Nothing Important Happened Today

...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???!!!

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.

"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.

Which was why I LOVED this episode. As much as I loved Mulder, I was willing to see a X-Files without him. I loved the addition of John Doggett and I knew Monica Reyes would eventually take over Skully's place in the show, had the show gone on longer.

It's because, the X-Files is a CONCEPT, it's NOT strictly about Mulder or Skully, or even CGI Spender or Geoffrey Spender or The Lone Gunman or X or Deep throat. Or Agent Fowley, or Skinner or Kirsch. Or Carey Elwes.

The X-Files was not about one single character or pair of characters, but that was the format of the show - Two individuals go it alone against The World and All the Lies and try to find The Truth, which is blocked to them at every avenue - And the bad Guys are always 10 steps ahead. Sound Familiar? Because we can just assume FRINGE is this same story continued.

Mulder is GONE - He's just Gone, and he's in danger. Skully may be able to get in touch with him, but will not jeopardize his safety.

Doggett had determined to investigate Kersh in the 8th Season Finale. But by this time, he's blocked in like a sardine, and all the evidence and witnesses have been spirited away. Welcome to The basement, Doggett! Skully's baby William has some abilities and that makes him a target. And now Doggett finds a relation to his "friend" Knowle Rohrer and Shannon McMahon - What are they? We saw these guys basically re-assemble from a silver piece of Vertebrae last season. This episode is the start of the last Mythos Arc of The X-Files: The "Super Soldier/Alien Replacement" Arc.

I was glued to the TV when this was first-run because of course, Xena was going to join The X-Files. I was SO excited about this, and I thought she did an incredible believable job - This was the perfect Role for Xena. I always think of Lucy Lawless as Xena more than Lucy, it's just implanted in my brain that way.

This is the first of only two episodes that Lucy was in - It was intended that the character come back and be the best antithesis of Knowle Rohrer, but complications with a pregnancy prevented her from coming back.

But what we have here, is the hand-off, Mulder and Skully hand the X-Files over to Doggett and Reyes, their worthy successors. I liked the Doggett/Reyes team just like I liked the Mulder/Skully team.

It was just that, Well Mulder and Skully, had an impact on us for seven long years. The X-Files as a Concept and as a Show COULD have continued, with different people. It's like Life, things change. People come and go in the Telling, like Lord of The Rings, the narrative starts with Bilbo Baggins and is handed to Frodo, who hands it to Samwise.

It's just the nature of the 'verse - And now, the work done by Mulder and Skully has been handed to Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop, Walter Bishop and Astrid Farnsworth in FRINGE.

It had been 7 years since TV had an X-Files type show until Fringe aired in 2009. Honestly, did anyone expect to see shows like The X-Files and Fringe from 2002 to 2008? Not in THAT Administration of Lies. An Administration Mulder would have fought with all his Might.

I'm hopeful our current Administration will continue for another 4 years. Then maybe even The X-Files could come back, if just as another Movie. If it does, I'd like to know the fates of John Doggett and Monica Reyes, because Carter made us care about them, as much as most "X Files Fans" did not care for them.

With Mulder gone Dogget and Reyes get more time than Scully but they do dig into the super soldier theory (new story arc?). Also some answers about Scully's baby but other than that not much happened. We knew Mulder would be back for the Shows finale but couldn't they have done a better job of wrapping things up? With at least 2 episodes wasted that I can think of with the one about the Brady Bunch House and that episode with Burt Reynolds that they could have been giving answers to and having the finale go another way. Grrrr! I don't know why I keep watching reruns on TNT and SCIFI. Some people liked those episodes and maybe if it wasn't for the fact that the show WAS GOING OFF THE AIR FOR GOOD those episodes would have been OK. I did like some of the monster of the week ones and Doggets back story. I hope they do a movie someday and maybe show Mulder & Scully together living in a rural community and having visits with the kid (as some relatives but not as parents since he's older now and used to his new parents). Then they can be called on some XFILE after Mulder's trial is found to be an unlawful kangaroo court and charges dismissed. They could get proof finally that there are Aliens and bring back the head of a super soldier to the NY Times. Something pleeease.