The X-Files

From ‘The Fresh Prince’ to the extended ‘Arrow’-verse. Reader, it got weird.

From 'American Idol' to 'The X-Files,' these are the shows that just don't know when to die.

The first X-Files revival had fans questioning the series’ role in modern times, to say nothing of the poorly-received return this past week. Star Gillian Anderson also suggested that Season 11 might be her last, and now both FOX and creator Chris Carter seem to be jumping ship without Scully at the helm.

The X-Files are officially re-opened … uh, again. See for yourself, as our second revival answers the big question of Mulder’s fate (and raises all new ones) with a first full trailer for Season 11’s 2018 premiere.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where FOX’s X-Files revival went wrong, but the emphasis on stand-alone episodes over lingering mythology certainly surprised viewers. It’s even harder to say what lessons were learned, as the expanded eleventh season will apparently have even less focus on overall story.

Even as The X-Files professes to change things up in its second attempt at a FOX revival, Mulder and Scully wouldn’t get very far without Skinner. The beleaguered FBI boss will be back in 2018, as Mitch Pileggi signs on for Season 11.

A gentle understanding behind The X-Files’ latest return held that Season 11 would correct the missteps of its predecessor; namely, more balanced writing. We’ll at least have more episodes to that effect, but the full writers list for the next X-Files revival is still missing some key names.

Perhaps the only thing to stifle anticipation for another X-Files revival was the first X-Files revival, though FOX undoubtedly wants the chance to try again. That may soon become a reality, as network heads claim they hope to announce the next chapter “shortly,” potentially even for the next TV season.

For all the anticipation going into FOX’s X-Files revival, few would argue that the awkward balance of mythology and stand-alone episodes over six hours made it difficult to gain much traction. Time will tell if Chris Carter, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny manage to coordinate for an eleventh season revival, though Duchovny at least believes the next round would need more than six episodes to do right.

I want to believe... that it's impossible to run in four-inch heels.