Fallout S2 reaches higher highs than S1, but it also feels more messy

Can I just say how much I appreciate how S1 came out last year and now we’ve already been able to watch S2? A lot of series tend to take longer and longer between concurrent seasons and this has had some negative consequences when it comes to the experience. It is not uncommon for an audience to either lose interest in a series or feel disappointed by the season that they had to wait a long time for. That’s why it feels so refreshing what Fallout has decided to do, to immediately start shooting S2 after S1, and apparently are aiming to do the same again. I’m not asking for every show to change its structure as some really do need the extra time to properly create the season they have in mind, but it is good to see some of that old-school yearly seasonal release again.

Fallout S2 picks up shortly after the ending of S1 and it has a similar structure to S1 in that we will follow different character each with their subplot: Lucy and the Ghoul are now partner both in search of Lucy’s father, Maximus is now a recognized Knight in the Brotherhood, and Norm must find a way out of Vault 31. Part of the strength of S1 was that all subplots ended up being interesting, not just individually, but also how they formed part of the overall narrative or ended up merging together. The subplot of Norm figuring out what had really happened in Vault 32 was the one that while initially the weakest, turned out to be one of the most interesting by the end of S1. Unfortunately S2 didn’t have the same consistency when it comes to the different subplots and their quality and my investment in them. Actually, Norm’s subplot in S2 was the weakest, mainly because of how slow it was. Each episode you would get just a few minutes dedicated to his subplot and because of that by the end of S2, you feel as if not much has happened with him really. Maximus does have a strong start with the introduction of the different factions of the Brotherhood, but midway through the season that is left behind as Maximus embarks on a new journey. The subplot does lead somewhere eventually, but it is setup for the next season. Then you have the Ghoul and Lucy, who while it may seem they have the same subplot, the do sort of go in different directions as each character will be used to explore something different in the fallout universe. Their stories are the best of S2 and are what lift the whole season up. However, it doesn’t change the fact that there are some weak subplots in S2 that at times do feel inferior to everything else that is going on. Oh I almost forgot, we also follow Vaults 32 and 33 to see how they get on with the new overseers. While that subplot has story consequences at the end of the season, it felt very slow and uninteresting because the characters involved were uninteresting. The acting is good and there are ok scenes, but generally that subplot fell flat.

But still, it doesn’t take away from the good stuff that is here in S2. The Ghoul has become the part of the show. First of all, Walton Goggins is fantastic. He portrays two versions of the same person that feel like completely different people. It is important to get across to the audience how the Cooper Howard came to become the Ghoul in a believable way. A big part of that is the writing and story, but also Walton and his acting. While the Ghoul and Cooper have drastically different personalities, there are some common characteristics between them, things that after decades have not changed in this character. Furthermore, each version of the character allows Goggins to act in a way that is appropriate to that character and the situation, yet in other situations he might express something that is new and thus significant in that moment. Then there is the character himself, who while you may not agree with some of his decisions and ideals, you can’t hate him. He is a likeable character, even when he makes “bad” decisions or takes actions the audience may not like. I will say though, somehow the prosthetics do not look as good as in S1. I cannot put my finger on it but there was just something to his face that seemed a little off. It wasn’t something that was bothering me but I couldn’t help but notice.

It wasn’t only the character and acting, but also the story and his involvement in it. I was surprised by not only how there are still quite a few flashback scenes in Fallout S2, but how they are still interesting and that they reward your investment. S2 sees the introduction of Robert House, played by Justin Theroux. Not only is he a charismatic character played by a good actor, but the way he is involved in the story makes the whole thing more interesting. The story behind the war and the vaults turns out to have had more players than we were let on, and we are not sure who these players can be. This not only adds complexity to the situation, but also creates a sense of mystery, and the Ghoul and House are both key to this as they are responsible for things that happened in the past and things that will happen in the present. That is why their characters feel important and are done justice by the writing and the actors.

Similarly to the Ghoul and House, Lucy and her father are an important pair because of MacLean’s role in the past and what he intends to do after after escaping at the end of S1. Hank MacLean has a lot more presence and we see him a lot more in action rather than just seeing him through flashbacks. Similar to the other actors, this allows the actor, Kyle MacLachlan, to stretch his acting muscles more. Also, as we see more from his point of view, we get a different perspective on the story and what’s going on. While Hank gets built up more as a character during this season, the opposite goes for Lucy. It is a shame because Lucy was the favourite of a lot of people in S1, but in S2 something is wrong. It’s that while her character is likeable, she remains unchanged since last season and that makes her uninteresting. You would have expected her to change and at least be naïve considering the events of S1, but she is more or less the same until the second half of S2. There is turmoil and having her beliefs challenged in such a hostile world can be engaging, but this was also the case in last season. I’d say what got me through a lot of her scenes initially was Ella Purnell’s acting as she is still good in the role and she puts on a good performance overall, even fantastic towards the end of the season. While the character may be less interesting and endearing than in S1, Purnell’s acting is superior while on the surface it may seem the same.

That brings me to my favourite part about S2; it feels more professional or cinematic. Not throughout the entire season, but there are scenes, certain moments where I remember thinking: “this is a very competently put together scenes that goes beyond just entertaining”. These can be the result of cinematography and shot composition that send a hidden message, or the music and writing creating extreme tension during dialogues, or manipulation of other factors to create something above just good. I’ll put it this way, this season felt like it was trying to be more than just a good video game adaptation, it felt like it was trying to be more and at times it did feel like that. It is impressive that the season manages to do that while remaining faithful to the feel and atmosphere of the games, though those who are more familiar with the games may have a different opinion.

While in that aspect S2 is better than S1, it is inferior when it comes to cohesion and flow. S1 felt smooth when it came to the movement of the characters and subplot, nothing felt too sudden or rushed. In S2 there are a lot of stuff that either just happen or that come out of nowhere and end abruptly without any satisfaction or conclusion. This not to say that individual stories from episodes don’t go anywhere, it’s just that they are building up to things that are obviously going to come in future seasons. That is fine and it can be beneficial for the series as a whole, but when it comes to this season by itself, it left quite a bit to be desired. I’m not spoiling anything, but this is most evident with the Legion and the Brotherhood and how we thought they would have more significant roles in this season. More than just these subplots, it goes for some scenes and transitions as well throughout the season.

Overall, I still enjoyed Fallout S2. I am not a big fan or now-it-all when it comes to the games, so for me it is a good adaptation and good media by itself. There are some downgrades, namely the quality of subplots and their cohesion, but they are made up for by the cinematic moments I mentioned earlier and the Ghoul and his subplot. Actually, were it not for those things, S2 would’ve felt a little disappointing, but thankfully it is lifted just high enough to surpass S1 and for me to feel rewarded for the waiting and my time investment in the show.