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Amazon’s Fallout season 1 ended up being absolutely packed. Something was always happening in those eight episodes, and we saw major developments, insights into the world after the apocalypse, and even periods of time covered. It ended up being impressive and true to the games. With Fallout season 2, I found myself a little less impressed because, while it’s still interesting, the pacing and execution feels like fewer things are being accomplished and characters are getting their due. The series is still interesting and feels like an accurate representation of the Fallout game experience, but there’s much more going on.
Editor’s Note: There will be major spoilers for Fallout season 1 in this feature about season 2.
A part of this is because, in some ways, it can sometimes feel like Fallout season 2 is setting things up for season 3, rather than focusing on telling a story that could almost be considered self-contained and paying tribute to the game series. Fallout season 1 struck me, in retrospect, as a sort of tale that could be considered one-and-done if needed, even with the cliffhanger. Hank MacLean took off for New Vegas, now that we know he was with Vault-Tec and involved in many atrocities. His daughter Lucy is followed after him with The Ghoul Cooper Howard, since she wants to bring Hank to justice and he’s hoping Hank will lead him to the vault his wife Barb and daughter Janey entered when the bombs dropped. Maximus was set up as something of a hero to the Brotherhood of Steel and shot up the ranks due to Lee Moldaver of the New California Republic and getting the Enclave’s Cold Fusion. It could have been a stopping point if needed, while also setting up what’s next.
With Fallout season 2, there are two things to consider that keep it from feeling as well-paced and dedicated as season 1. The primary one is because there’s so much to “respond” to. With the Brotherhood of Steel, we’re seeing how Elder Cleric Quintus is responding to their part of the organization holding this new piece of power, and Maximus reconciling his upbringing and Lucy’s influence with what he’s seeing the group is like. Lucy and The Ghoul are on this journey to reach New Vegas, with opportunities for flashbacks on his part to offer more insight into his past with Barb and Mr. House. Hank gets more screentime, as he’s reached his destination in New Vegas as this season begins and is starting to act based on what he’s seen and learned. There are also looks back at Vaults 31, 32, and 33 and what’s happening there. People are getting into position and dealing with the consequences of actions.
This brings me to the other element that hits you the second you start Fallout season 2, which is that there are so many more characters who are “important.” In the first season, our attention ended up on Lucy, Maximus, and The Ghoul. Now it almost feels like Hank, Norm, Stephanie and Chet, and Barb’s perspectives are being lent just as much weight. Lucy and The Ghoul still feel like the “main” characters even with that, but I felt like Maximus’ portion got pushed to the side in favor of all of these other people. Which is a shame, as there’s so much happening in his route that helps further define who he is as a character and sets him up to be hugely important
This isn’t to say there aren’t occasional fun moments that highlight things we love about Fallout as a game in season 2 of the show. There are a few interesting cameos. Additional factions other than Vault dwellers, the Enclave, and Brotherhood of Steel come up. There are some really interesting encounters and experiences with Lucy and The Ghoul, even if I do feel like her attitude toward him doesn’t seem to show she’s learning from her experiences with him. Seeing some familiar enemies like Mirelurks is good too! It just feels like these are fewer and further between than they were in the first season.
Fallout feels like it is building to greater revelations in season 2, but the increased cast noticeably splits its focus. Lucy and The Ghoul still feel like the primary stars, but because so many others have shown up Maximus doesn’t always get the attention I feel he deserves. It’s still a faithful adaptation of the Fallout game series. With everything that’s happened so far, I’m optimistic about what’s next.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Fallout are streaming via Amazon Prime now, and the first season is also on Blu-ray and DVD.
