'Fallout' Season 2 Is Over & Has 96% on RT, but Is It as Good as Everyone Says?

The second season of Fallout, which earned an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, has officially concluded. While this rating seems self-evident, viewers – especially the franchise's most dedicated fans – are divided.

The series was undoubtedly a visually stunning spectacle that delved deeply into the mythology. But did it retain the magic that made the first season a cultural phenomenon, or did it falter under its own ambition?

What Is 'Fallout' Season 2 About?

Ghoul and Lucy continue their journey to New Vegas. Ghoul wants to find Hank and learn the fate of his family. Lucy wants to get revenge against her father, who destroyed an entire city.

Meanwhile, disillusioned with the Brotherhood of Steel's dogma, Maximus finds himself drawn into its internal strife. Viewers are also introduced to powerful new factions in the Wasteland, such as the brutal Caesar's Legion.

'Fallout' Season 2's Biggest Strength Is Still Its Characters & Their Development

The creators of Fallout excel at allowing key characters to evolve without losing their essence. The cynical Ghoul begins to express long-forgotten human emotions, the idealistic Lucy is forged in a cruel world, and Maximus undergoes a painful journey of disillusionment with blind faith.

New characters, such as Lacerta Legate, played by Macaulay Culkin, make brief appearances but leave a lasting impression. Stephanie Harper's story masterfully connects the pre-war past with the present.

The characters remain the core of the series, and their arcs are written with greater care than those of many competitors in the genre.

Season 2 Expands Upon the World Introduced in Season 1, in Terms of Both Plot and Visuals

The geography and political landscape of the Wasteland are expanding significantly. In addition to the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR, Caesar's Legion, the Great Khans, and the Kings have entered the scene, forming a complex web of warring factions.

The visuals have become richer and more detailed, ranging from the grim interiors of bunkers to the neon madness of New Vegas.

The world's fauna also make an appearance – viewers can look forward to unforgettable scenes featuring a full-scale demonstration of the terrifying Deathclaws. Their origins will become an important plot point in the future.

Season 2's Main Weakness Is Its Uneven Pacing & Its Attempt to Tackle Too Many Storylines at Once

The writers clearly wanted to talk about everything at once. Some subplots, like Lucy's brother Norm's investigations, feel drawn out, while key conflicts are resolved too quickly.

The abundance of fan service and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout every frame is a double-edged sword. Fans will delight in the recognition, but the mosaic of references sometimes hinders the overall story, creating a feeling of overload.

At times, the series feels like a tour of a Fallout universe museum where the exhibits are impressive but the overall narrative thread is lost.

Fallout's second season is a grandiose yet somewhat chaotic canvas. It's undeniably good, with strong characters, unprecedented visual world-building, and generous spectacle.

However, the magic of the first season's flawless balance of plot, action, and fan service has worn off a bit.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Fallout' Season 2?

• Fallout Season 2 has 96% from both critics and viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to Watch 'Fallout' Season 2?

Fallout Season 2 is available to stream on Prime Video.