The X-Files’ Two Biggest Plot Holes That Still Make No Sense
Story by @GIJoeRepairShop
To be a fan of The X-Files, or indeed any television program dealing with the paranormal, a certain level of suspension of disbelief is required. With all of the twists and turns of The X-Files over eleven seasons and two feature films, there are bound to be plots that don’t pan out, characters that mysteriously disappear, and plot holes that are never explained due to time or expense. This article is about two of the most egregious plot holes in The X-Files.
The first concerns the ending of the first feature film, titled “The X-Files: Fight the Future.” The finale of the movie happens in Antarctica. Mulder has discovered an alien facility in which experiments are being conducted on captured humans, including Dana Scully. One can imagine that, with all of the resources of the FBI at his disposal, going to Antarctica may seem difficult, but not impossible. However, at the end of the film, it’s revealed that the subterranean alien base is actually an alien spacecraft. The spacecraft ascends into the atmosphere leaving nothing but a large crater and destroyed equipment in its wake. Mulder and Scully, having jumped from the ship at a low-enough altitude, are laying face down in the snow. Completely exhausted, Scully does not see the flying saucer. Only Mulder sees it as it flies away to an unknown location.
So, how did they get back from Antarctica? There is no cellular service there. They have no satellite phone. They have no survival gear to keep them alive long enough for help to arrive. This is never explained, as Season 6 of The X-Files picks right up on another plot. One could argue that there need not be an explanation for everything in a television show. Sometimes, you need to just move the characters from one place to another in the interest of plot or show continuity. It is alright to leave some of your characters’ adventures to viewers’ imaginations.
One thing that was not left to viewers’ imaginations was the death of the Cigarette Smoking Man in The X-Files Season 9 finale. There was no ambiguity about it. Several missiles fired from black helicopters struck the adobe in New Mexico where he was hiding out. Viewers even saw an animation of flesh being totally pealed from his skull by fire.
However, for the revival of the series in 2018, the Cigarette Smoking Man was back! He used prosthetics and medical care to cover the severe burns and scars left by the missile blasts. However, he is very much alive. One can understand why the producers would want to bring back such a beloved villain. Additionally, Russell T. Davis is a fantastic actor. He even teaches acting at the university level in Canada. So, it seems that producers and writers can bring back characters from the most extreme (and fiery!) circumstances if the script warrants.
I’m sure that there are plenty of other The X-Files plot holes from its many years on the air. These two stick out though as the most extreme.
