The upcoming Fallout television series, by Amazon Studios and the creators of Westworld, promises to explore not just the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic wasteland, but also the stark contrast between the sheltered lives within Vaults and the struggles of the outside world.
Actress Ella Purnell, who portrays the series lead, Lucy, provided new insight in a recent interview about her character’s journey as she ventures out of the Vault and confronts a world far different from the one she knows.
Lucy Is The Quintessential Vault Girl
Speaking with Screen Rant, Purnell is of the mind that Lucy embodies the very essence of Vault life:
I would say Lucy was a perfect reflection of the Vault ideals. She’s got this all-American, can-do spirit, and she’s very optimistic. She works very hard, and she has this really inherent belief that people are good and that there is goodness in the world. She reflects that.
Purnell also spoke about what’s integral to Lucy and her journey in the show, saying, “I think Lucy’s journey is about [whether she] can keep the idealism intact when she leaves the Vault, and how much of it is going to change her and how much she’s going to change.”
Vaults, the underground shelters built in anticipation of nuclear war, have long been a crucial element of the Fallout universe. These artificial societies were designed to preserve humanity after the apocalypse.
Life within a Vault is tightly controlled, with inhabitants having to adhere to strict rules and regulations. Information about the outside world is often restricted, creating a sense of isolation, but also one of security and order.
Lucy’s personality reflects this environment. Her optimism is a product of a controlled upbringing. Having never experienced hardship or witnessed the depths of human depravity, she maintains a positive outlook. This inherent trust in others, a trait honed within the idealized Vault society, will likely be one of the first aspects of Lucy’s character to be tested.
Fallout‘s Wasteland Might Damage Lucy’s Idealism
The wasteland is an incredibly perilous place. Scarce resources, looming danger, and the blurring of the lines between good and evil are standard order. Lucy’s optimism and belief in humanity’s goodness will face a harsh trial by fire in the wasteland. The question is not whether she will be challenged, but to what extent this experience will alter her outlook.
The Fallout show has the chance to explore this conflict through various scenarios. Lucy could encounter survivors who have been hardened by the wasteland, their morals compromised by the constant struggle for survival. Witnessing their acts of desperation could force her to question her idealism. Alternatively, encounters with individuals fighting to maintain good might serve to reinforce her faith in humanity’s potential for decency.
Lucy’s journey has the potential to be quite impactful. As a character deeply rooted in the Vault ideals, her experiences in the wasteland will act as a catalyst for change. She will have to adapt to survive in this harsh environment, and this adaptation will likely come at a cost. Some of her idealism might fade, replaced by a more pragmatic understanding of the world.
However, her journey can also have a ripple effect on those she encounters. Lucy’s inherent optimism may provide a beacon of hope in a desolate world, inspiring others to hold onto their humanity. Her experiences can create a dialogue between the sheltered worldview of the Vaults and the reality of the wasteland, offering a glimpse at rebuilding a better future.
The Fallout TV series promises to be a compelling exploration of a world teetering on the brink. By focusing on Lucy’s character, the series can delve into the themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.
