Fallen Angel

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!

The tenth episode of "The X-Files," titled "Fallen Angel," directed by Larry Shaw, is a compelling exploration of government conspiracy and the complexities of extraterrestrial encounters. This episode introduces viewers to the character of Max Fenig, played by Scott Bellis, who becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative as he navigates his own experiences with UFOs and abductions. The plot revolves around the crash of a UFO and the subsequent cover-up by military officials, leading agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) to uncover the truth behind the incident.

The episode opens with a gripping prologue that sets the stage for the unfolding mystery. A military operation is depicted, revealing the aftermath of a downed UFO and the chaos that ensues when soldiers are exposed to an unknown force. This chilling start effectively establishes an atmosphere of tension and intrigue that permeates the rest of the episode. As Mulder and Scully investigate, they encounter Max, who believes that he has been targeted by government forces due to his knowledge of extraterrestrial life. The pacing is well-structured, allowing for moments of suspense while also providing insight into Mulder's motivations and his obsession with uncovering hidden truths.

Visually, "Fallen Angel" maintains the eerie aesthetic characteristic of "The X-Files." The cinematography effectively utilizes shadows and dim lighting to create a sense of unease, particularly during scenes where Mulder confronts military personnel about their cover-up efforts. Shaw's direction builds suspense throughout; scenes where Max describes his experiences with alien encounters are particularly impactful, capturing both wonder and dread. However, some critics have noted that certain plot points feel formulaic or lack depth, particularly regarding how quickly Mulder connects his findings to Max's claims about government conspiracies.

The performances in this episode are strong, especially from Duchovny and Anderson. Duchovny's portrayal of Mulder captures his characteristic charm and enthusiasm for uncovering hidden truths; he embodies a sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward. Anderson's Scully provides a rational counterbalance; her skepticism grounds Mulder's wild theories while showcasing her growing curiosity about their cases. Bellis delivers a compelling performance as Max Fenig, effectively conveying his vulnerability as well as his passion for uncovering the truth about UFOs. His character serves as a tragic figure caught in the crossfire of larger conspiracies, adding emotional weight to the story.

Thematically, "Fallen Angel" delves into issues of trust and control within both personal and societal contexts. Max serves as a representation of those who have been marginalized by society due to their beliefs; he embodies the human cost of conspiracy theories and government secrecy. The episode raises critical questions about what happens when individuals challenge authority in pursuit of truth and how far they are willing to go to expose hidden agendas. Additionally, it highlights Mulder's ongoing quest for understanding in a world filled with uncertainty; his willingness to believe Max underscores his commitment to uncovering the truth about extraterrestrial life.

In conclusion, "Fallen Angel" stands out as an engaging entry in "The X-Files," successfully blending elements of science fiction with psychological drama while deepening character dynamics between Mulder and Scully. While it may not reach the emotional heights of later episodes or fully develop all plot points, it effectively maintains tension and intrigue throughout its runtime. The exploration of government conspiracy within a modern context invites viewers to reflect on their perceptions of authority and knowledge, setting a precedent for future episodes that balance levity with deeper themes.

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.

Usually any episodes of the x-files which involve U.F.O's are comprised of solid acting,quality script and plenty of tension all the way to excite the viewer.This episode from season one is no different.A genuinely interesting character alien abductee Max Fening makes an appearance and appears to be a huge fan of Mulders.Mulder acting on information from the mysterious Deep Throat sets about finding the pilot who crashed an unidentified flying object.The ending sequence has to be seen and is truly fantastic to watch over and over again.The ascension itself is a visual treat and leaves Mulder finally with tangible evidence to back up his beliefs.

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.