Paramount+ 'Halo' Season 2 Viewing Points

Contains spoilers for the Halo TV series and games.

The Paramount+ original series Halo returns for its second season on February 8th. Based on Bungie's Xbox game, the series received a lot of criticism from game fans in its first season. This was because the protagonist, 'Master Chief,' was portrayed differently than in the game. In particular, while the protagonist never reveals his face in the game, the TV series shows his face from the first episode.**

However, viewers who haven't played the game considered it a watchable sci-fi TV series. Master Chief, played by Pablo Schreiber, truly felt like a soldier, and as a series with a large budget, it offered plenty to see. Paramount was also able to quickly move into production of season 2 thanks to securing a sufficient number of viewers.

Events of Season 1

Halo season 1 focused on the protagonist 'John' (Pablo Schreiber)'s search for self. John, also known as 'Master Chief,' was raised from childhood to be a war machine. Master Chief is a soulless soldier who wears a combat suit and has an artificially enhanced body, fighting against the alien race 'Covenant.'

But while infiltrating a rebel group that was trying to leave the UNSC (United Nations Space Command), he comes into contact with an ancient artifact that acts as a catalyst for awakening his self-awareness. John learns that he was kidnapped by the UNSC as a child and raised to be a war machine.

Meanwhile, the alien race Covenant is also after the artifact that John discovered. They aim to use it to find a facility created by an ancient civilization called 'Halo.' The final episode of season 1 depicts a battle between Master Chief and the Covenant to locate Halo.

In this battle, Master Chief allows Cortana, the AI implanted in his body, to take control of his body. Under Cortana's control, Master Chief fights brilliantly and wins, but it seems that his self-awareness is ultimately lost.

The Continuing Conflict Between John and Master Chief

The final scene of season 1 showed Master Chief seemingly reverting back to being a war machine. He doesn't respond to anything his friends say and doesn't even take off his helmet. It's as if he's become the game character 'Master Chief.'

However, the trailer for season 2 reveals Pablo Schreiber back as John, having regained his self-awareness. Since the main conflict of season 1 revolved around Master Chief's self-awareness, it seems that this storyline will continue into season 2. Pablo Schreiber himself stated in press interviews that he plans to continue the story of the conflict between the two selves, 'John' and 'Master Chief.'

Halo: Reach Brought to the TV Series

An important setting in this TV series is the planet known as 'Reach.' This planet is home to a major human city and military facilities. The 2010 game 'Halo: Reach' depicted the devastation of this planet as it was ravaged by a Covenant attack. This game was particularly beloved by players for its well-crafted story.

According to the trailer and synopsis, Halo season 2 will deal with the 'Reach incident.' Therefore, we can expect even larger-scale action sequences than in season 1. The production team has stated that, mindful of the backlash from game fans during the release of season 1, they will be telling a story that is more faithful to the game's original plot.

Two Main Covenant Characters

Producer Otto Bathurst has revealed that season 2 will feature two main Covenant characters. He recognizes that the first season received criticism for its ambiguous depiction of the Covenant alien forces. He says that the second season will showcase what the Covenant are all about through these two central figures. Given that various Covenant aliens played significant roles in the original games, it remains to be seen whether this will satisfy game fans.

Halo season 2 will be released on February 8th on Paramount+ (in Korea, it will be available on Tving).