Introduction
After the previous episode, you may be asking yourself, “Self, what happened to Max?” Well, I’m glad you asked because this episode gives us our fill of Max love. They also continue to fill us in on Norm’s exploits as impromptu Overseer, Hank’s attempts at “finishing the job” and a sneak peek as to Lucy’s fate with the stranger she saved last episode. A lot to get into in Fallout Episode 10, so let’s get started.
Plot Summary and Analysis
For the plot summary, click here.
WIth so many characters, the show risks the possibility of losing a thread, missing a beat, or simply diluting the plot entirely. I’m happy to report that this episode shows that the writers continue to be adept at telling multiple stories simultaneously. We are still too early in the season to see how all of the stories intertwine and eventually meet, but they’re laying the foundation for all of that.
Max takes the lead this time around. That makes sense since he got no screen time in the opener and they have quite a few threads to tug at with the character. Smart of them to start with a flashback to young Max and start to fill in some of those details about his parents and the overt connection to Hank. Then, an abrupt shift to the present, and an update on the Brotherhood. Being one of the preeminent powers, they’ve grown overconfident and fractured.
They never miss a beat when it comes to writing a scene that both contrasts Lucy and The Ghoul and gives them a chance to introduce some fan service. The Norm and Hank subplots have the potential to be the ones that bog the story down. I admit that for a while there, I started to get sick of the Norm story and wanted them to just move it forward. But, I appreciate their commitment to telling the whole story and sticking with the deliberate pacing. Hanks’ story, consisting of repeatedly blowing up mice, gets an appropriate amount of time thankfully. And, somehow, they leave us with three (four if you count the Ghoul) cliffhangers to keep us coming back.
Character Profiles
Max: We get the most detailed version of Max’s backstory in the days leading up to the nuking of Shady Sands. They then develop his character by bringing him back to the Brotherhood. However, where he accepted his role, more or less, in the beginning of the previous season, you can see the gears shifting in his head. Either he believes his hype and thinks he can run the place, or he tires of their BS and wants to move on to other things. Perhaps both and that’s why he stays.
The Ghoul: His understanding of The Golden Rule revolves around quid pro quo. Even though the Wasteland is a brutal landscape that doesn’t care if you live or die, the story here is that you need to retain some semblance of your humanity in order to survive. Eye for an eye makes the whole world blind and all that. We leave the selfish SOB wounded on a hospital floor, swearing and shouting at Lucy.
Lucy: Speaking of our girl, her naivete does get her in trouble. That’s to be expected. Truly, you can’t go around helping every single person that you encounter. Can you? Perhaps, but you also need that edge. There’s something to be said between the two that you need balance in your life. Compassion and empathy for your fellow livjng being, but also that edge to save yourself if necessary.
Norm: Norm has gone from dorky little brother to pro tem overseer of Vault 31. It’s been fun to watch his transformation and I look forward to seeing how he deals with this new reality.
Hank: The man is an absolute monster. He believes himself to be the embodiment of the scientific process and a loving and doting father. That comes out in a God complex that leads him to treat others as if they are his subjects at best and, more often, simply playthings to be manipulated to the end goal. Risks becoming too one note, but his false human face keeps you on your toes.
World Building and Setting
Most of the world building comes in the form of the flashback to Max and his parents in Shady Sands. We see that, even in the apocalypse, people can band together and work to make a better life for them and others. I suppose that one could make a similar argument for the Brotherhood. They talk of improving society, though in their image. As such, I disagree with them and their view. But, through Area 51, the show makes that argument.
Through Hank’s story, we start to get a better picture of Vault-Tec. The massive structure that he inabits is a vault on steroids. That’s by design. I will talk about this more in the next section. Additionally, they introduce new (to the show) faction. Right now, they are mysterious dudes in the mountains. But, if we’re paying attention, we know who they are.
Themes and Social Commentary
Okay, let’s start with Vault-Tec HQ. I said it was like a vault on steroids. One of the major themes of the show and games is inequality. Capitalism and man eats man leaves few at the top. Those at the bottom simply accept their fate. What more can they do? Shady Sands gives the answer. Talk to your neighbors. Share your resources. Build a community. And you can have something good and lasting.
Something I read months ago sticks with me. Dystopia doesn’t predict the future. It critiques the present. We find ourselves in a world similar to the one in Fallout. A small miniority, of the worst people, are in charge of everything. The petit-bourgeois maintain the order because they mostly benefit. The people stay silent or fight amongst themselves. If things don’t change soon, we will be living in the apocalypse. True, you can live there. But, who the hell actually wants to?
Narrative Structure, Pacing, and Soundtrack
As I said earlier, with so many characters, the show risks becoming a mess. The writers deal with that deftly by moving the story forward for every character during their time on screen. Like I said, the only story that I started to get sick of was Norm. I feel like one or two scenes weren’t necessary. Also, Hank blowing up mice went on a bit too long for my taste. But, those are minor quibbles. Overall, I love all of the stories. I want to see more. Keep the greatness coming.
Less of a focus on songs this time and more on mood music. It makes sense in the context of the episode. They want to hammer home the emotions. So, while I miss the oldies when they are missing, I understand the decision. The mood music adds just as much, if not more, to the story.
The Verdict (Fallout Episode 10)
Fallout Episode 10 advances the story in every single way. It gives important background, develops characters, and continues with the agenda. Like many of these stories, we either learn from them or risk repeating the same mistakes. I always hold out hope that we learn. While slow, the arc bends. At this point, we just have to hope it does so before it’s too late.