The X-Files (TV Series) Fallen Angel (1993) User Reviews

X-Files Finding It's Footing & A Classic Character

[AudioFileZ · 8/10 · 24 March 2012]

As most viewers agree The X-Files varies so wildly in quality, but when it zeros in on the aliens, those who believe, and the government trying to do whatever is necessary to keep it all under wraps it is moving in exactly the right direction. It's important that not too much is given up, but at the same time the viewers want something other than one more dead end. That is what we get here as Mulder finally witnesses a very other worldly occurrence as Max Fenig is levitated and de-materialized only to be materialized in another place at a later time.

Most of the key elements are here. Mulder gets a tip from "Deep Throat" which, most assuredly, he will act on without going through proper channels. Scully is sent to retrieve him when he is caught by a special task force attempting to capture the alien presence. We're introduced to a very likable quirky UFO chaser named Max Fenig played perfectly by Canadian actor Scott Bellis. Fenig is what Mulder would be if he was driven more by his left brain! That is except for the fact that Mulder discovers, even though Fenig doesn't realize it himself, that he has been abducted, perhaps many times, in his past. It is worth noting that Marshall Bell really adds cred to his role as Commander Henderson who is driven to not let the alien get away, this time - although if the alien would abduct, and keep, Mulder he'd enthusiastically get over losing this time to try again another day.

Interesting at the end of the episode, after the big cheese at the F.B.I. dress down Mulder, we see who really pulls the strings and it is the one and the same "Deep Throat". He's working both sides, keeping a lid on the extra-terrestrials for the brass and pushing Mulder to find the truth at the same time. Yes, this is a big-time "myth-arc" early episode that adds more mystery to the whole undercurrent. Fans, almost universally like this episode even if it isn't in their top five, and casual viewers alike will be entertained...Recommended.

That story happens to be highly classified. A highly classified lie.

[DWilliams1089 · 8/10 · 27 September 2010]

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.

Beam Me Up, Scotty!

[Muldernscully · 9/10 · 12 April 2006]

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.

Max Fenig!

[koalablue_1993 · 10/10 · 26 July 2008]

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!

How can I disprove lies that are stamped with an official seal?

[alexandercappelli · 9 August 2015]

"How can I disprove lies that are stamped with an official seal?" – Fox Mulder.

Episode 10, 'Fallen Angel', original air date November 19th, 1993. Written by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, directed by Larry Shaw. Mythology episode count, 3. After a string of 'Monster of the Week' shows, 'Fallen Angel' brings us the third mythology episode of season 1, penned by Gordan & Gansa who seem to be improving with each turn in the writers chair. The mythology of the X-Files was nothing if not convoluted, an arguably labyrinthine mess of loose ends and unresolved plot arcs. With some considerable effort it is possible to form a cohesive structure and timeline for the 'mytharc' when viewing the series in retrospect, however at this considerably early stage of the production the various conspiracies are very much open for interpretation. Unlike more recent television series that involve intricate story lines, such as J.J Abram's 'Lost' which had plot arcs mapped well in advance, the production team behind the X-Files never had a clear end in mind for the show. Consequently, the ambiguous nature of the X-Files mythology is arguably due to the uncertainty of the the writers long-term intentions. As such, this episode ultimately explains very little and the machinations of the shadow government and their motivations are still in their infancy. Nevertheless, Gordon & Gansa still manage to deliver a intriguing entry that paves the way for many of the following mythology episodes, and as a bonus including for the first time, the now famous phrase, "Trust no one." In his third appearance in the show, Deep Throat contacts Mulder regarding a downed space craft, a 'fallen angel', and encourages him to investigate before the military completes their white wash of the event. Mulder is seen infiltrating the crash site by hitch-hiking a military vehicle. He is apprehended soon after, and reprimanded in custody where he encounters UFO enthusiast Max Fenig (Scott Bellis), a fan favourite guest character who will feature in two later episodes. As the episode unfolds we learn that the military is conducting a man hunt for a camouflaged unidentified life form, not unlike the Predator from the 1987 feature film. It appears to defend itself by emitting massive waves of radiation which cause severe 5th and 6th degree burns, often resulting in death. Max Fenig is somehow connected to this extraterrestrial event and as such, much to the prediction of Mulder, is abducted by the episodes conclusion. Mulder, having essentially proved nothing, is hauled over coals for disobeying protocol and the decision is made to terminate his position at the FBI. However, thanks to the intervention of Deep Throat, this ruling is overturned.

