With The X-Files FAQ, John Kenneth Muir presents us with a well-written, if at times exhaustive, look back at our favorite show. The book covers all nine seasons and two movies, going so far as to delve into precursors, spin-offs, and homages that would later be produced. The X-Files FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About Global Conspiracy, Aliens, Lazarus Species, and Monsters of the Week is a result of either painstaking research, or abiding love. I suspect it’s a combination of the two.
We have a copy of John’s book to giveaway, so read on for details and our full review.
The X-Files FAQ is a comprehensive guide to the series and a must-have for a lapsed fan looking to catch up before the premiere of season ten, or perhaps a new Phile, looking to supplement their viewing and bone up on the basics before the madness begins in January of 2016. I want to note up front that this book is detailed. So, that being said, Avast! Thar be spoilers ayonder! If you’ve somehow managed to stay X-Files free for the past twenty odd years, you’ve been warned.
As an avid fan, I have to admit that I skimmed some parts of the book. A heavy portion recaps the notable episodes of each season, which will make an excellent reference guide in the future, but it’s worth noting that though I enjoyed John’s insight into each episode, it was a bit of a slog and included a lot of basic plot outlining which I found somewhat tedious. On the flip-side, my recommended audience for the book might find this section very helpful. New and lapsed Philes alike will surely appreciate the handy wiki to all the pertinent episodes.
What I really appreciated was the television and cultural history that was liberally sprinkled among the facts and figures. Of note: Muir’s comparison between Pax Britannica, the arrival of relative peace and globalism at the turn of the 20th century, and Pax Americana, the Clinton years and the advent of the Internet. I enjoyed the thorough review of the crew’s careers, past and present - although I now have a bone to pick with Mark Snow. Wonder Pets? Really? My child is almost a teenager and I’ve still got that song stuck in my head! - and it goes without saying that the foreword by Chris Carter is a treasure. We get so little from the man, the myth, the mystery that is our ship’s captain, and it was nice to read Carter’s thoughts with the revival soon upon us. It is a love letter to the people responsible for bringing us The X-Files and it made me sigh, a happy little sigh.
Finally, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr Muir’s argument for I Want To Believe. It’s no secret that the fan base is sharply divided over their love and/or hate of the second feature film and I think Muir does a really robust, well thought out, and carefully considered rebuff of some of the chief complaints. As someone who quite liked the film but was sorely disappointed by both the direction Carter chose to take the franchise and the marketing Fox did or maybe more accurately, did not execute, Muir’s analysis gave me some comfort and perhaps even a rallying appreciation for the movie.
Another section of note is Muir’s dissection of the opening credits. All this time, I’d just been whistling merrily along, not really paying attention, and he opened my eyes to the symbolism and thought that went into those few short seconds at the opening of every episode.
Overall, this is a solid guide to The X-Files and would make a great addition to any Phile’s bookshelves.
The X-Files FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About Global Conspiracy, Aliens, Lazarus Species, and Monsters of the Week is available now on Amazon and at Hal Leonard Books
And now for the giveaway!
Are you a lapsed Phile, in need of a refresher course? A new Phile, looking to supplement your viewing? Or maybe you’re just an avid collector who needs every piece of merchandise related to The X-Files. No matter the reason, one lucky Phile will receive a copy of The X-Files FAQ.
Here’s what you need to do:
Tell us how you became a Phile, and why you need a copy of The X-Files FAQ. Then email your answers to
That’s it, easy as pie. The winner will be picked by the staff of XFN.