UNCUT - The X-Files S1E16 - Young at Heart

The X-Files show as you guys can see was so good that EVERYBODY was watching it when it came out.

Reggie was great. I wish they hadn't killed him, so he could've been an occasional recurring character.

One thing I don't understand. Mulder asked the tech to "de-age" Barnett...but couldn't they just pull some photos of the actual Barnett when he was younger? A driver's license maybe? School yearbook? (No social media back then, but I'm sure they raided his apartment when they caught him.)

I forgot this one. It's amazing how slick and well made this show is. It's not really surprising it went on to be such a mega hit. Not one of my favourite episodes but still perfectly enjoyable.

The OST in this episode was wild, so intense, genuinely creepy, even feeling kind of unholy. Nice.

I honestly can't think off the top of my head of an individual X-Files episode that's really terrible. I think Space, Ghost in the Machine, and Fire are the worst ones for a long time. That said though, there does come a time where the show quality in general goes significantly downhill. But fans disagree on exactly when that starts, and how bad it gets. For me, it's seasons 8 and 9. I definitely think those seasons have more bad episodes than good. But up until then, I think the show is pretty solid. Maybe a few controversial "love it or hate it" episodes here and there.

Space was the worst episode. So bad that J and A forgot about it.

as the music nerd who that was my main focus watching the series the first time, it continues to be absolutely awesome to get to go through it again with whole new layers of insight on other aspects of how it all fit together :) and as you said, "not a home run, but pretty damn good" like a lot of them (though oh boy am I looking forward to next week's)

QUESTION? Would you guys prefer episodes all with consistent caliber of As and Bs or episodes with highs and lows with Ss and Cs or even Ds?

This was always a forgettable episode for me, not even sure why 😄

Loved this episode. One of my early seasons highlights along with Beyond the Sea.

These X-Files reactions are rapidly becoming a highlight of each week. When everything else feels shitty, it's fun to come hang out with the Target Audience boys for some Mulder/Scully fun. Thanks, guys!

I like this episode, a lot. One other thing I liked that was not mentioned, is when Mulder and Scully are walking down the hallway, in the correctional facility, with the man in the wheelchair, one of the correctional officers gets by and tell Scully "excuse me mam". This makes it feel more like a natural.

Very good episode IMO, and your analysis is great.

Star Trek always tries to explain everything and leave no questions. (some times unsuccessfully) The X-Files doesn't. You guys are still in the shallow end of the pool, slowly wading into the deep end. Did you bring your water-wings?

I'm the dude that said you'll end up liking X-Files more than Star Trek...I stand by that...No spoilers I've reviewed the next 4 episodes all good and very eclectic different type episodes...remember when a show is pitched they typically have a pilot and 3 or 4 written episodes including Star Trek plus a few not written but thought out plot lines....then pros who regularly write for episodic TV will submit scripts particularly those connected to the producer show runners etc...if a show clicks some professional writers will submit unsolicited scripts on speculation.. sometimes like in Star Trek you run out of scripts and you make do with rejected scripts or just hurry up and write something...X-Files had the same problem...I believe we are already past the we got nothing good ready to go script phase...X-Files was a hit on the weakest network...your 1st objective is not get canceled in the 1st 3 weeks which happens if you have disastrous ratings...the remake of Night Stalker got canceled early for bad ratings...I luved the remake...X-Files knew well before week 13 the half way mark they were going to get a full 26 episodes...Fox network was happy Remember they didn't want Gillian Anderson they wanted a name actress...X-Files got notoriety in a good way....audiences were younger better educated and most importantly higher income Advertisers luv that...so X-Files did not lack for good source material scripts....I luv Star Trek especially TOS but seriously episodes involving Nazis...Romans...Abe Lincoln Chicago gangsters and a duplicate world with the pledge of allegiance were part of Star Trek...still a well written series but they had filler shows....I believe we are past the X-File filler shows although late late season I think there was some weaker episodes but only in comparison to the great ones that you still haven't even seen yet...cheers

I recognise that theatre from its role in... a different prominent science fiction series also shot in Vancouver...

One thing that stuck out for me when I first watched this episode. Barnet looked a lot younger than I expected.

Jeez. You made me buy this season (and I will future ones) on Prime. HOW DARE YOU make me spend money to really enjoy some very fun and entertaining episodes of a great show and great reactions to it. It is almost like enjoying something has value.

I think the director deliberately shot it cinematic in style, which was encouraged by Chris Carter for all directors. Carter did the rewrite but his friend, Scott Kaufer, wrote the original story.

Just spent the last few days watching your reactions for this show up until now, been wanting to rewatch this show for years and never really had the time, but I think I can now fit in one a week with you blokes. I know I'm 16 episodes late but lets fuckin' go!

One of my favorites of season one. Glad you guys enjoyed it!

Now, that week passed a little quicker - yay! More X-Files! Great episode which pitches Mulder against a known foe. The potential supernatural plot established gives way to something more grounded, well in sci-fi terms anyway, and reveals more of Mulder's past. What's not to love? They cover quite a lot of ground in 45 minutes and craft a fun mystery/thriller. Cameo from both Deepthroat and the Smoking Man - always about where certain interests are involved. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.