In “The Spendthrift”, Fallout brings together its three central figures for an episode that mixes brutality, philosophy and political issues. Lucy, always idealistic, lands in the heart of Legion territory, a cruel society that is torn apart over the succession of its founder. Brought before Caesar after witnessing a summary execution, she tries to reason with the leaders.
But her attempts at appeasement lead to her being crucified, after being confronted by Legate Lacerta, who justifies the Legion’s actions by declaring: “good is not a relevant historical notion, only strength counts”.
The Ghoul regains its memory and a cause… to be dynamited
Meanwhile, the Ghoul licks his wounds, accompanied by his faithful dog Dogmeat, and evokes the philosophical paradox of Theseus’ boat. This moment of introspection leads to a revelation: despite his distrust of Lucy, he needs her.
His investigation leads him to the ruins of the New California Republic, where he finds the last survivors, Rodriguez and Biff. Their request for help leaves the Ghoul skeptical. He drops this chilling sentence: “If something is dead, it’s often because it deserved it.”
Later, while infiltrating the Legion to save Lucy, he makes a deal: “If you give me what I want, I’ll hand over the last strongholds of the NCR to you.” Before blowing everything up with a well-placed load of dynamite.
Maximus faces a moral dilemma that could shatter the Brotherhood
At Area 51, Maximus sees the authority of his camp challenged by the arrival of Paladin Harkness, from the Commonwealth. Tensions are high. During a mission together, they discover a group of ghoul children in a warehouse run by Thaddeus.
Harkness wants to eliminate them, in the name of purity, but Maximus begs him: “Forget the rules of the Brotherhood, they are children.” When refused, Maximus kills Harkness with a mace, a move that could plunge the Brotherhood into new civil war.
Painful memories resurface for Cooper Howard
Through flashbacks, we discover a torn Cooper Howard, still human, trying to avoid a political assassination. During an event at the American Legion, he meets a mysterious man linked to Robert House. The tension rises, and his convictions are shaken.
His friend Charlie gives him a lighter, saying: “I was given it for saving one man, not for killing three.” An object that the Ghoul still keeps, a reminder of a past where hope still had meaning.