Betty Pearson is a character in the Fallout Television Series.
Background[edit]
Pre-War[edit]
Originally from Solvang, Betty Pearson was an executive assistant of the Vault-Tec Corporation and a member of Bud's Buds prior to the Great War.[1]
When Cooper Howard came to the Vault-Tec Headquarters to spy on his wife, Betty showed him to her office, explaining that she was in a meeting at the time. She then told Cooper about a new hire who was a big fan of his named Henry, and asked if Cooper would be alright with her bringing Henry to meet him. She returned later, bringing Henry, who was in fact a fellow member of Bud's Buds.
At the onset of the war, she, along with the rest of the Buds, entered Vault 31, where she was cryogenically frozen in preparation for the future. The purpose of Bud's Buds was to breed the Buds with the dwellers of Vaults 32 and 33 over time, developing a new class of "super managers."
Post-War[edit]
After awakening from Cryosleep, she was sent into Vault 33 during a Triennial Trade, where she would live for the next 40 years.[2] She would go on to be elected as Overseer. Later she lost the position, with fellow Bud Hank MacLean being elected. She continued to govern the vault, however, now as a member of the Vault 33 Council alongside Woody Thomas and Reg McPhee.
Publications[edit]
By Episode[edit]
S1E1 - The End
Betty, alongside Reg and Woody, is first seen listening to and approving Lucy Maclean's Triennial Trade marriage application as part of her duty as a member of the Vault 33 Council. She later ushers Lucy and her father, Overseer Hank MacLean, to the Vault 32 Door, to welcome their guests. During the dance following Lucy and Monty's wedding, Betty offers a sad Chet a dance, as a means of cheering him up.
The following morning, Betty takes part in an assembly alongside her fellow council members to discuss the previous night's raider attack. When Lucy proposes that the outer vault door be opened to send a rescue party to find and retrieve the kidnapped Hank, Betty, along with Woody and Reg, shoots the idea down.
S1E3 - The Head
Betty joins her fellow Vault 33 Council members in overseeing the punishment of Lucy's co-conspirators, Chet and Norm, after they help her escape from the vault in pursuit of her kidnapped father. They reassign Chet, stripping him of his position as Gate-Keeper, before Woody invites Norm inside the council room. During the meeting, she chastises Norm for putting the Vaults 33, 32, and 31 at risk by opening the door. After Norm questions if they only punish vault dwellers who break the rules, or if they intend to punish those who kill vault dwellers, she decides to re-assign to bring food to the captured Vault 32 raiders.
During the meeting held by the council later on about what to do about the captured raiders, Betty tells Woody and Reg, who until this point had been establishing the point of the meeting, interrupting each other repeatedly, that the meeting would "benefit from some actual ideas". She sits quietly until Norm suggests that they simply kill the prisoners, at which point she says that is not under serious consideration, and Norm was simply expressing his anger. After the meeting and the revelation of the vault's water chip's destruction, she sarcastically stated, "That went well".
S1E4 - The Ghouls
With Overseer Hank kidnapped, the members of the Vault Council all begin campaigning for the position of Overseer. She finds Norm looking at a picture of his missing father on his Pip-Boy and, wanting to comfort him, offers him a slice of pie she had baked. She recounts a story of the first time he tried Rhubarb Pie and Ice Cream, stating that he "sure did like pie that day". Norm correctly deduces that Betty is there to talk to him about his statements at the assembly. She tells him that he's not the only one who feels the absence of his father, stressing that everyone in the vault is hurting, and his position as the last MacLean left. She tells him that that position means his voice carries more weight with the dwellers than he realizes. He confides in her, telling her that when the raid began, he hid instead of fighting, at which point she asks if that makes him angry. When questioned why it matters, she responds by telling him, "Regular boys can get angry, and they'll just pee on the wall. When clever boys like you are angry... Hmm. You're lucky not to have seen where that can lead." She then asks him to promise to be careful before departing.
S1E5 - The Past
Upon returning from investigating Vault 32, Norm and Chet are approached by Betty, who asks them where they were. She is satisfied with their answer of "planting tatos", and tells them to run along.
