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March 28, 2024, 05:45:38 PM

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Rewatching "The X Files"

Started by Famous Mortimer, January 28, 2022, 02:15:31 AM

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AsparagusTrevor

Quote from: chutnut on January 31, 2022, 10:16:25 AM- Don't remember the image quality in series 1 being so all over the place (maybe just badly remastered?). there were quite a few times where it would cut to a different shot that looked like it was filmed for a completely different show

The show was released way before HD broadcasts, but luckily since they filmed it on 35mm they were able to go back to the original negatives for most of the footage to create the HD versions. However many of the visual effects would have been rendered at low resolution and likely edited on video-tape (plus a handful of non-VFX shots that I'm guessing they didn't have the original negatives of). Like you say, it's mostly season 1, it gets a lot more consistent after that, although the odd low quality shot still shows up even in later episodes.

Mobbd

#61
Quote from: Mobbd on January 30, 2022, 12:28:24 PMAs good as they were, it wasn't really about Mulder and Scully, was it? It was about *MONSTERS!*

Quote from: mjwilson on January 30, 2022, 09:52:57 PMAlmost impossible to imagine being wronger than this.

Quote from: Mister Six on January 30, 2022, 07:12:06 PMYeah, the chemistry between Mulder and Scully (even if Duchovny and Anderson loathed each other) was a huge part of the success of the show. There's a reason why The X-Files went on so long and was revived when so many other "people investigate spooky things" shows fell by the wayside.

Alright, alright, let me explain myself a bit more. I don't mind being "wrong on the Internet" but I don't want to be a voice against Mulder and Scully, two of my favourite telly characters ever (for whom I loserishly have more affection than I do for a whole lot of real people). Mulder and Scully were icons and real lighting-in-a-bottle co-creations that elevated The X-Files considerably above, say, The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. My points really are that:

1. We've seen that episodes without one or both of them can still be really good.
2. We've seen that replacing them works when done right (Robert Patrick, baby - though, actually, I guess even his episodes were *about* Mulder and Scully).
3. We've seen very, very bad episodes with Mulder and Scully, their presence not helping a script that just sucks.

4. When we go deep into Mulder and Scully's personal lives (especially their shared personal life re: William) it actually kinda sucks. (Not always - e.g. "Beyond the Sea," but I think you'll see what I mean.)

5. The X-Files has a very distinct tone (Snow's score, Vancouver location shoots, the high-contrast way that it's lit) and that goes a long way; the atmosphere is almost the main character in a way and getting it right forgives a hell of a lot about who's in the show and who isn't.

6. My most nostalgic X-Files memories are about rushing into school the next morning and raving about Tooms or the Fluke Man or those cannibals from "Our Town"; we liked Mulder and Scully but it was never, like, "did you see the way she remembered her dad in that one part? Awesome!"

7. If we wanted more X-Files, it simply couldn't be about Mulder and Scully any more. Their arc is done, the actors are old now and unwilling. I know they're icons and I love them as much as any viewer but being closed to the idea of moving on is exactly like being closed to Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1988, which was understandable since Kirk and Spock were such a huge deal, but people hadn't seen Jean-Luc Picard yet. (Of course, that was 1988 when they really knew how to make sci-fi; we're in 2022 now sadly).

Mobbd

Quote from: Mr Trumpet on January 31, 2022, 09:00:04 AMI'll give this to Chris Carter: he knows how to name a character. Eugene Tooms, Cecil Lively, Marita Covarrubias. Just A+ stuff.

So true! "Joan Scobey" is an obscure one (from Brand X; the tobacco beetle episode) but it always stuck in my mind. Peggy O'Dell from the pilot somehow. Melvin Frohike of course. It's never obvious.

EDIT: haha, just checked out Brand X and there's a character in it called "Dr. Libby Nance." Beautiful!

Mister Six

And, of course, Fox Mulder.

Quote from: madhair60 on January 31, 2022, 09:26:38 AMI wrote one years ago I could link you, lol. It has all the "important" eps bolded and all the shit ones in red, with some notes for context.

Coo, yeah please.

Bad Ambassador

Michael Kritschgau (although that one was lifted from a real person), Alex Krycek and Knowle Rohrer (amusing pronounced Noel Roar).

Mr Trumpet

Gibson Praise is a name I associate with weaker late X Files storylines, but his name is fab.

Also I happen to have the same name as a minor but recurring character in the series, so I don't know what that says about me.

madhair60

Quote from: Mister Six on January 31, 2022, 01:18:49 PMAnd, of course, Fox Mulder.

Coo, yeah please.

I'll get it upload when I get in. After having a quick squint at it to make sure it's not full of ethnic/transphobic slurs

Mister Six

Quote from: Mr Trumpet on January 31, 2022, 02:14:00 PMGibson Praise is a name I associate with weaker late X Files storylines, but his name is fab.

Also I happen to have the same name as a minor but recurring character in the series, so I don't know what that says about me.

It says more about your parents that they named you Cancer.

