Big Red Button: A Fallout Podcast The Grapefruit Network

Welcome back to the Big Red Button, that show your friend won't stop talking about!

We're continuing our segment, "Pressing the Button," where we dissect the Amazon Prime TV show, Fallout, episode by episode. This week, we tackled Season 1 Episode 2!

Episode two picks up right where we left off, weaving the intricate tales of our protagonists in the post-apocalyptic setting that Fallout fans adore. The episode does a fantastic job of intertwining the lives of Lucy the now-kinda-daunted Vault Dweller, Maximus the Brotherhood initiate, the scientist Wilzig, and the mysterious Ghoul, played by Walton Goggins, whose performance continues to steal the show.

Chapters
(00:02:19) - Non-spoiler discussion begins
(00:03:04) - Ratings and initial thoughts on the episode
(00:13:41) - Spoiler discussion begins
(00:14:36) - Detailed breakdown of episode events and character actions
(00:20:53) - Analysis of character motivations and plot implications
(00:36:16) - Character development and thematic exploration
(00:47:09) - Final thoughts on the episode and series direction

Character Development and World Building

The episode excels in character development, especially with Lucy and Maximus. Lucy's naive approach to the harsh realities of the wasteland provides not only moments of humor but also growth as she begins to understand the gravity of her surroundings. Meanwhile, Maximus's journey in the Brotherhood of Steel introduces us to the internal conflicts and politics of the organization, adding depth to what might seem like a monolithic entity.

The Bigger Picture

As the episode concludes, we're left with more questions than answers, setting up a narrative that promises even more twists and turns. The showrunners have done a fantastic job of keeping the viewers on their toes, much like the unpredictable world of Fallout itself.

Final Thoughts

Overall, episode two of Fallout on Amazon Prime is a masterclass in adaptation. It captures the essence of the games while forging its own path in the television landscape. The episode earns a solid 8.5 out of 10 for its impeccable blend of action, character development, and faithful world-building.

Until next time, keep your Pip-Boys tuned and ready for more adventures in the wasteland!
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The Grapefruit Network © 2020-2024 - All Rights Reserved.
Big Red Button operates under permissions granted by the Bethesda Video Policy.
This podcast is not endorsed by or affiliated with Bethesda Softworks or ZeniMax Media and does not reflect the views or opinions of either company or anyone officially involved in producing or managing Fallout 76.
Fallout content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of Bethesda Softworks or its licensors.
Fallout and Fallout 2 are Copyright © 1997, 1998 Interplay Productions, Irvine, California, USA.
Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 are Copyright © 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018 Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company.
Fallout, Prepare for the Future and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S.
All other content is copyright by the author.

"Big Red Button" is a production of The Grapefruit Network.
To find out more about this show and the other shows in our network visit our website HERE.

If Billy Joel re-wrote "We Didn't Start The Fire" but featured The Stragglers, he'd conclude we most certainly did start the fire... Welcome back to Big Red Button, the HOTTEST Fallout podcast released this week!

"The Big Red Button" is an actual play 2D20 game set in the post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout video game series. In this episode, the hosts continue their adventure as the Stragglers, a group of survivors navigating the dangers of the wasteland.

Timestamps:
(00:08:14) Leveling Up
(00:09:09) Jake's Choice of Skills and Perks
(00:10:12) Houston's Choice of Skills and Perks
(00:11:09) Gotfree's Selection of Skills and Perks
(00:12:28) The Journey North and Encountering Mongrel Dogs
(00:18:26) Man's Worst Friends
(00:34:00) Discovering a Helmet 
(00:36:01) Implications of the Footprints
(00:40:10) The Group Encounters a Threat
Summary:
In this episode, The Stragglers level up their characters and choose new skills and perks. But as they head further into the woods, they hear strange sounds and become increasingly nervous - and aware of a lurking threat...

Spoilers ahead, read at your own peril!

