Fallout has been doing an excellent job in the second season adding depth to the Ghoul using flashbacks of his old life as Actor Cooper Howard. First the words spoken at a veterans event by an old colleague fit thematically with the decisions the Ghoul had to make. Then, an encounter with a Deathclaw humanized the character when he is struck with genuine fear. “The Wrangler” further explores his morality, and living with the consequences.
Speaking of those Deathclaws, it’s a little disappointing how the previous cliffhanger plays out. Granted, it’s a realistic decision considering the circumstances and the terror the creatures instill in the Ghoul. But it’s also hilarious that the Deathclaws can be easily deterred by a locked chain link fence. It makes the confrontation a little lackluster.
The flashbacks of Howard in Las Vegas give Fallout a slick espionage thriller vibe, which is something different from post-apocalyptic western. Everyone is so well dressed and partying while the fate of the world is being determined. It’s coincidental timing that the series airs an episode where powerful tech oligarchs meet in Sin City only a week after the Consumer Electronics Show.
The meeting with the real Robert House turns Cooper’s world upside down. He doesn’t know what to believe and spirals. The conversation brings up interesting questions surrounding the mystery of who really ended the world. A heavy guilt weighs on Cooper that has shaped him, and the camera work and glitchy transitions during his bender help link the past and present.
In the episode’s final scenes, Walt Goggins is such a powerful actor. Even with all the makeup you can still sense the emotions of sadness and regret conveyed after striking his deal. In the closeups you can see the tears forming in his eyes being held back. It’s totally heartbreaking, and Ella Purnell’s Lucy doesn’t make it any easier with her sad puppy dog eyes combined with the sincere dialog.
Because it came in the end, Lucy and the Ghoul’s exchange might leave the more lasting impression, however there are other intriguing developments. It’s fun to see Norm finally experience the world outside, and maybe even find a little personal connection. However, things take a dramatic turn with his contingent of Vault dwellers leaving him in a precarious situation. But the storyline also starts to pepper in some links with other narratives so it should be curious to see how it all comes together.
Overall, another aspect Fallout does right is creating this lived in world. Some may think it’s too gimmicky to bring back familiar faces such as the Snake Oil Salesman and Ma June for a cameo, but both also serve a purpose. The former’s unique brain chemistry is vital while the latter delivers some news and updates to Norm. Having each recur helps build the community, plus they each add character and humor.
The second half of Fallout season kicks off with “The Wrangler” which is filled with dramatic developments and an emotionally powerful closing minutes.
New episodes of Fallout release Wednesdays on Prime Video.
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