in a manner that is satisfactory. 4) Quite frankly, at this juncture it is an *immense* relief that the show is ending. In attempts to get us to accept new characters in place of the old, entirely too many bridges have been burned between the fans who helped make the show a success and the creators who voluntarily chose to ignore the very true tagline to the commercials for Diet Dr. Pepper: ‘Not everything is as good as the original.’ What has been on for the past two years, simply put, is *not* the show I fell in love with by a long shot, and two years ago I had been under the impression that another movie would be worked on upon the end of the show. I had been *very* eager for that film, especially after what had come before, but now that too many characters have been thrown into the mix and the heart and soul of the success of the show has been all but ignored for the sake of the almighty dollar, my excitement and enthusiasm has been effectively dampened at this point. I have little if any interest in financially funding any material that falls short of the quality that hooked me in the first place, and in these financially tough times, in short, it had better be a *darn* good movie to lure me to the theater. Hopefully by the end of the show I should be able to get on with the rest of my life, and if I had *any* idea that the creator of this show would scorn so many fans who had the audacity to use their minds and not express opinions that didn't suit his needs, I wouldn't have gotten involved in the first place. On a side note, I also wouldn't have voluntarily gotten involved with a show that sees fit to completely rewrite the Bible, which I find highly offensive."

4EVERXDEFENDER adds: “I started watching TXF at the end of Season five and the beginning of Season six. In other words, I started watching when the last two episodes aired of Season five. I get really interested in episodes that have to do with ESP and other such phenomenon. I am sorry if I cannot think of the name of the episode, but the one where the blind woman was seeing visions of killings. That episode really fascinated me. I have two favorites from the last four seasons, one was ‘X-COPS’ and the other ‘Hollywood AD.’ I have selected those because I liked the entertainment factor. Those were two very unique and highly entertaining episodes that stood out amongst all the rest. They both were really amusing episodes. I have taken to Robert Patrick. I like Doggett's addition to the plot. So, I cannot say I prefer Scully and Mulder. I enjoyed the ‘Audrey’ episode. I keep watching it over and over. I think good things have come from the addition of Reyes and Doggett. Prior to seeing their addition to the plot, I would have said I prefer Scully and Mulder. But both Reyes and Doggett have really grown on me. :) Yes, I am going to be sad that it is all coming to an end. I never viewed all the episodes of Seasons one - four, so they will be like new episodes when I finally see them. But I feel like it has only been three or four seasons for me. So, for me, it’s a loss now that the show is ending. Since I have not been with the show since the beginning, it’s like a good party is ending way too soon. :) In fact, it's a bit like I arrived way too late and they are announcing the party is over and its time for me to go home. A sadness just comes over you. I have had such a good time and I feel like I just got comfortable being part of this group of Philes. Obviously, I am one of those who wished the party could last forever."

Jess3000 is also a “newer" fan. “1) I became an X-Files fan three years ago. 2) I love all the story lines; from the mytharc, to the downright weird. As for which ones are my favorite, I'd have to say a few of my many favorites would be: ‘How The Ghost Stole Christmas’ - It was original, great character writing (as usual,) and had a very compelling atmosphere. ‘Triangle’ - This one was unique as well and had an interesting twist of characters. I also enjoyed the concept of going back in time to the Bermuda Triangle. These are just a few of the best storylines in the X-Files. 3) (Note: There may be spoilers of seasons one through seven in this answer.) Well that is an easy question. I'd prefer Scully and Mulder over Reyes and Doggett any day. The reason is because, I strongly believe that Scully and Mulder are the basis of this show. If you take them out of the equation, then such a show would not exist. Through the years, Mulder and Scully have been investigating all kinds of paranormal activity. But the show has also developed into more of a personal account of each of these characters. For example, Mulder isn't just some average guy investigating strange happenings; these strange happenings are a large part of his life. He has devoted himself to these strange occurrences, and it goes a lot deeper than him just trying to solve a case. His father was involved with the government but died under uncertain circumstances. His sister was abducted when they were both young. He is there to pursue the truth. It is his quest. Also on this side of the spectrum we have Scully. At first she was assigned to the X-Files to debunk agent Mulder's work, but it has come much more personal for her as well. She was abducted. Her abduction caused her whole life to change, because her abduction was the cause of her development of cancer. After her abduction, she was unable to reproduce. Also, she lost a family member due to the conspiracies of the government. So the X-Files have also became Scully's whole life as well. On the other hand, when comparing Reyes and Doggett into this equation, it is easy to see that Reyes and Doggett vs. Scully and Mulder is not even a question for most X-Files fans. Their characters just do not contain the depth that Mulder and Scully do. They may be good characters, but they just do not have the same position and purpose as Mulder and Scully have. Mulder's quest and Scully's passion is what makes the difference. 4) Of course, it is always sad to see your favorite show come to an end. The X-Files have given us fans so much within the past nine years. We have seen laughter, tears, and conspiracies, and for that, of course we will miss it. But we still have all the two-hundred something episodes of great X-Files episodes to look back on, and I see that as an accomplishment. All good things come to an end."