The Stragglers engage in combat with a pack of dogs and successfully defeats them; setting the dogs on fire, kicking, hitting, and shooting their way to safety. Or so they think. They discover a helmet from the Brotherhood of Steel and find footprints leading away from the scene. They decide to follow the trail of footprints, which they realize belong to the Synth they have been tasked to find. But as soon as the clues are pieced together, disaster strikes.
TL;DR?
Leveling up in the game allows characters to increase their skills and choose new perks.The characters are on a mission to find a synthetic human robot and gather information about a roving band of cannibals.Mongrel dogs are like regular dogs, but if regular dogs hated people and wanted us all to be dinner.Using luck points can provide opportunities to uncover major clues, but it can also get you into big, big (red) trouble...Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter, The Peel to stay in the know for all thing Grapefruit Network!

Check out The Grapefruit Network on Instagram!

The Grapefruit Network © 2020-2024 - All Rights Reserved.
Big Red Button operates under permissions granted by the Bethesda Video Policy.
This podcast is not endorsed by or affiliated with Bethesda Softworks or ZeniMax Media and does not reflect the views or opinions of either company or anyone officially involved in producing or managing Fallout 76.
Fallout content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of Bethesda Softworks or its licensors.
Fallout and Fallout 2 are Copyright © 1997, 1998 Interplay Productions, Irvine, California, USA.
Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 are Copyright © 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018 Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company.
Fallout, Prepare for the Future and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S.
All other content is copyright by the author.

"Big Red Button" is a production of The Grapefruit Network.
To find out more about this show and the other shows in our network visit our website HERE.

Join us as we dissect the new Amazon Prime TV show, "Fallout," episode by episode. Unfiltered and unfettered, we're pressing the button on everything you thought you knew about adaptations. From unexpected plot twists to the intricate details that tie the virtual game world to its new TV counterpart, this series promises to reshape your viewing experience.

Curious about how a video game transforms into a television narrative? Or why a chicken might just be your best post-apocalyptic companion? Tune in to find out. This is one conversation you won't want to miss.

In this episode of the "Big Red Button" podcast, hosts Alex and Dallas launch a new segment titled "Pressing the Button," where they share their thoughts on the new Amazon Prime TV show "Fallout." They discuss their impressions of the first episode, exploring how the show adapts the game's open-world nature into a narrative format and comparing it to other game adaptations like "The Last of Us" and "Halo."

They both appreciate the show's handling of the source material, noting the challenges and creative decisions involved in bringing the game's world and characters to television. They also delve into specific elements such as character development, the portrayal of the Brotherhood of Steel, and the use of iconic game features like Power Armor and Pip-Boys.

Special thanks to our friends over at True Vault Escapades!

(00:02:42) - Initial thoughts on the Fallout TV show adaptation
(00:03:04) - Discussion on adapting an open-world game into a TV show
(00:04:35) - Comparisons with other game adaptations like The Last of Us and Halo
(00:06:39) - Excitement about the Fallout series and its elements
(00:08:11) - Discussion on the involvement of game creators in the TV adaptation
(00:10:15) - Ratings and thoughts on the first episode of Fallout
(00:12:20) - Break and introduction to the sponsor, "True Vault Escapades"
(00:16:41) - Return from break and spoiler-filled discussion begins
(00:27:19) - Analysis of the Brotherhood of Steel portrayal in the show
(00:33:04) - Use of the Pip-Boy in the show
(00:34:17) - Discussion on the casting choices for the show
(00:38:03) - Further analysis of the Brotherhood and other factions
(00:40:11) - Final thoughts on episode one and its impact on the s
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter, The Peel to stay in the know for all thing Grapefruit Network!

Check out The Grapefruit Network on Instagram!

The Grapefruit Network © 2020-2024 - All Rights Reserved.
Big Red Button operates under permissions granted by the Bethesda Video Policy.
This podcast is not endorsed by or affiliated with Bethesda Softworks or ZeniMax Media and does not reflect the views or opinions of either company or anyone officially involved in producing or managing Fallout 76.
Fallout content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of Bethesda Softworks or its licensors.
Fallout and Fallout 2 are Copyright © 1997, 1998 Interplay Productions, Irvine, California, USA.
Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 are Copyright © 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018 Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company.
Fallout, Prepare for the Future and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S.
All other content is copyright by the author.

