AceShowbiz - The X-Files alum Robbie Amell has put forward an idea for a spinoff series inspired by one of the show's most memorable episodes, "X-Cops." This suggestion came during an interview with ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender as part of Pluto TV's The Fan Is Out There contest.

Currently, Hulu is working on a reboot of The X-Files spearheaded by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler. The project remains at the pilot stage, with Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel attached to star as two FBI agents assigned to a dormant division that investigates inexplicable phenomena. The reboot’s premise allows for a wide variety of unique cases, echoing the episodic and mysterious nature that made the original series popular.

During the interview, Amell, who appeared as Agent Miller in the revival seasons of The X-Files, was asked about his favorite episode of the series. He highlighted the pilot episode and the darker season 4 episode "Home," which was temporarily pulled from television due to its intense content. However, the focus of his answer was the season 7 crossover episode, "X-Cops."

"You have to watch the pilot. If you want to go dark, watch 'Home.' It got pulled off TV for a little while. My favorite episode is 'X-Cops,' which is The X-Files mixed with Cops. It's just a great episode, and there are moments you can see David laughing and really enjoying himself in the episode. I would watch an entire series of X-Cops. I think that would be great. I should talk to Chris Carter. We need to make X-Cops!" said Amell.

The "X-Cops" episode was possible because both shows aired on Fox. It was written by veteran The X-Files writer and producer Vince Gilligan, who later created acclaimed series such as Breaking Bad and the sci-fi drama Pluribus on Apple TV. Gilligan, a fan of the reality series Cops, pitched the crossover idea to The X-Files creator Chris Carter. Although initially met with hesitation, the idea was approved near the end of season 7, when the show’s storyline was not tied to resolving major mythology arcs.

The episode features David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully interacting with the crew of Cops, many of whom were the actual reality series staff. Mulder suspects they are investigating a werewolf, while Scully approaches the case with her typical skepticism. Ultimately, they discover they are confronting a shape-shifting evil entity that assumes the form of each victim’s worst fear.

"X-Cops" has since become one of the most beloved episodes of The X-Files. It is especially notable for the genuine laughter from Duchovny during scenes where Mulder deals with eccentric potential victims, including one character preoccupied with performing for the camera. The episode also humorously captures Scully’s barely concealed irritation with the Cops crew.

Since its airing, "X-Cops" has been praised as a successful experiment in breaking the series’ usual format. It was ahead of its time in parodying reality TV, showcasing the strength of The X-Files when focusing on standalone stories rather than expanding its overarching mythology. This approach is something that fans can hope to see revisited if Coogler’s Hulu reboot moves beyond the pilot phase.

All 11 seasons of The X-Files are currently available for streaming on Pluto TV, providing new viewers and longtime fans the opportunity to revisit classic episodes like "X-Cops."

For those interested in more detailed coverage of The X-Files, including episode analyses, cast interviews, and updates on the upcoming reboot, subscribing to newsletters dedicated to the franchise can deliver in-depth content and thoughtful discussion directly to fans.

In summary, Robbie Amell's enthusiasm for the "X-Cops" episode highlights its lasting appeal and potential as a foundation for new storytelling within the X-Files universe. As Hulu prepares the reboot, this pitch emphasizes the creative possibilities that exist in revisiting or expanding upon the show's iconic moments.