The X-Files

:

Season 10
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 10, 1993
Season #: 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 271 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 197 out of 271
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 271
  3. Negative: 29 out of 271
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User Reviews

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  1. adrenilinmatt
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    I'll never really understand metacritics basis on which they rate tv shows. It seems to me they rate the first episode and the rest of the season is ignored. Yes, the first episode wasn't amazing, but the following 2 have been fantastic. Especially the 3rd. I mean that 3rd episode is worthy of a 10. I really honestly hope they make more after this short season.
  2. dabiohazard
    Feb 8, 2016
    10
    this show is awesome i really hope they make another season after this. i can't wait until next weeks episode comes on but i am getting sad already that its almost over already. 6 episodes just isn't enough!
  3. kilgore777
    Feb 9, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If I was writing this review based on the first two episodes of the new X-Files re-boot, I might have given the show a lower rating. I am a huge fan and I thought that the tone of the pilot was way too dark and even dour... while it was slickly done and good in its own right.... it just wasn't much fun and the wit and banter between the main characters (that I loved in the old show) were severely stunted. However..... the third episode made up for my complaints, and much more! The dialog was fantastic and it contained references to other films (I don't want to give anything away.... but even the title of the show eludes to this fact - if you are too young, you might not get some of the references....) and TV shows that were making me howl! The episode was beyond funny and explored Mulder's self doubt and even what it is to be a human being. It was absolutely brilliant and I hope to see more of episodes that are so well thought out. Bravo Fox for bring this classic show back in style.... hoping desperately for more than six episodes!… Expand
  4. mrlucky13
    Jan 24, 2016
    8
    A very solid return to the series. As a fan, it was wonderful to see David Duchovny, Gillian Andersen, and Mitch Pileggi return. They felt like their characters. I feel that the performances were stronger than in the original series - perhaps because of how comfortable the actors are and how seasoned they now are. There were subtle glances, slight movements of the body or the face thatA very solid return to the series. As a fan, it was wonderful to see David Duchovny, Gillian Andersen, and Mitch Pileggi return. They felt like their characters. I feel that the performances were stronger than in the original series - perhaps because of how comfortable the actors are and how seasoned they now are. There were subtle glances, slight movements of the body or the face that told so much subtext, even from stone-faced Duchovny.
    I knocked it down two points because the story feels a bit forced. It feels a bit too convenient. Mulder is simply to quick to suddenly believe Joel McHale's character (who is also very good in the show). I have to simply suspend my disbelief and go along for the ride and see where the next five episodes take me. Even if they are only as good as the pilot, I will still be quite happy. I just hope that the story justifies Mulder's readiness to jump back into the X-Files as right now, it feels a bit contrived.    … Expand
  5. AnAngryVet
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    A wonderful return of the X Files to the small screen. Although there were some slight hiccups with Fox's transfer of programming from the NFC Championship game in my area, overall, the show was a breath of fresh air concerning FOX. Fox has certainly struggled through the latest television season, and the X Files is still definitely their heavy hitter. Looking forward to a lot more fromA wonderful return of the X Files to the small screen. Although there were some slight hiccups with Fox's transfer of programming from the NFC Championship game in my area, overall, the show was a breath of fresh air concerning FOX. Fox has certainly struggled through the latest television season, and the X Files is still definitely their heavy hitter. Looking forward to a lot more from Mulder and Scully, who stepped right back into their roles with little effort and superb chemistry. This FBI duo STILL HAVE IT!!!!!… Expand
  6. Seagoon
    Jan 27, 2016
    8
    After the first two hours I'm really enjoying new X-Files. No idea why the critic reviews have been so iffy. As a fan it's great to the see the show back in top form.
  7. stk35054
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    As a loyal fan, I will stay tuned no matter how lousy the plot. I just wish that the writers/producers would realize the potential here. There is no need to create new monsters week in and week out. Finishing one story before moving on to the next might be a good place to start.
  8. ThemBakerBoys