"Big Red Button" is a production of The Grapefruit Network.
To find out more about this show and the other shows in our network visit our website HERE.

Crawl out through the Fallout in the best* Fallout Tabletop Roleplaying Podcast released in the past week, *as rated by our moms! Stay safe, stay alert, and keep that finger ready on the big red button!

"The Big Red Button" is a narrative-driven podcast set in the post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout video game series. In this episode, the hosts continue their role-playing adventure as the Stragglers, a group of survivors navigating the dangers of the wasteland.

Timestamps:
(00:07:03) The group's plan to inform Crazy Carl about the evacuation
(00:09:07) Conversation with Crazy Carl
(00:10:01) Carl's dilemma about leaving Phyllis behind
(00:13:48) Attempt to persuade Carl to join the evacuation
(00:17:37) Carl provides the safe combination
(00:19:21) The group decides to head north
(00:20:30) Gotfree's analysis of Phyllis
(00:25:19) The group debates the likelihood of finding a fusion core in town
(00:27:07) The group decides to head to New Detroit
(00:29:38) Discoveries from Randall's safe
(00:33:38) Gotfree's personal moment in Mayor Evelyn's office
(00:36:01) The group checks the scavenger shack
(00:38:19) The group checks the sheriff's office
(00:44:53) Final preparations before leaving Dustridge

Summary:
The Stragglers make the difficult decision to leave their home, Dustridge, potentially for the last time. But they're faced with a crossroads: embark on a quest to find a fusion core and track down a rogue synth—a synthetic human that poses a threat to communities - or head south to New Detroit with the rest of the town, but abandoning Crazy Carl...

Spoilers ahead, read at your own risk!

They decide to persuade Carl to join them and give a heartfelt speech about their commitment to returning for Phyllis. Carl is moved by the speech but still refuses to leave without Phyllis. They receive the combination to a safe that may contain useful items. They discover that Phyllis is missing a fusion core entirely and consider the possibility of finding another one in town. The group searches for a Fusion Core in town but comes up empty. They discuss whether to stay in Dust Ridge or head to New Detroit. Ultimately, they decide to go north to find the synth and report to the Brotherhood. Before leaving, they loot
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter, The Peel to stay in the know for all thing Grapefruit Network!

Check out The Grapefruit Network on Instagram!

The Grapefruit Network © 2020-2024 - All Rights Reserved.
Big Red Button operates under permissions granted by the Bethesda Video Policy.
This podcast is not endorsed by or affiliated with Bethesda Softworks or ZeniMax Media and does not reflect the views or opinions of either company or anyone officially involved in producing or managing Fallout 76.
Fallout content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of Bethesda Softworks or its licensors.
Fallout and Fallout 2 are Copyright © 1997, 1998 Interplay Productions, Irvine, California, USA.
Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 are Copyright © 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018 Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company.
Fallout, Prepare for the Future and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S.
All other content is copyright by the author.

"Big Red Button" is a production of The Grapefruit Network.
To find out more about this show and the other shows in our network visit our website HERE.

The Big Red Button is a Fallout Podcast is made possible by PBS Viewers like you, thanks! 

