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.
"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.