'Halo' Episode 9 Review: Pablo Schreiber shines in gripping finale that promises riveting second season
Contains spoilers for 'Halo' Episode 9 'Transcendence'
First things first, 'Halo' doesn't disappoint. For a series that went through production hell and back, the Paramount+ series that adapted one of the more iconic and popular games into a TV show finally announces itself. 'Transcendence' is high-octane action, equally emotional, and is an absolute breeze. Pablo Schreiber's Master Chief/John-117 holds the story while also proving why he was the perfect choice to play the character. For a personality who has constantly wrestled with his decisions about his identity and purpose, Schreiber stuns in the final sequence — admirable enough to quash all doubts about the kind of show 'Halo' was and the grief it received in abundance early on.
It's all Master Chief in an episode that leaves quite a few questions unanswered but also ties up most things. For starters, the fate of Makee (Charlie Murphy) is unknown after Kai- 125 (Kate Kennedy) fatally shoots her in order to snap John back to reality. The Silver team gets pummelled at the hands of the zealots and with Makee presumably dead, John surrenders control to Cortana, transforming into the killing machine he was meant to be. In most ways, it was a sacrifice that saved his team. Or to put it more precisely, it was a choice, and while it can be debated upon, it felt right at the moment.
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The finale picks up in the aftermath of Makee escaping with the artifact and Dr Halsey (Natascha McElhone) planning to exit the Reach but gets apprehended. However, she still has the last laugh when Miranda Keyes realizes that her mother used a flash clone to throw the UNSC off guard. Despite the end of the season, it's hard to categorize Halsey. Perhaps, it's the grey area between a visionary and a villain where she operates. In the end, she's exactly where she wants to be. Her Spartans were just an extension of her, even though they flickered only briefly. There's also no way to tell what's happened to Kwan-Ha and Soren after their arcs rounded off on a solid note.
'Transcendence' is just the start. 'Halo' spent eight episodes world-building, and it feels complete with the way the season ended. There's no cliffhanger, but that's not to say it has answered every question. It also leaves plenty to think about apart from Makee's fate and whether John can ever be himself after giving himself up to the AI in order to save his men and win the war. Looking past the show and the reception, Schreiber's portrayal makes him one of the more bonafide action stars. He's a cinch to play a superhero, as he embraces John with consummate ease.
'Halo's finale is entertaining and most importantly, promising. With the season already renewed for a second installment and production on floors, there's a lot to look forward to, and only time will tell if the series lives up to the expectations it set after a rousing finish.
'Halo' is available for streaming on Paramount+.