People in TV don't really discuss the X-Files in depth but I think it's one of the most influential shows of the past 30 years for several reasons: (thread) https://twitter.com/glenmazzara/status/1310602540644331522

1. As far as I know, it established the format of close-ended episodes with a long-running, serialized conspiracy. M&S fight the monster of the week and every so often, an alien ep pushes forward the larger story.

2. Two leads with easily definable, opposing points of view: Mulder is the believer, Scully the skeptic.

3. The conspiracy storyline directly motivates Mulder because of his backstory. Usually, this involves the main character seeking revenge. Mulder wants the truth. Radical and incredibly elegant.

4. Incredibly effective use of cinematic lighting. Those flashlights are tremendous.

5. The militarization of the police -- I remember seeing paramilitary law enforcement on The X-Files long before I saw it elsewhere. Your mileage may vary.

6. The movie. Right in the middle of the TV show's run. Who did that before?

7. I could go on but I gotta write. Hopefully, it'll be 1/100th as good as this seminal show.