Fallout season 1 on Prime is in my opinion the perfect start to a tv show adaptation of a video
game, one that adapted the material in way that honours it but also builds on the foundation. They
took aspects and elements of the Fallout universe that lots of long time fans will recognise,
injected it with interesting new characters, an interconnected storyline that brings big questions
and answers to the surface, and a glorious and often a brutal visualisation of the game's world,
adapted for the tv medium. I wasn't expecting the show to be as good or entertaining as it was,
but I think Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy and co delivered, and it gets me excited for what's
to come in more seasons. So in this video, I'm going to be discussing why the first season of
Fallout is a great start for the show, and why I think it's also the perfect video game adaptation.
There will be brief spoilers in this video, so if you haven't watched the entirety of season 1,
then I would recommend checking it out before watching my analysis. Before I get into it though,
if you want to see more videos on Fallout and other upcoming tv releases,
then don't forget to support this upload by giving it a like rating and subscribing to
the channel. But without further a do, lets dive into my review of the Fallout series on Prime.
So Amazon took a big risk with Fallout, investing in a costly series that needed to appeal to both
newbies and die-hard fans of the video game franchise. And I'm thrilled to say that I think
it was a top-notch adaptation of the game which will satisfy both sets of viewers. After watching
all eight episodes, my admiration for it only grew as time passed, and while I thought that
the trailers showed a lot of promise intially, I didn't it would be as wildly entertaining as it
was. The atmosphere, the visuals and the attention to the game's details set it apart from other game
adaptations. It stays true to those games while carving out its own unique path, centered around
a vault dweller's quest to reunite with her father on the surface, before finding out dark secrets
about her and the world's past. As a whole, the TV adaptation takes a bold approach by prioritizing
its storytelling, introducing a new and sometimes thought-provoking narrative, while faithfully
recreating the nuclear Wasteland known to fans. And the characters in the show are portrayed with
more depth than those in the game, benefiting from the freedom of the medium. Just like the games,
the show is set in a post-apocalyptic USA, but it offers a unique experience through the eyes
of three captivating characters. First, there's Lucy, a Vault-dweller venturing to the surface
for the very first time. Then, we have Maximus, a determined trainee from the militant Brotherhood
of Steel, ready to face any challenge that comes his way. And lastly, there's The Ghoul,
a ruthless bounty hunter who harbors a surprising secret. He's none other than our old friend Cooper
Howard from many of the flashback scenes, having now survived for centuries by consuming copious
amounts of drugs and chems. However, this survival comes at a cost, and all three characters have
gaping holes in their hearts that they need to try to repair through shared retrospection. For
fans of the games, the show's attention to detail is truly remarkable. You have the iconic blue and
yellow Vault-Tec suits, the makeshift settlements, the imposing Power Armor suits and the familiar
green Pip-Boy interface which is flawlessly recreated. It transports viewers straight into
the immersive world they know and love. Adding to the nostalgia, the show features beloved 50s
tunes like "I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire" to juxtapose the gruesome violence set in
the wasteland. The show captures the essence and atmosphere of the games, embracing both the irony,
the hilarity and the more serious notes along the way too. Fans will appreciate details like the
satirical ads in the vault to the vivid yet grim visualisations above. It's clear that in Nolan's
collaboration with Todd Howard, the creaters have poured their hearts into recreating the
franchise the right way for television, yet found the playful space for Easter Eggs and
truly satisfying connections like with the tease of New Vegas come the very end. And I think
the work central done with the characters and storytelling truly elevates the idea of a Fallout
Tv show and takes it to the next level. Jonathan Nolan, known for his work on Westworld,
brings his signature traits to the series too. You'll recognize familiar elements,
like with the ominous vaults holding terrifying secrets and a web of larger questions waiting
to be explored. Speaking of Westworld, I think Fallout marks a return to form for the creator
because the last two seasons of his previous show didn't quite hit for me and many others.
I was a big fan of Westworld season 1 and 2 and I thought the show was going maintain a high quality
throughout. But as season 3 and 4 came along, that wasn't the case and I noticed that Jonathan Nolan
and Lisa Joy had less of a role when it came to writing the episodes or even directing. However,
with Fallout, Jonathan Nolan directs the first 3 episodes and it seems like the writters involved
had a much bigger impact. For me it's a return to form for both Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy,
and I can't wait to see what they do with future seasons this time around after another promising
start to a show. When it comes to delivering Fallout, the show seamlessly weaves together
its mysteries and various elements of lore, creating a captivating narrative that culminates
in the last 3 episodes. Despite its initial campy appearance, the convergence of these storylines
is truly compelling. What's remarkable is how the moments of humor and disbelief do not overshadow
the brutal reality of the world depicted, which is surprisingly more violent than anticipated. It
becomes almost routine to witness gruesome scenes where body parts dangle or faces are disfigured.
