The season two finale of the Halo TV sequence does every little thing a online game adaptation ought to do after which some, proving a degree I’ve been making for nicely over a yr: This present is nice.
Although the primary season of the Paramount+ sequence primarily based on the sport franchise of the identical identify greater than sometimes struggled to inform a considerably new story in a longtime universe with beloved characters, the second season got down to rectify these errors. One episode into this second season, which boasts a brand new present lead within the type of David Wiener (Worry The Strolling Lifeless), it was clear that the workforce wasn’t screwing round. Motion sequences felt tighter and higher choreographed, emotional beats hit once they had been purported to, and the interwoven story threads made for extremely watchable tv.
The season finale, dubbed merely “Halo,” is a wonderful proof-of-concept—this present whips, and it deserves a 3rd season.
A flood of Halo lore
When you had been one of many Halo TV sequence naysayers who had been bummed about it not being a one-to-one recreation of the video games, then this final episode ought to attraction to you. In its just-under-an-hour run-time, “Halo” consists of a number of of the most important story beats from Halo: Fight Developed, alongside some coronary heart pumping motion and nice payoffs to plot threads which have been dangling this complete season. Actually, the gasoline pedal is on the ground from the second the episode kicks off, and it doesn’t let up.
Learn Extra: The Halo TV Sequence Simply Killed Off An Iconic Character
“Halo” begins in contrast to some other episode within the sequence so far: A scientist we’ve by no means met earlier than is bugging Miranda Keyes (Olive Grey), who’s making an attempt to determine what’s occurring with the mysterious spores she discovered final episode. That scientist is a bit of bitchy and considerably annoying, and plainly she’s additionally tampered with the pattern previous to Keyes checking it out. We don’t like her.
Moments later, she’s having a water cooler second with another scientists when a bizarrely upbeat music rating begins taking part in and her demeanor begins to alter. You see, she’s contaminated with regardless of the spores are made from (because of this you shouldn’t contact bizarre shit in a lab) and he or she quickly succumbs to the an infection, stabbing a random scientist within the neck with a pen. When you’re a Halo fan, you understand what that is: the Flood, the parasitic aliens that ravage the galaxy and are the rationale for the creation of the Halo rings within the first place. Now, we really feel dangerous for her.
The Flood are right here, regardless of it seeming just like the sequence’ tempo would by no means lead us to the terrifying and weird creatures. Positive, there have been hints of them, all proven by the Kwan Ha (Yerin Ha) subplot, however I didn’t anticipate the present to go full-fledged-Flood this season—particularly contemplating they’re the headiest of all Halo baddies. It’s a daring transfer, and one which pays off, particularly once we lastly get a glimpse of the multi-limbed abominations within the flesh.
Because the episode progresses, we all know that it’s resulting in a denouement that mirrors the primary Halo recreation: The Covenant and the UNSC need the ring for various causes, with many figuring out that its ignition will finish all natural life in its neighborhood.
Alongside the way in which, we get some heartbreaking sacrifices and genuinely unhappy deaths (RIP Kai-125, you’ll all the time be well-known), after which we get the payoff many have been ready two seasons for: Grasp Chief’s Mjolnir boots setting foot on a Halo ring. It’s a sight to see—these vaguely Pacific Northwest mountains, the smoldering wreck of a UNSC ship, crops sprouting impossibly quick from the bottom. Grasp Chief and Cortana are reunited, and a few of the higher characters from this final season (Ackerson, Perez, Kwan) appear to be alive to battle one other day.
We’re right here, we made it. And guess who else is right here, too? 343 Responsible Spark, the annoying motherfucker from the primary video games who I wouldn’t belief to carry my drink at a celebration. Contemplating the AI Halo ring monitor is universally despised by gamers and wholly untrustworthy, the cliffhanger reveal that he’s been chatting to each Chief and Makee (the Covenant-allied lady he slept with final season) is an enormous one.
After this episode, I’ve to ask: Are you not entertained?
Right here’s hoping the Paramount+ sequence will get a 3rd season, as a result of we’re cooking with gasoline proper now.
