The ex-X Files

There will be mourning in Hong Kong today at 9.30pm, when the final episode of this series of The X Files (Pearl, 8.30pm) ends. This show has regularly been the most-watched programme on Pearl, according to TVB, so no doubt some staff over at TV City will be lamenting as well, that the series cannot run indefinitely.

It has been a more emotionally draining season than any of the preceding ones.

For a start, Scully is not just in danger from aliens, insects, bees, madmen and the usual nasties: she also has a large cancerous mass growing in her head. Chris Carter has promised his writers will continue to deal with this subject as sensitively and realistically as possible - no miracle cures, or amazing unexplained phenomena are going to be used to get rid of the tumour, strictly established medical techniques.

The plot of tonight's episode has been hinted at by a careful use of trailers (for once) and in its title: Gethsemane, a Biblical reference that I am sure is not wasted on regular viewers.

Despite Scully's illness and developments this evening, fans can relax in the knowledge that there will definitely be another series of The X Files, although admittedly not for a while. In fact, there will be several more series.

American magazines report that both Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny have already signed up for the 1999-2000 season.