After 21 years of video game awesomeness, Halo has made the jump to TV. We take a look at the new Halo series on Paramount+ and break down some of the major elements in this epic space saga about Master Chief.
We know that big blocks of text are as scary as an angry group of Covenant marauders. So, we won’t do this in traditional review style. Instead, we’ve come up with a few of the main pieces that make up a great show, and taken a look at each one individually.
Ready to dive in? OK, here we go!
Story
At the heart of a Halo story there needs to be one central conflict – the battle between the fanatical Covenant and the heroic humans of the United Nations Space Command, or UNSC. And, that’s exactly what you get in this show.
In fact, this conflict is made brutally apparent in the opening minutes, where we see a gang of Covenant marauders mercilessly slaughter a group of teens, before being slaughtered themselves by the intercepting UNSC, spearheaded by the one and only Master Chief.
Off to a brutal but great start.
Then the story-building starts and we realise that the Halo series isn’t too concerned with staying loyal to the game’s lore. But, then, that’s a lot of lore that’s been built up over the years since the first version of Halo launched in 2001.
It’s a bit like the MCU in comparison to Marvel comics. Under Disney, the films and Disney+ series don’t necessarily bring in all the story and details that are true to the comics. Instead, they play to an audience who isn’t all that familiar with the characters and hope that the die-hard comic book fans will still think it’s cool. And, let’s face it, they do.
Same with Halo. There would be so much intricacy to introduce to a TV audience who hasn’t been playing the games for two decades, that it was easier to pull out central parts of the story, mould them a little, and reinsert them.
So, it’s not the story that gamers might have hoped for, but it’s familiar enough that it shouldn’t disappoint.
Pacing
With the games, especially the recent Halo Infinite, being so densely action-packed (they’re first-person shooters after all), you’d be forgiven for thinking that the series would be back-to-back action with a little dialogue thrown in.
That’s not the case. But, then there’s all that story that we just talked about.
The Halo series tries to bridge the gap between all-out bullet parties and a deeper storyline. In fact, that’s why it made the controversial decision to have Master Chief remove his helmet. No longer is he a faceless machine designed just for killing Covenant, he’s now a real person with conflicting emotions that drive his decisions.
All this means that there’s a lot of story building and info-imparting dialogue. And, as a result, the action feels fairly sparse. But, when it does happen, it’s usually worth the wait.
Graphics
Visually speaking, the Halo series is impressive. Maybe this is owing to the amazing graphic quality of the game series, especially Halo Infinite, but if you look at screenshots of the show versus the game, it’s often hard to tell the two apart.
That’s exactly what you want from a video game adaptation.
The world created by the series is bleak and gritty, and definitely has an ominous feel where the threat of danger permeates the scenes. So, it’s a feast for the eyes.
Acting
This is really what distinguishes the Halo TV series from the game series. The humanity of Master Chief is some much more apparent in the series, largely down to the performance of Pablo Schreiber, who you might remember as the moustachioed guard from Orange is the New Black.
The fact that we can see Master Chief’s face in the show gives us so much more insight into the weight of the conflict.
Add the spot on performances by Natascha McElhone as Dr Halsey, Yerin Ha as Kwan Ha, and the ensemble of Spartan soldiers, and you’re looking at a very different dynamic from the action-led games.
Overall
Fans of the Halo games who wanted a recreation of the game on the TV screen might feel that there’s too much world-building and not enough shooting. But, anyone looking for a new sci-fi series should find it interesting and engaging entertainment.
Our verdict? We think it’s awesome.
Halo merchandise
If reading this has got you craving some Master Chief merchandise, you’re in luck. Take a look at the selection we’ve picked below, and be sure to see our whole collection of Halo merchandise!
HALO INFINITE MASTER CHIEF HELMET DECANTER SET WITH 4 GLASSES
Available here: https://lostuniverse.com/products/halo-infinite-master-chief-helmet-decanter-set-with-4-glasses
Only available at Lost Universe, this decanter is shaped like Master Chief’s helmet and has four matching UNSC branded tumblers, all of which come packaged in a great quality gift box.
HALO RED ENERGY SWORD EXCLUSIVE DESK LIGHT
Available here: https://lostuniverse.com/products/halo-red-energy-sword-exclusive-desk-light
The famous energy sword gets the novelty light treatment, bringing an awesome Halo glow to your gaming den, fan cave, or bedroom.
HALO INFINITE MASTER CHIEF CABLE GUY
Available here: https://lostuniverse.com/products/halo-master-chief-infinite-cable-guy
Master Chief is used to having the fate of the human race in his hands. But, he’s still got room for your games controller or smartphone. Grab this Cable Guy only at Lost Universe!
HALO MASTER CHIEF TANKARD
Available here: https://lostuniverse.com/products/halo-master-chief-tankard
Master Chief is usually filled with a deep sense of duty. Now you can fill him with any drink you like. This brilliantly detailed tankard is great for toasting your friends instead of your enemies.
HALO INFINITE MASTER CHIEF POP! VINYL FIGURE
Available here: https://lostuniverse.com/products/halo-infinite-master-chief-pop-vinyl-figure
Master Chief is no wallflower… BUT, he does look pretty awesome on display in the form of this Halo Infinite Funko Pop!
Main image credit: Microsoft/Paramount+ via Trusted Reviews
