The Show:

Season Five was the X-Files at the peak of its popularity. It had received tons critical acclaim, including quite a few Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actor's Guild awards. It was Fox's top rated television show, consistently ranking in the top 10 shows every week. In the summer between seasons 4 and 5 the X-Files feature film had been shot, to be released to theaters at the end of season 5. The show was absolutely on top of the world! All that being said, you know what they say about there only being one direction to go after you reach the top...

The X-Files television show followed the investigations of FBI Agents Fox Mulder (played by David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). The X-Files were cases that could not be solved by conventional means -- cases that the FBI had given up upon. Mulder investigated the cases with a view toward the paranormal, Scully with a view toward the scientific. The writing was clever and intelligent, the characters unique and endearing. The show received mountains of critical acclaim (a first for a show of the "Sci-Fi" genre) and ultimately became part of our pop-culture. The show lasted for 9 seasons (although it should have ended after season 7 -- but I digress).

The Fifth Season:

Mulder: "One more anal-probing, gyro-pyro levitating ecoplasm alien anti-matter story and I'm going to take out my gun and shoot somebody."
Scully: "Well... I guess I'm done here. You seem to have invalidated your own work. Have a nice life!"
- Patient X

So what makes the fifth season so special? Originally airing from November 2nd, 1997 to May 17th, 1998, season five continued the excellent storytelling from the previous seasons, but the fifth season to me represents a season of taking chances and trying new things. From new formats (such as the black and white "Post-Modern Prometheus") to guest-writers (famous authors Stephen King and William Gibson each pen an episode), the guys at Ten Thirteen tried to keep things fresh and interesting on their 5-year-old show. For the first time the writers knew exactly where the season was going -- because it ultimately had to build-up to the movie that they had shot at the end of Season 4.

Season five's "Mythology" episodes (which make up the continuing storyline that forms the backbone of the show), continued to answer a few questions, while posing new ones. By this time I think many people had given up on the mythology. It was too convoluted, and was at odds with itself in a number of places. That being said, the mythology episodes of season five were very entertaining and pretty well-received. Scully's cancer arc, started in season four, was resolved (quite nicely) at the beginning of season five. New characters, such as Cassandra Spender, her FBI Agent son Jeffrey, and cute little Gibson Praise, were introduced. Krycek and Marita Covarrubias also pop up occasionally to cause trouble. A new type of alien was introduced -- the alien-rebel, or "faceless" alien.

One change that fell a bit flat for me what the whole "Mulder as a non-believer" storyline. Affected by some of what he had learned at the end of season four, Mulder now believed that aliens were not real, that UFO stories were made up by the government to disguise some of their actions against the populace. It continued for much of the fifth season, and was rather unbelievable to most long-time X-Files fans (myself included).

Looking back now, Season Five makes me a bit melancholy. It represents a lot of "lasts" for me. It was the last season that was filmed in Vancouver, Canada (seasons 6-9 were filmed in Los Angeles) with a crew that had become like a family to each other. It was the last season that, taken as a whole, maintained the high standards in storytelling and quality that I had come to expect from The X-Files. Seasons six and seven were okay (seasons eight and nine were not), but there was just something missing -- something hard to put my finger on. It was the last season where I got a sense of pure joy from watching the show.

A shortened season, due to the movie's filming and production, Season Five still manages to include a very high quotient of "classic" episodes ("Redux/Redux II", "Detour", "Post-Modern Prometheus", "Bad Blood", among others), and a very few duds ("Travelers" is my least-favorite episode of the Mulder/Scully era).

Fifth Season Awards:
~ The X-Files tied with ER for the most Emmy nominations with 16 total (including Best Dramatic Series, Best Actor, Best Actress, Writing, Directing, Cinematography, Guest Actress, etc). They won two technical Emmys (Art-Direction and Single-Camera Picture Editing).
~ The X-Files WON the Golden Globe award for Best Television Series (Drama). Duchovny and Anderson were also nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress.
~ The X-Files receives Screen Actor's Guild Award nominations for outstanding male actor, female actor, and ensemble cast in a drama series.

