Fallout Viewers Spot Clue to Cooper Howard’s Ghoul Origin

Attentive Fallout enthusiasts have been quick to latch onto a fleeting mention in the first episode of the second series, believing it may finally shed light on the mysterious circumstances behind Cooper Howard’s transformation. The reference in question points to a city that, in the post-apocalyptic world, would become part of New California—a detail that has set the rumour mill turning among the show’s followers.

Speculation Surrounding Bakersfield and Vault 12

One viewer put forward a theory:

“Cooper references Bakersfield in episode 1, season 2. Is this how he became a ghoul? Are his ex and daughter also ghoulified? The vault door was intentionally faulty in Vault 12, which is located in Bakersfield.”

Those familiar with the original game will recall that Vault 12, situated in Bakersfield, was marketed by Vault-Tec as a luxurious refuge, promising every comfort imaginable. In reality, the vault’s door was deliberately designed to malfunction, exposing its inhabitants to dangerous levels of radiation and ultimately turning them into Ghouls.

Within the series, Cooper and his daughter Janey make their way to Bakersfield after Cooper learns that his wife, Barb, may be drawn into the unfolding catastrophe. The possibility that this journey led to his transformation is not lost on fans, who are keenly aware that, in this universe, almost anything is possible.

The Fate of Barb and Janey

Barb, as a senior Vault-Tec employee, mentions her access to the management vaults—exclusive shelters intended for the company’s top brass and their families. These vaults are designed to offer the highest level of protection, making them the most probable destination for Barb and Janey as disaster looms.

If this is indeed the case, it would suggest that Cooper was left outside these secure vaults when the bombs fell, leaving him vulnerable to the radiation that would ultimately change him. The show hints that Barb and Janey may have survived unscathed, while Cooper’s fate was sealed by his exposure.

Unanswered Questions and Hopes for Season 2

The character known as the Ghoul appears to hold onto the hope that Barb and Janey are still alive, and perhaps spared from the same fate, thanks to their possible escape to a management vault. Whether this optimism is justified remains to be seen as the series progresses.

As the second series unfolds, viewers are left to ponder these clues and await further revelations. For those eager to delve deeper, there’s plenty to explore in the latest reviews, hidden references, and the evolving timeline of the much-talked-about Prime Video adaptation.