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    I found myself really enjoying the return of X Files. What worked before, works again. The two leads haven't lost a step and still have a charged energy between them that flips between positive and negative but is always there. The new faces add interest and the duplicity of the new characters means we never quite know who is lying to whom and we suspect that Mulder is not the expertI found myself really enjoying the return of X Files. What worked before, works again. The two leads haven't lost a step and still have a charged energy between them that flips between positive and negative but is always there. The new faces add interest and the duplicity of the new characters means we never quite know who is lying to whom and we suspect that Mulder is not the expert everyone claims but possibly the most gullible to new theories. Can't wait to see more episodes and truly hope that this is the beginning of a larger effort to put the show back into semi-regular production. As Captain America:Winter Soldier proved, this is a great time for stories about paranoia and distrust of our governments. We have been lied to by the current administration on so many levels that we don't know who to trust. This sucks, but it's also fertile ground for series like X-Files to have some fun with.… Expand
  9. royphishooh
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    It's great to have them back! The usual plot holes and bad dialogue but this show is always entertaining and the two leads are as great as ever. Nice to see The Smoking Man is involved as well! Promising start.
  10. MrWonderful
    Jan 26, 2016
    9
    I don't know what the critics are going on about. Season 10 started off on the right foot back into it's grand sense of paranoia and conspiracies. Since the season is a mere 6 episode affair there's no time for the slow burn build up of story. There's fresh faces along for the ride with the familiar. At a minimum it's good to know Hank Moody found solace as a Special Agent.
  11. kkoston
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    Successful reboot. I am seeing a lot of negative critic's reviews on the Internet but I think they are undeserved. I sincerely hope there is going to be more than 6 episodes in the future. They managed to revive everything this show is about - dark suspense, curiosity, conspiracy and fictional science. The characters hold strong and are even more realistic as they aged a bit.
  12. jayman69
    Jan 25, 2016
    8
    I liked the opening, retelling the audience the history, a re-brief of sorts. Then the show jumped too much with too much information to try and get the X-files up and running again. I would have preferred a slower build up (and aircraft shown AND destroyed in same episode is what frustrated me in the first series...show something and take it away too fast...but that sets the conspiracy II liked the opening, retelling the audience the history, a re-brief of sorts. Then the show jumped too much with too much information to try and get the X-files up and running again. I would have preferred a slower build up (and aircraft shown AND destroyed in same episode is what frustrated me in the first series...show something and take it away too fast...but that sets the conspiracy I guess)
    But, I know this is 6 episodes, so I guess they have to get the pace going. I am going to predict here that Mulder will disappear or die, and that Joel McCale will take over for Season 2.    … Expand
  13. helohe
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    First episode was a huge disappointment. But wait! Things got way better in the second episode. You can in fact just safely skip the first one. The second episode I would give a 7/10 rating. But I did not expect it to get much better, after all it is x-files and old actors and stuff. But then came episode 3 which was truly amazing and deserves 10/10 points. It may be not your usual x-filesFirst episode was a huge disappointment. But wait! Things got way better in the second episode. You can in fact just safely skip the first one. The second episode I would give a 7/10 rating. But I did not expect it to get much better, after all it is x-files and old actors and stuff. But then came episode 3 which was truly amazing and deserves 10/10 points. It may be not your usual x-files episode. But everything in it is just perfect. I hope they can keep up with the quality in the forthcoming episodes.… Expand
  14. Prosmooth
    Jan 25, 2016
    7
    The brilliance of the early X Files was that you were always given just enough information in the conspiracy episodes to keep watching the conspiracy episodes. None of it was ever really explained--and in the later seasons when the writers tried to give the audience the answers they wanted--it didn't work, because there weren't any answers to begin with. This addendum is a lot of funThe brilliance of the early X Files was that you were always given just enough information in the conspiracy episodes to keep watching the conspiracy episodes. None of it was ever really explained--and in the later seasons when the writers tried to give the audience the answers they wanted--it didn't work, because there weren't any answers to begin with. This addendum is a lot of fun though, if you like nostalgia. I was hoping they would be the monster of the week variety--but they are conspiracy based instead. Know what you're getting into ahead of time and you will probably enjoy yourself. Duchovny and Anderson are terrific regardless of my problems with the show.… Expand
  15. jamess
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    I agree that it's hard to "metacritic" this series because an okay episode can be followed by a brilliant one (or vice versa, as far back as in season one, the brilliant "Ice" followed by the meh "Space"...), and Darin Morgan's Were-monster episode echoes the great episodes he wrote (Jose Chung's From Outer Space, War of the Coprophages, etc) years ago that turned the X Files episodeI agree that it's hard to "metacritic" this series because an okay episode can be followed by a brilliant one (or vice versa, as far back as in season one, the brilliant "Ice" followed by the meh "Space"...), and Darin Morgan's Were-monster episode echoes the great episodes he wrote (Jose Chung's From Outer Space, War of the Coprophages, etc) years ago that turned the X Files episode inside out. The title alone "Mulder & Scully Meet the Were-Monster", is like the old Abbott and Costello comedies that the pair churned out. I don't want to give anything away, but if Rhys Darby doesn't get some kind of award recognition for his supporting role, there's no justice.… Expand
