Fallout TV Series – Amazon Studios has launched a groundbreaking new television series, Fallout, based on the iconic video game series of the same name. The series, which premiered on April 10, 2024, brings a fresh, original story to the beloved Fallout universe rather than retelling the plots of any previous games.
Developed by Kilter Films in association with Bethesda Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks, Fallout boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy, and Athena Wickham for Kilter Films, alongside Todd Howard for Bethesda Game Studios, and James Altman for Bethesda Softworks.
From Game to Screen: The Making of Fallout
The transition from video game to television series began in mid-2022, with Jonathan Nolan directing the first three episodes. Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner serve as showrunners, guiding the series through its intricate storytelling. Production and filming took place across diverse locations such as New York, New Jersey, and Utah, capturing the vast and varied landscapes of the post-apocalyptic world.
Fallout is set in the year 2296, 219 years after the Great War of 2077, which decimated the majority of humanity in a nuclear holocaust. This timeline places the series nine years after the events of the game Fallout 4. The narrative begins near the end of 2296 and extends into 2297, as indicated by in-show terminals and character dialogue. The story centers around the descendants of pre-War Americans who survived the Great War in massive fallout shelters known as Vaults, constructed by the Vault-Tec Corporation.
The Protagonists: A Diverse Cast of Characters
At the heart of Fallout is Lucy MacLean, a resident of Vault 33 located in the ruins of Los Angeles. Lucy has spent her entire life underground and is preparing for an arranged marriage with a resident from Vault 32. However, a tragic event involving a woman named Lee Moldaver propels Lucy to the surface in a desperate mission to save her father, Hank.
As Lucy navigates the dangerous wasteland, she encounters a variety of characters including Maximus, a young soldier from the Brotherhood of Steel, and the Ghoul, a ghoulified bounty hunter. These protagonists’ paths intertwine as they pursue an artifact created by an enigmatic researcher named Siggi Wilzig, which has the potential to alter the power dynamics of the entire wasteland.
The series also delves into the backstory of Cooper Howard, a pre-War Hollywood star who becomes the Ghoul, as well as the ongoing struggles of Vault 33’s inhabitants through the perspective of Lucy’s brother, Norm MacLean.
Exploring the Themes: Sociopolitical Commentary and More
True to the spirit of the original games, Fallout offers rich sociopolitical commentary. One major theme explores the stark division between the “haves” and “have-nots” in a world where resources are scarce. The series critiques the binary thinking of good versus evil, instead presenting a nuanced portrayal of morality.
Jonathan Nolan, in an interview with IGN, highlighted the thematic exploration of division and tribalism in the post-apocalyptic world. Even in a world where humanity has been nearly obliterated, the remaining survivors continue to fight over remnants of power and resources, mirroring real-world societal issues.
Fallout has not been without its controversies. Some viewers criticized the decision to have one of the four protagonists be a woman. Ella Purnell, who portrays Lucy MacLean, defended the series’ approach, stating that the Fallout games have always been inherently political, analyzing society and its different groups. Purnell emphasized the importance of representing women in survival dramas, showcasing their capability for brutality and violence in dire situations, thus breaking traditional stereotypes.
A Richly Detailed World
The series enriches the Fallout universe with detailed settings and complex characters. Locations like Filly, a junkyard-like settlement in Los Angeles, and the Brotherhood’s airship, the Prydwen, add depth to the narrative. The inclusion of multiple Vaults (4, 31, 32, and 33), interconnected through resource exchange, provides a vivid backdrop for the story.
Fallout also tackles themes like the hardships of immigration, the morality of the death penalty, religious solace in times of grief, the rise and fall of civilizations, and the importance of human rights and individual freedoms. The series highlights the significance of cautious interaction with strangers and the potential for misjudging others’ intentions.
Fallout has successfully transitioned from a beloved video game series to a compelling television drama. With its complex characters, rich thematic content, and sociopolitical commentary, the series offers a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic world. Renewed for a second season, Fallout promises to continue its exploration of humanity’s struggles and triumphs in a world forever changed by catastrophe.
