Rating: 
Summary: Not what some people think...
Review: I really think this season is just as good as 1-6. Sure, Mulder's gone for a while. But what kept me watching was the search for Mulder.Robert Patrick as Agent Doggett comes into the picture, assigned to find Mulder. I really liked his character alot, and he's a better actor than Duchovny. But everyone knows Mulder's the top dog, since this show's been all about him from the beginning. But Doggett was a great character, and I feel he's unjustly maligned by some X-Fans. He really did a great job.
I think people just automatically rejected him because he wasn't Mulder, and I think that's unfair. What a true viewer should look at is how well the show works as a whole with Doggett, and if he's a good character. In my opinion, the response to both is "yes." Also, the conspiracy is taken to a whole new level again. We're introduced to the plot of the alien replacements/replicants/Super Soldiers. They come into play as the aliens' back up plan in case the syndicate failed in making the slave race alien-human hybrids. They failed in season 6, so the aliens took on the responsibility themselves with a new plan. The episodes were all great, and I liked where the mythology went in this season. Searching for Mulder was one of the best ideas the creative team behind The X-Files had, and I think too many fans took that for granted. However, I do feel that the show should've ended with this season and then conclude the alien mythology in a new movie. But alas, that did not happen... Great season, great DVD.
Rating:
Summary: I agree
Review: I think the eighth season of this series was really good. You cannot judge it by one mediocre season(season 9), b/c it was the greatest show on tv! i got into the show about 3 1/2 years ago and i love it! just b/c it had some bad stand alones doesnt mean it was ruined. i have all the seasons except for 9 which i will get soon i hope. the producers just had to figure out a way to get the show to end quickly, they didnt even know if it was going to go on after the end of season 7, but i am glad they did!!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Season 8 -- Not as bad as I originally thought
Review: I was a die hard X-Phile from the first season on. When they started Season 8 and replaced David Duchovny's Mulder with Robert Patrick, I hated it. Hated him. And I especially hated that annoying Monica Reyes character. I swore I wouldn't buy these episodes when they became available. But, because I am also a completist, I had to have Season 8. And I have been watching them in order since I bought the set. I have discovered that even though it is not the same X-Files that it was in the first seasons, it is still a damn good show. I find myself really, really liking Robert Patrick as Agent Doggett. I didn't even really miss Mulder all that much. Sure, there were some real clunkers in this season (Surekill, Salvage and Badlaa...probably the worst three episode stretch ever), but the majority of it was either good, really good, or excellent. You have to admit Via Negativa was really, really good, even though Mulder wasn't in it, and Scully was barely seen. With time, comes wisdom I guess. I think the real test is that even though this isn't one of the best seasons of the show, it is still a whole lot better than what passes for good TV these days. And I'm glad I am such a completist, or I never would have rediscovered this season.
Rating:
Summary: Great season, and, in many ways, better than Seasons 6 and 7
Review: I watched The X-Files since Season 2, saw every single episode since, and caught most Season 1 episodes in reruns. Firstly, I think, on an average episode basis, Seasons 3 and 4 were the best, especially in terms of dialogue. Secondly, the mythologies rose and declined independent of the average quality of a season; Seasons 5, 6, and 7 had some fantastic mythology episodes compared to Season 2 mythology episode style which was slow-paced and boring with poor dialogue, despite its wonderful overall stories. Season 8 added vigor to a mythology series that lost quality after Season 5. In contrast, Season 9 had some high-quality stand-alones, but absolutely horrible mythology episodes, except for the finale which was well-done in style and dialogue, but felt a little uninspired in story. While I agree that the loss of Mulder was somewhat problematic, his and Scully's interaction in Seasons 6 and especially 7 became quite dull, as writers were unable to come up with themes that were different enough or stories that were interesting enough in many cases. The majority of Season 7 episodes were uninspired, though there were some gems, while Season 8 allowed a whole new dynamic. Robert Patrick brought a great, well-acted character to the show. While Scully's reversal feels forced and while Patrick's character may pale in comparison to Mulder, the latter's seven-year run meant that he had lost steam; in short, Season 8 Doggett (Robert Patrick) was far better and more interesting compared to Season 7 Mulder since he was new, interesting, and hadn't been explored. Sure, there are some stinkers, mostly in the middle of the season. However,
