The second season of the acclaimed series Fallout has captivated audiences, delivering a thrilling experience for both longtime fans of the video games and newcomers alike. Beyond the post-apocalyptic landscape and compelling narrative, the show is sparking intense discussion surrounding its characters, particularly the enigmatic Dane.
This season draws significant inspiration from Fallout: New Vegas, weaving in intricate clues and Easter eggs that reward dedicated viewers. Each episode unfolds layers of mystery, prompting speculation and fueling online debates about the show’s direction and hidden meanings.
A central focus is Cooper Howard, known as The Ghoul, whose scarred appearance belies a captivating past. Walton Goggins’ portrayal has resonated deeply, even inspiring a surprising level of admiration from the audience.
Alongside The Ghoul, the story follows Lucy MacLean, a Vault-Dweller on a desperate search for her father, and Maximus, a Brotherhood of Steel knight grappling with loyalty and ambition. Maximus’s reunion with Dane, now a Scribe, adds another layer of complexity to their dynamic.
The Brotherhood of Steel, a powerful militaristic organization, is divided into various chapters. Maximus and Dane belong to the Knights of San Fernando, while the formidable New England Commonwealth, based in Boston, represents another key faction.
Dane holds a significant place in Fallout history as the third non-binary character featured in the franchise. Introduced in the first season, their journey from Aspirant to Scribe has been marked by ambition and a subtle undercurrent of mystery.
As a Scribe, Dane specializes in recovering and preserving pre-war technology, a crucial task given the value of lost relics. The most coveted of these is the Cold Fusion relic – a compact energy source capable of powering entire cities.
The Knights of San Fernando now possess this powerful relic, and their leader, Quintus, intends to use it to consolidate power and challenge the dominant Commonwealth chapter. He’s orchestrating a meeting to unite factions under his command, excluding the very group he seeks to overthrow.
Paladin Xander Harkness, the charismatic representative of the Commonwealth, arrives uninvited, attempting to sway Maximus with promises of camaraderie and a thrilling hunt for rogue robots. However, the encounter takes a dark turn, culminating in Xander’s death and a desperate cover-up.
This is where the intrigue surrounding Dane intensifies. In episode four, “The Demon in the Snow,” Dane immediately recognizes the deception surrounding Xander’s replacement and swiftly acts to secure the Cold Fusion relic, aiding Maximus’s escape.
Fans have begun to theorize that Dane is a Commonwealth spy, infiltrating the Knights of San Fernando. Their earlier, seemingly accidental injury is now viewed with suspicion, suggesting a deliberate attempt to avoid frontline duty.
Online discussions point to Dane’s quick observation about the imposter and their proactive efforts to assist Maximus as evidence of a hidden agenda. One theory suggests Dane intentionally brought up the potential for civil war to foreshadow the Commonwealth’s involvement.
Further fueling speculation, some observers question how Dane could so quickly identify the impostor, suggesting a familiarity with Xander’s mannerisms. This has led to a broader theory: that Dane is plotting to dismantle the Brotherhood of Steel from within.
The episode’s explosive climax, with Brotherhood factions turning against each other, lends credence to the idea that a larger scheme is unfolding. Whether Dane’s actions stem from loyalty, disillusionment, or a secret allegiance remains to be seen.
The possibility of a deeper storyline for Dane is particularly exciting for fans of Xelia Mendes-Jones, the trailblazing trans actor who has captivated audiences with their performance. A more prominent role would undoubtedly be welcomed as the season progresses.