Mulder's complete disregard for FBI protocol and his contempt for the powers that be are in full force as he risks his career to expose the lies propagated by the unnamed government organisations. While disapproving of his behaviour, Scully is nonetheless defensive of her partners actions. Her attempts to defend Mulder's behaviour to the review board despite their differing approaches is evidence of her respect for Mulder's determination. Even though she may disagree with his methods Scully still recognises that Mulder's position in the X-Files somewhat justifies his extreme measures as she argues that it is unfair to judge him by the same standards as other FBI investigators. This is a key element of their relationship throughout the series. Even though the pair have quite often diverging viewpoints they manage to maintain an admiration for their respective skills. Mulder needs Scully to ground him, she is the necessary level headed counterpoint to his recurrently recklessness conduct. As seen in this episode, Mulder is too often willing to jeopardise his career without Scully's reasoning in his ear. It is sometimes argued that Anderson's character was too disbelieving when considering everything she saw, yet as the creator himself, Chris Carter, reasoned, without Scully's scepticism the show would have been too imbalanced. She is the necessary voice of the audience asking the pertinent question, "Isn't there a more logical explanation?".

Deep Throat's appearance is far more justified than his inclusion in 'Ghost in the Machine', Gordon & Gansa's previous MOTW show. His character is given some more depth in the conclusion as his decision to overturn Mulder's expulsion from the FBI forces us to question his true motives. His justification to the review board is that Mulder's knowledge would be far more destructive in the 'wrong' hands, whomever they may be, and that in keeping him close, under FBI surveillance, they are able to more closely monitor his actions. This is a sentiment often reciprocated in later episodes by the cigarette smoking man. "Keep your enemies closer", Deep Throat explains. Whether this is simply a line he is feeding the review board in order to justify his true intentions is as yet unknown. The audience is left to ponder the implication of these words and question whether Deep Throat is either a help or a hindrance to Mulder's search for the truth. As mentioned we are left with far more questions than answers, and though this is sometimes a frustrating way to conclude an episode, at this point the intrigue outweighs the ambiguity. 'Fallen Angel' serves it's purpose of drawing us in deeper to the shows mythology, whetting our appetite for more.

U.F.O Ascension

[thebigeasy555 · 9/10 · 20 September 2006]

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.

Mulder: l didn't think anybody was paying attention. Max: Somebody is always paying attention, Mr. Mulder.

[bombersflyup · 9/10 · 23 April 2020]

Fallen Angel is about the reclaiming of a downed UFO.

The episode's very singular and inconsistent in how they deal with aliens to the rest of the series, a much weaker and vague version. We're introduced to the chipper Max Fenig and the ending excellent. It's unresolved though, as Scully doesn't say anything about the marks behind Max's ears and Max gone. I assume this is like all the other times Max has woke up in strange places not knowing how he got there. Frederick Coffin sure plays the angry man well.

Mulder: Then what can I say? How can I disprove lies that are stamped with an official seal?

Deep Throat: Always keep your friends close, Mr. McGrath... but keep your enemies closer.

"That's a lot of firepower to protect Mother Nature."

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 13 May 2017]

We get a hint of the dichotomy involved in the character of Deep Throat (Jerry Hardin) in this episode. This time, instead of warning Mulder to keeps hands off of an investigation, he's providing info so the FBI agent can fast track an X-Files case before it can be broomed by the government as a toxic spill event.

For a while there it looked like this was going to be a lone wolf expedition on the part of Mulder until Scully showed up in Townsend, Wisconsin to bail him out of a tight spot. The Max Fenig (Scott Bellis) character was a pretty good one, particularly when he cast Mulder as the subject of his own investigation into UFO's and government conspiracies to suppress information. And of course, the 'enigmatic' Dana Scully. That was a trip, especially Mulder's reaction to it.

I thought Mulder gave a fairly strong, impassioned speech there near the end of the story about how no government agency has jurisdiction over the truth. Two decades ago this sounded like we were on the vanguard of really learning something concrete about the existence of aliens, but here it is almost a quarter century later and we're no more the wiser. Well, maybe someday.

Always keep your friends close.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 6/10 · 18 September 2020]

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.

All Around Great

[godzillasaveschristmas · 8/10 · 22 April 2021]

I think the importance of secondary characters acting is very underappreciated. Do you have any idea how damn important secondary characters are? Very. Seriously, even if you have two scenes, you go and be DDL for those 5 minutes. The doctor in this episode had a complete character arc with passionate acting with only 2 scenes (maybe 3... but it was a small role). Max Fenig was the man of the match though, he really gives life to "Fallen Angel".

