The last episode of The X-Files, titled “My Struggle IV,” aired on March 21, 2018, concluding the eleventh season of the iconic science fiction series. While billed as the final episode at the time, the door was left slightly ajar for potential future installments, leaving fans with a mix of closure and lingering questions.
A Divisive Conclusion: What Happened in “My Struggle IV”?
“My Struggle IV” aimed to tie together numerous overarching plot threads that had developed throughout the series’ revival, primarily focusing on the Spartan Virus, a rapidly spreading pandemic engineered by the Cigarette Smoking Man. Mulder and Scully, once again at odds over their son William, are drawn into a global crisis as the virus threatens to decimate the population.
The episode features a frantic race against time as Mulder seeks to confront and ultimately defeat the Cigarette Smoking Man, who is portrayed as the orchestrator of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Scully grapples with the fact that she is the key to developing a cure, owing to her unique genetic makeup.
Key plot points include:
- The Cigarette Smoking Man’s Plan: His goal is to depopulate the Earth and repopulate it with a select elite, creating a new world order under his control.
- William’s Role: William, Mulder and Scully’s son, possesses extraordinary abilities and is revealed to be vital to stopping the pandemic.
- Confrontation and Climax: Mulder and the Cigarette Smoking Man engage in a final showdown, culminating in their apparent deaths at the hands of William.
- Scully’s Revelation: The episode concludes with Scully informing Skinner that she is pregnant, possibly with William’s child, leaving the future of the X-Files, and the world, uncertain.
The episode’s reception was highly polarized. While some fans appreciated the attempt to resolve long-standing mysteries and provide a sense of closure, many criticized its rushed pacing, convoluted plot, and perceived character inconsistencies. It’s safe to say “My Struggle IV” remains a controversial and hotly debated conclusion to The X-Files.
Decoding the Controversy: Why Was “My Struggle IV” So Polarizing?
The backlash surrounding “My Struggle IV” stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, many felt the episode attempted to cram too much exposition and plot development into a single hour, resulting in a narrative that felt rushed and underdeveloped. The complex backstory of the Cigarette Smoking Man’s master plan and William’s evolving powers were perceived as difficult to follow and lacking in satisfying resolution.
Secondly, some viewers took issue with the perceived degradation of beloved characters, particularly Mulder and Scully. Their relationship was portrayed as strained, and their actions sometimes felt inconsistent with their established personalities. This departure from established character arcs alienated some long-time fans.
Finally, the episode’s ending, with the apparent deaths of Mulder and the Cigarette Smoking Man, and Scully’s unexpected pregnancy, left many viewers feeling unsatisfied and questioning the direction of the narrative. The ambiguity, while potentially setting the stage for future installments, also felt like a lack of definitive closure for a series with such a rich history.
The End? The Future of The X-Files
Despite the controversy surrounding “My Struggle IV,” the possibility of a future revival of The X-Files remains a topic of speculation. Both David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have expressed mixed feelings about returning to their iconic roles. Gillian Anderson has stated repeatedly that she is finished with the character of Dana Scully, but that has not stopped rumors and fan speculation. Chris Carter, the series creator, has also hinted at potential future storylines.
Ultimately, the future of The X-Files hinges on a confluence of factors, including the availability of the key cast and crew, the development of a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, and the willingness of networks to invest in a revival. Whether we will ever see Mulder and Scully investigating the paranormal again remains to be seen, but the legacy of The X-Files continues to endure, captivating audiences with its blend of science fiction, mystery, and conspiracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Last Episode
Here are some frequently asked questions about the last episode of The X-Files, offering further insights into its plot, reception, and implications for the series’ future:
1. What is the Spartan Virus in “My Struggle IV”?
The Spartan Virus is a man-made plague designed by the Cigarette Smoking Man to wipe out most of humanity. It is airborne and highly contagious, causing widespread illness and death. The Cigarette Smoking Man intends to use the virus as a means of resetting society and rebuilding it in his image.
2. Why is Scully immune to the Spartan Virus?
Scully’s immunity stems from her past experiences with alien abduction and experimentation. These encounters altered her genetic makeup, making her resistant to the Spartan Virus and, ultimately, the key to developing a cure.
3. What are William’s powers, and how does he use them?
William possesses a range of extraordinary abilities, including telekinetic powers and the ability to manipulate reality. In “My Struggle IV,” he uses these powers to protect himself and others, and ultimately to intervene in the confrontation between Mulder and the Cigarette Smoking Man.
4. Did Mulder and the Cigarette Smoking Man really die in “My Struggle IV”?
The episode leaves their fates ambiguous. While they are both seen being shot by William, their potential for survival is left open-ended, adhering to The X-Files‘ tendency towards unresolved endings. This ambiguity has fueled much speculation among fans.
5. What does Scully’s pregnancy mean for the future of the X-Files?
Scully’s pregnancy, especially considering the potential involvement of William, introduces a new dynamic into the narrative. It suggests that the legacy of the X-Files and the paranormal investigations may continue through a new generation, even if Mulder and Scully are no longer actively involved.
6. How does “My Struggle IV” connect to the other “My Struggle” episodes?
“My Struggle IV” serves as the culmination of a trilogy of episodes that bookend the revival seasons of The X-Files. All “My Struggle” episodes were written and directed by Chris Carter. Each one tackles the overarching conspiracy plot, including alien colonization, the Spartan Virus, and the role of the Cigarette Smoking Man. They attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the series’ mythology, albeit with varying degrees of success.
7. What was Gillian Anderson’s reaction to the ending of “My Struggle IV”?
Gillian Anderson has been vocal about her intention to leave The X-Files after the eleventh season. While she has not explicitly criticized the ending, she has emphasized her desire to pursue other acting opportunities and move on from the role of Dana Scully.
8. Did David Duchovny also want to leave The X-Files?
While David Duchovny has expressed ambivalence about returning to The X-Files in the past, his stance is less definitive than Gillian Anderson’s. He has acknowledged the importance of the series to his career and has not ruled out the possibility of future involvement, provided the story and circumstances are compelling.
9. Is there any chance of a reboot or spin-off of The X-Files?
Despite the controversial reception of “My Struggle IV,” the enduring popularity of The X-Files makes a reboot or spin-off a plausible possibility. However, any potential revival would likely require the involvement of key creative figures, including Chris Carter and potentially David Duchovny, even if Gillian Anderson remains uninvolved.
10. What were the ratings for “My Struggle IV”?
“My Struggle IV” garnered a respectable viewership, but it did not achieve the same level of ratings success as earlier seasons of The X-Files. This is partly attributable to the changing landscape of television, with increased competition from streaming services and other platforms.
11. Where can I watch “My Struggle IV” and other episodes of The X-Files?
The X-Files, including “My Struggle IV,” is available for streaming on various platforms, depending on your region. Common options include Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also purchase digital copies of the episodes on platforms like iTunes and Google Play.
12. What is the general consensus among fans about “My Struggle IV”?
As previously mentioned, the general consensus is divided. Some fans appreciated the attempt to provide closure and resolve long-standing plot threads. However, many others were critical of the episode’s rushed pacing, convoluted plot, and perceived character inconsistencies. “My Struggle IV” remains a subject of debate and discussion within the X-Files fandom. Ultimately, its impact on the series’ legacy is a matter of individual interpretation. The truth, as always, is out there… somewhere.