Prime Video’s Fallout show has arrived and captures the heart of Bethesda’s unique post-apocalyptic world while forging new territory. Check out our full review!
The popularity of video games has skyrocketed in recent years, with some fans now around the globe eagerly anticipating the release of their favorite titles on the big screen. Although some video game adaptations (such as The Super Mario Bros.) have become great successes others have not been so lucky.
Despite this, there are a slew of upcoming movies and shows based on video game series in development, but few were as highly anticipated as Fallout. With its already established popularity as one of the most successful game series of all time, Amazon has big shoes to fill with its upcoming show.
A True Showcase of Video Game Storytelling
The Fallout series starts with the introduction of Cooper Howard (Walton Goggins) at a birthday party with his daughter Janey (Teagan Meredith). Just as it was time to cut the cake, Cooper and his daughter discuss what a “thumbs up” means.
Cooper explains to Janey, that when he was in the Marines he was taught that if a mushroom cloud is smaller than your thumb “then run for the hills”. If the cloud is bigger than your thumb “then there ain’t no reason to run.”
Cooper then hears little Janey say “Is it bigger than your thumb, or mine?”. That’s right, Cooper’s worst nightmare was happening right before his very eyes, Nuclear warfare.
From this point on, the episodes take us on a journey like no other video game-to-TV adaptation has done. The main focus of this series is set 200 years after the “Great War” era. We’re introduced to three of the show’s other main characters, who come from inside Vault 33. There’s the bubbly and curious Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell), her brother Norm MacLean (Moises Arias), and part of the Brotherhood of Steel we meet Maximus (Aaron Moten).
As we make our way through the desolate wasteland, we get the privilege of meeting numerous characters who play instrumental roles in making the world of Fallout feel more immersive than ever before. Each of these actors brought their unique vision and expertise to the project, and together they have created a truly unforgettable experience.
Unfortunately, since I am trying to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, I won’t be revealing who the rest of the cast portrays in the series. I will say, with certainty, that the casting for the series is truly exceptional. With every character introduced, not only do we get an amazing visual representation of their characters, but we also deliver an incredible performance that leaves us wanting to join them in the wasteland.
What’s truly great about this series is how it’s not based on any certain game in the franchise. Rather it’s set within the game’s dynamic world. We still get all the connections and Easter eggs for fans of the game series, but this is all new storytelling for everyone to enjoy. Regardless if you have played the game or not, this will be one hell of a series for anyone!
With that said, being the Bethesda fanboy I am, my jaw hit the floor so many times watching this series. From seeing the Brotherhood of Steel to Vault-Tec, and even someone being called “my little SugarBomb”(cereal in the game) I was geeking out pretty much the entire time.
The End of The World All Over Again
Some may start watching Fallout with some preconceived notions, especially if they have never played the game before. There’s no shortage of post-apocalyptic TV shows we can watch. Many shows come out and try to be different, but end up being something we have seen over and over. Fallout manages to feel different, however, due to a handful of reasons
Fallout features sprawling lore, an imaginative world with the weight of years behind it, and a dark comedic nature. Fallout has always been one of those series trying something new around each corner, but how they were able to translate this so easily for the small screen is amazing.
Watching a scene turn from something wholesome you would see on a 1950s TV, to a gore-filled horror show while The Platter’s “Only You” is playing, makes you feel right at home in the wasteland. It was also great seeing locations in California that showcase areas not mentioned since Fallout 1. The New California Republic, origins of the Vault-Boy’s iconic “thumbs up,” and more had me instantly hooked on this show.
All the work they did bringing the details of the game into this show was truly spectacular. This goes for the amazing job put into the show’s soundtrack as well. Fallout already has iconic music from The Ink Spots, Marty Robbins, Dion, and more. But what do they do? They decided to be in the talented Ramin Djawadi, known for his work on Westworld, Game of Thrones, 3 Body Problem, and more.
