Graham Wagner, co-creator of the Prime Video series Fallout, shares insights from his creative journey in adapting the beloved video game. He discusses the delicate balance of humor and darkness in storytelling, and the challenges of character development in a chaotic, post-apocalyptic world. Wagner reflects on the show's unique aesthetics, inspired by 1950s optimism and nuclear despair. He also delves into the narrative depth achieved through flashbacks and the portrayal of complex villains. Plus, hints about Las Vegas await in future seasons!
Graham Wagner emphasizes the importance of audience feedback while ensuring creative vision remains central to the show's development process.
The series 'Fallout' explores complex themes of morality and corruption through its characters' varied responses to a post-apocalyptic world.
Wagner highlights the unique tonal balance of 'Fallout', combining dark humor and serious themes to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Deep dives
Graham Wagner's Journey with Fallout
Graham Wagner shares his experiences in the television industry, particularly how working on 'Fallout' has evolved since its inception. The initial excitement following the show's release has led him to dive immediately into the development of its second season, reflecting the fast-paced nature of television production. He discusses the importance of embracing audience feedback while remaining focused on their creative vision. Wagner emphasizes that the collaborative process often involves reconsidering initial ideas to ensure the final product resonates with viewers.
Themes of Morality and Corruption
A central theme of 'Fallout' is the exploration of morality and the potential for corruption in bleak environments. The characters, particularly Lucy, exemplify these themes as they navigate the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. The contrast between Lucy's naivety and the brutal experiences of others, like the ghoul, creates a complex narrative surrounding human decency. Wagner aims to reflect the struggles of maintaining one's moral compass in a world that constantly challenges those ideals.
Character Development and Relationships
Wagner discusses the intricate character dynamics within 'Fallout', focusing on the diverse journeys of Lucy, Maximus, and the ghoul. Each character represents distinct responses to the same desolate environment, showcasing a spectrum of human behavior. The writing team carefully built their backstories to deepen their complexity and contribute to overarching themes. This approach allows viewers to engage with each character on a personal level, reflecting their varied perspectives on survival and morality.
Tone and Humor in a Dark Setting
Wagner highlights the unique tonal balance achieved in 'Fallout', combining dark humor with serious themes. The show incorporates absurdity to address the grim realities of its setting, a method that resonates with contemporary audiences navigating their own complexities. Wagner and his team strived to infuse humor while maintaining the gravity of the narrative, drawing on cultural trends to create a relatable experience. This interplay allows for levity in a story that grapples with heavy topics, mirroring society's own coping mechanisms.
The Role of Corporate Greed and Tension**
A pivotal aspect of 'Fallout' is the critique of corporate greed, primarily embodied by the fictional company Vault-Tec. The show uses this backdrop to examine the consequences of capitalism on society, particularly during crises. Wagner reveals that the narrative subtly mirrors current real-world concerns about corporate influence and ethics. By weaving these themes into the storyline, the creators invite audiences to reflect on the potential repercussions of unchecked power during societal upheavals.
Unless you’ve spent the last year locked in a radiation-proof vault deep below the surface of the Earth, you’ll have no doubt heard about Fallout – a TV video game adaptation unlike any other. Created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and our guest today, former Portlandia writer Graham Wagner, the show brought to life the blue suits, barbarism and bizarre humour of one of the biggest game franchises of the century so far, transporting viewers to a nuclear-scored Wasteland hundreds of years in the future. The surprises of this Prime Video series, produced by Westworld creators Jonathan “Jonah” Nolan and Lisa Joy, just kept coming across the eight episodes comprising its first season, with each revelation a powerful observation about the greedy workings of corporations to whom nothing’s more important than their profits – not even human survival.
Script Apart is hosted by Al Horner and produced by Kamil Dymek. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or email us on thescriptapartpodcast@gmail.com.