“Fallout” is one of the most successful video game adaptations on TV, and its 65 million viewers worldwide within the first 16 days only reinforce that. Even those who aren’t fans of the games or the show have likely heard of it thanks to the rave reviews. With a surprise early drop of season 2’s first episode today, I can confidently say it lives up to the quality of the first season, just a little darker and bloodier this time around.
Taking on a story rooted in one of gaming’s most revered RPGs comes with obvious challenges. While showrunners Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet don’t get everything perfect (after all, the game itself is so vast), season 2 quickly finds its rhythm in the opening episodes, delivering an adaptation of New Vegas that already feels surprisingly faithful and compelling.
If you’ve been looking forward to streaming “Fallout” season 2 on Prime Video, here are my spoiler-free thoughts on the opening episodes, including where we left off in season 1.
‘Fallout’ season 2 plays on the show’s greatest strengths
At its heart, “Fallout” season 2 follows the journeys of three central characters we first met in season 1. Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) and the Ghoul (Walton Goggins) join forces, traveling through the wasteland and eventually into New Vegas as they search for their families. The early episodes take some time to build momentum, with the pair initially navigating territory that feels all too familiar. But it’s the conversations they have along the way that make the show genuinely compelling to watch.
What I immediately loved about this season is the dynamic between Lucy and The Ghoul, as their vastly different approaches to this new world create a fascinating contrast. Their personalities not only bring out Lucy’s memorable quips but also set the stage for several intriguing plot developments.
Even in the opening episodes, we’re introduced to several storylines unfolding simultaneously. Initially, I worried the narrative might become convoluted, but each thread manages to stay engaging. Hank (Kyle MacLachlan) and Norm’s (Moisés Arias) arcs are particularly interesting in the wider narrative thread, while Maximus (Aaron Moten) could still use a bit more development to fully land.
The music and visuals of this wasteland also feel like they’ve been lifted straight from the games. It’s exciting to see such a popular and expansive series receive the attention and visual treatment it deserves on the small screen, capturing the essence of the world fans know and love.
Longtime fans will have plenty to enjoy, with numerous nods and familiar details scattered throughout. While a TV series can’t fully replicate the freedom of New Vegas as a game, the show strikes an impressive balance between honoring the original material and reshaping it to work on screen.
The opening episodes of “Fallout” season 2 deliver a confident return to its strange, post-apocalyptic world while capturing the essence of what made New Vegas stand out in the game series. The tale of unnatural threats and the complicated characters entangled in their struggles feels larger in scope than last year’s adventure, yet it remains just as rich in detail.
"Fallout" season 2 episode 1 will begin streaming on Prime Video on Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
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