  16. Nobilis1984
    Jan 29, 2016
    8
    Assessment relay 10:
    They are there after more than 10 years again and obviously aged. However, this does not interfere and one is glad them returns.
    The tenth relay begins with the mediocre first episode. Mulder and Scully are not fetched back and, otherwise, passed a lot. 70% Result 2: Act X like one it loves. It delivers a good story and Mulder and Scully deliver like once a good    Assessment relay 10:
    They are there after more than 10 years again and obviously aged. However, this does not interfere and one is glad them returns.
    The tenth relay begins with the mediocre first episode. Mulder and Scully are not fetched back and, otherwise, passed a lot. 70%
    Result 2: Act X like one it loves. It delivers a good story and Mulder and Scully deliver like once a good achievement. The case is more realistic and does not act, fortunately, too much from aliens. 85%    … Expand
  17. Plissken23
    Feb 23, 2016
    8
    Well i'm going to start saying that i've never expected a new X Files season due the second movie sucked so hard on my opinion that i just thought the next plan for this show was making a third movie and ending the disaster from the previous one, but i will admit that i was surprised when i knew about this new season, and i will say that after watching it, i didn't like the first episodeWell i'm going to start saying that i've never expected a new X Files season due the second movie sucked so hard on my opinion that i just thought the next plan for this show was making a third movie and ending the disaster from the previous one, but i will admit that i was surprised when i knew about this new season, and i will say that after watching it, i didn't like the first episode at all, but theres a few episodes with bad reviews that i liked, i think we are getting that essence coming for the original show, i love the fact we could see the intro again, as far that chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson feels a bit overacted, i have to say i love it! even the 3rd episode which got a lot of bad reviews, i loved it to for the fact that we are recovering that same Mulder we used to watch before, open minded, able to listen and understand everything out of his limits. The way it ended, well it brings me hope we gonna watch more and it will get better, this season just makes the second movie doesn't even exist, so i will be so happy to see more about this, its just starting after so many years it ended with the season 9, so i have hope this is going to be better.… Expand
  18. TheMetacritiqer
    Mar 14, 2016
    7
    What would have been great is to skip the middle episodes all together and do a 2 hour special containing the first and last episode. It's great seeing Joel Mchale (wow, i had to "add that to dictionary") outside of Community which is a awsome (Yes, I spell awsome like that) show by the way. In conclusion (how do i get that line crossing through the words?(I know, Google it)), the partWhat would have been great is to skip the middle episodes all together and do a 2 hour special containing the first and last episode. It's great seeing Joel Mchale (wow, i had to "add that to dictionary") outside of Community which is a awsome (Yes, I spell awsome like that) show by the way. In conclusion (how do i get that line crossing through the words?(I know, Google it)), the part when Tad explains the giant conspiracy with a perfectly edited video montage is 10/10 material.… Expand
  19. AlexXFiles
    Mar 1, 2016
    10
    An X-File fan from long ago, I truly enjoyed this leading-up-to-the-season 10 series final episode. I am hopeful to see Season 11 and it go onward for at least another couple or more seasons. This is by far the best TV program I have seen because I am not a TV program lover. I rather see a movie of my choice. Therefore, Chis Carter, please with your creative mind (s) come up with moreAn X-File fan from long ago, I truly enjoyed this leading-up-to-the-season 10 series final episode. I am hopeful to see Season 11 and it go onward for at least another couple or more seasons. This is by far the best TV program I have seen because I am not a TV program lover. I rather see a movie of my choice. Therefore, Chis Carter, please with your creative mind (s) come up with more twists and turns for future Seasons ! Season 11 can't be the end !!!!… Expand
  20. Toor
    Mar 7, 2016
    7
    X Files season 10 was just a mini series. X-File's fans were really happy to see both Agent Mulder and Scully back in action. It was just a gift for the fans. The main plot episodes were interesting to watch. But the filler episodes where not like we were expecting. But anyhow any X-Filer will really enjoy.... nostalgia !
  21. lac61087
    Apr 13, 2016
    9
    I thoroughly enjoyed this season(apart from episode 6) the chemistry between Fox and Dana is still there, there is still that humour we all know and love, and lets not forget the legend that is Rhys Darby who makes an appearance, so overall the 10th season is a return to form in my opinion albeit with the mess that is the last episode. Season 10 doesn't offer any closure and which is greatI thoroughly enjoyed this season(apart from episode 6) the chemistry between Fox and Dana is still there, there is still that humour we all know and love, and lets not forget the legend that is Rhys Darby who makes an appearance, so overall the 10th season is a return to form in my opinion albeit with the mess that is the last episode. Season 10 doesn't offer any closure and which is great if you want to see more X-Files.

