TV Review: Fallout
Amazon Prime's Fallout has burst onto the scene as the latest entrant in the growing genre of video game adaptations, and it's clear from the get-go that the folks who made it love and respect the video games. This is a relief for many gamers and movie fans who have had to see many of their favourite franchises butchered in favour of some ‘progressive’ political messaging.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, amidst the paranoia of the Cold War and "red scare," the series introduces us to Cooper Howard, portrayed by the excellent Walton Goggins, a former movie star now reduced to children's party appearances due to unfounded communist accusations. However, the narrative quickly shifts gears as the nuclear apocalypse ushers in a new world order. This has to be one of the most impressive and gut wrenching scenes to any tv show that’ll immediately pull you into the radioactive hellscape of the wasteland.
Fast forward two centuries, and we find ourselves in Vault 33, a bunker that has preserved not just the survivors but also the quaint mores of the 50s—politeness, cooperation, and modesty, though with a few quirks like daily weapons training. The serene existence of these Vault dwellers is disrupted when external threats breach their haven, leading to the Overseer’s daughter, Lucy (Ella Purnell), on a quest to rescue her kidnapped father from the clutches of the surface world's horrors.
The set design is perfect with every prop and set lifted straight out of the videogames. It’s clear that Bethesda game studios worked hand in hand with the show’s creators to make this the most faithful adaption of a videogame yet seen!
The series thrives on an intelligent script that blends dry wit with impeccable production values to create a richly textured world that is as immersive as it is expansive. Each episode builds on this foundation, introducing viewers to a landscape littered with both literal and metaphorical monsters—from giant cockroaches to fanatical human survivors. The writing is fantastic with ample nods and references to the games that fans will enjoy whilst also creating an original story that is sure to hook newcomers to Fallout alike.
Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner, the co-creators, skillfully marry classic post-apocalyptic tropes with the semi-ironic nod to 1950s Americana that Fallout is famous for. The show revels in this juxtaposition, delivering a narrative that is as gruesomely captivating as it is humorously self-aware. The storytelling is nuanced, with characters that peel back layers of complexity episode by episode, maintaining a delicate balance that respects the series’ video game roots while forging its own identity.
The performances are another high point, with Goggins excelling in a dual role that showcases his range from the pre-war golden boy to a ghastly, mutated survivor. Purnell's portrayal of Lucy’s descent from naivety into a hardened, survival-savvy leader is particularly compelling, capturing the essence of a character thrust unprepared into chaos.
Fallout on Amazon Prime not only promises but delivers a narrative feast that is bound to satisfy both the uninitiated and the most ardent fans of the franchise. It’s a series that finds the sweet spot between homage and innovation, making it an absolute must-watch for those seeking a deep, dark dive into the possibilities of human resilience in the face of utter devastation.
Fallout is more than just another video game adaptation; it's an almost perfect blend of suspense, dark humor, and heartfelt storytelling that will keep you hooked until the very end. Whether you're familiar with the Fallout universe or not, this series is well worth your time—a true standout and I loved every second of my time in the wasteland. Now it’s back to my current run in Fallout 4!!
