In case you’ve been living under a rock, The X-Files is returning as a limited series on Fox. It made its U.S. debut at NY Comic-Con this weekend, and The PC Principle was there.
To say the Javits Center ballroom was filled with electricity and anticipation as diehard fans of The X-Files waited to see the premiere episode is an understatement.
As soon as the doors opened to let in the hundreds of lucky fans, it was a mad rush to get one of the coveted seats. This is what being part of a fandom is all about; a love for a series that knows no end and can make even the most introverted individual shriek in excitement.
That was the feeling at the New York Comic Con premiere of the first episode from the upcoming revival of The X-Files. Fans from all over converged in the ballroom to witness the return of their favorite FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Even before the event started, fans were talking about their favorite episodes, scenes and what they hoped would happen with the revival series. An employee from New York Comic Con came out to hype up the crowd as a deejay played music. He began throwing out a few t-shirts to the crowd and even convinced a gentleman from the audience to go on stage and have his hair spray painted green just for the glory of receiving a free t-shirt.
Actor and well known fan of The X-Files Kumail Nanjiani was then introduced and came out to very loud applause from the fans at the Javits Center. He explained what would be happening during the panel and also asked that no one record anything while the first episode was screening. “If they see you recording the episode, you will be escorted out of the room,” Nanjiani told the excited crowd. And with that, the lights went down, the fans began to scream and cheer, and we were treated to a video message from Gillian Anderson, an apology for not being able to attend the screening as she is currently in Mumbai filming Viceroy’s House.
We won’t give away any spoilers to the episode titled My Struggle as we know how upset The X-Files fans or “Philes” can become when they are leaked, but we will say that the episode started off with a spectacular crash of an alien ship, which kind of reminded us of Roswell, in a way. Each time one of the major characters appeared on screen for the first time, the crowd began clapping and screaming. The teaser for the episode was over, and then the opening title sequence began. The applause was deafening.
One of the biggest changes with The X-Files is the relationship between Mulder and Scully. It’s no secret that the two are no longer a couple, and their relationship is definitely in the complicated arena. After the episode was screened, Kumail Nanjiani came back out on stage an introduced Chris Carter, David Duchovny and Mitch Pileggi. Once again, the thunderous and deafening applause took over the room.
What followed was a short, but entertaining, 20-minute Q & A with the creator and stars of the series. As Kumail noted, this was the first time David and Mitch had seen the episode. When asked what he thought, Pileggi replied, “I think it was great.” Pointing to Chris Carter, David Duchovny said, “I thought it was great, and this guy right here did an amazing job.”
Kumail congratulated Chris Carter on the episode and asked him how it felt to watch it with an audience. Chris replied, “It made me very nervous. I just wondered how everyone is reacting to it and enjoying it.”
The X-Files returns for a two night event starting on Sunday, January 24th, 2016 on Fox. If the reaction from the crowd at the Javits Center is any indication, The X-Files is back and could possibly stick around for a little while longer.
Look for more exclusive photos, interviews and more from The X-Files screening soon from The PC Principle.
You can check out some of the highlights from the panel below provided by Fox!
The Mythology
The Right Time
Mulder & Scully’s Relationship
Falling Right Back Into Place
**Photos and videos provided courtesy of Fox**