In the post-apocalyptic world of “Fallout,” survival is a constant struggle. The show’s surface is far from peaceful, filled with monstrous creatures and strange characters. One such character is The Ghoul, a gunslinger portrayed by Walton Goggins. He has been surviving for two centuries after the bombs fell, making him a bounty hunter with many secrets that tie him to Lucy’s storyline as well as the overall world of “Fallout.” As a thematic lynchpin, much like the Man in Black in “Westworld,” he serves as an essential part of the show’s narrative.
Another key character in “Fallout” is Maximus, a soldier in the Brotherhood of Steel who finds himself thrust into a hero role for which he is unprepared. This contrasts with Lucy’s street-smart nature, making them an interesting pair to watch. The show pays homage to the “Fallout” games, capturing their tone and unpredictability while avoiding relying too heavily on their combat system and slo-mo shots. Instead, it includes Wild West shootouts that echo the game but does not repeat this formula every episode, keeping viewers on their toes.
However, as the season progresses, it stumbles slightly when two protagonists embark on a sidequest that disrupts momentum and makes the season feel longer than it actually is. It takes some time for other characters beyond Goggins’ portrayal of The Ghoul to make an impact, but by the end, other characters like Lucy begin to stand out as well. Overall, “Fallout” remains The Walton Goggins Show, with his strong performance and impactful flashbacks driving forward its narrative.
