When I first got the email for early access to Halo, I decided to download the game to get a feel for how the show should be. Lucky I didn’t, I think this would have done the show major disfavor. For a long time movies based on the game were unfairly judged. The problem stems from making a direct comparison to the game. The bottom line is that it should not be the same. A game tries to reach a certain demographic while the movie or show tries to reach a much wider audience. More in point, the storylines in some games are there to create an atmosphere to support the gameplay. A movie doesn’t have the luxury of bringing a viewer into the world.
Now I am not saying that one should stray too far from the source material but adapting a game to a movie needs to well adapt. Sure there are a few games with rich stories or mythology but there are also games that are more action-based and the stories within are simply creating a world to play in.
Halo the TV actually gets this. I don’t know the gaming halo world as I haven’t fancied that genre. Does that mean I should stay away?
Wifi – Sci-fi
Of course not, in fact, quite the opposite. I was lucky to watch 2 episodes and frankly the show is good. I didn’t have the weight of an entire gaming franchise on my shoulders. And I am sure the die-hard fans will find a million reasons to hate it. However, it’s a good show. The CGI is solid and takes you into this world of aliens (The Covenant) and Spartans.
The show does draw from the successful Mandalorian to a certain point. Well from a McGuffin perspective anyway. In the first two episodes, you are quickly drawn into a futuristic world that’s is in the middle of this war. We are quickly introduced to Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) who takes his place as the protagonist. As the show unfolds we start to question who really is the bad guy. Lots of agendas and just as many plot threads which I assume will slowly be unveiled.
Fresh is Always Better
Like I said I may not know how true the show holds to the game other than it is based in the universe. And that’s not okay, it’s great. We are introduced to the world without any expectations. This is why the wider audience will enjoy this shoe just a little better. But then again what is not to love? A rogue soldier in a futuristic world, who just went against all he was thought and save this “random” civilian. Sounds like a proper sci-fi adventure to me. Sure it may feel a little generic but still better than the mission of the week. The glimmer of hope is Spartan creator Dr. Halsey (Natascha McElhone) who introduces Cortana which I am told is a major part of the game.
Halo has some fantastic battles and beautiful scenery, but with lesser-known actors, it does lack a little which I hope will improve overtime as the actors get more into the comfort zone. The show does have a lot going for it, more so than against it. Unsurprisingly first two episodes build up the world nicely and all that is left is to fill it with rich stories and maybe some flashbacks to how Master Chief came to be. I am in for the season…
