This Week’s Fallout Episode Celebrates the Franchise’s Top DLC

Spoilers ahead for this week’s episode of Fallout. This episode was packed with action as Lucy (Ella Purnell) and Cooper (Walton Goggins) finally made their way to New Vegas. Meanwhile, Maximus (Aaron Moten) stirred up trouble within the Brotherhood of Steel, and Vault 31 faced dire straits without their waterchip. The episode was filled with thrilling moments and plenty of easter eggs that connect to the Fallout video games, making it a delight for both new viewers and long-time fans. Let’s dive into some of the highlights as the story unfolds in the City of Sin.

**Operation: Anchorage**
The episode kicks off with a pre-war flashback showing Cooper battling on the Alaskan front. In the Fallout universe, Alaska was under siege by Communist Chinese forces, leading to a fierce struggle for control over Anchorage. This pivotal moment was famously portrayed in the Operation: Anchorage DLC for Fallout 3, where players could experience the historical battle through a simulation.

**Cover Model**
The flashback also marks the debut of the T-45 power armor, which played a crucial role in the U.S. victory against the Chinese. This armor later became synonymous with the Brotherhood of Steel after Roger Maxson left the army to establish the faction. Longtime fans will recognize the T-45 as the iconic centerpiece on the cover of the original 1997 Fallout game.

**You’ve Become Addicted**
When Lucy regains consciousness, it’s revealed that she’s been using Buffout, a chem from the games that boosts strength stats, acting like a powerful in-game steroid. As with many chems, Buffout can lead to addiction, resulting in negative effects unless the user continues to take it or abstains for a significant period. With time running out, Lucy must keep using Buffout to avoid the consequences of her dependency.

**Freeside is the Funside**
Throughout the episode, especially during tense moments on The Strip, Cooper suggests detouring to Freeside to dodge conflict or gather intel. Fans of Fallout: New Vegas will recognize Freeside as a key location before reaching The Strip. Overrun by gangs like The Kings (who appear as ghouls in this episode), Freeside draws inspiration from the real-life Fremont Street, known for its more affordable and lively entertainment options, separate from the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip.

**V.A.T.S.**
In a thrilling shootout with The Kings while under the influence of Buffout, Lucy’s final kill is depicted in a slow-motion, gory headshot that mirrors the cinematic flair of critical hits in V.A.T.S. from the Fallout games. The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System allows players to slow down time to line up devastating shots, a feature first introduced in Fallout 3 to emulate the turn-based combat of earlier titles.

**A Place to Call Home**
The episode concludes with credits showcasing an abandoned Camp McCarran within a rundown Las Vegas International Airport. In Fallout: New Vegas, Camp McCarran served as the largest military base for the New California Republic, acting as their stronghold against Caesar’s Legion. Given the NCR’s dwindling presence in the Mojave Wasteland, it’s fitting to see Camp McCarran in such a state of disrepair.