X-PHILES: IMAGINATIONS OF MILLENNIAL ANXIETIES.

Critical examinations of the television program 'The X-Files' support the contention that its formula for success included narrative originality, social commentary and cultural resonance to a degree rare in prime time network commercial entertainment television, but not so uncommon within the tradition of TV science fiction. Science fiction in broadcast history, although neglected critically for its associations with the populist leanings of genre criticism on one hand and the lowbrow reputation of broadcasting on the other, is rich with examples of memorable and enduring programming. It would thus appear not inappropriate to seek to situate 'The X-Files' as the textual benchmark for science fiction TV and film, in relation to the place of science fiction in post September 11, 2001 America.