After a few attempts to adapt a TV show based on the video game series “Fallout and the cancelation of HBO’s Westworld, Bethesda director, Todd Howard and showrunner/writer, Jonathan “Jonah” Nolan collaborate on a live-action TV adaptation of the game. Together, they brainstorm ideas crafting a story arc told in eight episodes set within the games. Ella Purnell, Aaron Morten, Walton Goggins & Kyle MacLachlan signed on as the lead characters.
All eight episodes of Fallout’s first season are now available on Amazon Prime. The show earned positive reviews from critics, fans and streamers alike. A second season is currently in the works. “Fallout 4” will get a next-gen upgrade shortly on Xbox Series X/S & PlayStation 5 with new content and enhanced graphics. Due Date, April 24, 2024. Even though I never played the first two games, I only played “Fallout 3,” the fourth game and my all-time favorite, “Fallout: New Vegas.” As a fan of the three entries, I wanna share my thoughts on the show.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS.
Good & Evil Aspects
Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten & Kyle MacLachlan all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Jonathan “Jonah” Nolan mapped out all eight episodes.
Lisa Joy & Todd Howard served as executive producers. The latter consulted the crew to make the show authentic to the games. For instance, the Pip-Boy lets Lucy navigate her destination just like the player pinpoint a specific location.
This may not be confirmed, Jonah’s brother, Christopher “Chris” Nolan probably helped Jonah & Lisa for input, while working on “Oppenheimer.”
Action Sequences are filled with over-the-top ultraviolence.
Ramin Djawadi (Iron Man, Game of Thrones, Pacific Rim) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography captures in-depth imagery of the world. Makes you wanna go back and replay the games.
Old school tunes are also used in certain scenes. Some of them are from the games.
Humor contains elements of dark humor and well written jokes.
Practical Effects and Visual Effects were heavily involved to recreate the franchise’s lore. In the words of Mr. Howard… “SIXTEEN TIMES THE DETAIL!”
Prosthetic Makeup transformed Walton into a ghoul.
Set Pieces were built by Set Decorators.
Costume Designs are pretty good. Vault outfits are identical to the games.
Season 1 focuses on three characters, Lucy, Maximus & Cooper Howard. They go on a quest linked to a man who implanted a microchip in his head containing important information. Lucy’s primary goal is to search for her missing father. During her quest, she encounters Maximus & Cooper.
The show takes place in 2296. Which is set approximately nine years after Fallout 4.
Like the games, the show contains pop culture references.
- Maximus is named after the main protagonist from “Gladiator.”
- Cooper Howard is named after Gary Cooper & Todd Howard.
- A T-45 armor’s HUD mimics Iron Man’s HUD.
- A kid emerges out of a fridge mirrors a controversial scene from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
- Episode 1 – A group of T-45s walking in slow motion references the walking scene from “The Right Stuff.”
- Episode 2 – One scene pays homage to “RoboCop” with Cooper mowing down his targets with his gun.
- Episode 8 – A board meeting kinda looks like the war room from “Dr. Strangelove.” Like his brother Chris, Jonah’s influenced by Stanley Kubrick.
Flashbacks are set in 2077. The year the nuclear bombs were dropped.
If you’re a pure fan of the Fallout series, there’s a ton of Easter Eggs.
As the story progresses, we learn about the lives of the lead characters.
Familiar faces such as Chris Parnell, Michael Rapaport, Matt Cardarople, Fred Armisen & Michael Emerson guest star.
Season 1 Finale changes everything.
Evil: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Jonah and his crew an Extra Point for making a faithful video game adaptation.
Episode 1 – The End
Opening Scene establishes the beginning of a post-apocalyptic world.
Lucy goes on a quest to save her father.
Maximus is enlisted to serve the Brotherhood of Steel as a squire.
Episode 2 – The Target
A wild mutated animal runs amuck. It ain’t ManBearPig from “South Park.”
Cooper engages in a bloody shootout. He also has a one-on-one fight. All its missing is the RoboCop theme.
Lucy accepts an offer she can’t refuse.
Episode 3 – The Head
A flashback with Cooper working as an actor and spokesman for Vault-Tec.
A giant fish rises from the water. Not a friendly one as in
Maximus meets a squire named, Thaddeus.
Episode 4 – The Ghouls
Lucy’s brother, Norm investigates Vault 32.
Lucy fights a couple baddies.
Cooper exchanges something valuable for “provisions.”
Episode 5 – The Past
Somebody becomes the new overseer of Vault 33.
Four people engage in a Mexican stand-off.
Norm continues his investigation.
Episode 6 – The Trap
Lucy & Maximus meet the residents of Vault 4.
Lucy learns a deep secret.
Cooper encounters armed men.
Episode 7 – The Radio
A kissing scene is played for laughs.
Something happens to Thaddeus.
The meaning behind the microchip all makes sense.
Episode 8 – The Beginning
Two Plot Twists will make you gasp.
Norm learns a shocking revelation.
A big battle ensues.
The infamous line from the franchise is spoken twice. “War, war never changes.”
The final scene sets up Season 2.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Fallout’s first season marks the beginning of a faithful video game adaptation that’ll make you try out the games. We are living in a golden age of video game adaptations. I cannot wait to watch “Knuckles” on Paramount Plus and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” It’s a good time to be alive as a Fallout fan and the Nolan Brothers. I’m stoked for Season 2. If you have nothing on your plate, stream the show right now. Don’t forget to replay the games. Especially my personal favorite, Fallout: New Vegas.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 