When Fall out The premiere took place Prime Video In 2024, there were major concerns about whether the series could succeed where other video game adaptations had failed. Created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner and executive produced by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the program has more than proven its worth.
With a focus on creating an original storyline that pays homage to the Bethesda Softworks-created property, as well as immersive world-building, unique characters, and a fun, tongue-in-cheek style, the series has gained a following among fans of the franchise.
Now, a year and a half later, Fallout is back with season 2. Rest assured, after watching the first six episodes, I can attest that Fallout once again makes the disintegration of humanity an awesome time. There are story and character details that I can't discuss without spoiling the plot, so I won't. However, if you want a fresh look at these episodes, turn back now.
Brotherhood of Steel armor.
Fans of the Fallout games can agree that the most interesting component of the series is the franchise's immersive story world. There are iconic locations and a deeply developed story, united by a strangely quirky retro-futuristic aesthetic. It's a formula that makes the series unique, combining nostalgia with fantasy.
Like the first season, the new episodes build on the details of the world without feeling contrived. Look around and you'll see people wearing Pip-Boys and drinking bottles of Nuka Cola. Radarcans and SteamPacks sprinkle the story instead of oversaturating it, expanding the boundaries of already realized reality. These are fun Easter eggs for gaming enthusiasts, while newbies can enjoy the absurdity.
The second season changes locations, moving the story to the iconic setting of New Vegas. It's a funny twist. In addition to introducing more aesthetic references to the games, the new medium brings new stakes to the game.
Aaron Moten is a standout player in his second season.
None of this would mean much if the show didn't have a group of strong heroes to root for; There are three of them in Fallout. Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins and Aaron Moten return as Lucy, Ghoul and Maximus. Our main characters face an identity crisis.
I was afraid that the new episodes would be a rehash of the characters. While I wouldn't have a problem watching Goggins swagger through the desert, delivering one-liners on his noseless face, I'm happy to report that each of these characters faces challenges that cause discomfort and change within them, leading the series in exciting, sometimes unpredictable directions.
It's fair to say that I have a soft spot for Ghoul; he was my MVP for the show's first run. Surprisingly, the portrayal of Moten Maximus and his time in the Brotherhood of Steel stood out this time around. He is fueled by a strong sense of morality, even if he continues to find himself in the most brutal situations.
Lucy shares his desire to seek justice, but season two reveals that the innocent, protected Vault Dweller has been changed by the Wasteland. Her journey through the desert accompanied by the Ghoul is delightful. The chemistry between Purnell and Goggins is amazing. There's a lot of comedy here, but their connection also leads to heartbreak, which only makes the situation even more resonant.
Kyle MacLachlan's character in the new season is downright disturbing.
There's also Kyle MacLachlan, who looks like he's having a great time as Hank McLean. His character's turn at the end of the first season is the catalyst for Lucy and the Ghoul's trek into the desert, and what he does in these episodes is simply disturbing.
The conflict leads to more conflict throughout the season, and the tug of war pitting humanity's ideals against its dark, violent side eventually becomes an overarching theme. The first season hinted at the mystery surrounding Vault-Tec's involvement in the end of the world, and the real reason for the creation of underground vaults.
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Through flashbacks, season two goes deeper, revealing new pieces of the puzzle.
There's an element of espionage to these episodes, adding a new tonal element to the mix that perfectly complements the show's sophisticated 1950s style. The addition of Justin Theroux to the cast as Robert House, a morally dubious billionaire, highlights these roles. It fits brilliantly into all this absurdity.
As for the gore of the series, it feels like there is less blood in the new season. Perhaps it's a creative choice; maybe it's a budget issue. Some may find this offensive, but it did not affect my impressions. In fact, some of the monster effects are practical this time around, giving things a nice tactile quality.
Ghoul, Lucy and Maximus are ready for furious action.
Fallout is a video game adaptation done right. It's as sticky-sweet as Nuka-Cola and as terrifying as an irradiated Wasteland mutant. It was an odd proposition, but it's the best way to describe the balance the show achieves. On paper this shouldn't work. But somehow it happens.
For a series that explores the harsh underbelly of humanity while tackling themes like corporate warfare, the military-industrial complex, classism and the destruction of the nuclear family, it's a truly enjoyable ride.
