Fallout Season 2 Clue May Reveal Cooper's Ghoul Origin
A single reference to Bakersfield in the latest episode has viewers connecting dots about Cooper Howard's transformation and his family's fate in the wasteland.
Television viewers are buzzing with theories after catching a seemingly minor detail in the latest Fallout episode that could explain one of the show's biggest mysteries. A brief mention of Bakersfield has sparked widespread speculation about Cooper Howard's transformation into his current ghoulish state.
The Bakersfield Connection
Sharp-eyed fans noticed when Cooper mentions Bakersfield during the season opener, immediately drawing connections to the game's lore. One viewer shared their theory online: "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."
This underground shelter holds dark significance in the Fallout universe. Originally marketed as a luxury facility with top-tier accommodations, Vault 12 harbored a sinister secret. The entrance was deliberately engineered with defects, ensuring that anyone seeking refuge would face continuous radiation exposure, ultimately transforming survivors into ghouls.
Family Separation Theory
The timeline suggests Cooper and his daughter Janey traveled to Bakersfield after discovering his wife Barb's potential involvement in apocalyptic events. However, Barb's position as a senior Vault-Tec executive likely granted her access to exclusive management facilities designed specifically for company leadership and their families.
These premium shelters would have provided proper protection from radiation, suggesting Barb and Janey may have survived unharmed while Cooper remained exposed to the nuclear fallout. This separation could explain why Cooper transformed while potentially leaving his family intact in their secure underground haven.
Lingering Hope
Cooper's behavior throughout the series suggests he believes his wife and daughter survived the catastrophe. His continued search and optimistic outlook indicate he suspects they avoided ghoulification by reaching safety before the worst radiation exposure occurred.
The management vaults would have offered the best chance for survival, making it plausible that Barb used her corporate connections to secure protection for herself and Janey, even if Cooper couldn't join them in time.