X-Files: How "End Game" Changed the Series in Minutes

The X-Files series, known for its shocking moments and cultural impact, underwent a significant transformation with the episode "End Game." This pivotal episode drastically reshaped Fox Mulder's perspective and his dedication to the X-Files, marking a turning point in the show's narrative.

Season 2's "End Game" served as a catalyst, particularly due to a scene that opened narrative possibilities the show would continue to explore. This episode altered Fox Mulder's (David Duchovny) understanding of his quest for the truth, especially concerning his sister Samantha.

Mulder's Crusade and the Samantha Clones in The X-Files

Mulder's relentless pursuit of the truth was deeply rooted in the abduction of his sister, Samantha (Vanessa Morley). Before "End Game," his hope was reignited by a woman claiming to be Samantha (Megan Leitch) in "Colony." However, this encounter exposed the Syndicate's cloning program and the Alien Bounty Hunter's (Brian Thompson) sinister intentions.

"End Game," the second part of this two-part story, reveals a cloning facility where Mulder discovers multiple adult clones of Samantha. This revelation shatters Mulder's hope, leading him to realize he's been manipulated. He attempts to disengage, but the Alien Bounty Hunter intervenes, killing the clones and setting the lab ablaze. Mulder escapes, rescued by a firefighter.

This event, which originally aired on February 17, 1995, profoundly impacted Mulder. It ignited an even more intense desire to uncover the truth. At the episode's conclusion, Mulder confides in Scully that he has rediscovered his faith to continue searching, solidifying his renewed commitment to rescuing his sister.

Even though Mulder is enraged during this sequence, it profoundly changes him. His desire to find his sister again only grows stronger.

Unveiling the Syndicate Iceberg in The X-Files

As Season 2 neared its end, "End Game" became a fan favorite, contributing significantly to The X-Files' overarching mythology and dramatic tension. While a compelling episode, it merely marked the beginning of Mulder's journey to expose a vast conspiracy. This conspiracy involved the human Syndicate and the alien Colonists seeking to invade Earth.

Following a developing first season, the show's mytharc gained momentum in Season 2, driving the narrative through Season 5 and the first feature film, often called Fight the Future. The cloning aspect became a key element, with characters linked to the conspiracy through cloning or alien hybridization appearing throughout the series.

Samantha's story was just the initial glimpse into this complex web. Mulder's animosity towards the Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis) intensified after witnessing the Syndicate's actions against his sister, reinforcing his resolve to bring the criminals to justice. Although Mulder never saw these men face trial, many were eventually eliminated by Alien Rebels with similar objectives.

What became of Samantha? Was Mulder ever able to find her after all the pain he had to endure?

The Haunting Truth and Mulder's Crusade

For years, The X-Files kept both Mulder and the audience guessing about Samantha's fate, raising questions about her captors and her survival. Five years after "End Game," in Season 7, Mulder finally discovered the truth about her disappearance.

The Season 7 episode "Closure" revealed that Samantha had died many years prior. Even after finding closure, her disappearance continued to haunt him. Unable to reunite with her, Mulder sought to save others vicariously, as seen in the second film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe, and later seasons.

This pivotal moment in "End Game" intensified Mulder's personal investment in his crusade. Driven by the knowledge of his sister's fate, he fought tirelessly to unravel the conspiracy that had stolen her youth. Although the storyline ended tragically, Mulder and Scully were able to save many others and continue their search for the unknown. The X-Files may have concluded Samantha's story on a somber note, but this inspired Mulder to save others.

With Duchovny and Anderson open to reprising their roles, the journey might continue. Fans can stream The X-Files on Hulu.