'Halo' Episode 8 Review: Betrayal and blitzkrieg action sets series up for an explosive finale
Contains spoilers for 'Halo' Episode 8 'Allegiance'
It's a good thing 'Halo' has been renewed for a Season 2 because for all the mishits it delivered, it makes up for it with Episode 8. Titled 'Allegiance', the chapter has some controversy, some slambang action, and most importantly makes the case for the need for another installment. Picking up right where it left off (the previous episode was all Kwan-Ha by the way), Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) and Makee (Charlie Murphy) are exploring more than just the exhilaration that stemmed from the fact that they were connected.
However, it all comes down to Makee being brainwashed by Halsey (Natascha McElhone) that humans are indeed humanity's biggest threat — a key reason why Makee is asked to ascend to godhood. Clearly, the controversial Master Chief having sex with Makee will be the other debate raging on between Halo ardents. The episode is all about picking a side. Cortana is now pro-John 117, the Spartans are torn choosing between Halsey and their leader, while Makee's made her decision, especially after the head honchos and the powers that be deduce her to be the criminal mastermind.
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With Halsey playing master manipulator, the penultimate episode sets up a humdinger finale. The plan is to have John and Makee analyze and learn more from the artifact, while Halsey activates Protocol Zed bringing in all the Spartans under her control — one that reveals Kai's (Kate Kennedy) true activity. Riz and Vannak take her out, however, she does manage to save John, who sans his suit takes quite the walloping. At the other end, Makee chooses to listen to Halsey and seizes the artifact. It's a crisp goodbye to John.
What makes this episode of 'Halo' an absolute blockbuster is the sheer action that overpowers the mesmerizing sex sequence. It's Spartan vs Spartan in a biff-bam-pow battle that showcases the pure power of these genetically-enhanced beings. The larger picture has just been established, and with one episode left in the season, only time will tell if it can finish strong.
'Halo' Episode 7 is currently streaming on Paramount+.