One good thing about the move from Vancouver to L.A. was that they were able to explore a few more locations for episodes, namely, the American southwest, e.g. California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah, where the terrain is more desert-like. 'The Beginning' took us to Arizona, Drive from Utah through California, and now Dreamland in southern Nevada, namely Area 51. Area 51 is the motherland of UFOs. It's where some of the U.S. public believes that the cover-up of UFOs and aliens began back in the later 1940's. So, it's cool that the x-files is finally able to visit the home of UFO lore. I find it interesting that when the time warp is passing over them that only Morris and Mulder are switched and not anyone else. It's almost as if the UFO chose Mulder. Unrestricted access to Area 51 was the perfect opportunity for Mulder to find out about UFOs. I have commented on David Duchovny's comic ability before, but it needs reemphasizing here. He is a natural at it and it helps the episode so much. Dreamland features two great guest stars, Michael McKean as Morris Fletcher and Nora Dunn as JoAnne Fletcher, his wife. The two are comic gold, McKean as the sleaze-bag and Dunn as the nagging wife. Even though this episode has a lot of humor in it, it does deal with a serious x-file of UFOs and body-switching. And it surprisingly ends with a cliff-hanger leaving you with doubt as to Mulder's future. Dreamland mixes a traditional x- file with a good dose of humor to make for a very excellent episode.
16 Reviews
The introduction of Morris Fletcher
Sanpaco139 July 2007
This is definitely one of the better episodes out there. I honestly can't think of anything I don't like about it at all. I mean you've got an old Indian squaw swearing up a storm and standing at attention when the general comes in and then you've got Mulder trying to deal with a shaky marriage. I love how he gets caught watching porn by his "wife" and she yells at him about being more responsible. The look on his face is one that says "when did I move back in with Mom." I have heard a number of criticisms for these episodes and I don't think that any of them are justified to anything more than personal opinion. Some thought the Marx Brothers style dance in front of the mirror was lame and clichéd. I thought that was part of what made it so funny. Sometimes its funny to be lame on purpose. Others didn't like that Mulder in Morris' body still looked like Mulder. I say you pay way too much attention to details that aren't important. I love how people say the scene with Mulder in the side view mirror and then sitting in the car doesn't work because there are too many Mulder's. I refer to the previous scene I mentioned where Mulder as Morris' reflection still looked like Morris. So wouldn't Morris as Mulder's reflection still look like Mulder? So we are looking at the reflection of Morris as Mulder which looks like Mulder and then at the NON reflection of Mulder as Morris which still looks like Mulder. Its not too hard to understand really. But I guess I have to allow for the fact that everyone is different and just because I didn't get confused by it doesn't mean that everyone else is stupid.
Anyway, enough basher bashing. I love this episode and have since the first time I saw it. 10 out of 10.
Anyway, enough basher bashing. I love this episode and have since the first time I saw it. 10 out of 10.
The Best There IS
christian-flickinger28 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Many say X-Files lost its feel after Season 5. The cast and crew moved from Vancouver to Los Angeles and the show was never the same. It didn't have its dark, gritty, feel and it began its ever-popularized "decline". I say hogwash. Season 6 is one of the, if not the, best season of the X-Files. Does it have a different feel than previous seasons? Yes. Are the myth-arc episodes as good as previous seasons? No. The thing that makes Season 6 great is the stand-alone episodes. This is in contrast to the earlier seasons where most of the highlights were the mythology episodes. Perhaps the greatest example of this, and the greatest IMO stand-alone episode in X-Files history, is Dreamland I and II. These are the holy grail of stand-alone episodes. This is comedy-sci-fi, since the term doesn't really exist in any form of quality in any period of television, at its absolute peak. However, this is my review of only Dreamland I, since my review of II will be written at a later date.
