Nothing Important Happened Today

Yep. Mulder is gone from the x-files for an entire season. Nothing Important Happened Today begins the post-Mulder era of the X-Files. A conspiracy is covering all the evidence up from the season 8 finale and Doggett is mad about it.

To start off, I found it very interesting that we get shots of both Doggett and Reyes waking up topless in their respective beds. If there is supposed to be some symbolism there, I'm missing it.

Cary Elwes, a favorite actor of mine from "The Princess Bride", comes to the show for a few guest appearances. He does a fine job as the sneaky, slimy, A.D. Brad Follmer.

I feel sorry for Doggett in this episode. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is telling Doggett to drop his case of investigating Kersh and trying to find Mulder. They just treat him badly and he doesn't deserve it. He's just doing his job. It's a very abrupt about-face by everyone, and it leaves Doggett confused.

Reyes finally agrees to go along with Doggett so that he's not completely alone. Then Skinner, who appears to be the most adamant about Doggett dropping this case, surprisingly goes along with Doggett to the plant. He can't seem to make up his mind.

There is a scene of Reyes finding Mulder's pencils in the ceiling of the x-files office. It's a nice tribute. Also, Scully needs to get a new mobile for William. That thing squeaks too much when it turns.

Overall, Nothing Important Happened Today is a good episode with the new x-files team, and Scully kind of tagging along. However, the new Super Soldier angle doesn't do it for me, and prevents this episode from being something extra special.

Really, nothing important happens. Looks like not even the writers know where Mulder is, they should have at least said something about this in season 8 finale. I makes no sense to ask a 100 times in this episode where Mulder is just to mention his name. Stop making him linger....if he is gone, let him be gone and focus on the new "main" characters, this new "wtf are you" Assistant Director and Monica Boring Reyes. Gillian Anderson has done some impressive performances in the past....now she is just moaning around the house playing mommy, doing a stupid autopsy and running away when trouble arises. Dogget and Skinner stand out but aren't given enough room to play, they are arguing all the time between them and the other characters....so many characters. I hope the next chapter is less chatting and more action. And please give Scully a gun and start kicking some a**es.

When "The X-Files" premiered in 1993, it fundamentally reshaped the television landscape. Combining supernatural intrigue with grounded character dynamics, the series turned skepticism and belief into thrilling drama. Its blend of conspiracy, horror, and wit made it a touchstone for sci-fi storytelling, influencing countless successors. Unfortunately, as it progressed into its later seasons, the magic began to fade, weighed down by convoluted storylines and the departure of lead actor David Duchovny as Fox Mulder, and season nine premiere, "Nothing Important Happened Today," exemplifies how far the series has fallen. There's barely a glimmer of intriguing drama left to be spotted, despite the crew's best efforts.

The episode introduces a new potential antagonist, Shannon McMahon, played by Lucy Lawless, who is a genetically modified super-soldier with the eerie ability to survive indefinitely underwater. While Lawless brings charisma and presence to the role, her introduction feels like yet another desperate attempt to prop up the floundering super-soldier storyline - a thread that had already exhausted its intrigue by this point in the series. The writers seem unsure of where to steer the show's mythology, recycling old ideas with diminishing returns. Kim Manners' direction and the show's polished production values remain high points, yet these technical strengths feel hollow when paired with a narrative that treads familiar ground without any fresh ideas. The slickness of the production serves to remind viewers of how innovative the show once was - and how perfunctory it feels now. Doggett and Reyes step up as the show's primary protagonists, continuing to investigate the murky dealings of Deputy Director Kersh and the government conspiracy. While both actors are committed to their roles and bring interesting quirks to their characters their chemistry never quite clicks. Compared to the iconic dynamic between Mulder and Scully, Doggett and Reyes' partnership lacks emotional depth and narrative spark. Perhaps the episode's most glaring flaw is its treatment of Mulder and Scully. Gillian Anderson's Scully, a character who had once been a linchpin of the show, is relegated to the sidelines, her role reduced to a shadow of its former self. The episode struggles to justify Mulder's absence, settling for vague allusions to his safety being in jeopardy. This lack of effort to address his departure in a meaningful way undermines the emotional stakes of the story.

