IR TV Review: HALO - EPISODES 1 & 2 (“Contact” & “Unbound”) [Paramount+-S2]
The texture of "Halo" has been wrapped in the idea of how does one translate the elite fighting force mentality of the video game while still creating enough drama to modulate the scale of such a series. The beautiful thing is that the show doesn't skim on the details. The first two episodes in terms of visual effects are theatrical quality and a bit more. The story of the first two episodes: "Contact" and "Unbound" are intertwined of course and it is just a matter of how the scale percolates. The initial texture of what sets up the story does create a mix in an interesting way between "Waterworld", "Dune" and "Doom" but such a series needs more than this to survive. Mix in a tad of "Stargate" and some of "The Mandalorian" and it is moving in the right direction. Pablo Shreiber plays Master Chief and it is good fit but the issue with the character is also the crux of the character. It is about the mask versus the principle. Mando's reasoning as a comparative is based around a different conceit but it will take time to see if Pablo has Pedro Pascal's emotive abilities.
The basis of loyalty versus conquest make sense. The supporting characters especially Natasha McElhone ("Solaris") and a certain general scream sci-fi credibility. And Steven Spielberg is a producer on this so it makes things get done. However it is a question mark whether it will snag audiences or create watercooler talk. The universe is big and the fan base is there but it is a matter of balancing both while creating enough dramatic versus gotcha moments to sustain it week in and week out. While the path is undetermined, the choices made do speak to another facet of both a certain Lucas as well as Kubrick influence. Giving away any more plot prior to premiere takes away a certain texture but it is meant as a set up. The second episode retreats more into intent and broader mythology without giving too many details. Made originally for Showtime and now on Paramount+, "Halo" is an event series that starts off with gusto but time will tell how it legs and heart will function. B
By Tim Wassberg
