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It seems as though all of our main characters are exhibiting aberrant behavior, stacked against the mission of their respective collectives. And Doctor Siggi Wilzig seems to know an awful lot about Lucy MacLean, doesn't he? 🎬A word of advice: tip us on Ko-fi or, for as little as $1 /month, join a membership tier on either Ko-fi or Patreon to receive the unedited episode recordings in advance of these premieres. We had the raw and unfiltered version of this episode available for your streaming pleasure weeks ago, but unforeseen personal matters have taken precedence and we're behind on our episode releases. It will most likely continue that way for the next few recordings. As we also mentioned near the end of this episode, we could really use your support from here on in, so if you enjoy what we're doing and want to see what we're made of, be a part of something big and show your support!

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David Cameo:
Rachael Burt:
Sherrandy Swift:

SPECIAL GUEST

Carinae Davey:

The second episode of Amazon Prime's Fallout series moves the story forward as our protagonists actually engage one another (while introducing us to more characters).
This episode has game-like elements and pays attention to detail in set design.
The music and performances in the episode are praised by the hosts.
Filly is representative of the kinds of towns you see in the Fallout games. The "not so bright" dirt farmer played by Fear The Walking Dead alum, Michael Abbott Jr. (who played Isaac in FearTWD 6x01, The End is the Beginning), whom we meet outside of Filly is typical of the kind of wastelander you will meet in your travels.
Maximus's actions clearly prioritize his personal goals over the ideals of the Brotherhood.
His experience with the power armor, and Knight Titus' with the yaoguai, teaches him the limitations of his invincibility.
Ma June is played by Dale Dickey who you may have recognized from her roles as Patty Weezmer, the daytime hooker from My Name is Earl, and Spooge's lady, Skank, from Breaking Bad. The Chicken Molester is played by comedian John Daly. And, of course, Titus is played by - just above that guy status - Michael Rapaport.
The interaction with the ghoul highlights the gray areas of morality, in opposition to Lucy MacLean's and Maximus' black and white (more or less) version of it.
The conversation explores themes of heroism, personal goals, and shades of morality... because chicken molestation in a comically violent world is the least of everyone's problems.
The violence and gore, specifically when Ma June attaches Wilzig's prosthesis, is over the top and comical, which is reminiscent of The Boys.
Stimpaks in the game can heal an insane amount of injuries (Lucy's and CX-404's stab wounds), but they cannot heal radiation damage.
The concept of eating unconventional food - like radroaches, dog meat, sting wing meat, bloatfly steaks, iguana, and lizard tails - is explored within the context of survival.
The show touches on ethical questions regarding the killing of animals and the genetic engineering of dogs.
Dr. Siggi Wilzig's blackboard hints at his experiments with genetic engineering and behavior modification. Every dog is perfect in its own way, but perfection is subjective.
Behavioral Engineering and Maxwell's Laws may be two different approaches to understanding and manipulating the world... or something else entirely, like the device Wilzig injected in his neck.
The desire for companionship and human connection is a fundamental aspect of being human, which might be another reason why The Ghoul / Cooper Howard takes in CX-404 (outside tracking Wilzig).
The concept of the norm is subjective and can vary depending on societal expectations. Lucy & Maximus may seem more or less normal to us, but not within their own society.
In a post-apocalyptic world, individuals must choose to adapt or die. It's evident by the presence of both stimpaks (the ability to heal from anything) and Plan-D (the most humane product Vault-Tec ever invented: essentially Euthanasia by way of banana-flavored cyanide).
Morality and decision-making can vary greatly depending on personal values and circumstances, such as Lucy choosing her syringer over the deadly weapons in Ma June's Sundries to engage The Ghoul.
Lee Moldaver's name, whom everyone knows, in Ma June's ledger
Fallout has visual callbacks to the games, like comic books and lunchboxes, that fans will appreciate and immerses newcomers into the universe.
The turret robot's purpose and its Dr. Wilzig's cartoony close call with it.
Speculation on the power source of the Pip-Boy and the Enclave's possible knowledge of the vaults.
The possibility that the vault dwellers are being monitored and used as science experiments.
The significance of the songs in the episode and their cultural impact.
The character development of Maximus and the exploration of his choices and identity is something many fans have a hard time enjoying because he's basically you: deluding yourself into thinking you're the hero of your own story. It reminds us of the very opening scene of Dispatches from Elsewhere.
Reflections on the lingering fear of nuclear warfare and the cultural impact of the Cold War.
The TV series includes various references and details from the Fallout games, such as the appearance of a super mutant and the use of laser rifles by guards.
The destroyed/deactivated Assaultron robot on the beach could've been a problem for Lucy.
The power armor's resistance to fall damage could've been featured in the show, which could've been true to the game's mechanics, had Maximus leveraged it in his fight with The Ghoul.
The remnants of a crashed ~~Russian~~ Chinese satellite hints at the scale of destruction and tragic origins of the Fallout universe.
The show balances a fun and cartoonish tone with the serious and intense nature of post-apocalyptic storytelling.
The hosts compare the show to other post-apocalyptic series like The Last of Us and The Walking Dead, noting the different approaches to violence and tone. Video games like Fallout and The Last of Us succeed by staying true to their genre and providing a mix of seriousness and levity. Adapting video games into other mediums, such as TV series, can be challenging due to the unique interactive nature of games.