'The X-Files' truth is in 2-hour finale
By Dennis Hunt, special for USA TODAY

AUDIO CLIP David Duchovny and Chris Carter reflect on The X-Files

"This was such a special series, I didn't want it to just limp along," says creator and executive producer Chris Carter about The X-Files. But limp along it has, at least in the Nielsens during the past two seasons. So, after nine years and a viewership that reached a lofty 17.9 million a week at its peak, Carter and Fox agreed early this year to pull the plug on the paranormal — and more than a little paranoid — landmark series about a team of FBI agents who investigate eerie cases. Former co-star David Duchovny, who left after a limited role last season, returns for Sunday's two-hour finale (8 p.m. ET/PT).

With co-star Gillian Anderson and new cast members Robert Patrick and Annabeth Gish, X-Files' ratings fell this season to 8.6 million weekly. "Duchovny was central to that show," says David Bushman, curator of the Museum of Television & Radio. "He was really missed."

In addition to the intrigue of an alien-government conspiracy, fans loved the interplay between skeptical, scientific Dana Scully (Anderson) and the maverick Fox Mulder (Duchovny). "There was a special chemistry," says Anderson. "You can't duplicate it. You can bring in other characters and hope the audiences will like the new relationships."

Recent past aside, The X-Files' spot in TV history is assured. "It ranks as one of the most memorable shows of all time," Bushman says; TV Guide placed the series 37th on its list of the all-time Top 50 shows.

Over the years, the labyrinthine mysteries of Scully and Mulder have grown ever more complex, even as fans have left. Have the questions been answered?

• Who was the father of Scully's baby? "If Scully is barren — and she is in the show — how is it that she could have had a miracle child? We've sort of said that it's possible that it's Mulder's child," Carter says.
• What happened to Mulder's sister? "She's in the spirit world. But there's more. It will be clearly defined in the final episode."
• What was Cancer Man's relationship to Mulder? "That remains somewhat inconclusive, but the sense is that he's Mulder's father."

In short, the truth is still out there — at least till Sunday, and maybe longer if a movie deal materializes. "Nothing is set, but I think it'll happen," Carter says.

Article courtesy of USA Today.