"Nothing Important Happened Today" fails to establish a compelling new direction for "The X-Files'" final season. The episode is bogged down by tired mythology and lack of narrative focus, while the most baseline qualities are underscored by uninspired writing and the absence of the show's original heart. For a series that once dared to believe in the extraordinary, this premiere feels like an admission of mediocrity.

"Nothing Important Happened Today," the first episode of the ninth season of The X-Files, directed by Kim Manners and written by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, serves as a significant pivot for the series as it transitions into new territory following the events of the eighth season. The episode introduces a darker tone while continuing to explore the complexities of its characters, particularly in the wake of Mulder's (David Duchovny) disappearance. This installment sets the stage for a season filled with uncertainty, intrigue, and the ever-present threat of alien conspiracies.

The narrative begins with an EPA official named Carl Wormus, who is lured into a deadly situation by Shannon McMahon (Lucy Lawless), a mysterious woman with ties to a larger conspiracy. The episode quickly establishes a sense of foreboding as Wormus is forced off a bridge and subsequently drowns. Meanwhile, Agent John Doggett (Robert Patrick) is introduced as he grapples with Mulder's absence while trying to navigate his new role within the FBI. As he investigates Wormus's death, he encounters Scully (Gillian Anderson), who is dealing with her own personal challenges related to her pregnancy. The tension escalates as Doggett uncovers connections between Wormus's death and a broader conspiracy involving alien technology and government cover-ups.

Visually, "Nothing Important Happened Today" employs a gritty aesthetic that reflects the dark themes permeating the episode. Manners' direction effectively captures the tension and urgency of the investigation, utilizing shadows and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of suspense. The cinematography enhances the feeling of isolation experienced by the characters, particularly as they confront unseen threats. The pacing is brisk, maintaining viewer engagement as the plot unfolds, though some critics have noted that certain moments feel rushed or underdeveloped.

The performances in this episode are noteworthy, particularly Robert Patrick's portrayal of Doggett as he struggles to find his footing in a world filled with uncertainty. His character's determination to uncover the truth is palpable, and his interactions with Scully reveal a growing mutual respect despite their differences. Anderson delivers a strong performance as Scully, showcasing her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. Lawless's portrayal of McMahon adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, embodying both allure and menace.

Thematically, "Nothing Important Happened Today" grapples with issues of trust, loss, and the search for truth in an increasingly complex world. The episode critiques how individuals can become pawns in larger conspiracies while also exploring personal agency amid external pressures. Doggett's journey reflects his struggle to earn his place within the X-Files team while confronting his own skepticism about Mulder's legacy. The introduction of elements like bioengineering and government experimentation raises questions about ethics and morality in scientific advancement.

"Nothing Important Happened Today" serves as a compelling reintroduction to The X-Files universe, laying the groundwork for an intriguing season filled with new challenges and mysteries. While it may not fully capture the essence of earlier seasons due to its reliance on established mythology and pacing issues, it effectively engages viewers with its mix of suspenseful storytelling and character exploration. Ultimately, this episode invites audiences to reflect on their own beliefs about truth and trust in an uncertain world while setting up significant stakes for future narratives.

...So Mulder just left. That's the explanation for Mulder not being in in Season 9. That's all we get. Season 9 couldn't have started worse. They should have ended it after Season 8. Season 9 may had one or two episodes to check out, but believe me folks, most eps this season were TERRIBLE. Even the talented writers like Vince Gilligan failed to bring anything good this last season. I haven't been as excited as i was during the Vancouver years (S1-S5) but at least every season after S5 still contained some classic standalone eps. Now the mythology eps weren't that interesting anymore after S5, but it just gets ridiculous here. Mutant water supplies???? I mean come on!!! Supersoldiers??? The worst idea ever???!!!