The Beginning

After finishing this first season of Fallout, I was struck by how many parallels one could draw to Jonathan Nolan's similar hot TV property Westworld. Western-esque setting, gunslinger-like compelling character, themes of corporate greed/malfeasance, etc. The biggest difference between Fallout and Westworld? Whereas the latter was always dark and super-serious, the former is (for better or worse depending on personal taste) much more fun and accessible to a wider audience.

For a very basic overview, S1 of Fallout introduces us to the Vaults--where survivors of a future nuclear holocaust bide their time until the Earth's surface is livable. Lucy MacLean (Ella Parnell) and brother Norm (Moises Arias) are the primary focus--stirred to action when father Hank (Kyle MacLachlan) is kidnapped right out from under them. When Lucy resolves to journey to the surface on a rescue mission, she is introduced to all manner of oddities--largely through interactions with The Ghoul (Walton Goggins), a creature somehow alive through the nuclear fallout about whom we get flashbacks to help explain what caused the bomb to be dropped in the first place. Meanwhile, Maximus (Aaron Moten) is a member of the Brotherhood of Steel--a military-like organization that gives surface-dwellers purpose and goals--but also mistreatment and cruelty. When his path also intersects with Lucy's, he must make a choice of which direction to follow.

Though based on a popular series of video games, I had no previous experience playing those--so I cannot comment on anything in that realm but to say that the series can still be enjoyed with zero knowledge of the games.

What is likely to hit viewers right away when beginning Fallout is the tone of the endeavor. It is filled with black humor, sight gags, and snappy dialogue. Such an approach may or may not be for you. The good news? Either way, the content moves fast enough that I don't think anyone will be too turned off by the lighter, more comedic stylings. Generally-speaking, if you don't like something here it isn't a problem because the characters are onto a new scenario pretty quickly.

Thematically, Fallout has a lot of interesting things to say about corporate culture and its intrusion upon society (to say more would venture into major spoiler territory). Again, akin to Westworld--just in different ways. In typical fashion, it takes until the end of the season's final episodes to truly contextualize what is going on, but overall it not only ties the mysteries up nicely but also dangles some very intriguing morsels for a confirmed second season.

Not to be lost in the discussion is the visual/auditory spectacle of the series--a Nolan linchpin. From the camera shots to the tech to the absorbing musical montages, there's never a lack of sensory stimulation here!

Overall, I settled on a solid 8/10 ranking for Fallout's inaugural slate. Were it not for a couple of late-season episodes I felt to be more at 7/10 caliber, it could have fairly easily garnered a 9/10. This season is highly dependent upon The Ghoul's (and thus Goggins') charisma and backstory, so when that takes a back seat things can wane just a bit. But I enjoyed watching the concepts and characters play out and will definitely be returning to see what season two has in store.

Characters' behavior, as well as interactions between characters, things characters do and say, in most cases, are not exposition for audience, and instead are what they would do or say, fitting their place in the world, scale of knowledge, skill, situational awareness, as well as ideologies, agendas, goals, motivations, ideals, and plans..

With characters written genuine such as this, it is naive to believe everything they say, let alone accept the same as certain confirmations for past events, or clear signs of events to come, or yet to be revealed, for which cases clues, hints, and pieces of plot were provided, revealing things not what things may seem to be..

Overall continuation of exceptional visual storytelling, and a great finale for the season.

Greetings from Lithuania.

As a one who played and really liked every Fallout game (i only haven't played first two), heck even 76 is good now - I wasn't expecting anything from this show. Yet what i saw is arguably not just adaptation of video game series that is out there with the best but as for now - it is the best one yet.

Everything you would hope from final episodes of the season was delivered on highest note. Many things and overall story was revealed here, and it was done excellently. Its the kind of final episode of the season that gives you just enough, but leaves a plenty of opportunities for continuation of the series.

Overall, "Fallout's" first season is my favorite VG adaptation - period. And even as i liked The Last of Us very much, and i'm a bigger fan of TLOU game series then Fallout games, its the adaptation of Fallout that stands head above anything else right now. Its that good.