AsparagusTrevor

Quote from: madhair60 on January 31, 2022, 02:19:52 PMI'll get it upload when I get in. After having a quick squint at it to make sure it's not full of ethnic/transphobic slurs
It's not your fault one of the episodes was called 'Gender Bender'

Rev+

Quote from: Mister Six on January 31, 2022, 01:18:49 PMAnd, of course, Fox Mulder.

Always wondered about that first name, given the network the show was on.  Is there a story there?  I could see it being a pissy response to network insistence that Steve Mulder be a little bit less of an abrasive dickhead.

madhair60


purlieu

I can get behind most of that actually, but Darkness Falls and Improbable would be on my recommended list.

Mr Trumpet

Quote from: madhair60 on January 31, 2022, 09:48:24 PMhere is my X-Files guide thing. YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY https://mega.nz/file/OstFkAgA#yWieMK972GUD97Vtz4YE5qAW40wLoV9zMs8SWEViw1Y

Surprised your're so down on the revival-era Darin Morgan episodes. The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat in particular is good fun. And I like how it touches on how unsavoury conspiracy theory culture had become by the 2010s.

madhair60

I might need to rewatch but I felt they were played way too broad. His older episodes weren't subtle but they felt like X-Files eps.

JamesTC

They are extremely broad. Which is why I love them. He's Fox freakin' Mulder!

JamesTC


Mobbd

Quote from: Mr Trumpet on January 31, 2022, 02:14:00 PMAlso I happen to have the same name as a minor but recurring character in the series, so I don't know what that says about me.

Ooh!

It says you were created by Chris Carter. I think it's time you came to question everything about reality for all our sakes.

Mobbd

#77
Quote from: madhair60 on January 31, 2022, 09:48:24 PMhere is my X-Files guide thing. YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY https://mega.nz/file/OstFkAgA#yWieMK972GUD97Vtz4YE5qAW40wLoV9zMs8SWEViw1Y

Cheers madhair.

I'm trying some of the "new" (2016/18) Season 10 and 11 episodes as a result of this thread and @Malcy's one about the animated spin-off. In the latter thread, there's this list of watchable new ones:

Quote from: VelourSpirit on August 30, 2020, 04:04:50 AMI'd say the list is (great ones that actually stand up to classic X-Files in bold):

Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster
This
The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat
Ghouli (not keen on series arc stuff but it's the most atmospheric episode at least)
Rm9sbG93ZXJz
Familiar
Nothing Lasts Forever

I watched The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat (which I had seen before) yesterday and though it's a valiant effort and undoubtedy one of the high points of the S10/11 come-back, I found it all a bit much. I didn't love the implication that Mulder and right-wing believers in chemtrails and the likes are one and the same; I suppose this is something that could be explored but it wasn't gone into in any depth. The comedy was decent but, I dunno, just a bit too much. It's Jose Chung or Bad Blood "ON ACID!" (more like cocaine). Not bad and I largely enjoyed it for what it is, but... yeah.

I enjoyed Familiar (new to me), which is about Noseybonk. The Noseybonk character (he's called Mr Chuckleteeth) was aesthetically a bit much. Not quite as extreme and stupid as Annabelle from the The Conjuring cinematic universe but definitely on the same spectrum of creepypasta-inspired crap. I liked the witchcraft element though and the overall effect is almost 4/5 when it comes to being real X Files.

(There's actually a problem in new X Files with "art within art". In the old days, you'd see The Actual Simpsons and Ren and Actual Stimpy on television sets in-universe. I remember Mulder mentioning Chucky in "Chinga" and Scully quoting from Babe in "Home". Countless other examples of real pop-culture references. But in these new ones, they make up fake cultural properties all the time, which don't feel remotely real. As well as Mr Chuckleteeth, there's a Tellytubbies rip-off thing and a Dr Seuss rip-off called Dr Wuzzle. Odd.)

Tonight, I am going to watch Plus One with my partner. It is completely new to me and I watched five minutes alone and quickly realised it was very true to classic X-Files and wanted to share it. Although I am yet to watch it all and it might well go down the shitter, I expect this will be my stand-out recommendation.

JamesTC

Quote from: Mobbd on February 01, 2022, 01:37:01 PMBut in these new ones, they make up fake cultural properties all the time, which don't feel remotely real. As well as Mr Chuckleteeth, there's a Tellytubbies rip-off thing and a Dr Seuss rip-off called Dr Wuzzle. Odd.)


I think Dr Wuzzle is actually riffing on The Berenstain Bears which is a well known Mandela Effect. Though they probably should have just used The Berenstain Bears.

Mobbd

Quote from: JamesTC on February 01, 2022, 02:06:22 PMI think Dr Wuzzle is actually riffing on The Berenstain Bears which is a well known Mandela Effect. Though they probably should have just used The Berenstain Bears.

Ah, yes, you're right. The art style on the book certainly reflects that. I suppose I imagined it was something about the spelling of Dr Seuss/Zeus but of course the bears are a Mandela thing.

surreal

Quote from: Mobbd on February 01, 2022, 01:24:47 PMIt says you were created by Chris Carter. I think it's time you came to question everything about reality for all our sakes.

