Back in 1995, I saw a commercial for a new series coming to the Fox Channel. It looked like a cheesy UFO show. The commercial was pretty cool though, and I planned to watch but figured it would be bad and probably wouldn’t last. After I saw that first episode, I still thought it wouldn’t last, but not because it was bad, but because it was so darn good. Fortunately it not only lasted, but it lasted BIG TIME. “The X-files” finally came to a close last year after an amazing nine seasons. During that time it became a worldwide phenomenon, capturing the attention of countless people around the globe. Throughout its run there have been great episodes, okay episodes, and well, you know. But even most of those ‘well, you know’ episodes, were far better than a lot of the other shows on TV. The 7th season was a season of transition. There was the knowledge that David Duchovny might be leaving, so the scramble began as far as how to deal with that loss, if it were indeed to happen.

Admittedly, this had somewhat of an adverse effect on the season as a whole. Looking back, this season offered an almost equal amount of episodes that were terrific as well as those that were less so.

There are those who have had their negative comments about this particular season. But as I re-watched the season, I began to realize no matter what direction the creators take it to, it’s sill as good as it ever was. Though the end of the season opened up a whole new direction for the following season with the abduction of Mulder and Scully’s pregnancy, it also offered up a lot of closure. One of the most important being the revelation of what really happened to Mulder’s sister. This was met with mixed reaction from fans. Some felt it was somewhat of a cheat, but many (myself included) thought it was done creatively and beautifully. “Closure” turned out to be a powerfully emotional episode.

The show also took another important change in direction during the 7th season with the bringing together of Mulder and Scully’s beliefs. Originally they were polar opposites with Mulder believing vehemently about the existence of extraterrestrials and paranormal events, while Scully was firmly rooted in the world of science. As the season drew to a close, each began to open up their minds to the possibilities of the others beliefs and the bond that had already grown between them grew even stronger. Again, this worked well going into an 8th season as it appeared the Scully would have to take Mulder’s place as believer to play against the incoming Agent Doggett’s skepticism.

Season 7 did have its share of standout episodes, including the afore-mentioned “Closure.” But a couple of my favorites had to be “Millenium” which re-introduced the character of Frank Black (Lance Henriksen) from the unfortunately short-lived series of the same name. Then, without a doubt I enjoyed “X-Cops” which was a take-off of “Cops” that had a film crew following Mulder and Scully around, and “Hollywood A.D.” which had the agents off to Hollywood to act as consultants on a movie being made about them. This last one was silly, but a heck of a lot of fun.

As is the case with all the DVD releases of the “X-files”, the season 7 set has a ton of extras. Spread out over the 6 disc set are a multitude of international, deleted scenes and commentaries, and when you get to the sixth disc you get a lot in the way of featurettes. The first is a seventh season retrospective that takes a look at specific episodes through clips and interviews. It’s a really nice introduction to the season. There are also a couple of mini bios for Director Skinner and Samantha Mulder. These were produced for international releases of the series. They are in part biographies, but they are really more a further look at the series itself.

For those of you who get into the special effects on the show, there are 13 little behind the scenes featurettes that show how some of the effects were pulled off. These were my favorite part of the disc. They are all pretty short, but offer up a pretty good look at the challenges the creators deal with in making the series. If you’re an “X-files” fanatic, you might get a kick out of the inclusion of TV spots for each episode.

All of the episodes are presented in Widescreen, and the transfers are incredibly sharp and clear and offer up terrific picture and sound. 20th Century Fox puts a lot of effort into these DVD releases and it shows. From all the extra features down to the packaging, these sets are certainly worth a place in any fan’s collection.

No matter what some may say, I don’t think “The X-files” ever ‘lost it’, and it was still an excellent show all the way through to it’s ending. Bring on Season 8.

Disc 1:
The Sixth Extinction
The Sixth Extinction II: Amor Fati
Hungry
Millenium
One minute International clips in German, Japanese and Italian for The Sixth Extinction II: Amor Fati episode
Deleted Scene from The Sixth Extinction II: Amor Fati

Disc 2:
Rush
The Goldberg Variation
Orison
The Amazing Maleeni
One minute International clips in German, Japanese and Italian for The Amazing Maleeni episode
Deleted Scene from Orison

Disc 3:
Signs and Wonders
Sein Und Zeit
Closure
X-Cops
One minute International clips in German, Japanese and Italian for Closure episode
Deleted Scenes from Signs and Wonders and Closure

Disc 4:
First Person Shooter
Theef
En Ami
Chimera
Commentary by Chris Carter for First Person Shooter episode
Deleted Scenes from Theef and En Ami
One minute International clips in German, Japanese and Italian for En Ami

Disc 5:
all things
Brand X
Hollywood A.D.
Fight Club
Commentary by Gillian Anderson for all things episode
One minute International clips in German, Japanese and Italian for Hollywood A.D. episode

Disc 6:
Je Souhaite
Requiem
All new documentary – The Truth About Season 7 (30 min)
Commentary by Vince Gilligan for Je Souhaite episode
Deleted Scenes from Requiem
Deleted Scenes from The Sixth Exinction: Amor Fati, Orison, Signs and Wonders, Closure, Theef, En Ami, Hollywood A.D. and Requiem episodes with optional commentary by Chris Carter
The X-Files Profiles; A.D. Skinner and Samantha Mulder
13 Special Effects Featurettes with Commentary by Paul Rabwin
44 TV Spots
An exciting new all-new DVD-Rom Game
Playstation 2 Game Preview
One minute International clips in German, Japanese and Italian for Requiem episode

Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson
Extras: (See Disc Listings Above)
Specifications: Widescreen (1.78:1), Dolby Surround
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 5/13/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The X-Files - Season 7 an A.