The X-Files: The Event Series

This much-hyped revival of The X-Files reunites David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, working together again for the first time in more than 15 years, thanks to the efforts of FBI Assistant Director Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) and a TV journalist (Joel McHale) who has evidence of government complicity in alien abductions. This brief six-episode 2016 "event series" plays like a digest version of a season of the original show. It's bookended by a vast conspiracy involving alien DNA implanted in unwitting human subjects, features a very funny episode about a "were-monster" written by fan favorite Darin Morgan, and introduces a pair of young agents (played by Lauren Ambrose and Robbie Amell) whose opposing personalities and mix of science and skepticism mirror the partnership of Mulder and Scully. Creator Chris Carter tries to cram so much into the abbreviated format that he sacrifices character and cleverness along the way, and the final episode ends on a cliffhanger of apocalyptic dimensions (although there is no confirmation whether another series will follow). Many fans were disappointed but watched anyway just for another taste of the Mulder/Scully chemistry, but this is unlikely to interest anyone who is not already devoted to the series. Extras include episode commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)