DVD Technical Specs:

Mulder: "I think nature is supremely indifferent to whether we live or die. I mean if you're lucky you get 75 years. If you're really lucky you get 80 years. And if you're extraordinarily lucky you get to have 50 of those years with a decent head of hair."
- Detour

This set includes 6 single-sided, dual-layered discs.

5 discs contain 4 episodes apiece (along with deleted scenes and international clips) in the original airing order. The 6th disc contains bonus features.

The bonus features can also be accessed while watching the episodes they come from by selecting the "X" that appears at the bottom of the screen (like the "Follow the white rabbit" scenes from the Matrix DVD).

The discs run for approximately 960 minutes (that's 20 episodes at 48 minutes apiece).

The episodes have 15 chapters per episode.

English and French audio tracks are in Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo surround. Subtitles are in English and Spanish.

The video quality is wonderful! Hurray for widescreen! The episodes look great in 16x9, presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The surround sound quality is very good as well.

The packaging is very clever (when introduced with the first-season set it won an award). A slip-cover holds the gate-fold packaging closed, with X-Files images and quotes decorate every available inch of space required to hold all 6 discs. You can see a graphic of the packaging if you follow the official Season 5 DVD Set link at the bottom of this review.

A "collector's edition" booklet is also included with the discs, listing episode titles and chapter stops, as well as titles and air-dates for the first eight seasons.

The Discs:

Mulder: "I know people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones blah blah blah, but that guy is paranoid!"
- All Souls

~~Disc One:

Redux (5x02) - A continuation of last season's cliff-hanger, Scully tells her superiors that Mulder is dead, giving Mulder the change to infiltrate a facility in search of a cure for Scully's cancer. (MizGnomer's Episode Rating: A)

Redux II (5x03) - With Scully near death, Mulder is presented with a desperate choice -- work for the Cigarette Smoking Man and he will let Mulder see his sister and will save Scully's life. The acting in this episode is truly fantastic, particularly from Duchovny's grief-stricken Mulder. The cancer-arc is resolved in a particularly satisfying way, given the gravity of the disease and its affect on so many peoples' lives. (My grade: A-plus)

Unusual Suspects (5x01) - Writer Vince Gilligan was given a difficult task - with Duchovny and Anderson busy finishing-up filming on the X-File movie, there needed to be an episode with little or no Mulder and Scully. Vince decided to write about the origin of The Lone Gunmen -- three paranoid conspiracy theorists who help Mulder. Set in 1989, this episode is a very cute look into how the guys met and became who they are today. (My grade: A)

Detour (5x04) - On their way to an FBI convention, Mulder and Scully stop to investigate a deadly predator. This episode's antagonist is a bit lame and is not well-explained, but the surrounding story is so much fun and the interaction between Mulder and Scully so fantastic that I can overlook a lame monster. The great banter (and hearing Scully sing "Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog") makes for a really fun episode! (My grade: A-plus)

~~Disc Two:

Post-Modern Prometheus (5x06) - Mulder and Scully visit rural Indiana where a spate of odd pregnancies is attributed to a modern-day Frankenstein. Entirely in black-and-white (as a tribute to old horror movies), this episode is a touching blend of horror, comedy, and comic-book. An odd yet touching story with a bit of Cher and a "fantasy" ending. (My grade: A-plus)

Christmas Carol (5x05) - Spending the holidays with her family, Scully is haunted by the voice of her dead sister, a voice that leads her to a mysterious young girl. Mulder-lite (again due to movie-filming), this episode is an interesting look into Scully's past and some insight into her mind, however some continuity blunders and character-torture leave a sour taste. Anderson does an excellent job with the material. (My grade: C)

Emily (5x07) - In this continuation from "Christmas Carol", Scully tries to protect the young girl from those who "created" her, while Mulder tries to determine how the girl came to be. I'm not a big fan of this episode -- continuity blunders and out-of-character behaviors combined with a sad story and no hope of a happy ending. I don't like mega-victim Scully -- she's such a strong female character I don't like seeing her this way. (My grade: C)

