IR TV Review: HALO - EPISODE 3 (“Emergence”) [Paramount+]

The texture of Episode 3 of "HALO" entitled "Emergence" speaks to the creation and varying theme of duality. Master Chief (aka John) has returned slightly broken but with a plan of trying to figure out if he can be trusted, both inward and outward. This episode has a little more focus on Natasha McElhone's doctor but that duality is at play as well. To angle any little bit of detail focuses in giving away what the episode might be about. It is in fact a trigger point that is a key to the Spartan program. What is thematic to say is that there is some of the archetypes in a way of "Fight Club" without the deep undercurrent of sociology underneath -- though that has its place here too in terms of loyalty and trust in a larger world. The question becomes the notion of memory which, for the Spartans, can only be problematic. There is one parallel storyline running off to the side in the episode, which means that angle of story must be crucial to the overall narrative once it connects. The major duality issue running through the core actually leads to some really interesting existential elements and ideas, especially with the doctor, both in a practical and subliminal way. It is great to see McElhone embrace this since her presence in "Solaris" definitely spoke to these ideas though from a different perspective. "HALO" with this episode starts digging into some deeper territory without losing the gist of what it is. A-

By Tim Wassberg