"Halo" is filling in the backstory for Master Chief, seemingly connecting him
to the Covenant more than anyone expected. Meanwhile, a fan-favorite character makes her
entrance in a way that may prove controversial. Spoilers ahead for "Halo," season 1, episode 2.
In "Halo's" first episode, audiences were introduced to a legendary Spartan
super soldier known as Master Chief and Kwan Ha, a 16-year-old orphan who suddenly finds herself
the target of a sizable intergalactic bounty. Last we saw them, the newly acquainted traveling
companions were forced to fly away from the United Nations Space Command headquarters without a clue
of a plan for where to go next. "Strap in."
Episode 2 introduces an important character from Master Chief's past and gives us new
insight on the mysterious Covenant relic that appears so uniquely tied to Master Chief.
It also teases the introduction of a fan-favorite character whose portrayal
could prove somewhat divisive among fans of the "Halo" video game series.
Let's dive into Episode 2 of "Halo" and the biggest takeaways from the second
hour of the series.
As Master Chief and Kwan Ha seek refuge from the reach of the UNSC, the two visit the Rubble,
a civilization built within the confines of a series of hollowed-out asteroids.
Here, the duo are welcomed by the society's leader, Soren, a former UNSC training buddy of
Master Chief's and a man who also happens to offer unique insight into the mysterious Covenant relic.
After providing Master Chief and Kwan with food and shelter, Soren introduces the two to Reth,
one of a handful of people who has experience living with the Covenant. As one might expect,
even in the 25th century, being kidnapped by aliens leaves Reth with a visibly loose grip on
the world. However, he is quick to recognize the importance of the object. Because his touch does
not activate the device as Master Chief's does, Reth refers to Master Chief as a "blessed one."
"What's a 'blessed one?'" "Human, only more so."
After confirming that Master Chief does not have any plans to destroy the human race, Reth forces
the device into Master Chief's hands once more. Just as it did in Episode 1, the device suddenly
emits an expanding ring of light and triggers a flurry of childhood memories within the Spartan.
Reth later explains that the device is a Covenant weapon, a realization that Master
Chief admits he recognized, but never voiced. Perhaps most interestingly, Reth insists that
Master Chief must destroy the artifact and himself in order to protect "life as we know
it." The entire exchange proves quite revelatory for Master Chief, leading him to quickly return
to UNSC headquarters on Reach.
Meanwhile, Kwan catches up with the situation back on Madrigal. To Kwan's shock and horror,
the planet's power vacuum has allowed a rebel traitor named Vinsher Grath to take
over her home planet. As Soren puts it, Vinsher is "cleaning house" on Madrigal.
From the comfort of the Rubble, Kwan watches drone footage of Vinsher executing a variety
of political dissidents, leaving her in tears. Kwan explains that Vinsher
and her father often quarreled over how to respond to the threat posed by the UNSC.
Although she insists she only wants justice for her father and the rest of her people,
it quickly becomes clear that developments on her home planet are going to be a major issue for her.
Even after Master Chief departs the Rubble for the UNSC, Kwan is shown watching footage of
Vinsher's rise to power with a searing hatred for her father's former enemy.
Interestingly, Vinsher's speech references a "historic deal" made with the UNSC in an
attempt to return Madrigal to its place as "the gem of the Outer Colonies," which
suggests yet another potential complication for her grudging alliance with Master Chief.
Elsewhere, upon his return to Reach,
Master Chief expresses a wish to discuss his memories – but Dr. Catherine Halsey isn't having
it, saying it's not a constructive place to go. Notably, Halsey and her colleagues have previously
indicated fear of Master Chief regaining his childhood memories. Much of Master Chief's
discussion with Halsey also focuses on the question of the Spartan's own identity.
As Master Chief explains the feelings he has recently developed, we see the Covenant-loyal
"blessed one," Makee, disrobe and reveal an interesting set of scars on her back.
Of course, while we don't completely understand the reason for this combination of scenes,
it certainly seems obvious that a connection between the two "blessed ones" is being suggested.
After Master Chief explains his motivation for returning to the UNSC so quickly,
Halsey thanks him for coming back, saying, "I see this as a new beginning. We're going
to do great things together." As Halsey says these words,
the series again cuts to a different scene in which Halsey is shown awakening a clone
of herself. It's heavily suggested that this clone is related to an advanced artificial
intelligence of her design called "Cortana." "Cortana is the next stage in human evolution."
Of course, "Halo" video game fans will recognize Cortana as the name of the legendary artificial
intelligence who guides Master Chief on his missions. While Cortana may be introduced as an
actual physical person in the TV series, it seems clear that she won't remain that way for long.
Also, given the fact that the clone was activated prior to Master's Chief interrogation,
can we be sure that Master Chief is actually talking to the real Halsey in this final scene?
The truth is not quite clear. Even by its second episode, Halo is full of mysteries – even for
people who played all the games. New episodes of "Halo" drop
on Paramount+ every Thursday. Check out one of our newest videos
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