The beginning of the episode takes a somewhat serious note. You get to see the longing Scully has sometimes for a "normal" life. She feels that they are always chasing shadows in the form of E.T. and that their personal lives have deteriorated with no chance of return. Mulder of course replies to her with his usual sarcasm saying: "This IS a normal life". They struck gold in this episode with the actor who portrays Morris Fletcher. Mulder is brilliant in this entire episode, showing his comedy side as well as his dramatic side, but Morris is just as good. They both play each other perfectly. You never get a sense that anyone is acting, they ARE these characters and it helps you to get lost in the story. Many people complain that DD should have stayed as Mulder, playing Morris in Mulder's body. Now while I think both of these actors could have pulled this off, it would have changed the entire episode dramatically and it wouldn't have been as great as it is. Scully is funny as well. I still crack up at the entire gas station scene. Mulder is not himself and she knows it. Of course, throughout this episode, she just thinks that there is something emotionally wrong and not that he has swapped bodies with a man in black. The scenes with Mulder at Area 51 are funny, yet they serve a more dramatic purpose to the overall story of Mulder trying to use his new found body to get information on what is going on there. The scenes back at the FBI though, between Morris and Scully, are non-stop hilarity. Morris keeps calling Scully Dana, hitting on her, as well as everyone else, smoking, and just being all around insane (for being Mulder of course). When he sees Mulder's apartment and makes comments on everything there and his "life", or lack there of, it is on the verge of on the floor rolling worthy. As funny as these are, the best parts of the episode are Mulder with his "wife" Joanne Fletcher, especially when Scully comes to the door. "I'm calling the Police." Mulder staying up to watch porn and getting caught the next morning. These scenes were maybe the funniest parts of the entire series. As funny as this episode is, it also has a story, and a great one at that. It is about Mulder trying to find evidence and the truth about what goes on at Area 51. Also, there is a mole in the facility that has been trying to contact Mulder and he needs to find out who that is. The show then ends on a surprising cliffhanger. Most stand-alones are just that: stand-alones, but this one ended on a cliffhanger and you get to know the feeling of great joy to find out that this classic, genius, episode gets to continue for a little longer. Pure greatness. Pure gold. As good as it gets. Dreamland I: 10 out of 10 (In case there was any doubt)
The beginning of the episode takes a somewhat serious note. You get to see the longing Scully has sometimes for a "normal" life. She feels that they are always chasing shadows in the form of E.T. and that their personal lives have deteriorated with no chance of return. Mulder of course replies to her with his usual sarcasm saying: "This IS a normal life". They struck gold in this episode with the actor who portrays Morris Fletcher. Mulder is brilliant in this entire episode, showing his comedy side as well as his dramatic side, but Morris is just as good. They both play each other perfectly. You never get a sense that anyone is acting, they ARE these characters and it helps you to get lost in the story. Many people complain that DD should have stayed as Mulder, playing Morris in Mulder's body. Now while I think both of these actors could have pulled this off, it would have changed the entire episode dramatically and it wouldn't have been as great as it is. Scully is funny as well. I still crack up at the entire gas station scene. Mulder is not himself and she knows it. Of course, throughout this episode, she just thinks that there is something emotionally wrong and not that he has swapped bodies with a man in black. The scenes with Mulder at Area 51 are funny, yet they serve a more dramatic purpose to the overall story of Mulder trying to use his new found body to get information on what is going on there. The scenes back at the FBI though, between Morris and Scully, are non-stop hilarity. Morris keeps calling Scully Dana, hitting on her, as well as everyone else, smoking, and just being all around insane (for being Mulder of course). When he sees Mulder's apartment and makes comments on everything there and his "life", or lack there of, it is on the verge of on the floor rolling worthy. As funny as these are, the best parts of the episode are Mulder with his "wife" Joanne Fletcher, especially when Scully comes to the door. "I'm calling the Police." Mulder staying up to watch porn and getting caught the next morning. These scenes were maybe the funniest parts of the entire series. As funny as this episode is, it also has a story, and a great one at that. It is about Mulder trying to find evidence and the truth about what goes on at Area 51. Also, there is a mole in the facility that has been trying to contact Mulder and he needs to find out who that is. The show then ends on a surprising cliffhanger. Most stand-alones are just that: stand-alones, but this one ended on a cliffhanger and you get to know the feeling of great joy to find out that this classic, genius, episode gets to continue for a little longer. Pure greatness. Pure gold. As good as it gets. Dreamland I: 10 out of 10 (In case there was any doubt)
One of the better episodes.
