Synopsis
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are still reeling from the death of their son William, but cautiously joyous about Scully’s unexpected pregnancy. Determined to raise this child together, Mulder and Scully struggle to find meaning away from the X-Files as they navigate the uncertain waters of their relationship. Then the FBI asks for their help tracking down two mysterious serial killers: one who seems to be able to control electricity, and another who disappears from the scene of the crime in what witnesses describe as a puff of smoke. It’s enough for the Bureau to re-open the X-Files—if Mulder and Scully are willing.
They reluctantly agree, cautious about what it might mean for them and their unborn child but determined to find justice for the killers’ victims. But their return to the X-Files sparks the interest of a shadowy cabal, the heirs to the now-dead Syndicate, and Mulder and Scully soon discover that their investigation is connected to a worldwide threat on an unprecedented scale . . . one with their own future at its heart.
Review
If you’ve had a conversation with me for longer than thirty minutes, odds are you’ve been made aware of my love for “The X-Files.” It’s a series that has been a constant over my twenty-five years of life and arguably shaped me in tremendous ways from my love for horror, my interest of the inexplicable, and maybe even my career choice. And while most of my reviews belong to the horror genre, I couldn’t help but make an exception for the recent release of Claudia Gray’s novel, Perihelion. Picking up right where season eleven left us in 2018, we see that Scully and Mulder have a lot on their plate, namely dealing with the life-altering revelations of My Struggle IV. Of course, the one consistent factor that remains is the duo’s ties to the FBI, the fate of the X-Files themselves in a state of limbo. Pulled right back in once again, Scully and Mulder begin to investigate two series of killings that of course have greater ramifications than meets the eye.
In the modern age of reboots, there’s some understandable fatigue around the idea of constantly revisiting franchises that have run their course. I’m the first in line to lobby for more original concept pieces of media, but I can whole heartedly say I will never be “done” with “The X-Files” as a franchise as evidenced by Perihelion. Gray’s writing affords us the rare luxury of having an inside, emotional look at the state of the FBI’s most unwanted. Sure, Chris Carter has given us nuggets here and there on our screens relating to the intricacies of Mulder and Scully’s relationship, but not quite like this. Gray’s thorough writing feels undoubtably true to the Mulder and Scully I have come to know and love, something that can be tricky when continuing a franchise in this way.
Whatever your opinion is surrounding the state of “The X-Files” currently, there is one thing that is abundantly clear with this novel. Claudia Gray’s level of attention and detail is paramount to the success of this chapter of Mulder and Scully’s lives, something that makes sense and ultimately feels believable. Perhaps my favorite aspect of her writing of these beloved characters is the recognition of trauma for both Scully and Mulder regarding their time on the X-Files. I can’t express how refreshing this vulnerable look at these two characters feels after sticking through eleven seasons and two movies riddled with loss. These are aspects that feel the most human and most important to their character development yet have lacked on the screen in favor of propulsive plots. Make no mistake here, Gray’s plot structure and creation of new conflict is brilliant as well. However, this is equally balanced with a tenderness that is so welcome and needed.
In a way, this review feels like my love letter to a franchise that has captured my heart and mind for years, a thank you to Claudia Gray for delivering a novel that satisfies and delivers on so many fronts. I guess this is also my resounding plea to let there be more of these novels, more exploration into the unending ripple effects of Cancer Man’s schemes, and more time unpacking Mulder and Scully as characters. Maybe this is a selfish ask, but the world of “The X-Files” is riddled with potential for stories that have gone untold, ones that should be explored in the overly capable hands of Claudia Gray. The truth is still out there nearly thirty years later, and I am more than committed to sticking around to find it.
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