"I Made This"

beanheadmcginty

"The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat"? Does it star Prince Andrew?

Mister Six

Quote from: Mobbd on February 01, 2022, 01:37:01 PM(There's actually a problem in new X Files with "art within art". In the old days, you'd see The Actual Simpsons and Ren and Actual Stimpy on television sets in-universe. I remember Mulder mentioning Chucky in "Chinga" and Scully quoting from Babe in "Home". Countless other examples of real pop-culture references. But in these new ones, they make up fake cultural properties all the time, which don't feel remotely real. As well as Mr Chuckleteeth, there's a Tellytubbies rip-off thing and a Dr Seuss rip-off called Dr Wuzzle. Odd.)

Haven't seen the new episodes, but isn't this more about wanting to avoid having to get permission to use copyrighted works? You can mention Babe or Chucky in dialogue, but if you're going to actually show the Teletubbies you'll have to get permission from the BBC and maybe pay a licensing fee. Easier just to knock up an ersatz version, especially if it's involved in the plot to any degree.

Quote from: madhair60 on January 31, 2022, 09:48:24 PMhere is my X-Files guide thing. YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY https://mega.nz/file/OstFkAgA#yWieMK972GUD97Vtz4YE5qAW40wLoV9zMs8SWEViw1Y

Wayhey, brilliant! Thanks!

Mobbd

Quote from: Mister Six on February 01, 2022, 07:03:24 PMHaven't seen the new episodes, but isn't this more about wanting to avoid having to get permission to use copyrighted works? You can mention Babe or Chucky in dialogue, but if you're going to actually show the Teletubbies you'll have to get permission from the BBC and maybe pay a licensing fee. Easier just to knock up an ersatz version, especially if it's involved in the plot to any degree.

I have no doubt that that's the reason but they are very shit at it. And they didn't used to do it. If they used some other Fox (or Disney?) property I'm sure the legal wrangling wouldn't be too onerous. The Tellytubbies one became properly involved in the story but (a) it didn't have to and (b) was just so shit.

Plus One turned out be very good, watchalong gang!

Famous Mortimer

I just watched the one about the ghosts in the nursing home, and yet another reference is made to Mulder's porn enthusiasm. It's weird how something which clearly passed me by at the time sticks out like a sore thumb now. Someone made a supercut of all the times he talks about it, even:


I guess Scully laughs it off because, even though he loves porn, he's at least not sexually harrassing her or any of the people they meet during their cases, which makes him better than about 75% of all men in law enforcement.


Mobbd

Quote from: Famous Mortimer on February 02, 2022, 12:40:51 PMI guess Scully laughs it off because, even though he loves porn, he's at least not sexually harrassing her or any of the people they meet during their cases, which makes him better than about 75% of all men in law enforcement.

True.

At home, we think Mulder and Scully are both asexual as an orientation. Or that maybe the show itself is.

Famous Mortimer

The most recent two episodes were, largely, normal crime-solving efforts, with the supernatural stuff not being pivotal to solving what had gone on. Not bad, honestly, and it's nice to have a break from the "arc".

One thing made me a bit puzzled about Krajcek's introduction. He had, presumably, gone through FBI training and years of doing normal work, just to have his entire career burned in a failed attempt to hinder Mulder and Scully. I know he shows up again but wherever he is, he can't be as useful to the Cigarette Smoking Man and his buddies as he was as an active FBI agent.

Small Man Big Horse

Quote from: chutnut on January 31, 2022, 10:16:25 AMAfter I finished watching it gave Millennium a go as well, as I only ever saw a few of them at the time. To be honest I found it pretty dull and gave up at the beginning of the 2nd series, although I do kind of wish id kept at it cause it sounds like it gets better around then.
The thing that did it for me was when
Spoiler alert
his wife left him because he ended up killing her kidnapper in a scuffle while rescuing her
[close]

I loved Millennium season two when it went out, and the season finale is an amazingly mad piece of tv, but unfortunately the network (and Lance Henriksen, disappointingly) didn't like the direction it took so the third series becomes a dull procedural and all but ignores what happened. Towards the end of season 3 it starts getting good again, but by that point I'd lost interest and didn't really care what happened anymore.

Mobbd

Quote from: Famous Mortimer on February 04, 2022, 02:36:50 AMOne thing made me a bit puzzled about Krajcek's introduction. He had, presumably, gone through FBI training and years of doing normal work, just to have his entire career burned in a failed attempt to hinder Mulder and Scully. I know he shows up again but wherever he is, he can't be as useful to the Cigarette Smoking Man and his buddies as he was as an active FBI agent.

Are you in Season 2? I see what you mean about it taking K a long time to get into a useful position in the FBI but I guess double agents are a real thing, right? I suppose he started out with a regular plan to be an FBI agent but got corrupted along the way.

Famous Mortimer

Getting to the end of season 2 now. There was one episode ("The Calusari") where Scully witnessed, with her own eyes, real genuine supernatural shenanigans. Okay, bit early for her to be fully on board, I thought: I was right, as the next episode things were back to normal.

But, again, I need to let this shit go.