The writing often struggles to define the motivations of lead characters like Lucy and Maximus. There are instances of convenience and contrivance that link all the plot threads together. For example, the characters fall into a random vault, linked not only to Lucy’s family but also to the Ghoul’s, which makes it harder to appreciate the actions of the ensemble cast, making the wasteland they explore feel small. The show achieves grander tales through its myriad flashback sequences, appealing to a wider audience than just hardcore fans.
These flashbacks revolve around Cooper Howard, a globally recognized superstar before the bombs dropped, who lured humanity underground for survival. The flashbacks highlight how he comes to terms with the company he pledged to support, only to realize its profit-driven motives. His character becomes integral to the narrative, and he is important to the show’s appeal to a wider audience. The flashbacks also frame the motivations of the Ghoul, a once trusting man turned bitter killer, providing insight into his character and making him more compelling.
The desire to be reunited with family or to at least know if they are still alive adds depth to his character, making the storytelling device of flashbacks compelling and effective. In contrast, Fallout struggles with Lucy and Maximus towards the end of the first season, as their purpose becomes centered around searching for a Macguffin. The concern is that in the second season, they might be reduced to a flirty couple without clear priorities, while The Ghoul holds all the narrative cards. The hope is for other parts of the cast to be given similar depth and purpose through flashbacks, flashforwards, or an entirely new twist, to contextualize the characters with more depth and purpose.
The text concludes with an expression of hope for more history, more lore, and proper reasons to care about its main characters. The desire is for the show to build on its strong start and become even better, utilizing compelling storytelling devices and character development to enhance the viewer experience.
