8 Years Ago Today, the Best Sci-fi Thriller Series Ever Ended With a Terrible Finale (But There’s Hope to Fix It)

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It’s been eight years since a popular sci-fi thriller wrapped up, and many fans were unhappy with how it ended. TV shows often struggle to finish strong, as viewers usually have expectations for the finale after investing several seasons. But one show stands out – it not only had a weak ending with its final two seasons, but after a reboot years later, it failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion all over again.

The eleventh season of The X-Files, and the second since the show was revived, concluded on March 21, 2018, and many fans were unhappy with how it ended. But there’s some positive news for those who hoped for a more satisfying finale.

The X-Files Finished Its Final Season In A Disappointing Manner

The last episode of The X-Files broadcast on March 21, 2018, and Gillian Anderson confirmed she wouldn’t reprise her role as Dana Scully. While the final season brought back familiar elements, many fans found it lacked substance and relied too heavily on past references. Ultimately, the series finale didn’t satisfy a lot of viewers.

The series finale revolved heavily around Fox Mulder’s search for the son he and Scully had given up for adoption years ago, hoping to protect him. However, he discovered his son was hiding a troubled past. Beyond that, the finale aimed to bring the show to a conclusive end, though it included several surprising twists that felt unnecessary.

The finale brought back familiar faces like the Cigarette Smoking Man, Skinner, and Monica Reyes (who took Scully’s place in Season 9), and it appeared all three of them died. Surprisingly, an older Dana Scully found herself unexpectedly pregnant again. The episode was chaotic, throwing a multitude of plot points at Mulder and Scully before offering them a potential future with a family, but at the cost of eliminating anyone who opposed them. Despite the dramatic events, the finale felt fragmented and ultimately unsatisfying.

Ryan Coogler Can Resurrect The X-Files With His Reboot

The series finale of The X-Files left many fans and critics feeling let down, especially since Mulder and Scully weren’t very involved – Scully spent the whole episode on the phone, and both characters were largely sidelined. But there’s hope for the future of the show! Ryan Coogler, the director of the acclaimed film Sinners, is working on a reboot, which could give the franchise a fresh start and a much-needed boost.

To truly recapture the magic of the original The X-Files, the upcoming reboot should avoid recasting iconic characters like Dana Scully and Fox Mulder. Instead of trying to replicate the past, the show needs a fresh start with a new team of FBI agents investigating the idea that ‘the truth is out there.’ This approach would allow the reboot to stand on its own while honoring the spirit of the original series.

Ryan Coogler faces a big challenge in continuing this story. When David Duchovny left the show before Season 8 and Gillian Anderson reduced her role in Season 9, fans didn’t embrace Robert Patrick and Annabeth Gish as replacements, even though they’re talented actors. The issue was that the original stars were still present, even if behind the scenes, and their absence was keenly felt.

It’s been eight years since The X-Files concluded, giving Ryan Coogler a fresh opportunity to revive the series without being overshadowed by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson’s iconic performances. Danielle Deadwyler (The Harder They Fall) will star as one of the new agents, with Jennifer Yale serving as showrunner and Coogler directing the first episode. Hulu has commissioned a pilot, but given their recent cancellation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, its production isn’t guaranteed. Coogler has the potential to create something truly original – a show that captures the spirit of the original X-Files while avoiding an overreliance on the alien-focused storylines so closely tied to Fox Mulder.

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2026-03-21 20:40