On election day, Betty uses the vault's intercom to ask the people of Vault 33 to vote for her for Overseer, telling them that today is about the future of the vault and, more importantly, civilization. Betty wins the election with a 98% majority, giving a speech to the assembled Vault Dwellers. Betty proceeds to cut and serve Jell-O Cake for the guests before being approached by Norm, who congratulates her on her victory. As her first act as overseer, she announces a meeting to be held the next day about the fate of Vault 32.
The next day, she leads the assembled vault dwellers to the destroyed Vault 32 door, telling the assembled individuals that it was important that they witness what happened in Vault 32 so that they can heal as a community. She also announces a campaign to resettle Vault 32, with half of 33's population moving over to rebuild. As the group enters Vault 32, they find the place spotless, completely clean, and devoid of the carnage previously discovered by Chet and Norm. Betty gives a speech, reminding everyone how lucky they are and that one day they will bring their light to the surface. She meets with Norm in the Overseer's office, startling him and asking if he had found anything interesting, to which he responds by telling her she did a good job cleaning up. She remarks that the raiders destroyed much, but not their spirits. Norm then asks Betty what happened to his mother's Pip-Boy when she died, to which Betty responds that it was buried with her, and she knows because she's the one who buried her alongside his father. She leaves as Norm looks back at the now smashed terminal, which revealed to him the fact that the raiders entered the vault using his mother's pip-boy.
S1E7 - The Radio
When the imprisoned raiders are killed with poisoned food, Betty and Woody arrive to investigate. They are approached by Norm who inquires what happened, with them telling them that they will get to the bottom of it. They all watch as Veronika, the guard at the time, is taken away by security as a suspect. Betty laments the further death, wishing it would end. She then implies to Norm that this occurred because of his statement during the assembly, saying they should kill the raiders, stating, "What did I tell you, Norman? Words have meaning." As Betty leaves, Woody tells her that people will be upset when they hear about this, to which Betty responds that "People like to have something to fuss about." As she leaves, Betty initiates the vault reassignment, sending notifications to all pip-boys telling individuals where they will be assigned.
As the vault dwellers prepare to split into the two groups at the repaired Vault 32 door, Betty gives a speech praising the dwellers sent over for the traits that will make them succeed. Midway through the speech, she is interrupted by a nervous Woody, who begins repeating "I'm not going" and walking back towards Vault 33. He is stopped by Vault Security, and tells them "I don't live there." When he is not let through, he gives up, turning back around and rejoins the new Vault 32 colonists. She then named Stephanie Harper the new interim overseer of Vault 32, once again ensuring that someone from Vault 31 becomes an overseer. She wishes the colonists luck, instructs the vault door to be opened, and ushers them through.
S1E8 - The Beginning
A young Betty is seen in a flashback set prior to the Great War, working as an Employee of the Vault-Tec Corporation, escorting Cooper Howard to his wife Barb's office, informing him that she is in a meeting. While pouring Cooper water, she mentions that a new employee, Henry, is a huge fan of Howard's acting career, and asks him if he would mind her bringing Henry in to meet him. She brings in Henry, revealed to be a young Hank MacLean.
S2E1 - The Innovator
In Vault 33, Betty and the Vault 33 Engineer discuss the failure of the vault's water chip and diminishing clean water supplies[3] Reg McPhee enters the room, asking about the location of Norm Maclean, and is told by Betty that Norm is currently in Vault 31 as part of a leadership exchange. Reg offers his services to help solve the water crisis, but is told by Betty that he should instead form a club to help him work through his emotions. When asked what emotions, she highlights his potential feelings of shame and uselessness. When asked about snacks for the group, she assures him that she would be willing to assign a snack budget.[4] After Reg departs, the engineer remarks to Betty that "Heavy is the crown", and she responds that he does not know the half of it.[5]
S2E4 - The Demon in the Snow
In the Vault 33 Farm, a voice on the intercom reminds the vault dwellers that water rationing remains in effect until further notice. A number of Vault Dwellers attempt to salvage their crops, which are dying due to the drought. As Reg enters the farm, he is stopped by Overseer Betty Pearson, who demands to know where he is going with the water jugs he is carrying. She tells him that they can't afford to be wasting resources on his "little club", with Reg responding that she was the one who signed off on their food and beverage budget. He tells her that his club is growing in numbers, week by week, unlike her approval rating. Betty responds that this is because she put measures in place to limit water production, chastising him for giving people extra rations. He responds that the products of inbreeding community are a distinct subculture that until now has lacked a distinct voice. Betty calls his group a "snack club" with him snapping back that she will not take this away from him, and that their snack budget is part of the group charter. Reg apologizes and leaves as Betty watches.
