Fallout Season 2 kills Paladin Xander Harkness in brief arc

Collider reports that Fallout Season 2 kills off Paladin Xander Harkness, played by Kumail Nanjiani, after a brief partnership with Maximus (Aaron Moten).

The article notes Harkness was introduced as a Commonwealth Brotherhood of Steel liaison who expanded the character beyond his simple Fallout Shelter origin, with Nanjiani offering a backstory that made the Paladin a compelling adversary. Harkness is portrayed as a suave, Errol Flynn–esque war hero, and his death comes after he threatens to kill some Ghoul children and Maximus, despite a warning from Elder Quintus (Michael Cristofer), shoots him—an act the piece says underscores that Maximus has not fully converted to Brotherhood ideology.

The writer argues Harkness’s quick exit wastes an opportunity to explore different Brotherhood chapters and to deepen Maximus’s moral struggle, and criticizes the show’s use of celebrity guest stars as sometimes feeling like a gimmick. It remains unclear, the article adds, why Harkness is so hateful toward the Ghoul children and whether Nanjiani’s appearance will lead to larger genre roles in the future.

Key Topics

Culture, Kumail Nanjiani, Paladin Xander Harkness, Maximus, Fallout Shelter, Commonwealth