Within/Without,
Invocation,
Redrum,
Via Negativa,
The Gift,
This Is Not Happening/DeadAlive
& Essence are all great, dynamic and interesting -- rivalling most episodes found in Season 4. Even Empedocles has great subplot interaction between Monica Reyes, Doggett and the returned Mulder character that is exciting and refreshing. There are some terrible episodes: Roadrunners, Surekill, Savage, Badlaa, but these are no worse than some episodes in Seasons 5 through 7 Middling episodes with nice interaction and dialogue -- even if their overall stories were a bit uninspired -- were:
Patience
Alone with Per Manum,
Three Words,
Vienen,
and Existence continuing the trend started in Season 6 of drawn-out mythologies, with repeated themes and action-oriented scenes to make up for the lack of dramatic innovation. Still, any episodes featuring Mulder have great appeal if only for the dynamic between Mulder and Doggett, and the romantic angle to his relationship with Scully which is very charming. Overall, if you liked Seasons 5 through 7, and aren't fanatical about seeing Mulder for the sake of Mulder, but like good stories and have an open mind, BUY SEASON EIGHT.
Rating: 
Summary: When Good Shows Go Bad, or How To Save Your Money
Review: If the Fox network had created a documentary on the final two seasons of this once-fabulous show, the title would no doubt read "The X-Files: When Good Shows Go Bad." The final two seasons of such a great series that had seven wonderful seasons concluded it *very* much with a whimper rather than the proverbial bang. It is the classic example of everything *wrong* that can possibly be done regarding a film when there are so many more alternatives to the situation. With David Duchovny out of the picture, the most logical option was to stop the series at the end of the seventh season as intended, and proceed with the long-awaited movie franchise while the majority of the fan base was eagerly awaiting it. However, those at the helm chose instead to run the series on television to the ground, replacing Duchovny with Robert Patrick and proceeding to mount an absolutely *vicious* PR campaign simultaneously hailing Patrick's talents and smearing Duchovny's in the process. The results are about as satisfying as replacing a chocolate sundae with a piece of Play-Doh. The seventh season ended painfully with Mulder's abduction but on a promising note with the revelation of Scully's pregnancy. There were several promising turns the series could have taken, which makes the last two seasons all the more painful to watch with every attempt made to effectively replace a duo that has not only endeared themselves effectively to many eager fans, but also earned a huge place in television pop culture as we know it and become an icon of the nineties. It would have been nice had it been left as such. Instead, we have every storyline trying to arouse interest in this new character, convincing us how superior he is to Mulder, and a Scully who is reduced to a whiny, snivelling rag doll for lack of a better phrase. When Mulder finally *does* return, in what creator Chris Carter dubiously referred to as "a very interesting way," it is absolutely vomit-worthy, torturous in more ways than one, and not even worth discussing in a logical manner. Duchovny, on his return, is never given an actual chance to unleash his enormous talent, even to give a sufficient reaction to Scully's pregnancy, but instead is rushed into the regime of ushering in the new characters. In short, his limited appearance is extremely wasted, and the result is a program that in no way, shape or form resembles "The X-Files" known and loved by all, despite the return of a few old characters here and there, such as Gibson Praise and Kersh. This season was painful enough when it was shown on network television for free. To charge so much money for a DVD-set would, at least to me, be an absolute crime even the Cigarette-Smoking Man would disapprove of.
Rating:
Summary: Anderson a stellar performance!!
Review: In my opinion Season 7 should have been the last since we knew
both Anderson and Duchovny were ready to pursue other interests.
But Season 8 closed a lot of story line and developed new ones.
In Per Manum the question of who was the Father of Scully's baby
was finally answered.
The addition of Robert Patrick breathed life into the show creating another sceptic.
But the chemistry between Anderson and Patrick was not seen because in fans minds Mulder was Scully's heart therefore some did not give Patrick and Gish a chance.