PWNYCNY19 October 2007
X-Files is not known for its humor. But this episode is an exception. The switching of personalities is hilarious, especially since the two characters involved in the switch are utterly different in temperament and don't even like each other. Michael McKean is wonderful in this episode. His performance as Morris Fletcher is one of the better TV comic performances. And although Fletcher has his personality quirks he is still likable. This episode proves that a TV drama can delve into comedy without losing its identity or sacrificing dramatic impact. For despite the farcical nature of the story, the underlying premise, that an extraterrestrial entity is somehow involved, remains intact, consistent with the series' theme.
My Two Favorite Episodes EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
higgle-124 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This, and part two, are my very favorite episodes of the X-Files I have ever seen! It's classic X-Files, UFO's, government conspiracies, Area 51!! There's a "laugh-like-a-drunk-Daffy Duck" moment every two minutes, the Duck Soup parody, the switched Hopi woman and pilot, Scully's reaction to who she thinks is Mulder, Fletcher trying to woo her, Fletcher's reaction to Mulder and the Lone Gunmen, Mulder's reaction to Jo Ann and his coworkers, the realization of all the mix-ups(Hilarious one-liners funny enough for a laugh track ensue throughout all these!) Iswear, I have never in my life laughed so much in two hours as I did while watching this! If I tried to list all the kick-ass quotes in this episode I'd have a giant list.
There are also truly touching and deep moments, such as the talk Mulder and Scully have when she tells him he may never get back, and Fletcher convincing Jo Ann that it's him. The direction, acting, music and the writing of this episode is simply exquisite. This is true classic X-Files, and a masterpiece. And what in the world can beat the bewildered look on Mulder's face at the end of part II?
There are also truly touching and deep moments, such as the talk Mulder and Scully have when she tells him he may never get back, and Fletcher convincing Jo Ann that it's him. The direction, acting, music and the writing of this episode is simply exquisite. This is true classic X-Files, and a masterpiece. And what in the world can beat the bewildered look on Mulder's face at the end of part II?
One of the best X-Files episodes
SpecialAgentFoxMulder21 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Dreamland is one of the most fun X-Files episodes. It's not scary, but it's not corny like "How The Ghosts Stole Christmas". Due to an alien spaceship crash, Mulder has switched bodies with the goofy, annoying Area 51 employee, Morris Fletcher, and now everyone thinks Mulder is Morris, and vice versa! This is where the fun begins. Mulder must live in Morris' house, with his overbearing, unhappy wife, and kids who hate 'him'. Morris is now in Mulder's body, and acting all crazy and wise-guy ish. Scully is shocked at his increasingly bizarre behavior, from smoking, to calling her "Dana", and most shocking of all- touching Scully in a place we would all like to touch her! Filled with fun, humor, and intrigue, Dreamland (and Dreamland Pt II) are two of the best episodes from S6, and maybe some of the best X Files episodes period.
"Well, my work here is done."
classicsoncall24 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
One of the great things about watching a popular TV program with a couple of decades behind them, is seeing what character actors showed up who eventually went on to bigger and better things. Michael McKean's in this one, just as Bryan Cranston appeared a couple of episodes prior in the one called "Drive". There were other examples with the X-Files, and if you want to reach even further back into the past, 'The Twilight Zone' also had some major guest appearances by folks who weren't household names yet back in the late Fifties/early Sixties. On top of all that, these two programs are my all time TV favorites, so re-watching them is always a treat.
I had to scratch my head a bit over the opening conversation between Scully and Mulder about finding or having proof about the existence of UFO's because with a full five seasons behind them, that whole idea should have been a moot point by now. But of course, even after something in the myth arc episodes provided definitive evidence of something extraterrestrial, the writers always came back with an alternative to throw some doubt at the FBI agents.