At the Inter-Vault Space between 32 and 33, Overseers Stephanie Harper and Betty Pearson meet. Betty informs Stephanie about the evacuation of Vault 31 by Norm MacLean, and the death of Bud Askins. Stephanie points out that it is just them now, with Betty stating that it is a "brave new world". She tells Stephanie that the water crisis in 33 is getting worse, to which Stephanie responds that if she gives them access to the 32 water supply, it would taint the work they are doing. Betty questions what work she means now that Bud is dead, to which Stephanie responds that the work is to survive. She points out that the two of them have always disagreed on how to do that. She tells Betty that she would be more than happy to discuss a Triennial Trade via the vaults telegram system.
Betty tells Stephanie that she appointed her overseer based on the understanding that the two of them would help each other, with Stephanie responding that she only agreed to meet with Betty in person as a gesture of gratitude. She tells Betty that she has to think about her baby now, and that is all that matters. Betty tells her that she woke up 40 years prior, and that in that time she realized that Vault-Tec isn't coming to save them, all they have is each-other. Stephanie informs Betty of a pre-war keepsake box that Hank MacLean took into Vault 31 with him, telling her that if she brings it to her, she will consider granting Vault 33 access to 32's water. When questioned what could be inside, she tells Betty that it is personal.
Still lost, Woody Thomas walks through the vault before hearing voices coming from the Inter-Vault space. Following the sounds, he overhears Betty remark that Stephanie is holding them hostage, to which Stephanie objects. Betty tells Stephanie that she doesn't understand how bad things could get, causing Stephanie to respond that Betty is from Solvang and doesn't understand how bad things can get. As Stephanie turns to leave, Betty tells her that if she doesn't help, there won't be a Vault 33 anymore. Stephanie tells Betty that the experiment is over and they must make their own decisions now, which Woody hears clearly. As Stephanie re-enters Vault 32, Woody flees.
S2E6 - The Other Player
The Past
At the Vault-Tec Corporation's Los Angeles Headquarters, Barbara Howard sits in the building's Executive Conference Room as two project managers discuss the aesthetic value of different nuclear blast sizes on billboards while they eat burgers from a nearby cart. Behind Barbara, Betty Pearson takes notes on the meeting. Later, a Vault-Tec Engineer presents a Water Chip to Barbara, informing her that the chips have a 30% fail rate. However, they can tell which chips are going to fail before installation, so they can decide which vaults run out of water, asking if she has any suggestions.
The Present
At the Products of In-Breeding Support Group, a long line stretches out of the V.I.V.I.P. Entrance (reserved for very important verified inbred persons). Marianne the Vault Scholar serves as the group's bouncer, turning away a man by telling him that triple cousins doesn't cut it for entry anymore. The Red-Haired Man and Woman enter the room with no objection from Marianne.
Inside, a large number of people are eating snacks while conversing. Reg speaks to a woman who turns and leaves him mid-sentence, causing Reg to say she should get some Twizzlers. As partygoers enjoy the snacks, Reg sits down at the piano. As Betty Pearson approaches the room with vault security, Reg fantasizes about performing Uranium Fever on the piano while the rest of the club does an elaborate song and dance sequence. In reality, he is simply performing the tune Mary Had a Little Lamb.
