During a recent press junket for the highly anticipated Season 2 of Amazon Prime’s Fallout, we were lucky enough to chat with director Jonathan Nolan. Fans are buzzing about the storyline, especially since the show is shifting its focus to the notorious City of Sin. Our burning question? Would this season finally establish a canon ending for Fallout: New Vegas?
The debate over the “best ending” for Fallout: New Vegas is a hot topic among gamers. Released in 2010 by Obsidian, the game presents players with four different paths, each with its own consequences. This isn’t just a simple choice; each direction you take asks for sacrifices, ensuring every option is valid and passionately defended across countless Reddit threads.
However, in a clever twist, Fallout Season 2 won’t choose one definitive ending. Instead, Nolan revealed that the survival of one iconic character significantly influenced their storytelling choices.
The House Always Survives in the Fallout: New Vegas Canon
When questioned about the challenges of selecting a canon ending, Nolan remarked:
“We didn’t pick. And I think that was crucial. How could you pick? I think certain decisions steered us a little bit.” – Jonathan Nolan
He added, “House is one of my favorite characters from that game, so I think we abandoned any outcome in which House couldn’t be part of the story, as people will discover as they make their way through it.”
For those unfamiliar, Mr. House, or Robert House, is a key player in New Vegas. He controls the Strip and represents one of the most intriguing paths in the game. His storyline culminates in “The House Always Wins” ending, where he consolidates his power, making it the only ending where he survives. Nolan indicates that this survival is the established canon outcome. Don’t misunderstand; this doesn’t mean the Courier aiding House is the official ending. What it does reveal is that this pre-war mogul will remain in his stasis chamber, regardless of your choices.
Nolan emphasized that Season 2 preserves the game’s cherished ambiguity while pushing the story forward. He stated:
“I’m now, you know, old enough to have seen that you reach these moments in history where it feels like, ‘Oh, this has been decided once and for all,’ and it’s like, ‘No, no it has not.” – Jonathan Nolan
He continued, “And so embracing that idea that yes, in the wasteland of the Mojave, 15 years later, things would have moved on. And that many of these factions might imagine or might tell the story of how they won that particular conflict (Second Battle of Hoover Dam) was an irony that I thought was too delicious not to incorporate.”
It’ll be fascinating to see how these narrative choices unfold on screen and how dedicated fans of the game react to the new directions.
Will Fallout Season 2 provide a definitive ending for Fallout: New Vegas?
Not exactly. The show embraces the ambiguity of the game while confirming the survival of Mr. House as a key element.
What themes can we expect to explore in Fallout Season 2?
Expect intrigue around power dynamics and how factions interpret the aftermath of major events like the Second Battle of Hoover Dam.
How does Mr. House’s survival influence the storyline?
His character’s survival opens pathways for various narratives while keeping the complexity of player choices intact.
Are there any new characters in Fallout Season 2?
While specific details remain under wraps, fans can anticipate some fresh faces that will enrich the storyline.
How closely will Season 2 follow the game’s narrative?
While it draws inspiration, the show will craft its unique story while staying true to the spirit of the Fallout universe.
As we gear up for the season premiere, what are your thoughts on the choices made by the team behind Fallout? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!