XFilly “became a devoted X-Files fan in the fall of '98. I was 15, and had heard some good reviews about the show and the recent feature film. In order to catch up I began watching reruns on FX, and premiere episodes on Fox. One of the reasons why I love X-Files so much is because it incorporates many different elements; drama, romance, mystery, suspense and even comedy. But I would have to say I mostly enjoy heart wrenching mythology episodes, such as ‘Memento Mori’, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ‘Per Manum’ and ‘Redux 2,’ or unique, quirky stand-alones, such as ‘Humbug,’ ‘Triangle,’ ‘Field Trip,’ and ‘The Post-Modern Prometheus.’ I obviously prefer Mulder and Scully over Doggett and Reyes. I understand and know the original characters better, and I have a deeper affection for them. If I had it my way, Doggett and Reyes would never have even existed because I would've ended the series after ‘Requiem’ and continued the mystery of Mulder and Scully's baby in the next feature film. I think that Robert Patrick is a wonderful actor, but he does not belong. The X-files belongs to Scully and Mulder, it was their sacred, personal work. I understood the need to bring in Reyes, a woman, so that Agent Doggett did not interfere with the relationship between Mulder and Scully, but unfortunately, the character of Reyes lacks believability and depth. Their introduction was just too little, too late. I am not upset that the X-Files is ending. I think it's about time, and as I had mentioned before, I would've preferred if the series ended after ‘Requiem,’ or at least ‘Existence.’ The lack of Mulder just isn't working, and though I agree with allowing Scully to finally have a child, I wish it had been done in a movie. It's a plot that's too big for the small screen, and now I'm not sure if X-Files should continue with films, especially if they're not mythologies."

M. Beth Giehl, who has a website located at www.geocities.com/bethluvmulder421/, became a fan “When I was 13. I was sitting home alone watching TV and mom was at work. it was in 1992-1993 I think. It was the year my parents divorced and it gave me a way out of the pain of it all. 2) I like shippy ones like ‘Aracadia,’ ‘Triangle’ and a few others. 3) Not really. I prefer Mulder and Scully, for they have great chemistry and are loyal to each other and have a great friendship even if they don't always talk about it. You know it’s there. There like what I would like to have when I meet the right one. :) 4) Yeah! It's been nine years. I grew up watching it and came into adulthood on it. It gave me dreams, it shaded me, taught me to believe and gave me hope that I could be what I wanted no matter what others thing, do or say. But to be true to your own self. It taught me that it's ok to have dreams. And it'll be sad that it want be there anymore. It was a big part of my life growing up with mom working 24/7and having to stay with my brother who was four years older then me. I'll miss the show but i will cherish the memories that it gave me always and forever."

Thanks to everyone who participated! Please feel free to post your thoughts on the article, the X-Files or any sci-fi in general on my newsgroup at: newsguy.writers.scificapsule

 - by Ilana Rapp