ABC Family’s original movie, “Fallen” which aired last night (Sunday) and promised all sorts of exciting enchantments–prophecies, redemption, destinies revealed, and the lore of fallen angels–fell far short of my hopes for movie magic. In fact, rather than a movie, “Fallen”– starring Paul Wesley as Aaron Corbett, a boy who wakes up on his 18th birthday to discover that he is half-angel, half-human, called a Nephilim–feels more like a series pilot than a movie that brings closure to its storyline.
The story begins with myth, narrated with images and a voiceover by Aaron who explains to viewers:
When God created man, jealous Lucier mounted a great rebellion in heaven. His army of angels was defeated and forever banished from Paradise. These angels, The Fallen, abandoned Lucifer, choosing to live on Earth among the pleasures of humans. They took more wives and fathered abominations–Children called Nephilim, with the power of angels, but the souls of men. Angry, the Creator flooded the Earth, killing the Nephilim and driving The Fallen into hiding. He sent The Powers, fierce warrior angels to hunt those that survived the flood. But there was hope for The Fallen in a prophecy. A Nephilim would be born who would redeem them and return them to Paradise. So the Fallen watched…and waited….
Of course, Aaron turns out to be the Nephilim prophesized as the redeemer. A large part of the plot involves Aaron discovering this unwanted destiny that will take him away from the family that loves him and put him in the treacherous path of The Powers who want to destroy him. Without the promise of deeper storyline development, however, “Fallen” feels thin on plot and unfortunately comic at moments, since a lot of the dialogue is conducted between Aaron and his dog Gabriel (yes Gabriel, like the angel). The dog-speak is finessed by the fact that Aaron, as the redeemer-Nephilim, can understand all languages including those of the animals, though it was a campy choice for a movie that takes itself very seriously.
Apparently it’s not a coincidence that I felt I was watching a pilot episode rather than a fully developed film, since ABC Family plans to air a six-hour sequel mini-series next summer. So viewers have not seen the last of “Fallen,” though why ABC would decide to air such an open-ended, “to be continued” story a full year before revealing more is a mystery to me.
And I can’t help wondering: What came first, the BBC’s “Hex” or ABC’s “Fallen”? I only ask because “Hex’s” story arc revolves entirely around the Nephilim as well. I’m not sure television has room for two Nephilim-centered stories. One seems enough to me.
posted July 27, 2006 at 1:53 pm
This is so interesting to me…in yeshiva day school we learned very little about the Nephilim, but that they existed; interesting to see that other people found the concept intriguing enough to flesh out the mythology and drama…>
posted July 28, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Seems to me like the TV network has nothing to write about and they have just decided to try and confuse people instead! If there is confusion concerning angels, then they won’t be so personal to eash individual. I personally odn’t like it when the conception of angels is being twisted and they aren’t being given the respect and honor they deserve. In the future, maybe the producers will need one of those angels and will want to re-write their story!>
posted July 28, 2006 at 3:08 pm
I found it awful and so confusing I shut off the program.>
posted July 28, 2006 at 4:34 pm
First of all, keep in mind this is Hollywood. where the “extremes” are the “norm”. As far as I understood it was always promoted as a pilot for a mini series but so was “Lost” what a waste of time that turned out to be huh ? Anyway, I have to admit the reason I was interested when I saw the previews is directly related to my interest in angels. Yea, it was hoaky but sometimes you have to look beyond the surface of things to find other messages. Maybe there is a message about trust, love and forgiveness in there somewhere. Abstract and remote maybe but it’s there. It’s my opinion that as the show progreses it will be “Stevie” the little brother who will turn out to be the “Redeemer” and not Aaron. Could be wrong. I was of the opinion the island on Lost was a sort of pergatory….but guess I’ll never know cause they have dragged that out so far I’ve “lost” interest. I too wish Hollywood would put together something that the audience can really sink their belief into. Something based more on facts. Something that promotes faith and hope in a world that needs it so desperatly. Instead they only seem to want to get their political views across which just confuses the majority that are already cofused as it is. I think we need to always stay open minded but also use common sense. After all god gave us free will, wether we like it or not, right? Here’s wishing all who read this love, happiness and wisdom. B>