    Last episode was a let down, it was muddled up and in a rush to get to the end.....and in my opinion was a bit over the top even by X-Files Standards, it all happened too quick, like Carter tried to fit about 4 episodes into a single episode.

    would've been a 10/10 but episode 6 was all over the place, so 9/10    … Expand
  22. ForReals13
    Apr 11, 2018
    7
    My Struggle B. Founder's Mutation B.
    Mulder & Scully Meet The Were Monster B+. Home Again C+.
    Babylon D+. My Struggle II C+.
  23. Hollydenton
    Apr 9, 2016
    9
    People either like X-Files or they don't. It is that kind of show. I loved X-Files and really enjoyed the return of the X-Files. X-Files was a dark, moody show where "the truth" was wonderfully murky. The writers did a wonderful job of tying the past to the present and I really appreciated the plot line they chose to bring forward. Bringing the technology of huge phones and "old schoolPeople either like X-Files or they don't. It is that kind of show. I loved X-Files and really enjoyed the return of the X-Files. X-Files was a dark, moody show where "the truth" was wonderfully murky. The writers did a wonderful job of tying the past to the present and I really appreciated the plot line they chose to bring forward. Bringing the technology of huge phones and "old school computers" to modern technology levels was seamless. The return chemistry between the older Scully and Mulder was still hot and the cliff hanger ending left me wanting more. I think the younger generations of watchers deserve a chance to enjoy "spooky Mulder". I really hope the show will continue. The truth is out there..............… Expand
  24. dr9188
    Mar 10, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Episodes 1-5 are perfect in my opinion and capture everything I used to love throughout the whole series, like a summary of the best bits of the show itself. In particular, I loved the meta-narrative of disproving the X-files and disproving that "proof" of aliens as part of a deeper conspiracy. The implications of this seemed huge, and turned the idea of the show completely on its head (where before Mulder was trying to definitively prove these very stories that were fed to him).

