Wasteland wishlist: Fallout Season 2's five must-haves
From deathclaws to the evil Legion, here are five things that could take Fallout to a whole new level
Vault dwellers and wastelanders everywhere are rejoicing over the news that season two of Fallout drops in December and Amazon’s renewal of the post-apocalyptic adventure for a third season. I was blown away by the first season and the fantastic job it did adapting one of my favorite fictional universes, but I’m betting all my bottle caps that season two will be even better. For that to happen, though, there’s certain places, characters, and creatures that have to be included.
So, without further ado, here are five must-see things for Fallout Season 2:
5. More vaults
Even though the TV show isn’t a direct adaptation of the Fallout games, it’s still set in the same universe and features a lot of elements from them. And one of the best, most fun, and interesting parts of the games is exploring various vaults and trying to piece together what happened to the people who lived there.
And, given the sneak preview we got in season one of all the twisted ideas executives had for vaults, I think it would be a huge missed opportunity to not have characters venture into more of them this season.
4. The Strip
After the epic season-ending shot of New Vegas in season one (and the season two teasers), it’s clear the jewel of the Mojave wasteland is gonna play a major part this season. In fact, I’m expecting the majority of the action to take place there, which means spending lots of time in one of the game series’ most iconic locations.
And if the show’s approach to borrowing from the games in season one is any indication, it’s a safe bet New Vegas will be the same unique place gamers know and love. For one, you’ve got three rival factions competing for control of The Strip, while answering to the mysterious Mr. House (who we saw in a brief cameo in season one) and his Securitrons. And second is the famous Lucky 38 Resort and Casino, where I’m hoping Lucy and the Ghoul will get up to some hijinx.
And, even though the show takes place after the games, New Vegas should be the same flashy, decadent, and dangerous place it’s always been…and that should make for some exciting adventures for the characters.
3. The Legion
Or, maybe more accurately, what’s left of it. Since the show is set long after the events of Fallout New Vegas, and depending on which game ending the showrunners consider canon, The Legion we see might be little more than a band of raiders or an all-powerful group ruling the Mojave.
Either way, one of Fallout’s most evil factions (which is saying something considering they occupy the same universe as The Institute) would make perfect antagonists for Lucy, The Ghoul, and Maximus. The Legion are marauding, misogynist, violent slavers who you just know The Ghoul would love nothing more than to take out.
The direction I’d like to see the show take The Legion would be that they’ve consolidated their power after Courier Six (the player character from New Vegas) sided with them at the Battle of Hoover Dam. If that’s the case, expect an extremely dark, dystopian view of post-apocalyptic life in the Mojave with things like public crucifixions, people being enslaved, and children being conscripted into the Legion’s ranks.
2. Deathclaws
Behemoth creatures able to tear a person into pieces without breaking a sweat, deathclaws are the most feared, deadliest predators in the Fallout universe. And even though we got to see monsters like a gulper and yao guai (mutated grizzly bear) in season one, deathclaws are just simply too cool, and terrifying, to be left out of the show any longer.
Not only because seeing our heroes face one down would be epic (and maybe a little anxiety-inducing) but the deathclaws in the Mojave tend to travel in packs so we could get a showdown between them and a group like the Brotherhood of Steel or maybe even a deathclaw attack on New Vegas.
All the stuff I’ve listed so far has been a mix of general Fallout elements and New Vegas-specific ones I wanna see because it’s one of my favorite games of all-time. And while all of them are things that would bring the show to a whole new level, there’s one thing that for me would put Fallout in the streaming TV (and game adaptation) hall of fame. And that thing is…
1. Evidence of the Courier
Shot in the head and left for dead in the desert wasteland, Courier Six is the player character from Fallout New Vegas. After being betrayed during the game’s opening, the Courier goes on a journey of revenge that eventually ends with them deciding the fate of the Mojave.
Now, because the Courier’s appearance, character, decisions, and everything from who they side with to how they fight, are entirely decided by players, actually showing them would be a mistake. A huge mistake. It would spoil fans’ creations and maybe even ruin their memories of an amazing game.
But there is a way for the show to pay homage and throw in a fun easter egg for New Vegas fans… have other characters talk about the Courier in hushed whispers like the wasteland legend they are. That way fans get a mention of their character while still getting to keep the image of (and connection to) them in their minds.
As a huge fan of the Fallout universe who’s been playing the games since the turn-based combat days, I loved every second of the show’s first season. And I’m ridiculously stoked to see what’s in store for season two. And yes, there are certain things (like the ones I’ve listed here) that I’m crossing my fingers make it onto the screen. But even if only one or two, or none of them do…I just know we’re in for another epic season in the wasteland.
Viva New Vegas!
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