The Possible Successes
For a reason that still remains unknown nearly a decade-and-a-half later, Chris Carter opted to end his show on a cliffhanger. Were Agents Doggett and Reyes killed? Was Assistant Director Walter Skinner canned? Why was the aliens’ colonization date of December 22, 2012 saved as the show’s ultimate revelation when that had basically been already divulged four years earlier? (The fact that Fox and Carter would end up ensnarled in a legal battle for the next six years, preventing the much-vaunted film franchise from taking off until well after buzz for The X-Files had dissipated, certainly makes the decision even more baffling in hindsight.)
Despite the fact that it ruined the series finale, arguably making it the strongest contender for the worst television ending in the medium’s nascent history, it makes any continuation of the show’s mythology automatically jam-packed with potential. In case seeing whether John Doggett – err, sorry; that should be Fox Mulder – is able to stop the impending destruction of human civilization isn’t quite enough, the answers to all these questions creates a rich tapestry of story possibilities right from square one. And the fact that six hours will be brought to bear on the gaping holes is only further assurance that Carter will have all the time necessary to bring the long-overdue sense of closure.