Unexpected Partnership in Halo Signals Major Developments for Season 3

In Halo season 2, episode 5, "Aleria," a surprising alliance is formed that has significant implications for Master Chief's story and the larger narrative of Halo season 3. This episode follows the aftermath of the Fall of Reach, shifting the focus from action to character development. John-117, along with other survivors of the invasion of Reach like Riz-028, Soren, Soren's wife Laera, and Dr. Catherine Halsey, all make their way to Aleria.

Cortana Helps Makee When The Arbiter Threatens Her In Episode 5

While the survivors bury Vannak-134 (Bentley Kalu), one of the characters who died in Halo season 2, episode 4, Yerin Ha's Kwan Ha experiences a prophetic vision about the galaxy's future. Elsewhere, the Covenant-raised human Makee (Charlie Murphy) and The Arbiter, Var 'Gatanai (Viktor Åkerblom), regroup. During the invasion of Reach, Var 'Gatanai led his troops to victory, but failed to kill the "demon" (John-117) or locate the second Forerunner keystone. While Makee insists that he should take pride in the Fall of Reach, the growing rift between the "blessed one" and The Arbiter is clear.

Cortana (Jen Taylor) shows The Arbiter aka Var 'Gatanai (Viktor Åkerblom) and Makee (Charlie Murphy) a vision of Halo in Halo season 2 - Cortana Helps Makee When The Arbiter Threatens Her In Episode 5

After The Arbiter is revealed to be Var 'Gatanai in Halo season 2, tensions rise between the Elite and Makee. In the Battle of Reach, The Arbiter faces off against John with energy swords, but Makee intervenes before a fatal blow is struck. Despite both being committed to the Covenant's Great Journey, they have differing opinions on how to achieve their goals. When Makee takes Cortana during the Fall of Reach, The Arbiter questions this decision.

The Arbiter puts Makee's life in danger by taking their ship to High Charity.

The reason behind the Covenant's interest in Cortana is still unknown. However, the disagreement between The Arbiter and Makee regarding the humans' A.I. construct is a clear indication of the growing conflict between them. Despite listening to Makee, who is still considered a "blessed one" in season 2, The Arbiter threatens her life by flying their ship to High Charity. He is willing to hand Makee over to the Prophets, struggling to step outside the boundaries set by the Covenant in order to regain his lost honor. Surprisingly, Cortana plays a key role in this unfolding situation.

When The Arbiter & Makee Arrive At Halo, Cortana Will Learn Its True Purpose

Makee (Charlie Murphy) argues with The Arbiter in Halo season 2 - When The Arbiter & Makee Arrive At Halo, Cortana Will Learn Its True Purpose

Terrified at the thought of facing the Prophets without finishing their task, Makee struggles to persuade The Arbiter of his important mission. The "blessed one" believes he has a crucial role in locating the Halo array of the Forerunners and fulfilling the Great Journey. However, Var 'Gatanai needs proof to be convinced. Before Makee and The Arbiter argue outside HighCharity, Makee activates Cortana in an attempt to extract information about John-117. Despite their differences, Makee emphasizes that Cortana's survival depends on being helpful.

Realizing her only option, the A.I. decides to form a reluctant alliance with Makee.

Cortana Will Learn About The Flood Before Master Chief (Just Like In Halo: Combat Evolved)

Although Cortana initially hesitates to help Makee and even makes a few jokes at his expense, she eventually realizes that teaming up with him is the only way forward. To convince The Arbiter to join forces with Makee, Cortana creates a holographic image of a Halo ring world around them. The Arbiter is swayed and agrees to search for the Sacred Ring without tipping off the Prophets. This unexpected turn of events leads to the trio's discovery of Installation-04 and the true purpose of the Halo array.

Cortana (Christina Bennington) looks skeptical in Halo season 2 - Cortana Will Learn About The Flood Before Master Chief (Just Like In Halo: Combat Evolved)

The Paramount+ Halo show is set in the Silver Timeline, which is separate from the main canon of the franchise. However, it still draws heavily from the core storyline of the games. The second season of the show makes efforts to closely connect its timeline with that of the games. In the original canon, the Fall of Reach leads directly to the events of the first game, Halo: Combat Evolved. This is where Master Chief and Cortana first join forces after the Pillar of Autumn encounters Installation-04.

In Halo: Combat Evolved, Cortana discovers the true purpose of the Halo array before Master Chief does. The Forerunners built it as a superweapon capable of sterilizing the entire galaxy to combat The Flood, a parasitic organism that consumes all sentient life. By joining Makee and The Arbiter on their quest to find the Sacred Ring, Cortana will likely learn about The Flood's history long before Chief does.

The finale of Halo season 2 is scheduled to premiere on March 21, 2024.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the pivotal episode "Aleria" from the second season of the Halo TV series. The episode's focus on character development and the formation of an unlikely alliance between Cortana, Makee, and The Arbiter sets the stage for significant implications in Master Chief's story and the larger narrative of season 3. It also draws parallels to the original Halo: Combat Evolved game, suggesting that Cortana may learn about the Flood's existence before Master Chief. The article's well-structured organization and inclusion of relevant images enhance its readability and provide a comprehensive overview of the episode. Overall, it effectively captures the key plot points and explores the potential consequences for future events in the series.