As humorous as this episode was, the one thing I didn't get was why Scully couldn't get a grip on the fact that Mulder and Morris Fletcher (McKean) flipped bodies during their encounter in the Nevada desert. Fletcher, in his Mulder guise, continuously referred to her as Dana, something Mulder never did, and his behavior was so completely out of bounds that it should have been a no-brainer. The pat on the butt should have been the clincher, but I guess they had to keep the ruse going to extend it to a two-parter.
As often as the stories had some familiarity with plot lines offered up in prior movies, this one offered a tribute to not only the Marx Brothers "Duck Soup" from 1933, but also called to mind the great 'I Love Lucy' episode in which Lucille Ball reworked the mirror gimmick with Harpo Marx. Those were two classic pieces of work that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys the type of humor involved. And now we have a third, good work there on the part of Duchovny and McKean.
Reading some of the other reviews for this episode it looks like this one's a number one fave for a lot of fans. Mine alternate between the comedic ones and those that add significant depth to the myth arc like 'Anasazi' and 'Paper Clip'. But no doubt about it, if you're an X-Files fan, and maybe even if you're not, this one's a keeper.
I had to scratch my head a bit over the opening conversation between Scully and Mulder about finding or having proof about the existence of UFO's because with a full five seasons behind them, that whole idea should have been a moot point by now. But of course, even after something in the myth arc episodes provided definitive evidence of something extraterrestrial, the writers always came back with an alternative to throw some doubt at the FBI agents.
As humorous as this episode was, the one thing I didn't get was why Scully couldn't get a grip on the fact that Mulder and Morris Fletcher (McKean) flipped bodies during their encounter in the Nevada desert. Fletcher, in his Mulder guise, continuously referred to her as Dana, something Mulder never did, and his behavior was so completely out of bounds that it should have been a no-brainer. The pat on the butt should have been the clincher, but I guess they had to keep the ruse going to extend it to a two-parter.
As often as the stories had some familiarity with plot lines offered up in prior movies, this one offered a tribute to not only the Marx Brothers "Duck Soup" from 1933, but also called to mind the great 'I Love Lucy' episode in which Lucille Ball reworked the mirror gimmick with Harpo Marx. Those were two classic pieces of work that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys the type of humor involved. And now we have a third, good work there on the part of Duchovny and McKean.
Reading some of the other reviews for this episode it looks like this one's a number one fave for a lot of fans. Mine alternate between the comedic ones and those that add significant depth to the myth arc like 'Anasazi' and 'Paper Clip'. But no doubt about it, if you're an X-Files fan, and maybe even if you're not, this one's a keeper.
X-Files meets Spinal Tap- Almost
XweAponX18 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Or maybe "Best in Show" - Michael McKean guest starts as Morris Fletcher- As a Man in Black. This guy has access to all of the secrets Mulder is looking for, and can care less. Hates his Job, his Boss, his Wife, his Family.
But we don't know that until an Aerospace project that uses Antigrav tech goes awry and switches Mulder and Fletchers brains. This is almost Steve Martin comedy material-High comedy. When I first saw this ep when it was first broadcast, I was howling with laughter and again when I saw it for the first time since last night.
This is the 1st part of a two-parter. Both Mulder and Fletcher are figuring out who "they" are. Fletcher is fine with the switch, wants to keep it that way - And he unfortunately takes steps to try to keep Mulder's body!
Mulder on the other hand, can't deal with "his" wife (Nora Dunn who is hilarious here) - Stays up all night watching Fletcher's stash of Porn.
Mulder tries to convince Skully, that he's Mulder, but it don't work out very well so far. So of course Mulder does something dumb and gets tossed in a military Hoosegow with an old Native American Woman who keeps saluting and talking like a young hotshot Top Gun Pilot.
But we don't know that until an Aerospace project that uses Antigrav tech goes awry and switches Mulder and Fletchers brains. This is almost Steve Martin comedy material-High comedy. When I first saw this ep when it was first broadcast, I was howling with laughter and again when I saw it for the first time since last night.
