The Ghoul’s Search For His Family After Fallout Season 1 Ending Explained By Walton Goggins

The following article contains spoilers for Fallout.

Fallout actor Walton Goggins opens up about The Ghoul’s search for his family, revealed at the end of the video game adaptation’s first season. In the 8-episode season, The Ghoul’s motivations remain ambiguous as he travels across the wasteland, encountering Ella Purnell’s Lucy MacLean. At the end of Fallout season 1, it is revealed that The Ghoul is searching for his family, including his wife Barb, who worked for Vaul-Tec and was instrumental in setting in motion the events that led to the end of the world.

In an interview with GQ, Goggins ponders the possibility of The Ghoul finding his family in a potential second season of Fallout,teasing The Ghoul’s true motivations for seeking out Barb. Goggins also considers whether The Ghoul even wants to reunite with his daughter, considering who he’s become. Read the full quote below:

What was surprising to me, when I read it on the page, even though I had an idea of where it was going… the betrayal that he felt, at understanding that his
wife
was the principal architect of this entire experience.

I don’t know if this was your experience watching it, but the way that the director shot that particular sequence, it was as if I was looking into the camera, looking straight at her, and she was looking at the camera at me. And from her point of view, her argument was righteous. She lays out an idea that is bulletproof in her mind, and it isn’t a compromise of morals; this is a reality. And I can never see it that way.

That is clearly the motivation for his staying alive. Why else would he? It has to be something that important. I have an idea in my own head what that means, but is it to seek revenge? Is his daughter alive? I don’t know the answer to that question. Is his wife alive? I don’t know the answer to that question, either. So is it a reunion? Is it an opportunity to say what you didn’t get a chance to say, 200 years earlier? It is so absurd. But god, if you love your child as much as I love mine… I would fuckin’ hang on for 200 years to look my kid in the eyes again.

And I think about that moment: well, okay, if they are still alive — which no one knows the answer to that question — if that’s even a possibility… would he want to see her without
her
seeing him? And that just moves me emotionally in ways I can’t even talk about without tearing up, because of the person he’s become. But we’re all capable of change. He certainly has changed. And then you can change again.

The Ghoul Is Fallout’s Best Character & One of Walton Goggins’ Best Roles

So What Could Happen To Him In Season 2?

Fallout season one ends as it begins — with the beginning of a new journey for Cooper and The Ghoul. Considering that the opening sequence revolves around Cooper and his gentle relationship with his daughter, the end of season 1 hits hard as The Ghoul continues his 200-year journey to find his family, one that will presumably continue in season 2 with Purnell’s Lucy by his side.

Goggins also relates the love The Ghoul has for his daughter to his own experiences as a father, saying, “If you love your child as much as I love mine … I would f*****’ hang on for 200 years to look my kid in the eyes again.” It’s an intimate sentiment and a prime example that Goggins has a good handle on his character. What that means for a potential reunion between The Ghoul and Janey remains to be seen — this may only add another tragic layer to Goggins’ character.

The Ghoul’s introduction is that of a seemingly cold reprobate with very little, very dark, morals. But, as Fallout unfolds, the delicate layers of his character begin to peel away, revealing a tragic character with a big heart who is seeking some form of redemption. This redemption could come in many forms, and it’s unclear if Barb and Janey are even savable. Still, it seems likely that they are in Vault 31 where Bud’s Buds are frozen in cryogenic chambers. This could bring both The Ghoul and Lucy’s journeys full circle.

Source: GQ

Fallout

Based on the video game franchise of the same name, Fallout is a drama series set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. The series follows the survivors of the human race in an alternate 1950s timeline, where nuclear war laid waste to the Earth, spawning large irradiated areas and mutated humans who now roam the planet.

Cast

Walton Goggins , Ella Purnell , Kyle MacLachlan , Xelia Mendes-Jones , Aaron Moten

Release Date

April 10, 2024

Seasons

1

Writers

Lisa Joy , Jonathan Nolan

Showrunner

Lisa Joy , Jonathan Nolan

Creator(s)

Graham Wagner , Geneva Robertson-Dworet

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