After years stuck in development limbo, including a shelved movie adaptation, Fallout has finally made its way onto screens through an Amazon television series crafted by showrunners Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet. Rather than adapting one of the existing games, the series carves its own path with an original story set in the wastelands of Los Angeles 217 years after the nuclear apocalypse. It centers around three primary characters: Lucy Maclean, a vault dweller from Vault 33 who ventures into the Wastelands to find her missing father, Hank; Maximus, a squire in LA’s Brotherhood of Steel; and a mysterious Ghoul, a bounty hunter with a past he’s desperate to uncover, willing to go to any lengths to do so.
These characters introduce viewers to the Fallout universe’s version of LA, exploring its settings and meeting its intriguing inhabitants throughout the show’s first season.
Spoilers for the First Season of Fallout
Meet Our Wasteland Travelers
Lucy (Ella Purnell) is the primary focus of the show’s three central characters. She’s an optimistic, albeit naive and sheltered Vault Dweller whose world is turned upside down when her father and Vault 33’s Overseer, Hank (Kyle MacLachlan), is abducted by raiders led by Lee Moldaver (Sarita Choudhury). Deciding to venture into LA’s Wastelands to find her father, Lucy leaves behind her intelligent and curious younger brother Norm and her cousin Chet, portrayed respectively by Moises Arias and Dave Register. The latter shares an uncomfortably close relationship with Lucy.
As Lucy navigates the Wastelands, she learns that her pacifistic and friendly nature could lead to trouble in this new world. Throughout Season One, it’s compelling to watch her evolve from a kind-hearted individual into a tougher character who realizes that survival might require her to take lethal measures. This transformation highlights the harsh realities of the wasteland, contrasting sharply with her initially sheltered life in the vault—which she comes to realize might not have been as idyllic as she thought.
Most vaults in the Fallout series harbor dark secrets, and Vault 33 is no exception, a subplot explored through Lucy’s brother Norm. Living between three vaults, Norm grows suspicious about the inner workings of his own home and how the raiders gained entry. This subplot initially seemed superfluous but quickly became one of my favorite aspects of the season, adding depth to the narrative and unveiling the grim realities beneath the surface of vault life.
In addition to Lucy and Norm’s storyline, we also follow Maximus (Aaron Moten), who is fiercely loyal to the Brotherhood of Steel. Raised by the Brotherhood after being rescued from a ruined city, Maximus is willing to manipulate and lie to secure a higher position. However, his encounters with Lucy begin to open his eyes to possibilities beyond the Brotherhood. Contrasting with the somewhat kinder characters of Lucy and Maximus is the Ghoul (Walton Goggins), an experienced wasteland dweller who resorts to torture to achieve his goals, combining fearlessness with a unique flair. As the season progresses, the characters’ paths intertwine, driving the narrative forward without falling into the common trap of filler episodes. Each episode builds on the last, increasing investment in the characters’ journeys.
Of the three main storylines, the Ghoul’s was particularly gripping as it provided a rare glimpse into pre-war America through his former identity as Cooper Howard. This backstory not only enriches the character but also offers deeper insights into Vault-Tec and its ominous activities before the apocalypse, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.
The Amazing Atmosphere That Fallout Shows Its Audience
The series excels in recreating the iconic Fallout atmosphere, from the Vaults to the Wasteland landscapes, brought to life by a dedicated behind-the-scenes team. The creature effects stay true to their video game origins, and the show does not shy away from the series’ trademark graphic violence. Notable appearances include the lovable Dogmeat and the iconic Brotherhood of Steel armor, which, despite occasionally looking awkward in flight scenes, adds a touch of authenticity to the adaptation.
Dialogue and Battles Replicate the Feeling of the Games
Fans concerned about potential changes to the dialogue style will be pleased to find that the series maintains a perfect balance of humor, drama, action, and horror. The show seamlessly integrates well-known Fallout tracks such as The Inkspots’ “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire,” enriching the nostalgic yet fresh experience of diving back into the Fallout universe. With its faithful adaptation of game elements and a well-crafted original storyline, the Fallout TV series promises to captivate both longtime fans and new viewers, inviting them to explore the perils and intrigue of the post-apocalyptic wasteland once more.
