Halo Season 2 Set to Rectify Its Major Season 1 Blunder

Many fans of the Halo franchise were pleased to see potential changes in season 2, episode 5, titled "Aleria."

In season 2 of Halo, there is an opportunity to correct a major mistake from season 1, which was the introduction of the Covenant's "blessed ones" lore. Despite taking place in a different timeline called the Silver Timeline, the Paramount+ show has faced criticism for not staying true to the established canon from the games and books. While the decision to keep Master Chief (played by Pablo Schreiber) without his Spartan helmet for much of the show has been controversial, the focus seems to be less on the "blessed ones" concept.

Halo Season 2 Can Rework Its “Blessed Ones” Concept

In the Silver Timeline's lore, "blessed ones" are beings who can activate ancient Forerunner technology. The series' first outing explains that these individuals are genetically unique, aiming to ground the idea in science rather than fantasy. However, this approach, reminiscent of Star Wars' midi-chlorians, has faced criticism. One controversial aspect is the inclusion of a human, Makee (played by Charlie Murphy), within the Covenant. Additionally, this concept alters Master Chief's background, transforming him into a chosen one-type hero, which contradicts the original games' established framework and themes.

Makee (Charlie Murphy) looks nervous in Halo season 2 - Halo Season 2 Can Rework Its “Blessed Ones” Concept

The concept of the "blessed ones" in Halo is actually a later addition to the original Halo timeline. It all started with the novel Halo: Cryptum, which was released ten years after the first game. In this novel, the term "geas" was introduced. Also known as "genesong" among the Forerunners, it refers to a genetic command that can be imposed on an organism. This command can give the organism subconscious orders and can even be passed down through generations. While mentioned in Halo 4 and the anniversary edition of Halo: Combat Evolved, the concept of "geas" has stirred some debate among fans.

Halo season 2 consists of only 8 episodes.

In Halo season 1, it is revealed that the Covenant worships artifacts such as the Forerunner keystones. However, humans are the only ones capable of being "blessed ones," which means the Covenant cannot activate the relics they are so obsessed with. This is because "blessed ones" have a special responsibility passed down by the Forerunners, making humans the ultimate protectors of the galaxy. While this idea is reminiscent of the Forerunners' Mantle of Responsibility from the Halo games, it does not necessarily mean that Halo season 2 has to stick to this controversial setup. In fact, the show has the opportunity to rethink and reimagine the entire concept of the "blessed ones."

It’s Unclear If Makee & John Are Still “Blessed Ones” In Halo Season 2

John-117 (Pablo Schreiber) looking upset after his injuries on Reach in Halo season 2 - It’s Unclear If Makee & John Are Still “Blessed Ones” In Halo Season 2

In the ending of Halo season 1, John-117 lets Cortana take over his body and mind. Cortana is an A.I. created by Dr. Halsey. The true purpose of Dr. Halsey's Spartan program is revealed in the season finale. She implanted Cortana in her Spartans to strip away their humanity, making them powerful weapons. John is hesitant about this plan, but he knows using Cortana is necessary to win the battle. Once Cortana is in control, John can no longer activate the Forerunner keystone.

It's possible that John's fusion with Cortana has made him unable to activate Forerunner technology.

The Flood Complicate Makee & John’s Roles As “Blessed Ones”

Between seasons, Cortana is removed from Master Chief, implying that he should be able to tap into his "blessed one" abilities once more. However, as of episode 5, Halo season 2 hasn't shown John interacting with the keystones or any other Forerunner technology. It's possible that the Chief's fusion with Cortana rendered him incapable of activating Forerunner tech. Similarly, Makee was killed by Kai-125 (Kate Kennedy) in the season-one finale. While it's unclear if she's a flash-clone, the product of resurrection, or some medical miracle, it remains to be seen if Makee's "blessed one" abilities remain intact.

Kwan and Kessler look at the cave drawings in Halo season 2 - The Flood Complicate Makee & John’s Roles As “Blessed Ones”

Some fans believe that the introduction of the "blessed ones" concept helped fix a major mistake in the games, but it has also sparked mixed reactions among viewers of the Paramount+ series. Just like how season 2 managed to change the narrative around Cortana's supposed takeover of Master Chief, there is a chance for the show to rethink the "blessed ones" idea before season 3. It appears that Kwan Ha's vision is connected to the arrival of The Flood, a destructive parasitic entity that led to the creation of the Halo array by the Forerunners.

As The Flood threat approaches, the true purpose of the Halo array is also on the verge of being uncovered. Makee's role as a "blessed one" brings conflict, especially in her relationship with Var 'Gatanai (Viktor Åkerblom), the Arbiter in the Halo show. Her abilities only add more complexity to their situation. In addition, the looming threat of The Flood also brings to light the Halo array's true intention: to annihilate all sentient life in the galaxy. When The Arbiter learns of this in Halo 2, he rebels against the Covenant's leaders. This revelation of a Sacred Ring will likely shed a darker perspective on John and Makee's powers.

Onyx Being Introduced As A Forerunner Shield World Creates A New Problem

Onyx planet from Halo series - Onyx Being Introduced As A Forerunner Shield World Creates A New Problem

Halo season 2 has set up Makee and The Arbiter's journey to one of the Sacred Rings. Additionally, the show has also hinted at the artificial planet of Onyx. Currently, Onyx is known as the training ground for James Ackerson's Spartan-III soldiers, but its true significance lies in its Forerunner connection. Onyx is actually a Forerunner shield world, acting as a shell that conceals the entrance to the shield world itself. These shield worlds are hidden fortresses designed to protect against The Flood, existing within slipspace bubbles.

The question arises of how a "blessed one" like John might interact with Onyx, a planet made of Forerunner technology. It is speculated that John will visit Onyx in episode 6 of Halo season 2, but the impact of his presence on the shield world remains uncertain. The abilities of John and Makee add a new dimension to the situation, as they not only have the power to activate the destructive Halo array but potentially can guide others to the safety of the Forerunner shield worlds as well.

Halo season 2's finale airs on March 21, 2024.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the controversial concept of "blessed ones" in Halo's Silver Timeline, which deviates from the established canon. While the show's changes, such as Master Chief's helmetless appearance, have sparked debate, the "blessed ones" idea has drawn particular criticism for its departure from the original lore. The article suggests that Halo season 2 presents an opportunity to rework this concept, especially given the introduction of The Flood and the revelation of Onyx as a Forerunner shield world.

Overall, the article highlights the challenges and opportunities that Halo season 2 faces in navigating the complex lore of the franchise. The show's willingness to adapt and reimagine certain aspects while respecting the core themes and characters is crucial to its success. The upcoming episodes have the potential to either address fan concerns or further polarize opinions, making the remaining episodes highly anticipated.