Halo (1×06) Solace Review

For our review of the last episode of Halo, click here.

Cutting down on all the background noise, this latest episode of Halo focuses on what we really care about while delivering the best episode so far. The TV series, just like the video game series, should be all about Master Chief/John but he’s often just felt like a side character in his own story. However, this certainly was not the case here as this episode delivers some answers and saw some characters face some accountability at least on paper. Meanwhile, the infamous halo seems to make an appearance.

It appeared that this episode may finally see the downfall of Halsey as John’s drama was a focal point. Though Covenant had since disappeared with the artifact into uncharted space, the key appeared to be the Blessed One or Makee which was her real name. However, whether or not she could actually be trusted was another question though her knowledge of what John was experiencing was hard to ignore. He was wounded and already emotional, feeling some residual anger towards Halsey, but he turned the tables on her and Cortana thus proving that he still had a chance. That’s as far as he went at least for now. Meanwhile, Parangosky needed to right the ship following the events of the last episode therefore she set up Halsey as a scapegoat despite she and Keyes being complicit in her actions for whom she protected. The latter two watched as she confessed it all to John and also Miranda who joined in.

The Spartans were now under the control of Miranda but their regaining of their humanity was put on hold. Halsey was banished but she is a crafty one in manipulating Miranda into maintaining access and getting Cortana back. When it came to John and Makee, they were connected on a molecular level though that was enough for him to fully trust her as she tried her best to manipulate him to let her near the artifact/keystone. Using it on his own to try and find the other, it took John to the brink as Makee was also affected all while Halsey watched remotely unbeknownst to everyone. She held Cortana off. By the end, both John and Makee were transported to what appeared to be another planet in what looked to be a shared vision with what appeared to be a towering structure in the background. Maybe it’s the halo?

The series has been a mess so far in terms of plot which has arguably put it in a hole. The key is unwinding convoluted B-plots or even eliminating them in order to create a more streamlined watch, be it the Keyes family drama, UNSC politics, Kwan and Madrigal, the other Spartans, etc. The pieces are there but the writing has failed to utilize them to their full potential. It’s trying to force the world around John while failing to support him. However, this episode is at least cause for hope that it could eventually get to where we all know it could be.

still courtesy of Paramount

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Where to watch Halo

Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.