Chapters:
(00:00:55) Previously On...
(00:03:37) WE'LL DO IT LIVE
(00:07:30) Headed South
(00:08:12) Run In With The Brotherhood
(00:09:23) Wish VS. Temu (maybe even SHEIN?)
(00:09:51) Confronted
(00:13:19) Interrogated
Summary:
In this episode, the Stragglers Crew continues their journey from Harrison, heading back home to Dustridge to report their findings. On the road home, they encounter the Brotherhood of Steel and have a conversation about synths and the mythical creature known as the Wendigo. 
Making new friends in the Brotherhood -Paladin Grant, Scribe Pennington, and Initiate Wellington - the gang negotiate with the Brotherhood for a power converter to fix Crazy Carl's robot, but in exchange, they learn a perilous new truth... 
SPOILERS AHEAD, read at your own peril!
Turns our, the Brotherhood thinks there's a Synth on the loose - a synthetic human robot, known for replacing real humans in their sleep and infiltrating their communities one person at a time. This Synth is "somewhere" in Michigan - an oh-so not-specific region, but if they find her, they can get their much-needed power converter.
On their way into town, they notice all the lights are out. Not a good sign. They encounter the Sheriff and the Mayor Evelyn, and they report the news about the raiders and the cannibals. But now that the town knows there's a pack a cannibals on the loose, folks are anxious to get on the move. They consider the option of evacuating their current location and heading to New Detroit for safety....
TLDR;
The wasteland is filled with even more dangerous factions and creatures than we originally thought - our guys need to be careful!The Brotherhood of Steel is interested in finding a rogue synth.Michigan is 56,591 square milesSynths are dangerous and can pose a threat to communities.The group must prioritize the safety of their community and make the difficult decision to evacuate.The presence of a mysterious synth lady in a red duster coat raises questions and adds to the danger of The WastelandSupport the show
Sign up for our newsletter, The Peel to stay in the know for all thing Grapefruit Network!

Check out The Grapefruit Network on Instagram!

The Grapefruit Network © 2020-2024 - All Rights Reserved.
Big Red Button operates under permissions granted by the Bethesda Video Policy.
This podcast is not endorsed by or affiliated with Bethesda Softworks or ZeniMax Media and does not reflect the views or opinions of either company or anyone officially involved in producing or managing Fallout 76.
Fallout content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of Bethesda Softworks or its licensors.
Fallout and Fallout 2 are Copyright © 1997, 1998 Interplay Productions, Irvine, California, USA.
Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 are Copyright © 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018 Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company.
Fallout, Prepare for the Future and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S.
All other content is copyright by the author.

"Big Red Button" is a production of The Grapefruit Network.
To find out more about this show and the other shows in our network visit our website HERE.

So you want to understand Fallout, but don't know where to start?
Then this is the episode for you!

Maybe you've seen the trailers for the Amazon show.
Maybe you've found us from our sister podcasts.
Maybe you're a longtime fan of the franchise, but know nothing about TTRPG (don't worry, neither do we!) 
We're breaking down the world of Fallout for those of you who are new to the franchise or are looking to understand the rules of our podcast tabletop game!
We're explaining EVERYTHING you need to know about "Fallout" before you listen to "Big Red Button" or before you watch the new show on Amazon Prime.

CHAPTERS:
(00:01:00) Welcome!
(00:03:32) Fallout Timeline
(00:06:08) Technology
(00:08:28) Factions of the Fallout Universe
(00:08:49) The Enclave
(00:10:04) Vault-Tec Corporation
(00:13:00) Other Countries
(00:15:20) Ghouls
(00:17:49) Wastelanders
(00:20:20) The Brotherhood of Steel
(00:22:31) Wildlife
(00:29:39) You are S.P.E.C.I.A.L.!
(00:36:51) Robots - Mister Handy-s, Assaultrons, and more!
(00:38:47) The Institute
(00:42:40) Modiphius Game Mechanics
(00:48:46) Character S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Breakdowns

LINKS:
Big Red Button Website (Photos, Characters, and More!)
Maps of the World of Big Red Button
Modiphius Website
The Fallout Fandom Wiki
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter, The Peel to stay in the know for all thing Grapefruit Network!

Check out The Grapefruit Network on Instagram!

The Grapefruit Network © 2020-2024 - All Rights Reserved.
Big Red Button operates under permissions granted by the Bethesda Video Policy.
This podcast is not endorsed by or affiliated with Bethesda Softworks or ZeniMax Media and does not reflect the views or opinions of either company or anyone officially involved in producing or managing Fallout 76.
Fallout content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of Bethesda Softworks or its licensors.
Fallout and Fallout 2 are Copyright © 1997, 1998 Interplay Productions, Irvine, California, USA.
Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 are Copyright © 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018 Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company.
Fallout, Prepare for the Future and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S.
All other content is copyright by the author.

"Big Red Button" is a production of The Grapefruit Network.
To find out more about this show and the other shows in our network visit our website HERE.