IR TV Review: FALLOUT - EPISODE 1 (“The Innovator” [Prime]
After the ending of season 1 of "Fallout" with Vegas in the distance, one looked to the context of the game for relevance. But even without that intention, the throttle of the second season has to do with trust, both of that gained and lost. Ella Purnell as Lucy and Walton Goggins as "The Ghoul" would start the path with that desert structure one would hope. Like any good continuing western (think Eastwood), it is how to play with the concept of this journey without losing track in its meaning. Goggins' former character in Cooper (in the past...200 years before) shows the optimistic man he was who got brought down by forces around him. The Wasteland is of course riddled with mercenaries doing what they can for a bottle cap. One scene in particular involving fleas is particularly funny as is a would-be trap. The belief system shown though is wrapped in people just doing enough in the silos to think they are doing better while everyone inside seems just building in pressure to what will likely be an explosion (and this is only the first episode).
People want what they haven't got. Lucy for all her optimism has a severe grudge against her dad. She wants him caught and tried. The Ghoul appreciates in his own way her misguided pride but realizes the law of the desert. It is about the score...though there might be more. Goggins plays The Ghoul here slightly softer than last season since he understands most people now understands where he came from...and what he might be responsible for. Kyle MacLachlan on the other hand is playing the long game and is bringing in the big GOAT per se which seems to be fueling all the problems. His power has been spoken of but he is not quite in view yet. There is also a smaller secondary story in another facility that of course will power into the outcome here. That said, it is a new place in the desert seen towards the end of the episode wrapped in a different meaning and Cold War relevance which is the most intriguing...not for what it shoes but for what it doesn't. Episode 1 of Season 2 is titled "The Innovator" and tracks the idea that certain decisions in the past were made for certain reasons. It is just a matter if any of it comes to fruition...for the betterment of man...or for his detriment. B
By Tim Wassberg