    It has been said many times across the web, but the season really comes into its own with the 3rd and 4th episodes. There is a sense of both agents questioning the worth of what they have done up to now, with "Mulder and Skully Meet the Were-Monster" acting as a brilliant metaphor for Mulder's seemingly pointless quest for the "truth". Having the Were-Monster narrative as just coincidental to a real (human!) killer on the loose was a true stroke of genius, probably done before, but never with the self-reflection Mulder now has the right to preach. Then comes along Episode 4, where it seems just as plausible Mulder just wanted to get high for the sake of it.

    Where it all falls apart is the 5th episode. The X-Files works when all of these alien conspiracy elements are just barely seen in the shadows. I was really hoping it would go down a route of covering up scandal, where one blunder meant they had to come up with something even more exaggerated to hide it, and the X-Files themselves acted as a conduit for this indirect propaganda. I was hoping for this because the aim of Mulder and Skully being to "disprove" the X-Files seemed like a completely fresh take on the concept. Instead, it tries to look at us straight faced whilst repeating "alien DNA" again and again. It becomes an end of the world thing, yet because of it solely showing footage in Washington it comes across as claustrophobic rather than world reaching. Maybe it could all be a conspiracy that was perpetuated solely against Washington DC and surrounding areas- covered up as a mild epidemic of some kind.

    I can understand it's hard to go any higher in scale and danger after 10 seasons, but it backs you into a corner by suggesting everyone in the world dies. 24 showed there was only so many times Jack could save the world from a terrorist threat before it starts to break the suspension of disbelief... And I loved every season of that show (and growing to love the not-a-reboot). The X Files, especially early seasons, really kept that suspension... And actually I didn't mind it when they swapped out Mulder and Skully even. But they made the mistake of revealing the truth. Which seems quite bizarre for a show like this, but it's that feeling of facing the unknown that always made the show special.

    Despite the criticism of the last episode, I really REALLY want to see a season 11. For the most part, it kept me hooked from the first 10 minutes to keep watching more and more.It handled the feeling of nostalgia well, making us feel like we were in Mulder's shoes, I'd argue even more so with the comedic elements. It's bizarre and simultaneously enjoyable to empathise with both Mulder and a Were-man (who is potentially a killer at the beginning of their conversation in the graveyard). Because, in that moment, both characters were really the same. The Were-Man's story acts as an excellent metaphor for Mulder's struggles. It gives that voice of experience without the cheese of him teaching a younger agent. He's giving that advice to someone who might be a killer... But, you know what, f**k it. He's clearly a man going through intense struggles himself. Mulder can almost see that good nature, he wants to believe, and he's trying to shine a light not just for his own understanding, not just to help the case, but actually to converse with someone going through a similar amount of struggle.    … Expand
  25. geewah
    Jan 22, 2021
    7
    A solid enough return to the small screen for Mulder & Scully. Follows many of the same structures to the first outings, and for fans that's just what they want.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
57
#57 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Kimberly Roots
    Apr 6, 2016
    83
    Love for the franchise and its characters likely will blunt the momentary ridiculousness for longtime fans (it did for this one), while newcomers should hang in for the second and third hours--because that’s when the series finds its bizarre rhythm.
    Read full review
  2. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Apr 6, 2016
    91
    The X-Files is at its best when dealing with government conspiracies, and that's exactly what you'll get in the premiere episode.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jan 28, 2016
    50
    After a sluggish start in the opener, which dived too deeply into the murky swamp of alien-human conspiracy.... Things pick up the next night with spooky-icky generic manipulation. Now, at the midpoint: "Mulder & Scully Meets the Were-Monster," by Emmy winner Darin Morgan at his whimsical best. [1-14 Feb 2016, p.19]
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