Not gonna spoil.... 3D print this episode out and make it a blurprint for less worth shows to aspire to when some writers lapse. Kudos to this team and Prime as a whole for keeping their hands off and ensuring this show stays legit. It's a model for other intellectual sci-fi/weirdo content to stay true to the original subject matter. Less said is more, which is that so hard to figure out?

Not gonna spoil.... 3D print this episode out and make it a blurprint for less worth shows to aspire to when some writers lapse. Kudos to this team and Prime as a whole for keeping their hands off and ensuring this show stays legit. It's a model for other intellectual sci-fi/weirdo content to stay true to the original subject matter.

Episode 8 of Fallout, titled "The Beginning," serves as a pivotal moment in the series, offering both closure and new beginnings for the characters. The episode starts with the survivors grappling with the aftermath of the previous events, their trust fractured, and their sense of hope hanging by a thread. A key plot point revolves around a mysterious broadcast that hints at a possible safe zone, sending the group into a tense debate about whether they should stay put or venture into the unknown. This decision weighs heavily on the characters, as they must balance the potential for survival with the ever-present danger of the world outside.

The direction in this episode shines through in its ability to create tension not only between the characters but also with the environment. The vast, decayed world outside contrasts sharply with the confined, deteriorating spaces the survivors inhabit. The use of wide shots to show the desolation amplifies the sense of isolation, while close-up shots during key character moments effectively capture the internal conflicts brewing within the group. The director manages to maintain a steady rhythm throughout the episode, allowing the tension to simmer and then erupt during crucial moments without feeling forced. This approach adds a natural progression to the unfolding drama, making the episode's conflicts feel more organic.

In terms of the script, "The Beginning" delivers some of the series' most emotionally charged dialogue. The survivors' desperation is palpable, and the writing effectively conveys their inner turmoil as they wrestle with their choices. There are moments of raw vulnerability that humanize the characters, particularly during scenes where they reflect on the lives they had before the fallout. These introspective moments lend depth to the episode and offer a brief respite from the external chaos. However, some of the exposition feels a bit heavy-handed, as certain characters articulate their motivations in ways that could have been left more ambiguous or implied. This is a minor flaw in an otherwise strong script, which succeeds in driving the emotional and narrative stakes forward.

The acting in this episode is particularly noteworthy, with standout performances that elevate the material. The ensemble cast does an exceptional job of conveying the weight of their situation, especially in scenes where they debate their next move. One of the episode's strongest moments occurs when a character delivers a monologue about the cost of survival, reflecting on the loss of humanity in the face of such overwhelming adversity. The actor's portrayal is nuanced and layered, capturing both the sorrow and resolve of someone who has been pushed to their limits. The rest of the cast complements this with strong, understated performances that keep the focus on the gravity of the group's situation without veering into melodrama.

Visually, "The Beginning" is striking, with the cinematography enhancing the narrative's themes of decay and rebirth. The muted color palette used to depict the barren, post-apocalyptic landscape contrasts beautifully with the more vibrant flashes of memory or hope, creating a visual metaphor for the characters' internal states. The camera work during the more intimate moments-whether between characters or in moments of solitary reflection-is handled with care, drawing the viewer into the emotional heart of the episode. The editing also plays a crucial role here, ensuring that the pacing never drags while still allowing for quieter, reflective moments to land with the intended emotional impact.

The episode's pacing is well-executed, building steadily toward a climactic moment that leaves the audience both satisfied and eager for more. The decision to focus on character development alongside the broader narrative arc pays off, as the tension within the group mirrors the external threat they face. However, the final act of the episode, while intense, leans on a somewhat predictable twist. Though this does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the episode, it does feel like a missed opportunity to take the narrative in a more unexpected direction.

In conclusion, "The Beginning" successfully brings together the thematic threads of Fallout while setting the stage for what comes next. The episode balances introspection with action, offering a poignant exploration of what it means to survive in a world that has lost its humanity. Despite minor script flaws and a slightly predictable ending, the strong direction, compelling performances, and striking visual style make this a standout entry in the series. By focusing on the personal stakes alongside the broader survival narrative, "The Beginning" offers a thoughtful, emotionally resonant chapter that will leave viewers reflecting on the nature of survival and the cost of hope in such a broken world.