Conspiracy Theory

Image credit: Elwes: Frank Ockenfels; Lawless: Saeed Adyani

DOUBLE TROUBLE The two-part season debut guest stars Lawless and Elwes

Though the new season's plots will dig into the series' familiar mythology, the office romances afoot are brand new. Elwes character, Asst. Director Brad Follmer, is an old boyfriend of Agent Monica Reyes (Gish). ''He has this past with Reyes and he's interested in rekindling it,'' explains Elwes. But don't expect another ''Love Cruise.'' Considering Follmer's bureaucratic style, he will inevitably clash with his ex as she investigates and questions the FBI hierarchy.

Meanwhile, if you suspected that a crush had been kindled between Scully and Doggett last season, you may be onto something. ''Doggett's been impressed with her from the moment she threw water in his face,'' says Patrick. ''He loves her in a gentlemanly way, but knows that she's spoken for, so he's laid back.'' Mulder's absence may provide an opportunity for his X-files successor, but the sparks flying between Scully and Doggett in the first episode are fractious ones. ''It's a shocking thing for my character,'' says Patrick. ''Her behavior's so odd, so not Scully.''

As for Lawless, her character may provide a crucial clue about the ''X-Files,'' but the greater mystery is whether she'll be returning after the series two-parter. ''I'm not at liberty to say right now, but I'm certain the door's been opened,'' hints Patrick. Hey, when has a silly door ever stood in the way of a warrior princess?