Review: Fallout Season 2, Episode 7 Delivers Thrills
Fallout Season 2, Episode 7, titled “The Handoff,” delivers an intriguing mix of revelations and ongoing narratives, available now for streaming on Prime Video. The episode highlights the character Diane Welch, portrayed by Martha Kelly, who emerges as a crucial link in the unfolding storyline.
Key Revelations in Episode 7
This episode reconnects viewers with Diane, who previously appeared in Episode 5. During this episode, she assists Cooper in delivering Cold Fusion to supposedly safe hands, while also playing a surprising role as a direct channel to the President of the United States, a cameo performed by Clancy Brown.
The episode takes an unexpected twist when Diane’s severed head is revealed to be functioning as the central processor for Hank’s brainwashing technology. This unsettling discovery raises numerous questions about her involvement in past events and the intent behind such an experiment in the post-apocalyptic world.
Recurring Themes in Fallout
Fallout has established a pattern in Season 2 of reintroducing past characters, paralleling time and connections between the old and new worlds. From earlier seasons, the return of characters like Hank MacLean and Moldaver intensified the narrative, yet the continuous reliance on resurrecting characters from before the apocalypse might diminish the intrigue.
- Hank MacLean and Moldaver were introduced as pre-apocalypse survivors in Season 1.
- Dr. Wilzig’s backstory from the past was unveiled in Season 2.
- Diane Welch’s preserved head adds another layer to the narrative.
Character Insights: Steph and the Canadian Perspective
Episode 7 continues to explore the background of Steph, the Overseer of Vault 32. Her Canadian origins offer a contrasting view of the oppressive regime following the United States’ annexation of Canada during the timeline of Fallout. This perspective enriches the lore while providing a darker tone to the current storyline.
The Connection to Other Narratives
Steph’s journey through the United States threads her narrative through significant storylines, tying her to Cooper, Hank, and Robert House. The connections established pose questions about their purpose in the broader context of the series.
Foreshadowing Future Events
As various vault storylines start to converge, the potential repercussions of Steph’s actions loom large. The exchange for water supplies may unravel new troubles linked to the Forced Evolutionary Virus, raising anticipation for upcoming episodes.
Conflict and Personal Journeys
Beneath New Vegas, Hank and Lucy delve into the themes of factionalism. Their debates highlight the storyline’s deeper moral questions, showcasing Lucy’s ethical dilemmas regarding non-violent resolutions amidst the chaos of their surroundings.
The Climax of Season 2
This episode also showcases Maximus and Thaddeus teaming up, with Maximus seizing an NCR power armor equipped with a double-headed bear insignia. This armor symbolizes his personal growth, yet the anticipated confrontation with New Vegas’ deathclaws falls short of expectations, presenting a less engaging battle than fans hoped for.
Ultimately, the episode culminates with The Ghoul activating Mr. House’s terminal, revealing his survival in a digital form. With the fate of House left to viewer interpretation, the implications for Fallout’s storyline remain to be uncovered as the season finale approaches.
In conclusion, “The Handoff” effectively ties past narratives to present conflicts, while setting the stage for substantial revelations in the closing episodes of Fallout Season 2.
