After so many years, we have officially received an unbelievably successful video game adaptation. “Fallout” is based on the hit post-apocalyptic RPG gaming franchise of the same name and is set in a future, post-apocalyptic United States brought about by nuclear decimation where citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits. As a huge fan of these games and a person who loves good storytelling, it was enthralling to witness my favorite game franchise be done so beautifully. Executive producer Jonathan Nolan is no stranger to crafting complex worldbuilding and linear storytelling due to his collaborations with his brother, Christopher Nolan, and his work on the acclaimed HBO series, “Westworld,” along with his partner, Lisa Joy, who also signed on board as executive producer for this series.
Amazon Prime has a history of developing big budget shows that embrace a cinematic spectacle, and this series could not have worked without it due to the lore surrounding it. It is safe to say that the visual effects are some of the best that have been put to television of this year so far, by bringing on some of the more colorful and silly elements associated with this property while also supporting its grim nature apart from its apocalyptic environment. Going as far to not only mirror the feeling associated with this franchise but accurately create the signature ‘50s retro-futuristic setting of it. Showrunners and creators Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet ensured that production looks exactly like some of the locations and items featured from the games are recreated in faithful fashion. They even go as far to use some of the sound effects from the games and incorporate other intricate details that hardcore fans will take note of. It would not immerse you as much if it did not bring back its signature soundtrack that “Fallout” is known for with its catchy post-war tunes, adding memorable needle drops laced throughout.
You will find yourself to be absolutely dazzled with beautiful cinematography and framing, which has an inspired aesthetic by the tone of classic western films. The decision to make this not a direct adaptation to the games, but rather, an expansion of the continuity, is what saves it from the curse that video-game-to-big-screen adaptations have met for decades. No prior knowledge is required going into this series, welcoming all audiences to a fresh and original plot, while bringing back everything that fans have enjoyed from this franchise for so long. From its darkly comedic sense of humor, satirical message on unchecked capitalism and the self-destructive nature of humans during war, all the way to the signature bloody depiction of post-Armageddon violence, it captures the heart and soul of the games perfectly.
At its core, it would not have been as memorable as it was without a notable set of characters to illustrate the feeling of the games. The series follows three main protagonists who uncoincidentally represent the game’s karma system and whose paths are intertwined in a clever way. Ella Purnell’s naive, but kind-hearted vault dweller, Lucy Maclean, portrays the good karma perspective with her optimistic attitude and lovable commitment to the old ways make for both sweet and hilarious moments as she witnesses culture shock to the surface of the wastes.
In the perspective of neutral karma is Maximus, portrayed by Aaron Moten, who embarks on a journey of courage in the view of the Brotherhood of Steel. Although Moten gives a great performance, he unfortunately comes off as the weakest character in terms of writing since his actions are questionable through his path and there are some instances that come off a little aggravating with the decision he comes to, that could have easily been avoided from a logical perspective.
Finally, the representation of “evil karma” or at least the most chaotic of them all, is Walton Goggins’ The Ghoul, a mutant bounty hunter representing the very essence that comes throughout the years of living in the wastes. Goggins’ character is cold-blooded and ruthless yet has great layers as it cuts back and forth between post-apocalyptic LA and pre-apocalypse America, showing his journey into the destruction of human morality, giving the show’s best performance in the process. In doing so, it shows this deeper look into the world of this grand universe, expanding the quality of the world this series is set in with broadening long-awaited answers to massive mysteries that have pondered the minds of its fanbase.
It even goes as far as fixing some of the retcons within the game series, with the additions of new ones and answers questions that have been bugging its fandom. As someone who’s played the games, I found myself absolutely loving every moment of this series for the amount of care that was put into the making of this franchise. Returning fans will have their love for the games enhanced while those discovering this property will be in for an explosive treat. Fallout is available to stream on Amazon Prime and season 2 has officially released all episodes.
