Nuclear Family Values – Diving into Fallout
When I was tasked with reviewing the new post-apocalyptic drama “Fallout,” I wasn’t exactly chomping at the bit. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good dystopian romp – “The Hunger Games” was a real nail-biter, if I remember correctly – but the whole wasteland aesthetic can get a little tiresome after a while. All that brown and beige, you know?
But “Fallout” surprised me. Now, I’m not saying it’s going to win any Academy Awards, but it held my attention for the entire season, which is more than I can say for some of those pretentious foreign films they make you watch in film school (a whole other story for another day).
The plot revolves around Lucy, a young woman raised in a luxurious underground vault, who ventures out into the irradiated wasteland. It’s your classic fish-out-of-water scenario, with Lucy encountering all sorts of wacky characters and mutated creatures (seriously, the special effects team deserves a raise for those giant Radroaches).
What I found most interesting, however, was the show’s social commentary. Now, I’m no expert on these things, but it seemed pretty clear “Fallout” was taking a jab at capitalism. The whole vault system, where the rich get to live in luxury while everyone else scrapes by in the wasteland? Not exactly subtle.
But it wasn’t all preachy. The show also explored the complexities of gender roles in a post-apocalyptic society. Lucy, raised in a very traditional setting, clashes with the strong, independent women she meets on her journey. It made you think, you know? About how societal expectations might change in a world where survival is the number one priority.
And speaking of strong women, there’s a fantastic performance by newcomer Xelia Mendes-Jones as Dane, a trans woman who kicks serious butt and takes no prisoners. It’s refreshing to see a show that not only features a trans character but also portrays them as a capable, badass leader.
Look, “Fallout” isn’t going to change your life. It’s not going to make you win bar trivia nights with your knowledge of obscure film references (although there are a few fun nods to classic sci-fi flicks that eagle-eyed viewers might catch).
But it is entertaining. It’s got action, adventure, some genuinely funny moments (mostly thanks to Walton Goggins’ wonderfully hammy performance as a pre-war ghoul radio host), and a message or two about the world we live in. And hey, at the very least, it’ll keep you occupied for a few rainy afternoons. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a giant tub of popcorn and a documentary about the making of “Casablanca.” A true classic, that one.
