Season 2 Episode 8 – Winning might be overrated…
Please note, our reviews are based on likes and dislikes. These contain significant spoilers. If you haven’t already watched the episode, we recommend that you click off the article and come back once you have watched the episode. Enjoy!
What I Liked
1. Macauley Culkin’s character within the show becomes the new Caesar. This is after we see a skeleton dragged into a tent, Macauley’s character reads a note that says, “I am Caesar, I am the Legion, it ends with me”. He doesn’t relay the note; instead, he kills one of the guards, swallows the note and takes the crown. What a way to start the episode.
2. Maximus continues to fight the Deathclaws. This time, it’s better for him because his suit’s weapons activate. This allows him to use a jet pack and fire rockets. Unbelievable scenes. He does take out a few Deathclaws. Those who’ve played the games will know this is an incredible feat.
3. Radroaches. A literal level 1 enemy. In most games, you fight these things first. The shows just showed how nasty they, in theory, should be. Seeing them fly out of the elevator and slicing one of the girls’ throats was brutal. They all get out, and quite a few of the group are killed as well.
4. Quite the twist. It turns out Steph and Hank were a thing before the bombs fell. It adds an entirely new perspective on how the Vault they were part of ran. In fact, by the end of the episode, we learn they were more than a thing. They’re married.
5. After Lucy seemingly destroys Diane, Hank finds her. This time it’s sinister. He wants to put a smaller version of the chip on her so she becomes obedient. Lucy tries to fight back using a crowbar, but her attempts are useless. However, what I liked about this scene is that Cooper is heading there right now with Mr House on his wrist; it’s going to be good.
6. Cooper does actually save Lucy. What a moment this is. He shoots Hank (non-lethally) just as he’s about to put the chip on her neck. I love the fact that Cooper still cares enough to save her despite everything that’s happened between them.
7. Hank seemingly wipes his memory after explaining to Lucy that the vaults were never the real experiment; the surface was. Unfortunately, he uses his controller to wipe his memory before we find out what he means by that. It’s interesting, though. Fallout is a world where you think you have a lid on what’s happening, but you don’t. There is always a bigger threat.
8. Lucy and Maximus finally reconnect after being apart all season. It’s a nice, touching moment that’s been needed this season.
9. This episode hasn’t let up. We learn there is something more than Vault-Tec, or maybe it is Vault-Tec, I don’t even know. Steph initiates phase 2 from her Overseer’s desk using a stashed-away secret Pip Boy. A huge building is then shown afterwards, with no indication as to what it is. It’s eerie, though.
10. Cooper finds the chambers where Barbara and Janey are held. So at least he thought. Mr House opens up the pods, and besides a Colorado postcode, they’re empty. Cooper leaves behind Mr House, with Mr House explaining that the Enclave are still around. Cooper, though, explains he now knows for the first time in 200 years that his family is alive. I’m unsure how he got that from a postcard, but here we are.
11. Stay for the after-credits scene, where we see Quintus open up a blueprint for Liberty Prime! I’d love nothing more than to see Liberty Prime in season 3!
What I Disliked
I will be honest and say that I am a little disappointed there wasn’t a proper callback to the games. I was kind of hoping when Mr House was talking to Cooper that he’d briefly mention The Courier. It’s a small dislike and doesn’t impact my rating for the episode in any way, it’s just something I wish we heard as an Easter Egg.
Favorite Moment
As the Deathclaws almost defeat Maximus, he exits the armour to make a stand. It even reaches the point where the crowd hiding in the shop becomes motivated. This is until an NCR soldier, full gear, snipes the Deathclaw. This allows the NCR to move in. What a moment! What a scene. The music, the feel of it. Bravo!
Standout Character
Honestly, I struggled to decide here. A lot of the characters stood out in their own ways. I think, based on saving Lucy at the right moment, the feeling of relief when he realises his family is alive, it has to be Cooper. Lucy or Maximus also stood out massively, as well, so it was a close one. I just think Cooper’s story has become full circle; it’s interesting to know what the next chapter is going to be.
Verdict
A perfect end to what’s been an exceptional season. I remember being so concerned when the first season was announced that they couldn’t pull it off. They smashed it then; they did it again. I love the fact that even my wife has become a huge fan of the universe because of this show. The show shows how to do a finale properly. From minute 0, it was moment after moment, questions were answered, action was exceptional, and the story flowed well despite all of the branched stories. I can’t wait for a third season.
Rating 10/10
The Review
Story - 10
Action - 10
Characters - 10
Entertainment - 10
Quality - 10
10
PERFECT!
A perfect end to what's been an exceptional season. I remember being so concerned when the first season was announced, they smashed it then, they done it again. I love the fact that even my wife has become a huge fan of the universe because of this show. The finale shows how to do a finale properly. From minute 0, it was moment after moment, questions were answered, action was exceptional, and the story flowed well despite all of the branched stories. I can't wait for a third season.
