Iris’s Guide to Watching Seasons 8 and 9 of TXF
I see a lot of Philes saying that they never watched, or haven’t rewatched, entire swathes of seasons 8 and 9 because of Mulder’s absence or because the storyline veered completely off course. But with time and distance, you might feel comfortable revisiting this part of the show. There are actually some good episodes and even some hidden gems. Here are my recommendations. This is in response to a post by @spookydarlablack.
Season 8 (reviewing the mostly Mulder-less part of the season, because if Mulder and Scully are both in it, you’re probably going to watch it anyway)
Within/Without (8x01, 8x02) – Obviously DD is in these episodes, but he isn’t really Mulder. These episodes aren’t great, but you need to know who Doggett is and this is his introduction. He’s actually a really great character when you get to know him.
Patience (8x03) – It’s okay. You get to know Doggett a bit better and see that he’s a good guy.
Roadrunners (8x04) – Excellent creepy AF episode. TW: strong overtones of rape.
Invocation (8x05) – A pretty strong episode, actually. You get some background on a tragic part of Doggett’s story.
Redrum (8x06) – Underrated episode. Well acted and a unique concept. I enjoyed.
Via Negativa (8x07) – Generally considered to be one of the best of season 8. It’s creepy and fun and overall very good.
If you want to skip any, feel free to skip Surekill, Salvage, and Badlaa (although if you enjoy gross-outs, Badlaa might be your thing). These are meh at best.
The Gift (8x11) – The return of Mulder, albeit in flashbacks only. It might be worth a watch just for him, but the episode is meh overall.
Medusa (8x12) – Underrated episode. This is actually a suspense-filled action episode. I enjoy it quite a bit. The unstated fact of course is that Scully can’t tell Doggett that she’s pregnant.
Per Manum (8x13) – Unfortunately it’s not a strong episode in terms of writing or making sense, but it is important to the MSR storyline, so you’re going to rewatch it.
TINH/DeadAlive (8x14, 8x15) – They rip your heart out. So prepare for the biggest pain and angst of season 8, and the return of Mulder.
And the rest of Season 8, episodes 16-21, features Mulder completely of course. He’s a jerk in Three Words (8x16), but I give him a pass, due to his PTSD.
Season 9 (the completely Mulder-less season, other than The Truth Parts 1 and 2). General rule of thumb: if it is a Doggett-centric episode, and less so a Reyes-centric episode, it is probably better than you expect.
NIHT Parts 1 and 2 (9x01, 9x02) – Feel completely free to skip these, unless as a matter of principle you have to watch the mythology episodes (and the mythology is stupid at this point).
Daemonicus (9x03) – Peak Scully sexiness. Creepy plot. Enjoyable subtle MSR reference. I like this episode, tbh.
4-D (9x04) – Highly underrated episode. Well written and suspenseful. Rewatch it, for sure.
Lord of the Flies (9x05) – Weak episode but humorous, and there is the MSR reference. You might (or might not) enjoy this one.
Trust No 1 (9x06) – Weak episode, but important for the MSR storyline. The highlights are the gorgeous photomontage to open the episode (with the silly CC monologue overlaying it) and the finally canon reference to MSR. The weak points are the CC script in general (especially the email from Mulder to Scully) and the nonsensical Shadow Man.
John Doe (9x07) – Highly underrated and strongly recommended. I have said it multiple times, but this piece of drama is actually brilliant in almost every respect (the only weak point being the paranormal connection). This is a truly gorgeous piece of cinematography. Definite rewatch.
Hellbound (9x08) – Creepy and gross AF. Be warned. The main plot is connected to Monica Reyes’ story a little bit. Worth the watch if you like creepy and gross.
Provenance/Providence (9x09, 9x10) – Skip if you value your mental health. Suffice it to say, one group of crazies wants to kidnap William to make him their alien king-god or some-such nonsense. Another group of crazies wants to kill him to stop the first group. That’s all you need to know. This pair of episodes sucks balls.
Audrey Pauley (9x11) – Not great but not that bad actually. Centers on Monica Reyes. The special effects are not great.
Underneath (9x12) – Meh. This is forgettable. I remembered just enough to remember the basic plot. Just fine to skip.
Improbable (9x13) – LOVE LOVE. This is so funny and clever. And Burt Reynolds as G-d. How can you go wrong? Rewatch!
Scary Monsters (9x14) – Somewhat weak episode but still enjoyable, mostly for the MSR references. The kid is scary, but in the end not in the way you would first think.
Jump the Shark (9x15) – Sigh. This episode represents Chris Carter’s second or third biggest mistake EVER. The return of The Lone Gunmen should be enjoyable just to have them. You probably know what happens. Skip if you are sensitive and you value your mental health.
William (9x16) – FUCC. Seriously. F.U. forever and ever. Skip if you value your mental health.
Release (9x17) and Sunshine Days (9x18) – Both very underrated episodes, for very different reasons. They have very different tones. If you can suspend your disbelief on Scully and the previous William storyline, these are enjoyable watches.
The Truth 1 and 2 (9x19, 9x20) – Mulder is back. Too bad CC wrote it. It is an at times silly and weak script, but: CANON make-out kiss in front of Skinner and all the MSR, and of course you’re going to watch it.