And that levitating special effects, huh? Top tier. Corny not found.

What could have been

[jpittsinger · 7/10 · 14 February 2022]

This episode was very good but it really should not have been a season 1 episode. This is the type of story you save for later. We start with almost a cold open. This is the first time in the whole series that the first 10 mins are not setting up the premise of what we are about to see. It almost felt like they filmed about an extra 10 mins and had to cut to fit it in the time they were given. It would have been much better served later on with a lead in from a prior episode or at least some back story that let us as the viewers understand what we were about to see.

Now for the episode... we start with Mulder infiltrating a supposed UFO crash site. He was able to dodge security for long enough to take picture but then gets caught and his film exposed to sunlight and ruined. The colonel rants about live ammo and how to shoot first and ask questions later yet Mulder is thrown in a cage? Ok.

We have an alien being that cannot be seen yet burns everything it comes into contact with like some sort of nuclear exposure. Why would they just not vaporize the area to eliminate and why would a military leader continue to send their men to die?

Then we have Max the UFO enthusiast. He has all the tropes that these wackos have in the 90s era: a loner, has access to espionage technology that would likely get him thrown in Leavenworth, and just so happens to be in the right place at the right time. Max ends up revealed as a abducted and "disappears".

All of this is fine and probably gets a 9 because it's a solid story until we hit the end. We spend the whole episode of Scully trying to talk Mulder off the ledge and to save his career only for him to not face any consequences. What? I get Deep Throat intervening but it all seemed like nonsense.

Alien Angel

[Dresden_Doll_101 · 8/10 · 28 August 2007]

Fallen Angel is a good, strong episode which introduces a wacky, but lovable character, Max. Max's trailer is so cool (And messy). x] When I first seen this episode, I wasn't to fussed, and now I think it is great. It shows opinions can change. Anyway, i'll give you some good and bad points about the episode,

The Good: Like I said, awesome trailer!

Max is a brilliant character, which sadly, we don't see again for a while.

The special affects were really well used in this episode.

I love those things were you can tell how many people are in the building by their body heat or whatever.

The Bad How did Mulder get that far without being noticed?

Conclusion: Really good episode, grows on you. 8/10

Not quite the level of "Deep Throat", at times a little slow, but an engaging slice of mythology for the series

[SLionsCricketreviews · 7/10 · 14 September 2017]

From what I have read, I understand that the character of Max Fenig, introduced in this episode, would go onto become a minor recurring character in The X-Files. In an overall solid episode, he's probably the single strongest element, an absolute delight whenever he's on screen. He's brilliantly acted by Scott Bellis who makes him charismatic, amusing and sympathetic all at once.

"Fallen Angel" concerns what could be a potential UFO crash site as Deep Throat informs Mulder that the military's UFO reclamations expert is clearing the site of any evidence of extraterrestrial contact and within 24 hours, it would be as if there never was a UFO crash. So Mulder investigates, against the approval and willingness of Scully.

One thing that makes this episode unique is its narrative. Immediately after the cold open, we the viewer are put right into the thick of it as Mulder ventures through the forest near Wisconsin, the site of the crash. Through an economical use of flashback that accompanies Mulder's introduction in this episode, we're given a healthy dose of exposition that helps spring the plot into gear. Even so early into the series, it's a refreshing change of pace to see an episode open in this manner. The cold open itself was an intense and captivating one and what follows is high pace, even if occasionally, the episode fails to sustain a high level of interest.

In an opposite fashion to how Mulder is immediately onto the task in this episode, Scully doesn't make her entrance up until almost the one-third mark of the episode, which is both interesting and a little disappointing. This is not a criticism in any way as it's necessary to the narrative of the episode but a lack of Scully and Mulder interactions at the beginning is perhaps a little disappointing.

There's a magnificent scene very early in the episode where Mulder sneaks closer to the crash site and sees a government op team at mark, sterilizing the situation. It's a beautifully shot scene that looks magnificently cinematic in its presentation, highlighting the great cinematography of The X-Files.

I enjoyed "Fallen Angel" a lot more on this second viewing. I was afraid that the episode would drop the hook on me as it progressed but that never happened. It's a refreshing change of pace for the series to tell its story the way it does and it's another solid entry into the show's mythology.

The enigmatic Scully

[pmicocci-18908 · 1/10 · 19 August 2021]

The enigma is, how could someone so gullible get to be an FBI agent? Really, a Libyan jet somehow made it all the way to Wisconsin?

As with so many other episodes, morons wrote this one. Fifth and sixth degree burns? I guess those must be like third degree burns, but in a higher dimension...

