‘X-Files’ Special Offers Conspiracy Overview
It’s really not such a bad idea: Why not take an hour during summer reruns and air a special that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at “The X-Files” and bring them up to date on developments they may have missed?
That’s what FOX has in store at 8 in “More Secrets of the X-Files.”
The telecast, some of which was included in last year’s “Secrets of the X-Files,” features many of the series’ creepiest monsters and spookiest special effects. It also examines the ever-changing relationship between agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson).
In addition, producers promise to “get viewers up to speed” on the conspiracy that suggests the government cover-up of alien existence goes beyond mere knowledge that UFOs are for real. You have to watch every week to sort through the “truths that are out there” about the disappearance of Mulder’s sister and the mystery surrounding his late father.
Of course, some would rather see the secrets about Anderson’s battles with “X-Files” executives over fair treatment and equitable pay. And how about a few pictures from that Duchovny-Tea Leoni wedding?
Look for a reminder that weeknight “X-Files” repeats debut on FOX’s cable channel FX Tuesday at 8.
And if you’ve been wondering about the show’s fifth-season premiere, FOX says new episodes of “The X-Files” will air in October.
Highlights
“Football,” ABC at 5: A sportswriter I know put it best when he said that the only important thing about an NFL preseason game is that no one on your team gets hurt. For what it’s worth, Jacksonville takes on San Francisco.
“Suddenly Susan,” NBC at 8: The magazine staff goes on weekend retreat at a cabin that’s a little too rustic for everyone’s taste.
In a second repeat at 8:30, Susan (Brooke Shields) sends a condolence card to Jack’s grandmother and immediately realizes that her message contains an unintended mixed message.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 8:30: Ray Romano wrote this episode that flashes back to Ray and Debra’s (Romano, Patricia Heaton) peaceful days in a small apartment far away from his parents, and the fateful decision to move to a house across the street from his folks. Repeat.
“Dateline NBC,” NBC at 10: An updated report looks into the disappearance of a serviceman who vanished on his way home from Vietnam in 1969 and turned up in New Zealand 25 years later.
“Chicago Hope,” CBS at 10: Jack Kemp and Sen. Ted Kennedy have cameos when Austin and Wilmette (Christine Lahti, Ron Silver) put their personal problems aside long enough to lobby for better health care. Advice to Kemp and Kennedy: Don’t quit your day jobs. Repeat.
Cable Calls
“Flip Wilson Marathon,” NIK at 9: Wilson’s star burned brightly, albeit briefly, in the early ‘70s. Repeats of his “The Flip Wilson Show” join TV Land this week. To promote the new, old series, Nick at Night airs six consecutive episodes.
Guests you’ll see include Louis Armstrong, David Frost, Johnny Mathis, Sammy Davis Jr., George Carlin and Lily Tomlin.
“The Spirit of St. Louis” (1957), AMC at 6:30, repeated in letter-box format at 12:15 a.m.: A weeklong “Flight Nights Festival” takes off with James Stewart as Charles Lindbergh.
Billy Wilder directed this tribute to the aviator’s historic trans-Atlantic flight. AMC airs a flight movie at 6:30 each of the next four nights, including the mighty 1949 war drama “Twelve O’clock High” on Wednesday.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor-comedian Rodney Dangerfield, Lucy Lawless and singer Lyle Lovett.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Tom Selleck and singer Billy Joel.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Norman Mailer.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor-comedian Louie Anderson and crocodile expert Steve Irwin. Repeat.