The best episodes were the scary ones with Roadrunners,Via Negtiva,Vienen,and Essence and Existence.
The X-Files will go into history as being pop culture many shows are trying to duplicate it but to me there will be only one show.
Again Anderson shows that she is a phenominal actress and she can hold her own no matter who they decide to put her with.
She was Agent Scully and any one else that plays her a candle will not be able to hold. I will get season 8 and 9 they'll be collectors.
Rating: 
Summary: Sad for long-time fans
Review: Let's start with the conclusion: If you joined The X-Files around season 6 or 7, then you probably thought season 8 was pretty cool; if you began watching the show in season one or two, season 8 sits squarely amidst a sad decline, an incurable illness. I give Chris Carter credit. He worked hard to try to revive the franchise with new blood (Doggett, Reyes) while allowing Anderson the opportunity to take more of the lead. And I think the new actors gave it their all, especially Robert Patrick. He's solid. But fans who experience the whole scope of the show will recognize the now less than subtle change. The newness is worn off. The mood is often heavy and suffocating, like a small room with poor ventilation. Via Negativa is a good example of a complete downer. And we are well into Scully's perpetual frown; the decisions to have her act as an emotional basket case was wrong, period. What's missing in these episodes? The fun, humor, sense of excitement in making something different, and most importantly, rapport among characters. The magic and electricity between Scully and Mulder is a thing of the past. And it was that dynamic that often propelled the show even when the stories were stretched a bit thin. Frankly, some of these episodes are unwatchable. Need I say more than an Indian "untouchable" mystic who travels to the States by hiding in a man's intestine? Ouch. They are mysterious or confusing just for the sake of maintaining the X-Files method, but lack the creative inspiration to pull it off. In addition, I don't think the "mythology" episodes truly work. I never really got the Super Soldiers. I felt like the mythology reached a good conclusion in Season 6. With that cohesive arc completed, what came after felt like an attempt to continue the story without really having a story worth continuing. Really, there isn't much to recommend about this season or seasons 7 and 9, unless you like watching a piece of silver slowly tarnish. Instead, check out seasons 1-4 and possible 5 and 6 (all of which I own on DVD). As far as this long-time fan is concerned, the Vancouver episodes were vastly superior to what came after the move to LA.
Rating: 
Summary: Solid eighth season has nice twists and turns 3 1/2 stars
Review: Season Eight of "The X-Files" offered a chance for a fresh start and a resolution for some of the threads from various story arcs left unresolved over previous seasons. Creator Chris Carter had been distracted during Season Seven with writing and producing "The X-Files" movie and, as a result, the quality of the show slipped a bit. Still, the series managed to continue to be at the vanguard for television programs. A lot of risks were taken during season 8. It would have been easy to conclude the series after Duchovny left the show. Instead, Carter and his crew used the opportunity to create a number of fresh characters and new story arcs that touched on familar themes. John Dogget (Robert Patrick from "T2") stepped in to work on "The X-Files" and assist Scully. Dogget's no nonsense down-to-earth approach reminded me of Scully early on in the series. His background as a beat cop and Marine made him the perfect skeptic as Scully's character became a believer. Moncia Reyes (Annabeth Gish) surfaced as a new partner for Dogget and the "Mulder" of the two of them although, again, she combined elements of Scully's character as well. Assistant Director Brad Follmer (Cary Elwes from "The Princess Bride" and "Kiss the Girls")made a perfect foil for Dogget, Reyes and Scully now that Skinner was a believer in "The X-Files". About a third through the season Mulder vanishes--going into hiding as the super soldiers and others are out to kill him. That leaves Scully virtually on her own except for her new partners. Season Eight had many outstanding episodes and, although it wasn't up to the standard of seasons two through six, eight and nine had a number of strong stand-alone episodes. Although the series had jumped the shark after season six, Carter, co-producer/writer Frank Spotnitz and Vince Gilligan kept the overall quality of the series higher than the average television series. It never quite got as bad as "Spock's Brain" (from season three of the original "Star Trek")and it frequently touched on the best episodes during the best seasons. The picture quality is, generally, very good except for the darker sequences. Compressing four episodes onto one two layer disc means that some sacrifices had to be made and some short cuts had to be taken but it still looks better than most series (particularly "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and even some of the "Deep Space Nine" boxed sets). There's a number of very nice extras including deleted scenes (some of which can be viewed as part of the original episode if you select that option prior to watching the episode or viewed separately with optional commentary). I could have cared less about the international clips but they are amusing. The commentary tracks are particularly enlightening. With the price reduced for this set, it's well worth picking up now although I'd recommend Costco.com as they have the best price on the series.
