The X Files: Season 8 [DVD] [1994]

The big talking point of this season was obviously David Duchovny's absence for half of the episodes and the full time inclusion of the wonderful Robert Patrick as Special Agent John Doggett, Scullys new partner.
As far as the show is concerned of the 21 episodes there wasn't a bad episode to be found. With Patrick's inclusion the show had very much reverted back to horror roots with very easily some of the greatest stand-alones ever. "Paitence", "Roadrunners", "Invocation", "Redrum", "Badlaa" and "Medusa" are all examples of The X Files at it's terrifing best. Two stand-out episodes this year were both Doggett centric episodes, proving what an incredible asset Robert Patrick was, in "Via Negativa" Doggett and Skinner team up to investigate a series of grusome and unexpained deaths and in "The Gift" Doggett comes across a case that Mulder hid from Scully and the FBI and which may shed light on the reasons for his dissapearance. This episode also marks the return of David Duchovny.

Season 8 was also the most mytholgy laden year of the nine, ranging from the search for Mulder in the incedible two-part season opener "Within/Without" to his return in "This Is Not Happening" (which happens to have the best cliffhanger ever) and "DeadAlive". Mulder's search for answers to his dissapearance in "Three Words", the unexplained death of Doggett's son in "Empedocles", the retun of the black oil in probably the most visually stunning episode ever "Vienen" to the mysteries of Scullys pregnancy in "Per Manum" and then her delivery in the brilliant action packed two-part season finale "Essence/Existence". Amidst all the mytholgy episode towards the end of the season there was room for one fantastic stand-alone episode, "Alone". Written and Directed by Frank Spotnitz this is a must see for any fan.

I really can't begin to say enough about season 8, it was a show very much re-energised and re-focused to doing what The X Files dose best, the acting all round was incredible, Robert Patrick and Gillian Anderson(this was easily her finest year) were incredible and the two work wonderfully together, and even though I wasn't missing him it was great to see David Duchovny back as Mulder and the chemistry between he and Robert Patrick is something that has to be seen to be believed. One other thing that made this season all the better was the increased inclusion of surrounding characters. A.D. Skinner played brilliantly by Mitch Pileggi had his busiest year, Krycheck was back with a bang, Deputy Director Kersh was back, last seen in season 6, The Lone Gunmen showed up now and again to lend a helping hand to the new guy and finally the introduction of Special Agent Monica Reyes who would be seen alot more in season 9.
Anyway it really dosen't matter how much I write I could never do this season justice or the work of everybody involved so buy it and experience it for yourself, I garauntee you will not be dissapointed.

The first half of the season sees Scully searching for Mulder and trying to cope with a new partner - John Dogget (Robert Patrick). Their relationship is uneasy at first and Scully finds herself in the position of playing the believer to Dogget's skeptic. Of course they slowly become an effective, equal, partnership (which is something that Scully perhaps didn't always have with the independent, headstrong, intuitive Mulder). After months of worry and searching, Mulder is returned to Scully but the poor woman is confused when Mulder doesn't seem happy to be back and starts feeling guilty/defensive about her partnership with Dogget, whose presence on the X Files Mulder resents.

The new characters (Dogget and the slightly batty Reyes) injected fresh life to the series. It is almost impossible not to respect Patrick's Dogget, no matter how much you love Mulder, and Gillian Anderson is on top form portraying a Scully whose emotions are pulled all over the place during this season. Duchovny is wonderful, of course, and although his scenes with Anderson are as good as ever, it is in the scenes with Patrick that he really shines. It's refreshing to see Mulder not just slipping back into place when he returns but rather coming to terms, not only with what happened to him but the fact that life - including the X Files - moved on in his absence.

The stories are excellent, very reminiscent of earlier seasons with standalone episodes and memorable characters.

This is a great season of The X Files. Don't be put off by the lack of Mulder, I think you'll be surprised at how quickly you warm to the changes. I hope you give it a chance.