🔗 Share this article

The post-apocalyptic TV show is back to streaming services, and it's safe to say that viewers were delightfully shocked by the caliber of its first season. By illustrating the atomic-age, post-apocalyptic United States through the perspectives of three distinct characters, it effectively portrayed various facets of the gamer's journey.

There was Lucy the vault dweller, striving to do the right thing and finding that the wasteland made that very difficult; Max, the Brotherhood of Steel new recruit, who begins to question his cult's dogma and creates a lot of havoc in robotic power armour; and Walton Goggins's character, a standout performance who has entirely abandoned any moral compass out in the irradiated badlands.

Building Anticipation for Season Two

The show's first season ending unveiled a major secret about the culprits behind the nuclear war that sealed a group of people in underground vaults for centuries. It also raised plenty of questions unanswered for the second season – and, on this occasion, expectations are considerably elevated.

“We'd gladly accept ‘not terrible’ – let’s get that on a poster,” remarks Jonah Nolan.

“Going into the initial season, everyone’s like, ‘Just get it right’,” comments a key figure from the games. “We are thrilled with the response to the show, so this time people are arriving with more enthusiasm and different expectations.”

A New Vegas Vibe for Season Two

The upcoming season is located in New Vegas, the location of the beloved game Fallout: New Vegas, which is widely regarded for having the sharpest dialogue and cast in the franchise, even if it was a bit broken at launch.

“It’s more of a arid atmosphere, a Southwestern essence, that’s so integral to that game,” notes Nolan. “That dusty, desolate Route 66 aesthetic of the game is so much enjoyable to bring into the show.”

In the series narrative, a considerable period has elapsed since the story of the New Vegas game by the time the protagonists arrive there. However, the creators suggest that it acknowledges the player’s journey.

Crafting a Tangible World

The Fallout TV series is praised for its tactile feel – its makers insisted on authentic items and locations were fabricated, echoing the makeshift nature of the towns in the games.

“As a sci-fi fan, so many productions I watch, I’m conscious that they’re all filmed against a blue screen,” comments another of the showrunners. “The primary goal of an translation, especially of a interactive medium, is to appear as if it’s authentic.”

Indeed, virtually each creature you see on-screen is real, even the infamously terrifying radioactive creatures known as the apex predators. In the show, they are brought to life with practical effects, and were reportedly pretty frightening up close.

Made by Fans, for Fans

The Fallout series succeeds because it is made by skilled directors who are also longtime fans, with the help of the original creators behind the franchise. This shared passion for the lore is evident in the final product.

The new batch of episodes is being released on a episode-by-episode basis rather than as a full-season drop, representing a shift from the previous season. This approach will foster a altered weekly discussion, a dynamic the showrunners themselves are eager to witness.

“It's richer, it’s bigger, it’s funnier, it has a lot of surprises,” promises the game director. “I’m looking forward to seeing what people think.”