The fun is interrupted by the arrival of Betty's security, one of whom knocks over a table of food. The Vault 33 Guard informs the group that, by the order of Betty Pearson, the Products of In-Breeding Support Group's snack budget is revoked, and the group itself is being forcibly disbanded. Reg demands to speak to Betty, who steps forward out of the crowd of guards. Betty tells Reg that he has been ignoring her meeting requests, accusing him of hiding from her and stating that she is sorry it had to come to this. Reg interrupts her, saying that it's fine that the club is being disbanded, but she cannot take away their snack budget. Betty demands to see Reg in her office, with him denying the request and telling her that they can have the conversation in front of everyone.
Betty points out that the vault is running out of water; meanwhile, Reg is feeding people salty snacks. Reg says that he is simply giving the people what they want. Betty tells them that they are working hard to solve the water crisis, but that the people of the group don't get extra rations based on who their parents are. Reg disagrees, stating that they do. He says that they are all in the vault because their ancestors put themselves first, and it turned out fine. When Betty attempts to say she understands how they're feeling, Reg interrupts her by saying that he doesn't believe she does. He states that Vault 31 dwellers are all different somehow in a way he can't quite place.
Betty attempts to reason with Reg by mentioning the Weevil Famine, only to be interrupted by Reg, who shouts that they don't want to hear about the weevil famine anymore. Marianne says that it feels good to hear someone say it out loud, finally. Reg proceeds to grab a large handful of Jell-O Cake with his hand and shove it into his mouth, defiantly locking eyes with Betty as the crowd cheers him on.
The Past
Barbara explains to Cooper that prior to the trip to Las Vegas, Barbara requested that a young Betty Pearson retrieve all the information they have on how Vault-Tec stores the Cold Fusion Diode. When questioned by Betty about whether this is a good idea, Barb responded that "none of this" is.
S2E7 - The Handoff
In Vault 33, Betty Pearson sits in her office as an announcement regarding water rationing proclaims that showers and flushing toilets are outlawed. Betty opens a wall safe hidden behind a painting, retrieving Hank MacLean's Keepsake Box. Placing the box down, she questions Hank's secrets.
Stephanie Harper exits Vault 32 into the Inter-Vault Chamber of Vault 33, where she finds Hank MacLean's Keepsake Box waiting on a cart. As she exits to retrieve it, she is startled by Betty, who had been hiding in the shadows next to the door. Betty congratulates Stephanie on her impending marriage, causing Steph to question if Betty is spying on her, which she confirms. Betty tells Stephanie that she and the rest of the Bud's Buds used to be afraid of her, but she tells Steph that she has learned a lot while she was still in cryo. Stephanie responds that she learned a lot before being frozen, and turns to take the cart into Vault 32.
Betty blocks her path, reminding her of her promise to divert 50% of 32's water to 33. Stephanie assures her that she will get the water, and takes the box to leave. As she goes to enter 32, Betty tells her that she wants no part in what Steph is planning to do, and she just wants the Vault Dwellers to live in peace. Stephenie responds that the deal was for the water and that the future is another matter. Stephanie turns and returns to Vault 32, taking the keepsake with her.
Behind the Scenes[edit]
- In storyboards for the Raider attack seen in S1E1 - The End, Betty would get stabbed in the eye with a fork. By the episode's production, this event would happen to Steph instead.[Ext 1]
Gallery[edit]
Pearson after approving marriage for Lucy MacLean
Pre-War
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References[edit]
- ↑ Stephanie Harper: "With all due respect, Betty, you're from Solvang. You have no idea how bad things can get."
(S2E4 - The Demon in the Snow/Dialogue) - ↑ Betty: "I woke up 40 years ago, and I've learned a lot in that time."
(S2E4 - The Demon in the Snow/Dialogue) - ↑ S2E1 - The Innovator/Dialogue#349
- ↑ S2E1 - The Innovator/Dialogue#379
- ↑ S2E1 - The Innovator/Dialogue#381
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- Fallout Television Series Season 1 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S1E1 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S1E3 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S1E4 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S1E5 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S1E7 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S1E8 Characters
- Fallout Television Series Season 2 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S2E1 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S2E4 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S2E6 Characters
- Fallout Television Series S2E7 Characters
- Overseers
- Vault 33 Dwellers
- Vault-Tec characters
- Bud's Buds