Walton Goggins' dual performance as Cooper Howard and The Ghoul might be the best thing about Fallout—and that's saying something, because this show is excellent.
A pre-war movie star who became a post-war nightmare. A man who lost everything, then lost himself, then lost 200 years. Cooper's story spans centuries of tragedy, betrayal, and the slow erosion of everything he once believed.
I've watched his scenes multiple times. They get better each viewing. Let me walk you through the man, the monster, and the performance.
Cooper Howard: The Movie Star
The Golden Age: Before the bombs, Cooper Howard was a beloved film star. The "Vault Boy" mascot was based on his cowboy roles. He represented American optimism—the handsome hero who always did the right thing. Watching Goggins play this version of Cooper is almost painful, knowing what's coming.
The Vault-Tec Connection: Cooper's wife, Barb, was a Vault-Tec executive. Through her, he was drawn into their marketing and propaganda. He was the face of their lies.
Growing Suspicion: Cooper began noticing things. The Vaults seemed off. His wife was hiding something. He hired a private investigator—and discovered the truth.
The Betrayal: Barb had helped plan the apocalypse. His wife. The mother of his child. Cooper confronted her, but it was too late. The bombs fell. I still haven't recovered from this revelation.
Becoming a Ghoul
The Science: Ghouls are humans who were exposed to massive radiation but didn't die. Instead, their bodies were transformed—rotting flesh, extended lifespan, and resistance to radiation. In game terms, they're essentially immortal zombies who kept their minds.
The Cost: Most Ghouls eventually go "feral"—losing their minds to become mindless monsters. Non-feral Ghouls fight this descent constantly. Every Ghoul knows they're on borrowed time.
Cooper's Journey: After surviving the initial blasts, Cooper wandered the Wasteland for over 200 years. His movie star charm curdled into cynical survival. The hero became an antihero became... something else entirely.
The Ghoul in the Present
Bounty Hunter: The Ghoul now works as a mercenary, capturing or killing for caps. His skills with a gun remained.
The Vials: Ghouls need regular doses of radiation-clearing medicine to stay sane. The Ghoul's supply keeps him from going feral—but makes him dependent on dealers.
Lucy Encounter: His storyline intersects with Lucy's when she escapes the Vault. He sees something of his old idealism in her—and hates it.
The Search: The Ghoul is hunting for Hank MacLean—Lucy's father—who holds answers about what happened to his family.
Walton Goggins' Performance
Dual Role: Goggins plays Cooper and The Ghoul as distinct characters. Pre-war Cooper is charming and principled. The Ghoul is sardonic and brutal.
Physical Transformation: The Ghoul makeup required hours daily. Goggins' eyes and voice convey humanity beneath the horror.
Critical Acclaim: Goggins' performance was universally praised. He brings pathos to what could have been a simple villain.
The Voice: The Ghoul's drawl is slower, more menacing than Cooper's. Two centuries of disappointment weigh on every word.
What The Ghoul Represents
America's Lost Innocence: Cooper literally embodied American idealism. His corruption mirrors the nation's fall.
The Cost of Survival: To survive 200 years, Cooper became something he would have despised. What does survival mean when you lose yourself?
Love and Betrayal: His wife's betrayal wasn't just personal—it was civilizational. She destroyed the world he represented.
The Long Game: The Ghoul is still searching for answers after two centuries. His motivation endures beyond all reason.