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Fallout season 2 has come back with a lot of excitement for fans of the beloved video game franchise. The series continues to develop its post-apocalyptic world with new characters and narratives that expand the core story. Among the new faces this season, Kumail Nanjiani appears as Paladin Xander Harkness, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel from the Commonwealth subplot.
His character brings complexity and charisma to the screen, captivating audiences and drawing them in. However, his time on the series proves frustratingly small. The talented actor delivers an unforgettable performance that hints at so much more potential.
His appearance on the show sparked a discussion on how the show uses its guest stars. While Fallout season 2 wins in several areas, the handling of Nanjiani's character feels like a lost opportunity that could have added more depth to the season's narrative.
A small but impactful appearance in Fallout season 2
Kumail Nanjiani steps into the character of Xander Harkness with accuracy. His character shows up as a liaison who teams up with Maximums for a short time during the season. Harkness comes across as a confident war hero and suave, unique from the strict leadership style of Elder Quintus.
The dynamic between Maximus and Harkness creates an engaging mentor relationship that could have explored deeper themes. Nanjiani brings warmth and authority to the role, making Harkness feel like someone worth following.
The character represents a different side of the Brotherhood of Steel that audiences have not seen much of in the show. His presence suggests the Commonwealth chapter operates differently from other factions. This opens up possibilities for exploring how several Brotherhood groups differ in their methods and beliefs. The premise feels long-lasting for expanding the show's world-building.
An unexpected ending raises new questions
The decision to kill off Harkness so fast in Fallout season 2 cuts short what could have been an engaging character arc. The decision to kill off Harkness so quickly in Fallout season 2 cuts short what could have been an exciting character arc. Maximus ends up defeating Harkness after the Paladian threatens the Ghoul kids. This moment serves as strong character development for Maximus, showing he has not fully embraced the weight and displays that he still holds onto his own moral compass. However, the impact feels reduced because audiences barely got to get familiar with Harkness before his end.
The series does not explore why Hawkness harbors such anger towards Ghouls or what role they played in shaping his resentful views. These missing pieces would have made the confrontation more meaningful.
A longer arc with Harkness could have created more complex internal struggles for Maximus as he grapples with loyalty versus ethics. The abrupt nature of the plot leaves the conflict somewhat predictable rather than truly surprising.
A missed chance for an intense storytelling
The Commonwealth Brotherhood chapter remains largely unexplored, despite being mentioned by several characters, primarily in the series. Harkness could have served as the right force for diving into this faction's beliefs and culture. His interactions with Maximus might have revealed how separate brotherhood groups realize their mission and values.
This would have enhanced the overall story without misdirecting viewers unfamiliar with the games. The mentor dynamic between the two characters deserved more time to evolve naturally. Witnessing Maximus gradually realizing his mentor's flaws would have created stronger dramatic conflict than a single confrontation. The shortened narratives prevent Fallout season 2 from fully capitalizing on these storytelling opportunities that could have elevated the whole season.
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Kumail Nanjiani deserved a better storyline in Fallout season 2, but this brief appearance hopefully signals more vigilant casting choices in the future.
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