This is the 1st part of a two-parter. Both Mulder and Fletcher are figuring out who "they" are. Fletcher is fine with the switch, wants to keep it that way - And he unfortunately takes steps to try to keep Mulder's body!
Mulder on the other hand, can't deal with "his" wife (Nora Dunn who is hilarious here) - Stays up all night watching Fletcher's stash of Porn.
Mulder tries to convince Skully, that he's Mulder, but it don't work out very well so far. So of course Mulder does something dumb and gets tossed in a military Hoosegow with an old Native American Woman who keeps saluting and talking like a young hotshot Top Gun Pilot.
Awesome episode.
Sleepin_Dragon14 September 2022
Finally area 51, where Mulder undergoes something of a change.
When I saw that this episode had an average rating of 9.0, I must admit my interest level spiked, I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't expect this.
Dreamland takes you on a vivid journey, one which is dramatic, hilarious, revealing and downright crazy, it has to be one of the most imaginative episodes to date, I was blown away by it.
I've read a few reviews which were a little critical about it, and about Scully's behaviour in particular, but I'd throw it back and say, we all believe what our eyes tell us, we believe what we see, and to think otherwise, it just doesn't work like that.
Mulder's dancing in the mirror, it's one of the best scenes ever.
Michael McKean is awesome as Morris, genuinely an incredibly performance.
Wow, 10/10.
When I saw that this episode had an average rating of 9.0, I must admit my interest level spiked, I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't expect this.
Dreamland takes you on a vivid journey, one which is dramatic, hilarious, revealing and downright crazy, it has to be one of the most imaginative episodes to date, I was blown away by it.
I've read a few reviews which were a little critical about it, and about Scully's behaviour in particular, but I'd throw it back and say, we all believe what our eyes tell us, we believe what we see, and to think otherwise, it just doesn't work like that.
Mulder's dancing in the mirror, it's one of the best scenes ever.
Michael McKean is awesome as Morris, genuinely an incredibly performance.
Wow, 10/10.
The best
koalablue_199330 August 2008
Season Six of The X-Files is stunning, its brilliant and impossibly good. And this episode is the highlight of season six. In one word its awesome. It is every X-Phile's wet dream of an episode. I truly believe this is one of the entire series finest episodes. The character of Morris Fletcher is hilarious, Michael McKean is pure gold playing him. David Duchovny gives his best performance here. He can be really funny. Scully gets angry at various points during the episode, which is good because she looks so hot when she's mad! Then Morris grabs her ass!!! Ha ha! This is my favorite episode ever. Truly funny. If you want to laugh out loud every two seconds then this is the episode for you. The very best ever!
Season six is awesome
NatashaJAmos20158 May 2020
Despite all the changes this season season six is just awesome. It's possibly my second favourite season after season four. Dreamland and Dreamland part II are my favourites (Along with Triangle and How The Ghosts Stole Christmas) and Michael McKean as a special guest star just makes the episodes. I won't spoil it for you but do yourself a favour and watch them!
Fun and funny "X-Files" two part episode
wtdk1231 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
In "Dreamland Parts 1 & 2" Mulder isn't quite himself. In fact, all he's sure about is that his first name is Morris. While out visiting area 51 with Scully for recreation, Mulder and a black ops agent switch bodies due to the effect of a US Military Aircraft using UFO technology. Morrie (the delightful Michael McKean)loves it--he's able to escape his shrewish wife, problematic kids and play FBI agent. He also takes a crack at seducing Scully. Mulder on the other hand has to struggle with the shrewish wife, difficult kids and figure out a way to contact Scully. He needs her help to try and figure out how to reverse the effects of this body snatching and get back his life.