Rating:
Summary: Solid eighth season has nice twists and turns 4 stars
Review: Season Eight of "The X-Files" offered a chance for a fresh start and a resolution for some of the threads from various story arcs left unresolved over previous seasons. Creator Chris Carter had been distracted during Season Seven with writing and producing "The X-Files" movie and, as a result, the quality of the show slipped a bit. Still, the series managed to continue to be at the vanguard for television programs. A lot of risks were taken during season 8. It would have been easy to conclude the series after Duchovny left the show. Instead, Carter and his crew used the opportunity to create a number of fresh characters and new story arcs that touched on familar themes. John Dogget (Robert Patrick from "T2") stepped in to work on "The X-Files" and assist Scully. Dogget's no nonsense down-to-earth approach reminded me of Scully early on in the series. His background as a beat cop and Marine made him the perfect skeptic as Scully's character became a believer. Moncia Reyes (Annabeth Gish) surfaces as a new partner for Dogget and the "Mulder" of the two of them although, again, she combined elements of Scully's character as well. Assistant Director Brad Follmer (Cary Elwes from "The Princess Bride" and "Kiss the Girls")made a perfect foil for Dogget, Reyes, Scully and Skinner. Dogget also acted as the perfect foil for Mulder. Initially, they didn't get along at all and continued to butt heads over the various explanations that Mulder puts forth for some of the unusual situations. About a third through the season Mulder vanishes--going into hiding as the super soldiers and others are out to kill him. That leaves Scully virtually on her own except for her new partners. Season Eight had many outstanding episodes and, although it wasn't up to the standard of seasons two through six, eight and nine had a number of strong stand-alone episodes. Among the stand out episodes are "Redrum" about a man who may have murdered his wife who is forced to relive his last days on Earth going backward in time from the moment he's killed until the actual incident. We also get "Medusa" where Dogget and must travel the subway system to find out who or what is literally dissolving passengers. The dank, dark subways provide considerable tension in the mode of "Alien". The resolution was a bit of a surprise as well. Scully also gives birth to her baby towards the end of the season. She's being hunted by a group of unstoppable alien/human hybrids. Meanwhile, Dogget and Mulder must try and protect Scully and find out who's behind the attempts to kill Scully's unborn child. The picture quality is, generally, very good except for the darker sequences. Compressing four episodes onto one two layer disc means that some sacrifices had to be made and some short cuts had to be taken but it still looks better than most series (particularly "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and even some of the "Deep Space Nine" boxed sets). There's a number of very nice extras including deleted scenes (some of which can be viewed as part of the original episode if you select that option prior to watching the episode or viewed separately with optional commentary). I could have cared less about the international clips but they are amusing. The commentary tracks are particularly enlightening. With the price reduced for this set, it's well worth picking up now although I'd recommend Costco.com as they have the best price on the series.
Rating:
Summary: This was the last season of the X-Files, in my opinion...
Review: Season eight was a great season, even though many of my friends stopped watching the show somewhere around season six or seven. However, I don't understand why the show didn't call it quits after this season. In my eyes, "Existence" is the series finale.
This season helped pick up the slack that seasons 6 and 7 were creating. Even though a lot of people don't like this season due to the absence of Mulder, Doggett is a pretty good fill-in (or replacement, whatever you want to call it). The only thing I thought was a bit too much, was the whole "Mulder's resurrection" thing. Although this show always delt with strange occurrences, that was a bit of a stretch for me.
I think any fan of the X-Files should own seasons 1-8 (hell, even season 9 if you like it...).
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