As we dive into Episode 1 of Fallout Season 2, we meet the enigmatic figure of Robert House, portrayed by Justin Theroux, known for his roles in acclaimed series like The Leftovers and Mulholland Drive. If you’ve played the games or watched the first season, you know House is a pivotal character, keeping Las Vegas afloat amid nuclear destruction. Initially appearing as a typical capitalist villain, House quickly reveals layers of intrigue and complexity.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the Fallout universe or a seasoned veteran needing a refresher, this guide captures everything you must know about Mr. House in Fallout Season 2.
Spoiler Warning:
This article may contain spoilers for Fallout Season 2.
Who Is Robert House in Fallout Season 2?
In Amazon Prime’s adaptation, Robert House, or Mr. House, is a central figure, painted as an omnipotent technocrat with billionaire status who supposedly owns “half of Las Vegas.” As the founder of RobCo Industries, one of the pre-war giants of American technology, his influence is seen through the ubiquitous RobCo software running every computer terminal in the show and games.
Fun fact: in his first scene, House references the “H&H Nail Gun,” a nod to a family business that links to his past. After the tragic death of his parents, his half-brother Anthony leveraged the law to take total control of the company that Robert was meant to inherit. Undeterred, Robert became a shrewd entrepreneur, earning his place as a powerful figure in a chaotic world.
Why Are There Two Robert Houses?
We first saw Mr. House in the finale of Fallout Season 1, where he was portrayed by Rafi Silver. However, with the casting of Justin Theroux, House now has a dual-actor representation. Silver plays the public figure, while Theroux embodies the mastermind behind the scenes. This twist adds depth, as it wasn’t previously known that House used a body double, a creative decision that aligns perfectly with his character’s paranoid nature.
How Did Mr. House Save Las Vegas in Fallout?
The premiere episode briefly explains how Mr. House protected Las Vegas from nuclear annihilation. House had a missile defense system that intercepted several incoming warheads. Yet, his ambitions went beyond mere survival; he revitalized the Strip as a commercial beacon amidst a desolate landscape.
Mr. House didn’t just predict the war; he did it down to the exact date, using his intellect to create strategies that outlined a new future for Las Vegas. With the Lucky 38 Casino at the heart of his vision, he fortified it against threats, deploying advanced missile systems that activated when the bombs dropped.
Ultimately, his defenses shot down 68 out of 77 bombs aimed at the city, sparing much of it from destruction. However, a few managed to get through, leading to House entering a 50-year coma due to system failures. Upon waking in 2138, he faced a wasteland rife with chaos, raider factions, and the looming presence of the NCR. Slowly but steadily, he began to reclaim control, ultimately forming alliances with local factions and setting them up as casino families to secure power.
What motivates Mr. House’s actions in Fallout Season 2?
Mr. House’s keen intellect and survival instinct drive him to eliminate threats and seize opportunities. He thrives on control and aims to become the ruling force in the new world.
How does Mr. House maintain power in Las Vegas?
His commitment to advanced technology allows him to monitor threats and build alliances. He uses an army of Securitons for surveillance, control, and protection, ensuring that he remains untouchable.
What role do alliances play for Mr. House?
Alliances are crucial for House, as they provide the manpower and influence needed to secure his vision for Las Vegas. By strategically aligning with raider factions, he strengthens his position against external threats like the NCR.
How does House view the NCR in Fallout Season 2?
He sees the NCR as a significant threat, capable of overrunning his power. Therefore, House forms a precarious alliance with them, allowing for a tense coexistence in a fragile political landscape.
Fallout Season 2 picks up 15 years after Fallout: New Vegas, with the Strip in ruins yet Mr. House still standing. Curious about how he managed to endure? You’ll unravel the mystery across the eight episodes of this season.
That sums up everything you need to understand about Mr. House in Fallout Season 2. What are your initial thoughts on this new season? Share your insights in the comments below!