REBOOT: The new X-Files series, starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in their original roles, is a hit with fans.
REBOOT: The new X-Files series, starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in their original roles, is a hit with fans.
Introducing our new Midweek columnist -- Wairarapa-born fantasy author Shayla Morgansen, who will be sharing her thoughts on all things to do with "nerd culture", particularly old-school sci-fi.
"Even if coming back turns out to be a bad idea, like a really, really bad idea that makes everyone hate you..."
I think comedian Jimmy Kimmel summed up a lot of our fears when he made this comment during his January 12 Jimmy Kimmel Live skit opposite the adorably in-character David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson of The X-Files.
Rebooting a cult classic is always a big risk, especially one with a fanbase the size of The X-Files -- with more than 11.5 million weekly viewers at the height of its original run. X-Philes across the world had genuine cause for fear for the beloved show. The last attempt to build on the ground-breaking sci-fi/paranormal series was the 2008 cinematic flop I Want To Believe. And no one wants to see their favourite show driven into the ground.
But those pangs of nostalgia! That cliffhanger! While these fears might have been well-founded, the revival has been an overwhelming success, pulling audiences of more than 20 million. The show's Facebook page is an active source of positive fan discussion and Twitter hasn't stopped since the first episode aired on January 24 in the US. Both exploded when the finale left us simultaneously entertained, frustrated and satisfied.
Every episode so far has been a fun new adventure, and those watching along in Wairarapa are sure to agree that, after 23 years, The X-Files still works. Old fans are happy and the show is drawing new blood.
What's the secret formula after so long? It's not just The X-Files enjoying being reopened in the sci-fi world. The very nature of speculative fiction allows visual media of this genre to exist outside time -- open to reboots, prequels and sequels spanning across years or even generations. Widely popular seventh instalment Star Wars: The Force Awakens just made history as the second-highest-grossing film of all time, and we can look forward to another five films to flesh out the franchise (thanks, Disney!) The Terminator franchise has been going strong since 1984 with five films, and a TV series. Die-hard fans still want, and may still get, more.
What is it about sci-fi and genre fiction that grabs audiences like this? How is it that shows and films from decades ago can still be relevant? Good imaginative storytelling doesn't date, and speculative fiction has it in spades. Humanity is a big open market for it.
