In the context of the show, not reality, what is the American dream for a vault dweller if not hope, a facade to cling to in times of mental desperation? The American dream in Fallout is a cause for celebration in the minds of those who believe not in reality but in the magic covering what reality tries to vocalize. In episode seven of Fallout, we see the American dream crumble before the Ghoul's eyes, Lucy who is ignorant to the evil of the Vault still doesn't grasp how her home is hell. On the surface, you can't hide the cruelty like you can hide it in a Vault. Maximus wants predictability without the horror of life, and I think that's all of us to a degree. So much is happening in the world that we want to be ok.
Is having hope to lie to ourselves? This episode shows us a lot about the human condition more so than the other episodes. the Ghouls backstory grows deeper and more sinister and Moldaver has a history with the Ghoul (which might make her a Ghoul too) because she's been alive since the 50's making the story go deeper and more corrupt. I loved this episode purely, again the way it made me think about the show and world around me. "Your ignorance cannot excuse your cruelty", has to be the best line in this episode and one of the best lines in the show. It showcases the level of depth's writers went in surveying the world around them and the games to pour into this story. Maximus as a character is growing, in having to leave the suit of the brotherhood behind, Thaddeus turns into a Ghoul (nice job), and Norm leaves to go into Vault 31 because secrets never unfold themselves without a good nudge. There is a lot in this episode I could touch on more but, that would include so many more spoilers than have already been discussed. The last episode should be a doozy, and I'm ready for it!