The X-Files
Resurrected

We talk to X-Files script writer and Producer John Shiban on the rebirth of this enduring Science Fiction/Horror show

Full interview in the issue!

Doggett (Robert Patrick) helping Scully (Gillian Anderson)

A Shivers interview by Sue Schneider

Emmy-nominated X-Files writer producer John Shiban took time out to attend the Fox Network party that was recently given for the Television Critics Association. There we spoke to him, to see if he would reveal any secrets about the upcoming season. Since Shiban joined The X-Files in the show's third season, he has written or co-written over 20 episodes, including Elegy, SR 819, Leonard Betts - the highest rated X-Files episode to date - and Memento Mori.

Honour Role

Memento Mori gave Shiban an Emmy nomination for writing, along with Chris Carter, Frank Spotnitz and Vince Gilligan. Shiban was also honoured with a Golden Globe Award as producer, plus an Emmy nomination [Outstanding Dramatic Series for The X-Files]. Besides working on The X-Files, Shiban also served as Executive Producer and Co-creator of The Lone Gunmen and Harsh Realm.

"Scully's baby is going to be very important this year," he begins. "And she's left with a very big question. There was a conspiracy of aliens who were trying to kill her baby, and then they let it live. We're going to explore why, and what that signifies. That's going to be very interesting.

"Mulder - David Duchovny - will still be the emotional centre of the series, as will the Mulder/Scully relationship. I can say one thing that happens - the paternity of the baby won't be suspect anymore. It's their baby. We are all very happy it's Mulder's and Scully's, although it was played by my son and I'm very proud to say it was my son. My first born became Scully's baby. Now that's really exciting!"

He gives a big grin and the pride in his voice is obvious. "My son Jerry is an actor. I can retire now!" he laughs. "Seriously, I think that might have been his last gig!"

New Dynamic

He continues with more details about next season. "We've come up with some great scary stories within the new dynamic. It's really going to be a threesome this year. Scully [Gillian Anderson], Dogget [Robert Patrick] and Rance [Annabeth Gish] are all going to play an important role. There's certainly not going to be a new pair of agents and Scully on the side. She is going to be in every episode. She's still central to it.

"We are really picking up where we left off. We've come up with an interesting way to keep Mulder alive and in Scully's life even though we don't have David in the series at this point."

So is there a chance that David will do some cameos? "There is always a chance," Shiban states. "He has said that he doesn't want to, but we would love to have him if he decides to. He has said that he would be in the movies and we have plans for keeping the storyline alive so that we can do that - So that Scully and Mulder can come back in a movie if he doesn't come back in the series..."

• See Shivers #92 for the full version of Sue Schneider's interview with John Shiban

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