The X-Files: Season 9

The ninth season of the American science fiction television series The X-Files commenced airing in the United States on November 11, 2001, concluded on May 19, 2002, and consists of twenty episodes. Season nine takes place after Fox Mulder’s leave after the events of the eight season finale, “Existence”. Mulder is in hiding during the whole season, with the exception of the series finale, “The Truth”.

Season nine received mixed to positive reviews by critics but garnered overwhelming negative reaction from many long-time fans and viewers, partially because David Duchovny did not make regular appearances on the show, after fulfilling his contract in the previous season. Duchovny appeared in only two episodes this season. Previous recurring characters Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish) and Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) were billed as main characters for this season, which follows Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), John Doggett (Robert Patrick) and Reyes on their hunt to reveal a government conspiracy who are creating “Super Soldiers”.

Series creator Chris Carter believed that the show could continue for another ten years with new leads, and the opening credits were accordingly redesigned again. During the airing of season eight, Carter and The X-Files production team created and aired a spinoff titled The Lone Gunmen. The show was unsuccessful and was cancelled before any story arcs were resolved. The episode “Jump the Shark” was created to give closure to the series.