I was really into the X-Files—baby’s first fandom and all that—and really into conspiracy theories, mainly of the government coverup variety. For one thing, I’ve always loved stories about hidden worlds and hidden truths, but also because I was raised vaguely leftist, and there really were government coverups and lies and propaganda.

Except it never occurred to be, I don’t think until I was peripherally involved in Occupy, that there were right-wing conspiracy theorists. Of course there was Waco but that seemed like a unique phenomenon, not something that could actually become a powerful political force. (And it didn’t occur to Occupy either; they just let everyone in and you got all these kooks causing shit.) So then I got really fascinated and read about some of what they thought and...like. They pulled it right out of the X-Files.

I don’t think Chris Carter ever thought that anyone would take his silly show seriously. And I don’t blame him for Trump or anything. (The same thing happened with Dr. Strangelove, which introduced fluoride conspiracy theories to the general public, except it was supposed to be ridiculous.) I do blame him for trying to capitalize on it well after he should have known better, though.

Anyway, it was full of all the dumbass tropes that make so much sci-fi embarrassing on rewatch. At least it gave us Gillian Anderson, though.