The Beginning

The amount of hype and expectations I had for this show was close to zero. Then, when I learned Johnathan Nolan was attached, I grew some faith. But almost nothing could have convinced me this was not going to be another Rings of Power debacle... or Paramount Halo debacle.

I have never been happier to be wrong in my life!

Fallout in a word is phenomenal! It is without a doubt an all-around amazing TV show. As a huge fan of the games and having fond memories of coming home from school every day to boot up my Xbox to play Fallout 3 or Fallout New Vegas, I am extremely satisfied.

This show is just d*mn near perfection, and I do not use that word lightly. Everything in this show is Fallout! The tone, the atmosphere, the story, and its characters. It is all faithful to the source material.

The whole show just made me feel like I was playing Fallout. How everything progressed, how reveals came to light, how Lucy played fantastically by Ella Purnell reminded me of the first time I played Fallout. As a gamer, there is just so much to love here!

The story is great, the writing is great, the performances are great, the music is great. Everything is fantastically well made!

From the sights and sounds to the radroaches, 10 mm pistol, stimpacks, radaway, and its quirky charm, this is without a doubt the best video game adaptation I have seen in my life!

Words alone can not describe the sheer happiness and joy this show has brought me. Then that ending teasing the great possibilities to come... well, let's just say I screamed! There were absolutely no shortage of fan boy moments.

If there was ever a reason to subscribe to Prime, well look no further because Fallout is that reason! If this quality maintains, then I am extremely excited for the future of this show.

Now, if you'll execuse me, it's time to boot up the ol 360 the Mojave wasteland awaits... and well war... war never changes!

IMDb: 10/10 Letterboxd: 5/5

Watched on Prime Video in 4k Dolby Vision.

Characters' behavior, as well as interactions between characters, things characters do and say, in most cases, are not exposition for audience, and instead are what they would do or say, fitting their place in the world, scale of knowledge, skill, situational awareness, as well as ideologies, agendas, goals, motivations, ideals, and plans..

With characters written genuine such as this, it is naive to believe everything they say, let alone accept the same as certain confirmations for past events, or clear signs of events to come, or yet to be revealed, for which cases clues, hints, and pieces of plot were provided, revealing things not what things may seem to be..

Overall continuation of exceptional visual storytelling, and a great finale for the season.

Not gonna spoil.... 3D print this episode out and make it a blurprint for less worth shows to aspire to when some writers lapse. Kudos to this team and Prime as a whole for keeping their hands off and ensuring this show stays legit. It's a model for other intellectual sci-fi/weirdo content to stay true to the original subject matter. Less said is more, which is that so hard to figure out?

Not gonna spoil.... 3D print this episode out and make it a blurprint for less worth shows to aspire to when some writers lapse. Kudos to this team and Prime as a whole for keeping their hands off and ensuring this show stays legit. It's a model for other intellectual sci-fi/weirdo content to stay true to the original subject matter.

I started watching "Fallout" with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. I usually avoid series because I tend to get tired of them quickly, so I went into "Fallout" with low expectations. However, I quickly became fascinated in a way I hadn't experienced with a series in a long time. This production not only respects the key elements of the video games it adapts but also integrates them into the narrative in a genuinely engaging and respectful manner. As a fan of the games, it was a relief and a joy to see the universe I admire so much being adapted so competently.

One of "Fallout's" greatest achievements is its narrative. Full of intense plots and captivating characters, the series grips us from the first episode. The three protagonists, each with their own story and personal motivations, intertwine organically, creating a web of intrigue that keeps us eager to uncover their outcomes. The solid and striking performances by the actors significantly contribute to this immersion, bringing the characters to life in such a natural way.

Visually, "Fallout" is a masterpiece. Although it has a more colorful tone than the games, the settings and characterizations remain faithful to the identity established by the saga. Every detail, from the post-apocalyptic wreckage to the retro-futuristic attire, the dystopian and perilous world, but also the music, presents everything that fans of the games love so much.

