Fallen Angel

Most of the Howard Gordon episodes never really tickled my fancy. Often they were re-treads of superior precedents ("Firewalker"), or centered around ideas too underdeveloped to carry an episode on their own, and thus cushioned by wanton detours into the mythology arc ("Avatar," "Teliko"). So it's interesting to see his name attached to one of the original mythology scripts – the third chronological mytharc script to be exact – "Fallen Angel," a much more competent work in a largely uneven premiere season.

Like most of the other season one mythology eps, the story is independent of future plot threads (excluding a two-part sequel that wouldn't air until the latter half of season four) and introduces UFO geek Max Fenig, played seamlessly by Scott Bellins, who Mulder meets upon being detained in an alleged restricted toxic spill site. Obviously there is more going on here than meets the eye, with a conspiracy of silence and indignant superiors still trying to eliminate Mulder from the X-Files. Fenig seems to be the missing piece of the puzzle, as a singular scar behind his ear leads Mulder to believe he may be an abductee.

I didn't care for this episode upon first viewing. I can't be certain whether it was the unusual pacing (the traditional two-parters wouldn't commence until season two) or just the fact that my taste buds were still soured from the previous episode. After three or four viewings, however, the strong characterization and guest acting won me over. Bellins captures a congenial awkwardness in his role very reminiscent of the then-imminent Lone Gunmen, and Marshall Bell is perfect as the nasty, callous general. It is a shame this character wasn't used in later episodes. Jerry Hardin reprises his role as the original Deep Throat in a closing scene that expands his character in more interesting directions.

Some of the soundtrack choices Mark Snow employs are quite curious. There is a score in the warehouse scene that sounds fit for a holdover 80s crime-drama. I'm not certain if it was used in any other episodes but it sounds kind of cheesy. The special effects in this scene are also very dated, but forgivable considering the time frame. It is interesting that the invisible alien creature is not used in later episodes, making this one seem further detached from the mythology.

This is a laudable Gordon/Gansa effort that fits in somewhat into the mythology puzzle, but unfortunately is barely touched upon in later years. In a way it can be considered a standalone, and in that category it surpasses most of the scripts Gordon would go on to write without Gansa. "Fallen Angel" is most notable for the introduction of Fenig, and also for providing a shadowy mystique that only the earliest mytharc scripts seemed to be able to do.

Fallen Angel is another great episode from season one. It's considered a myth/arc episode because of it dealing with Mulder trying to obtain proof of aliens and UFOs. Fallen Angel introduces us to alien abductee, Max Fennig. He's a very quirky character who's quite likable because of his sincerity. His introduction to Scully is classic, as he refers to her as the "enigmatic Agent Scully". It's a funny joke that the audience gets. Although I don't know how Max would know about Scully's personality from FBI travel expenses records. Anyway, character actor Marshall Bell gives a great performance as Colonel Henderson. The show at this point is still feeling out how it wants to treat the subject of aliens. In this episode, the alien is cloaked. We don't see a cloaked alien again in the series. If you get the chance, check out the special feature from the Season 1 DVD set on how they did the special effect of the cloaked alien scene. It's kind of funny. Fallen Angel is a fun and exciting episode that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

He was such a cool character, i loved him he was hilarious. He was funny yet sad, and at the end he was a very tragic character.

Mulder infiltrates to an UFO crash site to investigate and take pictures, but he is captured and put in a cell. That night he meets alien abductee Max Fenig who works for NICAP. Scully arrives the next day to take him out of there. I liked the episode it was really good. Max Fenig's ascension at the end was a really awesome special effect. At the end Deep Throat helps Mulder. The episode does have it similarities with the science fiction movie "Predator" about an invisible alien that kills the military.

Mulder: You're entitled to the truth!

A UFO crashes, releasing a malevolent Alien force, Murder risks his job and the future of The X Files by ignoring restrictions and investigating.

This episode starts with a bang, it's dramatic, explosive and terrifying, this episode is a bit of a pot boiler though, it's somewhat of a heavy political episode. After a dramatic start, it becomes a little pedestrian in terms of pacing.

They are becoming guilty of threatening Mulder's career too often. Scully is a little inconsistent here.

Max Fenig is an interesting character, his scenes with Mulder were great.

"Fallen Angel" is one of my big disagreements with the general consensus of the X-Files fanbase. I really don't care for this episode at all. Sure, there's some fun moments and a good supporting character in Max Fennig, but the episode as a whole is far from striking or memorable, and is actually remarkably amateurish script-wise and completely lacking in any quality characterization, and featuring very, very little good dialogue.

Like most season one mythology episodes it doesn't get to the meat of the conspiracy storyline, and is instead a superficial and repetitive UFO tale. As expected from a Gordon/Gansa script there's really more fizzle than pop here, and ultimately an episode that has very little to offer.

4/10