Fallout Series Review – Theater of the Absurd

How do you make a successful series that takes place after the world ends? You know, most disaster films spend two or three hours building up to a climatic explosion that shakes the whole earth, but “Fallout” gives us just such an explosion within the first ten minutes.

Let’s back up a moment. “Fallout” is an Amazon MGM series based off the legendary game series of the same title. I remember watching gameplay footage of “Fallout 76” when it came out, but that’s where my expertise ends. I can still remember watching the gameplay trailer blaring Fats Domino. When I heard about the “Fallout” series, I was initially worried. It had all the makings of a dumpster fire, but I wanted it to be good so badly. This is the trap of all film adaptions isn’t it?

I am happy, no I am delighted to say that “Fallout” is a glorious departure from the shameless money grabbing, banal swill that usually define video game adaptions. A truly genre defying series, part thriller, part western and part mystery. All blended together to absolute perfection.

“Fallout” is told from the perspective of three characters, Lucy McLean, Maximus and The Ghoul. Lucy is born and raised in a vault, never having any understanding or knowledge of the world outside. Maximus is a servant of the Brotherhood of Steel, who longs to be a knight. The Ghoul is part man, part corpse. “Fallout” is about a lot of things, the destruction of civilization, what happens when people wield too much power, and of course, nuclear fallout. Most importantly, this series is all about the characters.

Lucy MacLean is a naive, innocent young woman who is not cut out for life in the Wasteland. She always expects the best from people and sees the good in the worst of situations. Early in the series I started mental bets for how quickly she would die. I knew she would either die or become a nihilist. To my surprise, neither occurred. Instead Lucy ended up winning me over. It was hard not to pity her for her foolish simplicity, and yet that was also her best quality. She refuses to give in to her anger or to seek revenge. There is one poignant scene where she gives up a valuable battery, even though she needed it. She cannot bear to think of leaving someone else in need, even at her own risk.

Maximus shares none of Lucy’s blind optimism. Growing up in the Wastelands has given Maximus the attitude and instincts of a survivor. Yet, he isn’t without his own personal code. Maximus desires to rise above his menial position and become a Knight. He longs to devote himself to a higher purpose, protect the innocent. Yet he struggles with the fact he has spent his whole life witnessing the worst of humanity. Early in his journey his path crosses with Lucy and watching both of their worldviews collide is funny sometimes. But it is Maximus who absorps and is changed by Lucy’s faith.

Then there’s The Ghoul. Utterly unlike the previous two characters. In the opening scenes we watch a birthday party where a man named Cooper Howard is celebrating a birthday party, when he watches the first bombs go off. The next time we see Cooper, it’s over to hundred years in the future, and he is no longer as human as he once was. Not just in his freakish appearance, his personality has become colder, and harsher. He makes his living as a bounty hunter, and he is feared for a reason. There is no length he won’t go to bring you in. Though he is feared as a stone killer, the show alternates by giving us frequent flashbacks into his life before the bomb fell. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but it was The Ghoul who became my favorite character. Walton Goggins absolute shines in his portrayal of Cooper Howard/The Ghoul. I think Goggins deserves an Emmy for his performance. He brought a lot of weight and emotion to this series. Whether it was watching him as a mild actor in his former life, or as a scavenger/cowboy/bounty hunter in a destroyed world, his acting is absolutely spot on. Especially with that awesome southern accent he utters so smoothly.

Plot is another area where “Fallout” deserves high marks. I’ve been burned so many times from watching cheap adaptions, I would have been appeased had “Fallout” just given me one decent plot. Instead I got multiple highly engaging plot lines to follow. As Lucy and Maximus traverse the Wastelands, Lucy’s brother is left home and he discovers a shocking truth about their home. I mentioned how Cooper Howard/The Ghoul ends up being the character most central to the plot as he is connected to the people who dropped nuclear bombs on the world, and is connected to Vault-TEC. I find myself in awe of how well the main characters stories weave together, while building up the lore from the video games.

I’d also like to mention how well “Fallout” handles the details. From the awesome soundtrack featuring greats like Johnny Cash and Nat King Cole. Try to imagine Nat King Cole crooning as a gory war scene takes place. I know it sounds insane, but it works. Everything has a delightfully weird 1950’s vibe that gives “Fallout” an utterly unique atmosphere. Also if you were a big fan of the video games, you will absolutely lose it when you notice the dozens of references in the show.

I’ll put it this way, this series was so much fun to watch I was tempted to binge the entire season in one sitting. This is the kind of show that makes you think irrational thoughts.

‘I don’t need breakfast, episode 2 is on! Just one more…..’

‘Cut the grass? It’s not that high, just wear boots or something, I’ll get it tomorrow.’

‘Lunchtime? How can you think about lunch at a time like this?!’

‘Dinner? And there’s no dishes? So order pizza!’

‘Sleep? Sleep is overrated, I don’t need sleep…’

You get the idea. I had an absolute blast watching this and was truly sorry to watch the final episode. 10/10, the absolute best thing I’ve ever seen on Amazon.