Ella Purnell Revels in Lucy’s Wild Streak on Fallout

Ella Purnell, who brings Lucy MacLean to life in the second series of Fallout, has been candid about her reaction to Lucy’s rather uncharacteristic outburst in the fourth episode. The actor, clearly delighted by the twist, described the experience as her “favourite part” of the latest run. For Purnell, seeing Lucy step so far outside her usual boundaries was both shocking and oddly satisfying.

Reflecting on the moment, Purnell admitted,

“I couldn’t believe it. Coming from any other character, you’d be like, ‘Yeah, it’s just Fallout,’ but just something about it being Lucy, it feels scandalous,”

she confessed, likening the shift to watching a younger sibling go off the rails. The sense of surprise, she said, was heightened by Lucy’s previously sheltered nature, making her descent into chaos all the more striking.

Unleashing a New Side

Directed by Stephen Williams, the episode titled ‘The Demon in the Snow’ finds Lucy waking up in a New California Republic camp, only to discover she’s been attached to a mysterious drip. Before long, she’s out of the safety of the camp, accompanied by The Ghoul (played by Walton Goggins), and begins to experience a series of odd symptoms—itchiness, erratic moods, and a growing sense of recklessness. The culmination? Lucy, in a fit of uninhibited glee, dispatches a group of Elvis impersonators on the edge of New Vegas. The culprit behind her transformation: Buffout, a substance to which she’s now hooked.

Purnell, reflecting on the shift, said the experience was a departure from her previous roles.

“Very fun to see that side of her, to play that side of her, and also, a new experience for me. I haven’t done that a lot in my career,”

she explained, admitting she was unsure how it would all play out on screen. Fortunately, she was pleased with the result.

Breaking the Mould

Lucy’s sudden disregard for danger and her newfound bravado offered Purnell a chance to explore unfamiliar territory.

“She’s very tough, she’s very brave, I think much braver than I would be, given the circumstances,”

Purnell observed. For a brief spell, Lucy is free from the fear of death, and the usual tension that drives her character evaporates. This shift, Purnell noted, altered the entire dynamic of the scenes, allowing her to inject a touch of comedy into the chaos.

The episode’s events mark a significant turning point for Lucy, as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the addictive pull of Buffout. Purnell’s enthusiasm for the role is evident, as she relished the opportunity to break away from the expected and embrace the unpredictable.

What’s Next for Lucy?

The second series of Fallout continues to air on Wednesdays, with the next instalment set for 14 January. For those keen to keep up, there’s a handy release schedule available, along with guides to the series’ timeline and a rundown of the many hidden references scattered throughout the latest episodes.