Why Some X-Files Fans Gave Up On Season 9

"The X-Files" was arguably one of the biggest event sci-fi/horror shows of the '90s. The original run aired from 1993 to 2002 and featured nine seasons before returning again for Seasons 10 and 11 in 2016 and 2018. "The X-Files" focused on FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigated supernatural cases, with Mulder playing the believer and Scully portraying the skeptic. The series also featured an overarching plot involving Mulder's investigation into extraterrestrial life and their presence on Earth.

While the show was praised early on in its run for this fusion of case-of-the-week and a continuous alien plotline, some of its later seasons were not so warmly received. In fact, Season 9 was negatively received by most critics, garnering a 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, fans of "The X-Files" have been pretty vocal over the years over why exactly the final season of the original run made them completely give up on the show.

Over on the r/XFiles subreddit, there have been multiple posts made about the quality of the mostly Mulder-less Season 9 of "The X-Files," from discussions of plotlines to new fans wondering if the show is worth continuing after the conclusion of Season 8. One recurring theme when it comes to criticism of Season 9, however, is how Dana Scully is portrayed. Some fans took issue with her shift from a powerful woman in a position of authority into a fearful mother.

"Scully's transformation is the one that bugs me the most ... she's either dismissive, confrontational, or rude to everyone – including the people who are trying to help her," said u/TatterdemalionElect. "I feel her character was done a great disservice in season 9's writing. Her character is reduced to A) harried, fearful mother and B) forlorn lover." In a different post, u/IKnowPain1987 somewhat echoed these sentiments. "Honestly I find Scully to be insufferable in Season 9, 10 and 11," they said. "And it was no fault of Gillian Anderson, who herself seems to have been super frustrated with the way Scully was written."

Another big point of contention is some fans believing that Season 8 was a better ending for "The X-Files" than Season 9. "Season 8 was a great way to end the show. The last scene was terrific," said u/Tb12123. In fact, many fans on Reddit encourage new viewers to stop watching the show after the Season 8 finale to avoid frustration.