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Tue Feb 03 05:50:00 UTC 2026: # Fallout Season 2 Episode 7 Review: “The Handoff” Unveils More Pre-War Survivors, Raises Stakes for Finale
The Story:
A review of Fallout Season 2, Episode 7, “The Handoff,” reveals significant plot developments, including the resurfacing of pre-war characters and the expansion of the Vault-Tec conspiracy. The episode answers some questions, but primarily sets the stage for the season finale. Lucy continues her exploration of ethics and violence. Meanwhile, Maximus embraces his role as a hero by donning NCR power armor, and The Ghoul confronts Mr. House in virtual form, raising questions about the show’s canon.
Key Points:
- Diane Welch, previously seen in Episode 5, is revealed to have been Cooper’s connection to the pre-war President and later used as the central processor for Hank’s brainwashing tech.
- Steph, Vault 32’s Overseer, is revealed to be another pre-war survivor and a citizen of Canada, annexed by the U.S. in the Fallout timeline. She seeks revenge for this oppression.
- Steph coerces Betty to give her Hank’s keepsake box and will share her water supply in return, possibly tying into Norm’s discovery of the Forced Evolutionary Virus.
- Maximus gains NCR power armor, symbolizing his growth into a true hero.
- The Ghoul encounters Mr. House in a virtual form in New Vegas, hinting at the integration of the Fallout: New Vegas game ending into the show’s lore.
Key Takeaways:
- The show is increasingly reliant on bringing characters from the past into the present, which risks diluting the uniqueness of The Ghoul’s role as a bridge between eras.
- The Vault storylines are converging, suggesting a major conflict involving the Forced Evolutionary Virus.
- The revelation of Mr. House’s survival raises questions about the show’s canon and how it will reconcile with the Fallout: New Vegas game ending.