Summary
"The X Files" is an American sci-fi drama following the exploits of FBI special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate paranormal phenomena. Mulder believes in the existence of extraterrestrials, but Scully does not. She uses her skills as a forensic pathologist to try to debunk her colleague's outlandish theories. Although Scully is usually able to supply scientific explanations for unexplainable phenomena, she is rarely able to refute them completely. Their partnership poses a threat to a shadow element of the government known as the Syndicate. Led by the Smoking Man (William B Davis), they use any means at their disposal to cover-up any evidence supporting the existence of flying saucers and little green men. The series also focuses on Mulder and Scully's personal relationship as it develops from a purely working partnership into something a little more personal. For the last two seasons, Mulder's role was reduced as John Dogget (Robert Patrick) took his place in the department. Created by Chris Carter, it premiered in 1993 and ran for nine seasons, clocking up 202 episodes. Big-screen movies were released in 1998 and 2008. It can be seen on Sky Atlantic.