Family can be complicated. When you think they are doing something wrong, it can be done with the best of intentions. On the most recent Fallout, both Lucy and Cooper Howard confront their loved ones about their questionable actions.
The episode expertly draws parallels between two of its main characters; Lucy in the present and Cooper Howard in the past. It helps reinforce the complicated themes of family and bending morality to protect them. In the former’s case, it only makes her father even more devious. Hank cleverly manipulates his daughter to forcibly see the importance of his work. He uses the guise of submission knowing full well he is control the entire time. The situation also sheds more insight on the mind control device while also furthering the mystery of why.
On the other hand, Fallout makes Barb Howard a little more sympathetic as we dive deeper into the character. “The Other Player” receives its name from Robert House’s previously spoken words, and we see them at work. Cooper’s wife isn’t the monster she is made out to be since she is merely a puppet. We receive a nice cameo as the messenger. He’s there for a moment but it’s still chilling.
In a way, Barb becomes the patsy. That’s what makes the argument between the spouses that much more impactful considering the hurtful things said. However, the relationship between her and Cooper feels different. Unlike Hank, there is a genuine sincerity behind Barb. Her choices don’t feel like they are influenced by climbing the corporate ladder. When her husband takes things into his own hands, she relents in a way that makes them feel like partners as opposed to all the manipulation. Despite all the drama, there’s no sense of falling out or estrangement between the couple. After all, the Ghoul uses his memories of his family to keep him from going feral in the present.
The episode is also full of Fallout’s signature twisted humor. The entire opening features multiple marketing meetings complete with catering, but in this case, it’s to exploit the end of the world. More fun is the dream sequence musical number. The way is slightly paved beforehand with the mind controlled office. The assembly line of workers is rhythmically choreographed. Then, it goes all out once inside the social meeting at Vault 33. The change in aspect ratio followed by the lively old timey number captures the figurative carefree and indulgent side of some of the dwellers despite the water shortage.
There are mixed feelings for another blink and you’ll miss it cameo. On one hand, it’s a pleasant surprise for someone involved in the video games to appear in the series and it’s a role suited for the actor. But it does introduce yet another faction in a season filled with them. At least it puts a name to “The Other Player.”
This week’s episode uses themes of family to paint a sympathetic portrait of Barb Howard while also finally outing the mysterious puppet master.
New episodes of Fallout release Wednesdays on Prime Video.
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