Introducing our new Midweek columnist -- Wairarapa-born fantasy author Shayla Morgansen, who will be sharing her thoughts on all things to do with "nerd culture", particularly old-school sci-fi.
"Even if coming back turns out to be a bad idea, like a really, really bad idea that makes everyone hate you..."
I think comedian Jimmy Kimmel summed up a lot of our fears when he made this comment during his January 12 Jimmy Kimmel Live skit opposite the adorably in-character David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson of The X-Files.
Rebooting a cult classic is always a big risk, especially one with a fanbase the size of The X-Files -- with more than 11.5 million weekly viewers at the height of its original run. X-Philes across the world had genuine cause for fear for the beloved show. The last attempt to build on the ground-breaking sci-fi/paranormal series was the 2008 cinematic flop I Want To Believe. And no one wants to see their favourite show driven into the ground.
But those pangs of nostalgia! That cliffhanger! While these fears might have been well-founded, the revival has been an overwhelming success, pulling audiences of more than 20 million. The show's Facebook page is an active source of positive fan discussion and Twitter hasn't stopped since the first episode aired on January 24 in the US. Both exploded when the finale left us simultaneously entertained, frustrated and satisfied.