posted July 29, 2006 at 1:01 am
This was confusing. Aren’t people mixed up enough with what is TRUE and what is MYTH? To try to marry the two into a movie is not helping understanding. Either follow the bible or follow simply creativity but don’t blend the two to further confused the public. The fact that a year will passed before a follow-up is just plain stupid – who will care by then or remember?>
posted July 29, 2006 at 6:45 pm
I loved it, anything about angels is my cup of tea. My 18 year old grandson also liked it alot. We wish it was on this year and not next year.>
posted July 30, 2006 at 3:36 am
I enjoyed the show. Yes it seemed like a pilot launcher. I rather assumed it was, and I hope we get a whole series rather than just six hours. The scene where Ezekial (right?) helps Aaron heal Gabe is itself worth the whole production – I thought it a beautiful portrayal of faith and love and self-discovery. Aaron is a sweet character – strong and gentle – a much-needed model of what it is to be a man, to be spiritual, to be human. Ezekial could be complex – yearning for redemption while living in fearful, rebellious exile. Also very human issues. Okay, I also like the dog. What can I say? I’m a dog-person. I just hope “the powers” develop – a lot. They seemed pubescent thugs – nothing resembling heavenly warriors. The whole concept of redemption is so sorely needed in our world today. Too much damnation. We need healers. We need to believe in healing. I’m grateful for a show that pursues a return to grace even for those deemed most cursed – the fallen. The comments on separating fact from myth somehow managed to surprise me. Who out there believes they can state fact from myth regarding angels? I have my own experiences and education, but we’re talking about the realm of mystery aren’t we? The mysterium tremendum? I challange anyone to clearly distinguish fact and myth in the supposedly mundane world, even. It’s interesting how many commented on their sense of confusion. The problem to me seemed far more to do with oversimplification. There’s nothing simple about holy war. Nothing simple about the bible. Nothing simple about being human. We need to dig deeper and expand our awareness if we are to outlive our divisive and destructive dispositions. Redemption is requisite to salvation. And you can’t save only a part of a whole. Many thanks and Blessings. Kelci>
posted July 30, 2006 at 9:02 am
The ABC movie “Fallen” is based on a series of 4 books by Thomas E. Sniegoski; The Fallen, Leviathan, Aerie, and Reckoning. The first book in the series was published in early 2003, well before Hex premiered in late 2004.>
posted July 31, 2006 at 9:52 pm
Hmmm, interesting point Kelci. I agree with you that none of us humans are in a position to judge what goes on in the world of angels. I didn’t get to see the whole thing a once. I saw the end on one night and then most of the beginning on a different night.I didn’t find it confusing, in fact I think as long as they don’t get too “out there” with it it will be a good show. I know I made a comparison to “lost in an earlier response but I was just as interested in it as I am this show and I’d hate to see it turn out the same. Have you or anyone reading these reponses ever read “This Present Darkness”? I forget the authors name at te moment…Frank..? anyway,it was one of those I couldn’t put down. It’s about angels and demons at battle in a town. Kind of a “behind the scenes” look at how Heaven and Hell are involved in the manipulation and assistance of events the humans in the town are dealing with. Pick it up if you get the chance. There’s a sequal as well but I heard it on a “Book on tape” and it wasn’t as good. I think they both would make a great movie though if the right director and writers. I guess we’ll have to see what happens with “Fallen” Personally I hope it makes it. It would be nice if Hollywood would take more things in consideration than what they do but then I’m not looking for validation of my faith on T.V. Bless you all. Barb>
posted September 1, 2006 at 12:19 am
I loved the show. I don’t understand how people are finding this confusing. First of all, IT’S JUST A MOVIE! It isn’t trying to MAKE you believe that Nephelims are the way they are portrayed in the movie, it is soley trying to entertain people. If you are going to try to pick up on religion based on a movie, well then good luck to ya! Try reading the bible or go to church! I personally can not wait for next summer’s continuation.>