“Halo”, the series produced by Steven Spielberg and based on the successful video game franchise

The first episode of Halo is so overwhelming that the viewer might wonder why it isn't a feature film released in cinemas around the world. It is clear that the reason is the possibilities of extending the story over several chapters and even seasons. For certain stories, a series is better than a film franchise. It is possible that great video games will find in streaming series a more generous and wider space than what they could find in cinema. Making a two-hour film that is only a presentation whose sequel must wait two years does not work for all characters and stories.

Halo takes place in the 26th century and tells of a conflict between humanity and an alien threat known as Covenant. The UNSC Office of Naval Intelligence (United Nations Space Command) is moving forward with a pilot program for the development of supersoldiers, known as Spartans, which includes genetic manipulation. The leader of the operation is called Master Chief, or John-117, and despite being the perfect military man, he will soon discover something that will completely change his point of view. The main role is played by Pablo Schreiber.

The opening scene shows an insurrection on the planet Madrigal that is massacred by the Covenant. One survivor, Kwan (Yerin Ha), is rescued by the Spartans. The young woman and John-117 will generate a bond that will put him at risk. In Madrigal, John will discover an artifact that seems to connect him to his past and is also of interest to the Covenant. Dr. Catherine Halsey (Natascha McElhone) helps him face his superiors when John and Kwan must go on the run. The doctor will assign John an artificial intelligence called Cortana to accompany him on his mission.

The start is solid, but the arrival of the Spartans is directly memorable. This is an action scene with classic airs. The sophistication of visual effects and the construction of that moment has the merits of cinematic storytelling. The use of subjectives to emulate the concept of first-person shooting is very shocking in that beginning. The producer, Steven Spielberg, was actively involved in the entire project and it is possible that its effectiveness is partly due to him. The story, on the other hand, is not intended to be a sequel or prequel to any of the games, but rather to create its own line.

Halo fans, of course, put the scream in the sky for several reasons. Sometimes it is better not to know the material on which a series is based so that you can enjoy what is in front of you without so much nerves. Cortana's redesign produced anger. The humanization of the character (which is still played by J in Taylor, it should be clarified) did not convince by moving away from the idea of the hologram of the original. But those who did not know her will not notice anything and the concept remains the same. But what made everyone crazy was the face of the protagonist. In the Master Chief games you don't take off your helmet and there is a whole point there. But here he does it and we see the actor's face all the time. But those who follow the expanded Halo universe didn't care so much. It's a matter of getting used to it.

Are there reasons for these two changes mentioned? The answer is yes. Fans will always be there, but reaching a new audience requires something more. Master's face allows a different identification with the character, as well as the exploration of his humanity, a key theme in the series. In that debate it is not difficult to think of The Mandalorian, where Nando (Pedro Pascal) also took off his helmet, something that should not be done according to history. But there were significant moments that, because they were such, generated excitement and surprise. Here it is different and is not treated as an important issue. Cortana, on the other hand, points to the same concept, although if viewers saw the original, they would not easily approve of the change.

Having made these caveats that are usually fan discussion, what the series offers is an interesting combination of elements, quotes from other films of the genre and a affiliation to certain things in the Star Wars universe without this detracting or seeming like a deviation. The costumes of the main characters are spectacular and indisputable. In that regard there is nothing to claim and much to celebrate. I hope the energy doesn't run out and there's history for a while. For now he does not seek to save anything at first, which is always appreciated. The series starts with enough power to leave no one indifferent. That is why the claim that Steven Spielberg closely followed the production of Halo is confirmed so far if we are guided by the result.

The first season of Halo can be seen through Paramount+.

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