Morrie discovers that Mulder doesn't have much of a life by the way. When he first sees Mulder's apartment ("Where does this guy sleep?") he's horrified and uses Mulder's credit card to purchase a water bed (which plays a part in a future episode as well)and generally get a life. Well written and directed with delightful performances all around "Dreamland Parts 1 & 2" like "The Pine Bluff Variant" and "The Unnatural" makes season six a highlight despite a fair mix of so-so episodes. After this the show would take a sharp decline in quality until the introduction of Robert Patrick during season 8.
Morrie discovers that Mulder doesn't have much of a life by the way. When he first sees Mulder's apartment ("Where does this guy sleep?") he's horrified and uses Mulder's credit card to purchase a water bed (which plays a part in a future episode as well)and generally get a life. Well written and directed with delightful performances all around "Dreamland Parts 1 & 2" like "The Pine Bluff Variant" and "The Unnatural" makes season six a highlight despite a fair mix of so-so episodes. After this the show would take a sharp decline in quality until the introduction of Robert Patrick during season 8.
Love Scully
apd822 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love how Scully, after years working on the X-file cases with Mulder, still uses "science" as a cover for her stupidity. I wonder how she graduated a medical degree when she couldn't even notice the sudden change in behaviors. WTF.
Stop using "science" as a cover! If one does believe in science, they must be more reasonable.
Stop using "science" as a cover! If one does believe in science, they must be more reasonable.
Mulder: "If I were to shoot him right now, is that murder or suicide?" Scully: "Neither, if I do it first".
erickkasecamp23 November 2021
I have never reviewed something on IMDB until this episode. I've been doing a rewatch of every xfiles, and after coming across this two-part episode, I was floored. I have never laughed so hard, been so shocked, or so complely enjoyed an episode of this series quite like I have with these two. The writing is brilliant, and the comedy is superb. While it is illogical (as is a lot of xfiles), none of that matters. Even when you realize this was all essentially just a dream, (I mean figuratively, as no character comes out the other side of this actually remembering anything that happened), it doesn't matter. Its so damn fun to a watch. Kudos to the writers for taking the risk of taking this show out of its wheelhouse, and into something so different from prior seasons. Season six has been the most experimental season of the show, and it's all the better for it. It has paid off brilliantly. Definitely my favorite episodes so far.
umm......
macenblu19 April 2007
It took me a long time to give Xfiles a chance, but i figured that with so many people hailing it as the 'greatest TV show ever' i HAD to see what it was all about. So i bought the DVD's here in china, cuz they are about $0.50 cents a piece.
I must say, i have never found the show more than mildly entertaining. But i am a completist by nature, so i have felt obligated to watch the whole thing.
After having watched the first 5 seasons and the movie, i was ready to move into season 6. and i found the first episode pretty nice. Now this? (first, you must know i am biased against silly 'monster of the week' style episodes, highly preferring episodes that extend the story arc of the show) But in fact, there is only ONE episode i have seen that i thought was RE-watchable (that one with the writer interviewing scully for the book he wanted to write about alien abductions) Now, i LOVE michael Mckean, but I must say, if this goofiness is the kind of episode that deserves a two-parter, i fear for my sanity when it is all over.
I must say, i have never found the show more than mildly entertaining. But i am a completist by nature, so i have felt obligated to watch the whole thing.
After having watched the first 5 seasons and the movie, i was ready to move into season 6. and i found the first episode pretty nice. Now this? (first, you must know i am biased against silly 'monster of the week' style episodes, highly preferring episodes that extend the story arc of the show) But in fact, there is only ONE episode i have seen that i thought was RE-watchable (that one with the writer interviewing scully for the book he wanted to write about alien abductions) Now, i LOVE michael Mckean, but I must say, if this goofiness is the kind of episode that deserves a two-parter, i fear for my sanity when it is all over.
Great guest turn by Michael McKean
maxnatanagara7 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Awesome ep, lots of fun and great conceit. Only annoyed at Scully in this one...we're on Season 6, here, and Mulder's been impersonated AT LEAST once before. Why is she so resistant to the idea that Mulder's been body-switched? And seemingly not giving him the time to prove it. I ge that it's for plot and drama purposes but really grinded my gears and didn't make her look smart.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
