Fans of post-apocalyptic narratives don’t really need a primer to enjoy Fallout. Everything gets explained during the course of eight episodes and folks can either binge or pace it out for the next two months. After its explosive debut last week, I’m hooked and love the undead cowboy who must have read a lot of Jonah Hex comic books. At first, I thought it was set during the 50s or later, like 1977 when this antihero’s exploits was in print. Instead, it’s 2077 when the world blew up.
Had the introduction not shown Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) signing a piece of paper showing the date of March 17, 2299, I would’ve thought the vintage set design existed for another reason. With all the era appropriate decor, the only thing out of place is the television. It looked like it was from a future time similiar to The Jetsons. And with what’s broadcasted in black and white, I thought Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the start of the next World War!
After the nuclear destruction of Los Angeles, the details fall into place. Those who caught sight of the clouds raced to shelters (called Vaults) and those who didn’t are dead or heavily mutated. Some turn into Ghouls and live long lives, and others aren’t even trying to rebuild. After 200 years, a very feudal society defines the surface world.
Just how this series looks at this society is not too different from how HBO’s Doom Patrol presents their episodes. As the heroes of today deal with the now, Cooper Howard’s (Walton Goggins) backstory unfolds through information heavy flashbacks; his tale provides all the details viewers need to know about why the bomb was dropped before the title card splashes on screen.
Afterwards, the focus shifts to Lucy seeking permission to marry. After seeing her sign a document to show the date, I recognised the world for what it is. I don’t know a lot about the video game this series is based on and don’t have any particular expectations. Aside from asking why the retro look is so important, everything else is just relative. The 50s was a time when there was a lot of Cold War tension going on, and it’s sort of explored. But what’s more pronounced is McCarthyism and fear-mongering certain individuals are heavy to lean on. I get the sense that’s a motif that is consistent in the franchise.
Also, Fallout fits very well into the weird west genre when considering how it overlaps with all that’s beloved from The X-Files and Nightbreed. Even the characters are perfect. Cooper transitioned from being an actor playing a cowboy to being a real one. His tale is one of not only survival, but also abandonment. And his partially decayed visage is a result of radiation poisoning rather than being a member of the undead. While his new moniker of The Ghoul is apt to describe some aspects of this fantasy species, it’s not distinguishable. Those who are members of the walking dead are known as ghouls too. Also, his story and Lucy’s don’t collide until later.
And to act like a glue to bring things together, Maximus (Aaron Moten) is the other ally whom the young lady meets. Unlike how people of colour were treated back then, he’s somewhat respected in his clan, but to really stand out, he’ll have to rank up rather than power up. This African-American soldier who belongs to the Brotherhood of Steel isn’t all that there in a job he should be comfortable with. These three individuals are after the head of a scientist who has a secret because what he knows can give each hope for a better future.
Also, soldier boy’s feelings are reminiscent of how Finn feels when he was introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The only difference is that this tale goes further in showing how he figures out his purpose in life.
Lucy has an arc that’s not too different from Ray’s and while there’s no one who is exactly like Kylo and Poe, I don’t think there are any further connections. However, after the very revealing last episode concerning Lucy’s father, Hank, it’s easy to see how his arc mirrors a certain enemy in Episodes VII to IX.
Ultimately, I kept watching because of Cooper. Goggins is awesome in the role, and after glancing at his filmography, this casting choice is perfect. He exudes the same charm that made Clint Eastwood famous. Purnell’s sense of being uninitiated requires me to wonder when that’ll change. She’s going to need to develop some kind of attitude if she’s to survive the surface world. The things she encounters here are not for the faint of heart, and she handles every obstacle without throwing up or looking disgusted.
What makes this series work is in how everything gels together. Not only do the visuals remind viewers that it’s time to pick up the pieces of one’s life, but also the moments reflect on a continued xenophobia. Although humanity should be more forward-thinking, even in 2077, it seems a lot of the past sensitivities have never gone away.
I’m sure fans of the game will find plenty of Easter eggs, but for me, everything lies in what Cooper’s end goal is. It’s tough to know until even more backstory unfolds. This hunter wants something more than simply reuniting with his child. And after finally setting up the fact Vault-Tec is the ultimate villain to take down, I’m ready for more! Hopefully, the wait won’t be too long.
5 Stars out of 5
Amazon Prime Video Fallout Trailer
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