By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
I love the Fallout games! So much so, that I have gone deep into the lore and lost myself for hours at a time. This series means a great deal to me, so there was always going to be some trepidation with any live-action adaption – even one with the involvement of Walton Goggins!
The much-loved dystopian world of Fallout is rich with lore, memorable characters, dark humour and moral dilemmas, making it a challenging universe to translate to the screen. However, after binge-watching the entire first season, and as a huge fan of the franchise, Amazon Video’s Fallout exceeds expectations on every level!
The wasteland landscapes are hauntingly beautiful, capturing the desolation and decay of a world ravaged by nuclear war. From the rusted ruins of iconic landmarks to the makeshift settlements of survivors, every detail feels meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in the Fallout universe. Likewise, the vaults feel pulled straight from the video games, and the atmosphere, both visually and tonally was phenomenal.
The series introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their demons and motivations in the unforgiving wasteland. Whether it’s the morally conflicted Lucy (Ella Purnell) trying to navigate a world without clear moral boundaries or the enigmatic factions, like Maximus’ (Aaron Moten) Brotherhood of Steel, vying for control of the post-apocalyptic landscape, every character feels fleshed out and multidimensional. I thought Purnell was tremendous, and the range she was able to put into her performance was staggering. Morten was just as impressive, and the pair had a natural chemistry that made for a compelling watch. Yet, for me, the standout character was The Ghoul (Walton Goggins). Goggins was just breathtaking, every time he appeared on screen. His performance, especially in that terrifying opening scene, set the tone for everything that followed. I also feel I need to give a shoutout to Sarita Choudhury, Kyle MacLachlan, Johnny Pemberton and my boy Matt Berry who were incredible additions to a hugely talented supporting cast.
The series perfectly captures the dark humour and satirical elements that define the Fallout games. There are plenty of nods and Easter eggs for fans to discover, but the series never relies too heavily on nostalgia, instead forging its own identity within the Fallout universe. The story is wonderfully constructed, with a multilayered approach involving several interconnecting narratives. Whilst there isn’t a dud storyline in the entire show, for me, I felt Norm’s (Moisés Arias) arc was the most compelling. Unravelling the mysteries of the other vaults was edge-of-your-seat storytelling and the final reveal did not disappoint!
With its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and darkly humorous tone, Fallout is a triumphant adaptation, successfully translating the essence of the beloved video game franchise to the small screen. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the wasteland, this series is not to be missed!
What did you think of Fallout? Let us know in the comments or find us on social media.
***Dog-Related Trigger Warning Alert BELOW (Spoiler):***
In episode 2, at the very beginning and very briefly, a newborn puppy is thrown into an incinerator and the show’s version of Dog Meat, CX404, is stabbed during the Filly shoot-out segment. The dog survives, taking up her role as a companion and is unharmed for the rest of the series.
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