Kitsunegari (5x08) - an old adversary escapes from prison and is seeking his favorite target -- Mulder. This highly anticipated episode was a bit of a let-down. The returning villain from season 3's "Pusher" was a big fan-favorite, but this episode pales in comparison to "Pusher", and only serves to weaken a character that was such a powerful presence before. Not a bad episode, but not a great one (like "Pusher" was). (My grade: B)

~~Disc Three:

Schizogeny (5x09) - a teenage is blamed for his step-father's death, however Mulder and Scully suspect a greater evil. A mediocre episode -- okay but nothing thrilling. (My grade: C)

Chinga (5x10) - While on vacation in Maine, Scully is unwillingly brought in on a case involving odd deaths surrounding a young girl. Written by Stephen King, this story was not as scary as I had hoped or expected (although earlier drafts of King's script, available on-line, are quite good and entertaining). (My grade: C)

Kill Switch (5x11) - Mulder and Scully investigate the strange death of a computer genius and must race against time to "kill" a sentient computer program before it terminates its creators. I've read a few William Gibson books and am a big fan of cyber-punk, and for me this episode was a fun, albeit far-fetched, romp. (My grade: A-)

Bad Blood (5x12) - Mulder and Scully both attempt to explain their parts in a vampire investigation in Texas. One of my favorite X-Files episodes of all-time (as well as a huge fan-favorite, usually winning the FX opinion polls). You might think that seeing the same story twice (told once from Scully's point-of-view and once from Mulder's) might get a bit old, but this story is just so funny! We get to see how Mulder and Scully see themselves and each other, and how both viewpoints serve to solve the case. Guest star Luke Wilson does a great job (in both viewpoints) as the sexy/idiotic sheriff. An excellent, funny, clever story that is a pure joy to watch! (My grade: A-plus)

~~Disc Four:

Patient X (5x13) - A woman claiming to be an alien-abductee, odd behavior from Scully, and a series of horrific mass killings all over the world cause non-believer Mulder to rethink his new position on alien life. An excellent addition to the mythology storyline introduces us to the characters of Cassandra Spender (Veronica Cartwright) and her son Jeffery and continues to explore Scully's experiences as an abductee. (My grade: A)

The Red and the Black (5x14) - after Scully survives a mass-burning of previous alien abductees, Mulder continues to delve into the conspiracy surrounding extraterrestrials. A very satisfying conclusion to "Patient X", answering some questions and posing others. (My grade: A)

Travelers (5x15) - In another flash-back episode, we get to see Agent Arthur Dales investigate an X-File involving Mulder's father. I'm not a fan of this episode at all. It has tons of annoying continuity blunders, as well as other stuff thrown in just to make fans scratch their heads (Mulder sporting a wedding ring?). A Mulder-lite, no-Scully episode that does not have a good story to back it up -- definitely worth missing. (My grade: D)

Mind's Eye (5x16) - The agents investigate a murder that appears to have been committed by a blind woman. With an excellent performance by guest-star Lili Taylor, this is a good story with an interesting dilemma. (My grade: B)

~~Disc Five:

All Souls (5x17) - Mulder and Scully investigate the strange deaths of a group of identical, handicapped girls -- but the investigation forces Scully to confront certain issues. A nice exploration of Scully's balance between science and faith. (My grade: B)

The Pine Bluff Variant (5x18) - A terrorist group is experimenting with biological warfare, and Agent Mulder is acting awfully suspicious. A surprisingly good episode, complete with undercover-Mulder and some gruesome biological experiments. Fast-paced and interesting throughout, with some excellent twists and turns. (My grade: A)

Folie A Deux (5x19) - The agents investigate a delusional man who thinks his boss is a monster. In my opinion this is one of the most under-rated X-Files episodes. I simply love it! It actually made me want to sleep with the lights on! Scary without crossing over into cheesy, with some good Mulder/Scully interaction to boot! (My grade: A)

The End (5x20) - Mulder and Scully may finally have proof of the paranormal, but will their proof make it out alive? Young Gibson Praise is an excellent addition to the mythology as a gifted mind-reader. A very good finale, ending with the burning of Mulder's office and his beloved X-Files. (My grade: A)

~~Disc Six (and the other extras):

The Truth About Season Five:
This is an all-new, 20-minute documentary featuring interviews with creator Chris Carter and many of the writers, various crew, and some cast members (including Lone Gunman Dean Haglund and guest stars Veronica Cartwright and Mimi Rogers), it is a great behind-the-scenes look at many of the episodes.

