If there were ever a show that connected with Generation X through its distrust of institutions, then Chris Carter's super-natural detective show The X-Files would definitely be it. The investigations of FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully into the paranormal were designed for a generation raised on stories of Watergate & Kennedy conspiracies with a healthy dose of Area 51 intrigue. This is the generation that grew up with Star Wars and Close Encounters and was always willing to consider the possibility of the supernatural. Thus, the serious mistrust and skepticism Gen Xers were inclined to have toward institutions like government made it easy to trust in a rebellious FBI agent like Mulder. So, now, at a time of increased skepticism and an all-time low of faith in government, FoxTV is going to capitalize on Gen X nostalgia churned up by the return of Star Wars, and viewers will get a short 6-episode mini-series of The X-Files.
There will be plenty to like, and probably much to complain about. But it will all be worth it for Gen X viewers who will argue and debate the past and future of Mulder's investigations. And, just for fun, David Marcus of The Federalist magazine crafted a great reminder of why The X-Files is the perfect show for Generation X. Can't wait to see the commentary. Also, it's worth mentioning again that 2016 represents the quarter-century mark for the most pivotal year in the defining of a generation.
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