In the end, "Fallout" is more than just a video game adaptation; it's a lesson in how to honor and expand an intellectual property. With an engaging narrative, high-level performances, and stunning visual aesthetics, the series proves to be a magnificent experience that satisfies both longtime fans and a new audience. It's the purest example of how videogame adaptations should be.

Episode 8 of Fallout, titled "The Beginning," serves as a pivotal moment in the series, offering both closure and new beginnings for the characters. The episode starts with the survivors grappling with the aftermath of the previous events, their trust fractured, and their sense of hope hanging by a thread. A key plot point revolves around a mysterious broadcast that hints at a possible safe zone, sending the group into a tense debate about whether they should stay put or venture into the unknown. This decision weighs heavily on the characters, as they must balance the potential for survival with the ever-present danger of the world outside.

The direction in this episode shines through in its ability to create tension not only between the characters but also with the environment. The vast, decayed world outside contrasts sharply with the confined, deteriorating spaces the survivors inhabit. The use of wide shots to show the desolation amplifies the sense of isolation, while close-up shots during key character moments effectively capture the internal conflicts brewing within the group. The director manages to maintain a steady rhythm throughout the episode, allowing the tension to simmer and then erupt during crucial moments without feeling forced. This approach adds a natural progression to the unfolding drama, making the episode's conflicts feel more organic.

In terms of the script, "The Beginning" delivers some of the series' most emotionally charged dialogue. The survivors' desperation is palpable, and the writing effectively conveys their inner turmoil as they wrestle with their choices. There are moments of raw vulnerability that humanize the characters, particularly during scenes where they reflect on the lives they had before the fallout. These introspective moments lend depth to the episode and offer a brief respite from the external chaos. However, some of the exposition feels a bit heavy-handed, as certain characters articulate their motivations in ways that could have been left more ambiguous or implied. This is a minor flaw in an otherwise strong script, which succeeds in driving the emotional and narrative stakes forward.

The acting in this episode is particularly noteworthy, with standout performances that elevate the material. The ensemble cast does an exceptional job of conveying the weight of their situation, especially in scenes where they debate their next move. One of the episode's strongest moments occurs when a character delivers a monologue about the cost of survival, reflecting on the loss of humanity in the face of such overwhelming adversity. The actor's portrayal is nuanced and layered, capturing both the sorrow and resolve of someone who has been pushed to their limits. The rest of the cast complements this with strong, understated performances that keep the focus on the gravity of the group's situation without veering into melodrama.

Visually, "The Beginning" is striking, with the cinematography enhancing the narrative's themes of decay and rebirth. The muted color palette used to depict the barren, post-apocalyptic landscape contrasts beautifully with the more vibrant flashes of memory or hope, creating a visual metaphor for the characters' internal states. The camera work during the more intimate moments-whether between characters or in moments of solitary reflection-is handled with care, drawing the viewer into the emotional heart of the episode. The editing also plays a crucial role here, ensuring that the pacing never drags while still allowing for quieter, reflective moments to land with the intended emotional impact.

The episode's pacing is well-executed, building steadily toward a climactic moment that leaves the audience both satisfied and eager for more. The decision to focus on character development alongside the broader narrative arc pays off, as the tension within the group mirrors the external threat they face. However, the final act of the episode, while intense, leans on a somewhat predictable twist. Though this does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the episode, it does feel like a missed opportunity to take the narrative in a more unexpected direction.

In conclusion, "The Beginning" successfully brings together the thematic threads of Fallout while setting the stage for what comes next. The episode balances introspection with action, offering a poignant exploration of what it means to survive in a world that has lost its humanity. Despite minor script flaws and a slightly predictable ending, the strong direction, compelling performances, and striking visual style make this a standout entry in the series. By focusing on the personal stakes alongside the broader survival narrative, "The Beginning" offers a thoughtful, emotionally resonant chapter that will leave viewers reflecting on the nature of survival and the cost of hope in such a broken world.