When the X-Files went off the air in 2002, an audible groan could be heard from every man, woman, and child who loved science fiction. X-Files provided the viewer with some of the most in-depth conspiracy theories that one could imagine. The show’s fiction seemed to almost transcend reality, leaving everyone to consider that the on-screen happenings could, in fact, be real. Other than the episode with the guy who can use absorb lightning and the giant trash monster, the material stayed grounded to realistic roots. Even the theme “The Truth is Out There” describes the work that astronomers and scientists follow every day.
The announcement that X-Files will be returning to the air in 2016 with a 6-episode commitment reignited our imaginations in the world of science fiction. Everyone who followed the show aligned themselves with the ever-curious Mulder or the grounded Scully. We laughed at the quirkiness of The Lone Gunmen and cringed at the condescending Assistant Director Skinner. And we all shivered a bit when the “Cigarette Smoking Man” found his way in front of the camera. Known by his real name C.G.B. Spender, the antagonist of X-Files always found himself disrupting the work of Mulder and Scully. His constant on-screen domination reminded us that no matter how hard our heroes would try, he would put a wrench in their plans. Sometimes manipulating, sometimes barricading, Spender loomed like a ghost over Mulder and Scully. Unfortunately for C.G.B., his health took a massive dip in the final episode. He was last seen in New Mexico and assumed dead after a helicopter strike took out his home.
However, the new poster for the X-Files reveals that the Cigarette Smoking Man may still live. We see the slogan “Trust No One” hovering over a shadow of someone smoking a cigarette. Now, it could be some completely random guy that the creators will introduce, but that is highly unlikely. I am excited to see if the Cigarette Smoking Man does live and what type of shape he is in. Remember, he was close to his death bed near the end of the series. Is this someone working for him with a similar demeanor? We will found out soon enough.
