There are four different types of X-Files fans: those who enjoy the "monster-of-the-week" episodes, those who enjoy the rare "mythology" installments, those who love all things X-Files and finally those who ask, "What's the point anymore?"

Three of those groups will be very disappointed this May as the series airs its last episode ever.

After nine seasons, creator Chris Carter has decided to pull the plug on the successful sci-fi/drama series, which chronicles the adventures of FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they search to uncover the truth behind extraterrestrial life (and battle some random mutant baddies along the way).

After many successful seasons (and a 1998 blockbuster film to boot), the series began to dip in the ratings.

Part of the problem began when Duchovny sued Fox over royalty issues. Feeling he had been cheated out of what was owed to him, Duchovny decided to return only for half of season eight's episodes.

Robert Patrick (known for his infamous role as the T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgement Day) came in to fill the void as FBI Agent John Doggett. Together with Scully, he looked into the "abduction" of Mulder (the network's way of temporarily writing Duchovny's character off the show).

Duchovny returned to the show full time by the end of the eighth season, but the damage was already done. Ratings dipped and Duchovny decided to bolt from the show for good, believing that the plot of the series had gone on without his character.

Apparently fans disagreed as ratings fell 29 percent within the first five episodes of the new season. Competition also proved more fierce over the past couple of years as the show went up against newer, more popular series such as The Sopranos. Finally, in early January, word came from Chris Carter himself that the series would come to an end.

Fans are having mixed reactions to the bittersweet news.

"I'm kind of sad to see The X-Files go, but then again, it's time for the show to die," said Kelly Mann (freshman-division of undergraduate studies). "I've loved it all along, but it needs to end."

Duchovny was written off the show in between seasons by having his character going into hiding. Scully has become a teacher, and Doggett continues to work on the X-Files with new partner Agent Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish). On a recent episode, it was finally revealed that Mulder was the father of Scully's new son.

While there is no official word on whether or not fans will see Mulder come back for the final episode, viewers may still see the elusive character elsewhere. Last November, Fox announced negotiations to produce a second X-Files film. Both Duchovny and Anderson have expressed interest in doing a second feature film. The movie could hit the silver screen as early as the end of 2003.

"It was an awesome show for its time, but it's over as a series," said longtime fan Michael Aiello (freshman-civil engineering). "The movies will be a great addition."

Currently, the series is scheduled to end in May on its 201st episode.