Throughout the series, you'll find yourself both wincing and laughing, yet the underlying horror
remains intact. Juggling multiple protagonists, settings, and intricate plotlines can be a
challenge, but Nolan and his team manage to do it quite well in Fallout. While some may prefer
shorter episodes or a more focused approach, each scene in the series does have weight
when it comes to advancing the overall story or moving towards a revelation. The flashbacks to
pre-apocalypse life are particularly impactful, as they gradually lead up to the key revelations by
the end. Some fans may not like the sequences with Cooper Howard pre-atomic destruction,
but I thought they were crucial in the connecting of dots and delivering on the main ending theme,
which Howard's Ghoul delivers himself. And that is the idea that while the world always
turns to chaos, there's always someone behind the wheel. It cannot be ignored that in delivering on
these ideas, the show had to capture the tone of the games without it feeling completely wild or
overwhelming. And it's not done in a way that feels like they're exploiting the games vibe
just for the sake of it. While a series like The Last of Us had to depict a post-apocalyptic world
to a certain extent, Fallout had to push the boundaries of its world even further,
create an arc with compelling characters and balance the tone of it all. I think it excels
where many video game adaptations fall short, immersing the audience in a captivating world
rather than trying to just recreate a plot. Yet still, it respects the original game's storylines
and simply allows Fallout to be itself. The characters are a big reason why Fallout works,
and it's through the interaction and individuality of the characters on screen that Nolan and his
writers have been able to pull it off. Starting with Lucy, she embarks on a dangerous journey
through the harsh Wasteland in search of her father, Hank. However, her peaceful upbringing
in the Vault proves to be of little use in a world filled with deceit and violence. Regardless
of what she's told, Lucy remains optimistic about her people's grand plans for the future
and despite facing countless challenges and truths about her past, Lucy's determination
is what shines through. Then there's Maximus. Despite his sheltered upbringing, Maximus is far
from being as pure-hearted as Lucy. His desire to don the Power Armor, which the Brotherhood
knights use to establish their dominance, knows no bounds. He is driven by a hunger for power,
stubbornness, and occasionally displays moments of sheer foolishness. However, despite his flaws,
there is an undeniable charm about him and it's in his connections with Lucy that his character
truly comes to be interesting. And then there's The Ghoul, a stark contrast to the horse-riding
celebrity that we're introduced to at the beginning of the series. He's known for his foul
language and gun slinging tendencies, and while we initially get the perception that this is all
we'd be getting. But again, flashbacks throughout the season unveil that there's more at stake for
him. These backstory scenes, largely due to Walton Goggins exceptional acting, are among the show's
highlights as he skillfully portrays centuries of history within one character. And when it comes
to the interaction of these characters, that's where we see Fallout truly excell. Lucy and Max
experience significant internal transformations throughout the season that cannot be reversed.
They make regrettable choices but they also display acts of bravery, and in the end,
Fallout becomes a somewhat coming-of-age tale for them. Personally, I found that the show
truly shines in its quieter moments, especially when Lucy and Cooper confront harsh realities or
when Lucy and Maximus develop a deep trust in one another. The major revelations and plot twists are
all present and work, but they feel earned as a result of these intimate character moments.
So as a whole, the lore and world building of Fallout is truly captivating as it mirrors the
immersive experience of the game, yet ups the mystery involved and presents it all
cinematically. Environmental storytelling plays a significant role here, with crucial plot points
and emotional moments cleverly woven into the set design and onscreen journies. As the characters
hunt for clues, you find yourself drawn in, examining things more closely than you did at
the beginning. The central theme of 'War never changes' from the games is explored in depth,
shedding light on the origins of the Vaults, the Brotherhood, and the devastating bombs
that set everything in motion. The final episodes delve into the dark side of war and its vault tec
orchestrators, yet the narrative remains engaging by focusing on the characters personal motivations
and relationships. By the end of the season, it's evident that the creators are setting the stage
for future seasons of Fallout. There are numerous loose ends to be tied up and the journey is far
from over for the surviving characters, as we'll see Lucy and Cooper make their way to New Vegas
and find out more about those in control. I think they've done justice to the games,
crafting a new tale which features intriguingly twisted characters whose most significant moments
are yet to unfold. With a solid foundation laid and a clear setup for the next season, Fallout has
the potential to become a timeless show that will captivate audiences for many years to come.
But they were my thoughts on Fallout season 1. Overall, the series is not just a mere addition
to the gaming world, it's a unique blend of twisted comedy, drama, and darker themes that
will captivate both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. This bright and humorous take
on the apocalypse, complete with dark humor and intense action, easily rivals The Last of Us as
one of the best video game adaptations ever created. With a brilliantly crafted storyline
and three compelling protagonists, the show leads players through interconnected stories
that culminate in a thrilling conclusion. Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy didn't have the
greatest of results with the last season or two of Westworld, but I think they have delivered a
remarkable piece of TV here, which will satisfy most who watch it. I'm giving Fallout Season 1
a rating of 9 out of 10. But to those who have seen the Fallout series, do you agree that it's
a perfect start as an adaptation of franchise, and when it comes to looking forward, are you
excited for a season 2 which includes New Vegas? Let me know down below in the comments section.
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