Fallout: A non-gamer’s review

Fallout more than scratches the ‘surface’.

Fallout arrives to Prime Video on April 10 at 6pm PT with all 8 episodes dropping at once. The series is highly anticipated by those who have played the video game of the same name. Is experience with the video game required to enjoy the series? No. But a little preparation may go a long way in appreciating all that the series has to offer.

Likened to the enthusiasm that Lucy has for Vault 33, I am passionate about the new Fallout series. Even still, by no means am I a Fallout gamer or aficionado. Granted, I am familiar with the game’s concept and did make a pitiful attempt at the first few minutes of Fallout 4 with my son. Alas, I seem to be lacking in the hand eye coordination suitable for gaming.

The initial appeal of the Fallout series for me is the post-apocalyptic genre itself. Add one of my favorite actors, Walton Goggins, to the mix, stir in some immersive world building, sprinkle with mystery and I am hooked.

In Fallout, the “surface” generally refers to the physical boundary between the survivors above and below it. But there is also the notion that people are not always who they appear to be “on the surface”. Dualities such as these contribute to a sense of wonderment about Fallout’s characters and the state of this new world.

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Here are my tips for enjoying Fallout (especially for the non-gamers).

Know your timeline

Do not be misled by 50s art deco styled fashions, architecture and vehicles. While current time is 2296, the opening sequence flashes back to 2077 to show people fleeing to fallout shelters manufactured by the company Vault-Tec. (Editorial note: Gamer Charlie L. shared that “The time when the nukes hit is the 40s and 50s style for that timeline. It’s an alternate universe. It’s like Fallout’s version of steam punk.”)

Be prepared for the story to shift among timelines. Keeping up with the timeline will help non-gamers enjoy the series and not get distracted trying to figure out what year it is. The first episode is aptly named ‘The End’, which kicks off events that lead to the dichotomous existence of any surviving humans living either above or below the surface.

Embrace exploration

One of the coolest parts about the Fallout series is the depiction of different factions that have developed above the surface in the post-apocalyptic world. Extensive and immersive set pieces draw you into these various populations. While sometimes disturbing, the reveal of different communities is fascinating. Currency devolves, creatures mutate, priorities shift, and loyalties often subside in a world that is mostly about survival.

Have I mentioned ginormous evolved cockroaches?

The world expands even further once you include “vaultees” living below the surface with bright jumpsuits, high-tech gadgetry, and a penchant for gelatin molds.

Color palettes, wardrobe details and creative weaponry all contribute to a vivid universe. Cosplay from the Fallout games is already a popular choice at fan conventions. I can only presume that the television series will further that interest.

Enjoy compelling performances

What a treat it is to experience the performances of Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins and Aaron Moten.

Ella (Lucy) really sells the post-apocalyptic Girl Scout nature of her lifetime vault dweller character. What could otherwise feel like a cheesy depiction plays genuine and earnest through Ella’s portrayal. We may chuckle at some of Lucy’s methods, but we can root for her at the same time.

Walton Goggins (Cooper Howard, The Ghoul) offers a superbly transformative performance as he appears across multiple timelines in the series. His line delivery is impeccable whether it aims for a laugh or a tug on your heart. Speaking of heart, Aaron Moten (Maximus) brings palpable emotion to his portrayal of a soldier.

Appreciate the levity

There are serious topics addressed in Fallout – war, nuclear attack, survival, humanity and more. There is definitely food for thought perhaps even a smorgasbord of food for thought. The series will likely solicit conversation and debate.

But there is also levity, some light-heartedness that offsets despair and adds some humor amongst the gore. I mean, we were not expecting to watch a documentary, right? Between Lucy’s “fish out of water” experiences and The Ghoul’s one-liners alone there are plenty of laughs to go around.

Fallout is thought-provoking, action-packed, immersive. . . and funny. Enjoy the jokes.

Binge at your own risk

All 8 episodes of Fallout will arrive at once. The pacing definitely leans into the binge mentality because it is very much the tale of a journey, a very compelling one indeed. With that said, there is so much to absorb in each episode along with important details you will want to note. Non-gamers like me may be at a slight disadvantage when it comes to “catching” relevant clues simply because we are so distracted with learning about this unique world. But watch as you wish because you can always watch again!

Be forewarned

I would be remiss if I did not point out that Fallout is rated for mature audiences. No, the show is not for kids. One can anticipate language violence, gore, some sexuality and nudity. There is a brief depiction of animal culling. If these things are a deal breaker for you, this may not be your show. With that said, I personally did not find these aspects to be overly gratuitous in nature. Nothing in these categories prevented me from very much enjoying the series. The absurdity of some of the mature content also lightens the tone.

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The verdict

A positive review would normally offer a “thumbs up”, but that might not actually be the best indicator for Fallout. Why? You will have to watch and find out.

Instead, I will give it 9 out of 10 Nuka Cola bottle caps. (And those are really good to have topside!)

Number of episodes screened for review: 8

Be on the lookout at So Many Shows for our Fallout themed trivia quizzes to test your recall of the series!

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