the plot thickens

Sure, the Season 1 set was great, as any true-grit XF fanatic will tell you. Clean production, a few foreign language segments, and of course, introduction to the power quartet of Scully, Mulder, Skinner and CSM. But be realistic now - can you really have the "you hate me, but you need me" antagonist entertainment that you get from Season 2 without Alex Krychek?

After cutting its teeth in the first season, Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz begin to expand their subject matter as Season 2 unfolds. The questions about the true intent and level of power that the Syndicate possesses begin to stack up as the myth-arc episodes deepen. Government coverups, espionage and extraterrestrial activity surface in the two-part "Duane Barry"/"Ascension" episodes, leading up to, of course, Scully's abduction...you really have to love this stuff.

Undoubtedly, the work done by the Ten Thirteen Productions crew in the second season of this series was what truly put the show on the map - the perfect blend of ongoing conspiracy theory and alien hunting combined with a healthy shot of monster-of-the-week fare (that the kids so love these days).

Paying full price for the set can be a hit in the wallet, so keep an eye out for online sales, coupons, etc. to offset the cost, but if you enjoy the quality of both the show, and DVD releases, this is a sure-fire source of entertainment. And with all 25 episodes, from "Little Green Men" to the incomparable "Anasazi", you'll have plenty to absorb!