The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking the Full Potential of Halo TV Show Season 2

The release of the Halo television show was met with mixed reviews, disappointing many fans who had eagerly anticipated its arrival. While subverting audience expectations can be a successful storytelling technique, the show failed to deliver on its promises, leaving both casual viewers and devoted Halo fans feeling betrayed. Now, the creators of the show must find a way to regain their audience's trust and ensure the success of future seasons. As production for the second season is already underway, it is crucial for the team to shift their focus towards the future and make the necessary improvements. Here are five suggestions on how the show can redeem itself and win back the viewers it has lost.

Respect The Chief

Fans of the Halo video games have a multitude of reasons why they are deeply passionate about the franchise. Whether it's the captivating narrative, intriguing characters, immersive world, or engaging gameplay, there are numerous aspects that contribute to its popularity. However, it is indisputable that the series owes much of its success to the iconic presence of its protagonist, Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, and his distinctive green MJOLNIR armor. These elements serve as the face of the franchise and are what truly captivate players, keeping them fully invested in the expansive universe.

Ironically, this very aspect that makes the games so iconic becomes a significant downfall for the TV series. In the games, Master Chief is portrayed as stoic, determined, and unwavering in his pursuit of his objectives. His helmet remains firmly in place, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his mission. However, in the Halo TV series, the character frequently removes his helmet and finds himself in vulnerable situations with other characters, deviating from the established portrayal. While it is still Master Chief, it feels somewhat akin to introducing an entirely different individual and simply placing them in the recognizable armor of the iconic character.

To say the least, the significant changes in Master Chief's personality and decision-making have left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans. If the show truly wants to demonstrate its dedication to this beloved franchise, the writers should consider toning down these deviations and instead focus on returning the character to his roots. This means embracing what made him truly remarkable in the first place, starting with the simple act of keeping his helmet on.

Halo Is Not A Soap Opera

One of the remarkable aspects of the Halo franchise is its collection of unforgettable characters. In addition to the games, the books and comics breathe life into this ensemble by delving into their personalities on a deeper level. However, it is equally important for the best Halo stories to recognize the value of simplicity and understand what truly works in these narratives. While there is an abundance of character-driven drama that could be translated to the silver screen, it is crucial to strike a balance between exploring the pivotal players for narrative impact and avoiding the inclusion of unnecessary drama solely for the purpose of generating buzz for the show.

The writers of the television show seem to have a misunderstanding about what the audience truly desires from a show like this. While it is commendable to delve into the psyche of the Master Chief and provide more depth to the supporting characters, the decision to include a love story plotline between Master Chief and a Covenant Spy suggests that the show's writers lack a sense of when to draw the line with character drama.

Moving forward, it would be wise to take a step back, as done previously. The concepts and themes that underpin the characters in this world offer ample potential for exploration. Instead of incorporating unnecessary Soap Opera-like dynamics to appeal to a broader audience, focus on delving into the aspects of these characters that initially captivated viewers.

Visit Halo

The first season of the show took too long to introduce the Halo Rings in the plot. The audience never got to see the Chief set foot on a Halo installation, which was a disappointment. While it's understandable that the first season wanted to set up the story, it was a poor choice to deprive viewers of what they were eagerly waiting to see for ten episodes.

Even if we give the first season the benefit of the doubt and assume that the setup will pay off in the end, the second season needs to make up for lost time by focusing on the Chief's time on a Halo Ring. It would be great to see the show dedicate a significant number of episodes to following the protagonist as he explores the ring, uncovers its secrets, and encounters new enemies.

Halo season 1 is streaming now on Paramount Plus.