The X-Files Needs to Return for This One Major Reason

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The X-Files stands out as one of the most enduring and cherished scripted television series from the past three decades. Over time, it has garnered a devoted following, thanks to its captivating blend of conspiracy theories and unexpected plot twists. However, certain storylines in the latest season (Season 11) have left some fans feeling disappointed. For instance, the revelation that William, the son previously believed to be Agent Dana Scully and Fox Mulder’s biological child, given up for adoption in Season 9, is not actually Mulder’s biological offspring, has been a point of contention among viewers.

As a movie critic, I’ve found myself pondering over the intricate web of paternity in Chris Carter’s “The X-Files” series, and it’s left me with some unresolved questions that need resolution. The revelation of William’s parentage has been a source of debate among fans for various reasons, and I believe that one day, we might see these loose ends tied up, possibly in a future season. Proceed with caution if you haven’t seen the series from start to finish, as spoilers lie ahead.

Here’s the Shocking Rundown on William’s Complicated Paternity

In Season 11, which premiered in 2018, it’s revealed that William is the son of the Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis), not in a biological sense, but rather as a shared creation. It turns out that CSM impregnated Scully without her awareness or consent, drugging her and using her unwittingly as an incubator for his alien child.

This plot twist sparked significant criticism from fans, who vehemently protested. However, Carter seemed to defend his contentious decision and attempted to justify the unexpected storyline evolution. He addressed the fan reaction during an interview with Entertainment Weekly several years ago.

In simpler terms, Carter said, “If he’s not biologically her father, he’s a father figure to her.” He added, “He didn’t sexually violate Scully; instead, he conceived her child through scientific means.

It seems to me that it’s hardly debatable: forcibly impregnating someone is undeniably a form of sexual assault, whether or not it’s disguised as scientific research. Carter’s stance on this matter is disheartening; I’m not surprised that the portrayal of such events in the show left many viewers feeling uncomfortable. To put it simply, the origins of William’s paternity are off-limits and unacceptable.

I feel it’s important to bring up something you might not have thought about yet – CSM, or Cassius Spender Mulder, is actually Mulder’s biological father. This revelation adds an extra layer of surprise to the paternity of William. Let’s pause a moment and think this through: In the show, CSM forcibly impregnated Scully, who was supposed to be his daughter-in-law, with an alien child. Although we know that the show is purely fictional, this plot point is much more unsettling than necessary.

The character CSM (Cassius Spender Mulder) is revealed to be Mulder’s real father on the show. This means William’s parentage is even more shocking. Imagine if you will that CSM impregnated Scully, who was meant to be his future daughter-in-law, with an alien child – a plot point that feels quite disturbing, despite being fictional.

Will We See More Seasons of The X-Files in the Future?

At this moment, we’re uncertain about what future installments of the show might bring, but it’s been confirmed that Ryan Coogler is diligently working on a revival of “The X-Files,” which could potentially involve some familiar faces from the original cast. While I would certainly welcome another season 12 continuing directly from where season 11 ended, I’m open to whatever comes our way. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Coogler’s reimagining handles the questionable paternity plotline from the final season with care, or even decides to rewrite that aspect entirely.

For the upcoming series, let’s hope it understands that one reason the original stood out was its unique way of establishing its own storytelling rules. It blended episodic and serialized formats in an innovative manner, which resulted in a distinctive narrative style. Some episodes functioned independently, while others continued across several installments. At that time, this approach was unprecedented, making the show a trailblazer. We hope the new version will learn from this and be bold when it comes to taking risks in its storytelling.

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2025-04-26 23:40