As Fallout season 2 unfolds on Amazon Prime Video, Knight Maximus of the Brotherhood of Steel emerges as a significant character. Season 2 explores the dynamics of three primary characters representing factions vying for control of the Mojave Desert. The optimistic Lucy (Ella Purnell), a Ghoul (Walton Goggins) embodying a self-serving ethos, and Maximus (Aaron Moten), representing the Brotherhood’s “order at any cost” mentality, are central figures in the narrative.
While Lucy and the Ghoul establish their allegiances early on, with Lucy striving for goodness despite hardships and the Ghoul focusing on ruthless pragmatism, Maximus displays a distinct inner conflict. He has not yet committed to a clear stance, making his character complex compared to Lucy and the Ghoul. Moten describes Maximus as existing between these two extremes, possessing both their positive and negative traits. This nuanced position allows Maximus to grapple with moral dilemmas as he oscillates between good and evil.
Throughout season 1 and into season 2, Maximus’s actions highlight his conflicting nature. For instance, he initially allows a fellow knight to die and, later, exhibits bullying behavior towards his own squire, reflecting the toxic culture of the Brotherhood. However, flashbacks reveal that he was taught to aspire for better, suggesting a potential for growth.
By the start of season 2, Maximus holds a significant position within the Brotherhood but faces an internal struggle with the ideals imparted by his family. While Lucy seeks her father and the Ghoul searches for family ties, Maximus’s conflict is more introspective, as he navigates his newfound authority alongside his personal doubts. As the season progresses, his journey of self-discovery aligns closely with themes central to the Fallout narrative.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/846429/fallout-season-2-maximus-aaron-moten-interview