The first season of Prime Video’s Fallout was a nice surprise, as it turned out to be not only good, but really good. Nominated for 17 Primetime Emmys, including Best Drama Series and Best Actor in a Dramatic Role for TV, the show, made by former Westworld creatives, has been a hit. With a great cast, engaging world, and layered story, there was, and still is, a lot to enjoy in the post-apocalyptic dramedy. A second season was quickly greenlit and, now, all episodes are available to watch. But does it live up to the standards the last season set?
While season 2 doesn’t hit the same heights as the first, it is still one of the best video game adaptations on the market. The sophomore season keeps the same flair and fun as the first, feeling like a natural continuation. Donning bigger stakes and an iconic game locale of New Vegas, Fallout Season 2 hits its stride well and continues to impress, even with a few stumbles.
This review is spoiler-free, but I’d still recommend a watch just in case!
Plot
As far as the story goes, we see the main trio (Lucy, The Ghoul, and Maximus) return to the limelight to chart a course to the deadliest (and most liveliest) city left on Earth: New Vegas. Familiar faces, like Thaddeus and Snake Oil Salesman join the fray, with newcomers like Xander Harkness and Mr. House making grand entrances. We still get glimpses of the past thanks to The Ghoul/Cooper Howard, helping to tie the narrative within it.
In terms of said execution, it continues to work quite well. While it doesn’t have as much surprise as its predecessor did, its momentum keeps growing and growing with each new episode. Now able to tell more of its story, the worldview becomes a lot clearer, and we get to see the environmental storytelling at work. Furthermore, it brings many fan-favorites into play more, like the New California Republic, the Brotherhood, and Deathclaws.
Production & Acting
A large chunk of the season is spent in New Vegas, the post-apocalyptic version of Las Vegas, Nevada. Its glitz and glamour remain, even with it all covered in sand and debris, done perfectly by the production design team. Plus, with costume design and special effects all looking great, it translates the world of Fallout perfectly. With New Vegas, having it settle down on one epicenter does help concentrate the story but sacrifices the ‘Wanderer’ aspect that the first did so well.
Acting-wise, everyone in the cast continues to do a terrific job. Having all those award nominations seems to have bolstered the team, as many characters stand out with strong performances. Some of my favorites include Johnny Pemberton as the ever-hilarious Thaddeus, Annabel O’Hagan as the mysterious Steph, and Jon Daly as the eccentric Snake Oil Salesman.
However, it’s the show’s main cast that shines the most. Both Kyle MacLachlan and Justin Theroux are stellar in their villainous roles as Hank and Mr. House, respectively. The main trio of Ella Purnell (Lucy), Walton Goggins (The Ghoul/Cooper Howard), and Aaron Moten (Maximus) continue to bring their A-game and truly become these characters, especially Walton.
Feedback
As I mentioned before, there are a few stumbles along the way to its climactic finale. At times, the pace feels uneven, going fast in one episode and slow in another. Juggling multiple storylines at once, it can feel a bit jarring and confusing, as more and more arcs come to be. Unfortunately, Maximus takes a back seat for a good chunk of the episodes, putting more focus on The Ghoul and Vault 33, which, while not bad, does take away from some of its interesting plot line.
Of course, as one book closes, another opens, and season two ends on a few big events. No spoilers in here for those who want to keep away, but the scale and scope for the series continue to grow. It wraps up what needed to be done well and keeps viewers guessing until its next season, whenever that will be.
Verdict
Overall, Fallout season two struggles a bit with the many story arcs it tries to tell, but keeps up the quality and character development that fans already love. With great performances and seamless genre flips, it still remains a great video game adaptation, finally tearing into the lore of the series.
All episodes of Fallout are available to stream on Prime Video.
