By
DanaX on
Monday March 31, 2025 05:02 pm
Actor Robert Patrick recently took to social media to share some throwback photos from his time on
The X-Files, and for longtime fans, it was a welcome trip down memory lane. The images, which included behind-the-scenes moments and promotional shots from Season 9, reminded many why his character, FBI Special Agent John Doggett, deserves another chance in the spotlight.
Robert Patrick’s Love for The X-Files Shines Through
Patrick’s Instagram post offered fans a rare glimpse into his experience on the iconic sci-fi series. The snapshots capture a time when appointment television was a necessity, and recording episodes on VHS was the only way to keep up. But what stands out most is Patrick’s own affection for the role, as he has openly stated that playing John Doggett remains his favorite career moment.
For those who first encountered him as the terrifying T-1000 in
Terminator 2: Judgment Day, seeing him step into
The X-Files as Mulder’s replacement was a revelation. His portrayal of Doggett brought a fresh dynamic to the series, cementing his place in sci-fi history. Yet, despite his impact, one major issue with
The X-Files revival remains unresolved.
The Revival’s Biggest Oversight: No John Doggett
When David Duchovny famously departed
The X-Files after Season 7 (initially partially and then fully from Season 9), Robert Patrick took on the daunting task of leading the show alongside Gillian Anderson. By Season 9, he was joined by Annabeth Gish as Monica Reyes, forming a new investigative duo. But when the series was revived in 2016, Doggett was nowhere to be found.
The absence wasn’t due to lack of interest—Patrick was simply unavailable because of his role on
Scorpion. Series creator Chris Carter even wrote Doggett into a Season 11 episode but had to scrap the idea when scheduling conflicts arose. Ultimately, while Reyes made a brief return, Doggett remained sidelined.
A Revival That Could Have Been (And Still Should Be)
Looking back,
The X-Files revival missed a crucial opportunity. Instead of solely focusing on Mulder and Scully, bringing Doggett back would have provided an intriguing continuation of the original series' final seasons. Now, with Ryan Coogler reportedly working on an
X-Files reboot, the chance for Doggett’s return still exists.
Imagine a
Halloween (2018)-style revival where Doggett and Reyes reunite to tackle unfinished business. It’s a compelling idea—one that would honor the legacy of
The X-Files while embracing the next chapter. Given Robert Patrick’s clear appreciation for his time on the show, perhaps there’s still hope for a proper sendoff. After all, in the world of
The X-Files, the truth is out there.