I used to think this series had gotten stupider with time, but, on reviewing the first season, I see that I was mistaken.

Fallen Angel...

[ametaphysicalshark · 17 August 2008]

"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

'Max doesn't believe he was abducted by aliens, I believe he was.'

[Kendich89 · 9/10 · 7 November 2017]

The episode opens with a deputy sheriff encountering the crash scene of a UFO near Townsend, Wisconsin, what he believes to be just forest wire. He responds accordingly by asking for a fire screw dispatch to the scene. He gets out of the car to investigate. At the same time the US Space Surveillance Center in Colorado detects the activity and, upon analyzing the data, establish the crashed aircraft to be unidentified due to its nature of manoeuvre prior to the crash. In charge of the military reclamation's division is Colonel Calvin Henderson. Upon the technicians' briefing on the data, and to their bewilderment, the Colonel's orders are clear: 'What you tracked was a meteor. The aberrant movement was obviously to instrument malfunction.' They know the truth and he knows the truth: it's a UFO, but the elephant in the room remains ignored.

Later Agent Mulder and Deep Throat have a meeting during which Deep Throat advises Mulder to act quickly, suggesting a time frame of just about 24 hours before the Air Force cleans up the scene and seal the evidence.

Of course Agent Mulder couldn't let this one slip by, so he gets to investigate. He travels to the crash scene, dressed in plain clothes, and equipped with a camera and plenty of film.

His spying mission gets interrupted as one of the military personnel surprises him from the back.

Later, in detention, he meets another wannabe reporter by the name of Max Fenig, an odd character and an NICAP (National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena) member, who was also caught sniffing around for some capture. As Scully later arrives to retrieve Mulder, she tells him that FBI Section Chief Joseph McGrath is threatening to shut down the X-Files because of his unauthorized investigation.

Up until this point it wasn't clear as to what direction the show would take. Of course there was insidious government involvement in shady affairs, and it goes without saying that we were strapped in for an unusual TV show from the get-go. However, the alien stuff didn't really kick in prior to this episode, which, of course, came just in time before the viewers became disinterested. The show had started to develop a theme. Even though it was a preconceived one by the creator Chris Carter, he didn't really succeed initially, but, nonetheless, the spooky ambiance and the premise was there all along.

In Fallen Angel the aliens conspiracy was kind of beginning to transpire, although we are left to our own imagination and speculation as to what the heck's going on and if there were really any aliens and alien aircraft involved in the first place. This paved the road to further development while keeping the suspense high.

As with most X File cases this one is filled with speculations and doubts, dubiousness and skepticism against Mulder's theories and beliefs. It doesn't help his case much since we're almost convinced that the truth could be much different. This is what makes The X Files such a great show- the absence of obvious and immediate answer. That's how the real governments work and that's what we've been asking for a long time. The truth is out there, but will we reveal it?

Another intrepid soul in search of a close encounter.

[Sanpaco13 · 7/10 · 25 May 2009]

Fallen Angel the Limerick:

An invisible alien burns

All in his path where he turns.

A fun-loving schizo

Turns into a psycho

Abducted by aliens Mulder learns.

The first time we meet Max Fenig. This episode at first remembrance isn't really anything too special other than that. It is one of the early alien abduction episodes before the mythology really took a definite form. Because of that it has a number of items that make it a mythology episode and other items that set it apart. I didn't make a list if that was what you expected to come next. Sorry. I guess maybe I will name one or two. The main one that comes to mind as a difference is that the alien is invisible or cloaked somehow. Much later in the series we find out that the UFOs can cloak themselves but it wouldn't make much sense for aliens to cloak when they can just shape shift and look like anyone they want. One similarity is the flashes that cause severe burns to those exposed to them. This is seen a number of times throughout the series. Max Fenig has always been a favorite character due to his performance in this episode and the story isn't too bad. For an early alien abduction episode it is pretty good so I will go with 7 out of 10.

a fairly interesting episode

[SleepTight666 · 7/10 · 20 July 2008]

This is a pretty strong Season 1 mythology episode. It has the best camera work until now. It looked really smooth and very well done. Even the special effects were great-looking.

My only complaint is that some things are inconsistent with the rest of the show. Those marks below the ear were never used again, or Mulder's apartment/whatever it was. The guy that interviewed Mulder AND the offices. It's almost like watching a mythology episode that was never followed up, even though Max did appear later in Season 4. I liked Max, he was the highlight of the episode for me.

It was a fairly interesting episode, one of the better episodes until now.

I'm giving it THREE stars.