Halo (1×09) Transcendence Review

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

After digging itself into quite a deep hole across the first half of its first season, its back half has slowly been digging itself out of that hole by delivering better episodes thanks to a more focused storyline. That being said, that hole is still very deep following the first season finale but it is trending upward which is something. However, some dangling characters and subplots that go without saying do temper things. Though whatever the plan is for those moving forward remains to be seen, the majority opinion is surely to just let them go.

Therefore it shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise that this episode focuses on the main storyline in what was an exciting episode. Ultimately, that narrative hole can be felt as it tries to reconcile its many plot threads over the course of the season while opening the door for some interesting storylines come its second season. The episode did feel like a midseason finale more than a season finale which is a minor complaint overall.

This episode picks up right where the last left off with the aftermath of Halsey’s uprising. Tensions were still running high as Reach was in ruins following the sonic boom caused by Makee activating the artifact. Seemingly being let down by humanity, she reverted back to her original mission of bringing the remaining artifact back to the Covenant. Meanwhile, the Spartan issue eventually needed to be addressed as Vannak and Riz were confronted with the truth in the midst of their previous orders from Halsey.

It would take a lot to get through to them but Captain Keyes was there to admit the truth and his involvement much to the chagrin of Miranda who was by his side. Those feelings however would need to be set aside to deal with the current situation with Halsey and Makee. As Master Chief/John, Vannak, and Riz went after Makee, Kai went after Halsey. Despite the satisfying sequence of Kate Kennedy as Kai taking charge and attempting some revenge, both missions failed with their targets escaping.

At that point, it was all about what to do next, which was for the Spartans to go full speed ahead to the Covenant planet that has been elusive for the UNSC thus far. Suffice it to say that the journey for the Spartans was easier said than done, traversing through uncharted territory. Facing some uncertain adversity, they found their way through thanks to John’s instincts. Meanwhile, it became clear that Makee was simply a means to an end for the Covenant. 

Though the defense on the planet was lax, it was certainly not going to be the case for very long as the cavalry came in following being spotted. A VFX-heavy showcase, the resulting battle sequence was the most exciting in the series so far. Action aside, the emotional undertones behind it only added to the stakes. Triggered by the artifacts, John was left vulnerable while being transported to the halo with Makee all while the others were forced to deal with the oncoming Covenant.

That reunion was cut short as it became clear that Cortana needed to step up and save the day by taking over John’s body to complete the mission and that they did but not without injuries. That moment was a culmination that worked thanks to Schreiber and Taylor as John and Cortana. In the end, this version of Master Chief is perhaps one that most will be better accustomed to. However long this version remains and/or how it evolves will certainly be a major sticking point come next season. 

Halsey was eventually apprehended. Uncharacteristically mum in spite of the many charges against her and a presumed death sentence, it was clear that this Halsey was not the real Halsey and an unstable clone (Miranda was not fooled) just like the ones she made to replace the Spartans who she kidnapped as kids meaning that she was alive somewhere to keep plotting.

At the end of the day, this season has more or less been a prologue for what the series will ultimately be or hopes to be. While it wasn’t without its own issues, the back half has proved it could get there though whether or not its first half has cost it viewers is something that the series has to deal with. A troubled production for many reasons, hopefully the production of next season is something more straightforward and yields a more satisfying product.

still courtesy of Paramount

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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.