Walton Goggins Reflects on a Pivotal Moment in Fallout’s Season 2, Episode 7: “Why Believe in Anything But Yourself?”

Walton Goggins, who plays a key role in Fallout season 2, reflects on a pivotal moment between Cooper Howard and the President of the United States, highlighting its relevance in today’s ever-changing political climate and the question of whether we can trust something greater than ourselves.

**Spoiler Alert: This contains details from Fallout season 2 episode 7 and Fallout: New Vegas!**

“This show isn’t a direct commentary on current events,” Goggins shares. “We’re not here to preach about politics. But personally, after watching last night, I, Walton Goggins, want to have faith in our government and leaders. Many of us have lost that faith over the past few decades. Cooper represents a generation that still believes, akin to the World War II veterans who returned from Korea.”

In episode 7, a shocking turn of events unfolds (and for dedicated fans of the games, it’s both thrilling and heartbreaking). Instead of eliminating Robert House to save the world, Senator Diane Welch persuades Cooper to give the cold fusion technology to the President, the last leader before the impending apocalypse. Ideally, this would keep the technology safe from falling into the wrong hands and avert a nuclear catastrophe… right?

In the game lore, the Enclave consists of former politicians and U.S. presidents. While the identity of the first bomb dropper remains a mystery, House suggests it’s linked to whoever engineered the Deathclaws. These terrifying creatures were originally intended to assist U.S. troops, but that plan went awry. Essentially, the Enclave is responsible for both the creation of the Deathclaws and the initial bombings, with the last president before the Great War being part of this shadowy group.

Goggins raises an intriguing point about the scene’s deeper meaning: Who can we trust? Was the world doomed regardless of our choices? Will we ever restore our faith in those in power who are meant to be ‘good’?

“You can grasp this without needing that scene because it’s not essential; when you’re with Cooper, you’re also connected to the Ghoul from 200 years later,” Goggins elaborates. “When he hands over the technology to someone he believes will act rightly, we don’t see the President’s decision not to do so, but it’s implied. Then you’re with the Ghoul, and it hits you: ‘Who can we trust? Why believe in anything but yourself?’ That’s what makes this story so complex for me and for the narrative as a whole.”

Goggins adds, “This theme resonates with Aaron as Maximus, Ella’s experiences, and Hank McLean. It’s a rich tapestry with a lot to contemplate.”

Fallout season 2 releases new episodes weekly on Prime Video.