Inside the X-Files:
This is a 46-minute documentary that aired on Fox near the end of the fifth season to prepare new fans for the upcoming movie. It includes nice interviews with Duchovny and Anderson, as well as an explanation of the mythology to-date. Some, but not all, of this footage is available on the X-Files: Fight the Future DVD.

The X-Files: Behind the Scenes:
A quick, 3-minute "featurette" about the show. More of a commercial than anything else.

11 Behind the Truth Segments:
These are behind-the-scenes specials, each approximately a minute long, that aired before the episodes when the series began running in syndication on FX. I wish I had known that these clips would be available someday, as I spent a lot of time trying to catch all of the spots on video when they first aired on FX. I'm a huge behind-the-scenes junkie, so I absolutely love these short specials.

Deleted Scenes:
Most of the deleted scenes are accompanied by an optional commentary track by Chris Carter, who explains why the scenes were cut (usually due to time constraints).
~ Post-Modern Prometheus - cut bit (during the "happy diner" scene) with a dachshund and hot-dog vendor Johnny Weiner.
~ Post-Modern Prometheus - cut bit (during the "angry diner" scene) with the return of the dachshund and Johnny Weiner.
~ Christmas Carol - Scully first meets Emily
~ The Red and the Black - good scene - Mulder commits to Scully
~ All Souls - Scully meets the Piernoffs
~ All Souls - After Scully sees the seraphim

Special Effects Clips:
Each clip contains commentary by Producer Paul Rabwin.
~ Emily - Scully turns into sand
~ Chinga - Frozen Dave Elements
~ Chinga - Scully tattoo removal
~ Patient X - Ship in N.Y. harbor
~ The Red and the Black - Space ship flyover
~ Travelers - Putting actors into McCarthy news footage
~ All Souls - Seraphim head morph
~ Folie A Deux - Bug-man tests

40 TV Commercials:
For each episode there are two commercials (one promo-spot is 10 seconds long, the other is 20 seconds).

DVD ROM features:
Similar to the games on the previous seasons' DVD Boxed Sets, this time called "Earthbound". The game is part trivia quiz, part puzzle, and part episode guide. Players can investigate Mulder and Scully's multimedia case files. The game requires a DVD-ROM drive, Shockwave, and Windows 95 or higher.

"International" Clips (available only on the episodic discs):
These are episode clips with the voices dubbed in Japanese, German, Italian, and Castilian Spanish. The featured episodes are Redux, Christmas Carol, Kill Switch, Patient X, and The End.

Optional Commentary Tracks (available only on the episodic discs):
~~ Post-Modern Prometheus - commentary by Chris Carter.
~~ Pine Bluff Variant - commentary by writer John Shiban.

Cast/Crew Listings (available only on the episodic discs):
Each disc contains a special listing of the cast and crew for the episodes on that disc.

Final Thoughts:

Mulder: "That is... essentially... exactly the way it happened."
Scully: "Essentially..."
Mulder: "Except for the part about the buck teeth."
- Bad Blood

The only negative I can come up with on this DVD set is that I wish there were even more extras! While this set really has tons of extras, and the movie-stuff in particular is a nice addition, most rabid X-Philes are still longing for the wonderful gag-reels and know of other deleted scenes that would have been absolutely fabulous additions to this already fantastic set.

While this DVD set is an absolute must for any obsessed X-Phile, it is also a great way for casual fans or those who came to the show in later seasons to get caught up with the characters and the show's "mythology". You can't count on re-runs -- both the Sci-Fi channel and TNT cut out pieces of the episodes in reruns, just so they can air more commercials. I highly recommend this set to anyone (although newbies to the show might want to get the previous seasons' DVD sets first).

Web sites of interest:
Official X-Files Website: http://www.thex-files.com
Official Season 5 DVD Site: http://www.x-filesseason5dvd.com

Related X-Files DVD Set Reviews:
First Season
Second Season
Third Season
Fourth Season
Sixth Season
Seventh Season
Eighth Season


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older