The event HALO fans have been waiting for is here! “The Fall of Reach” is upon us in HALO The Series Season 2 Episode 4. The episode is aptly titled “Reach”, which already tells us all we need to know. Fans of the game series will know how pivotal the Fall of Reach actually is. This is humanity’s last stronghold before Earth. While the Paramount+ series deviates from the original game story, it’s great to see events like this taking place.
Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) throwing it down with an Elite is not how I expected The Fall of Reach to go. Seeing the unarmoured Spartan II go hand to hand with the big aliens certainly is something. This is the action episode we have been waiting for. The Master Chief running down corridors and throwing grenades, left right and center. One of the common critiques of The HALO Series is the lack of the Chief wearing his armour. Honestly, I can see it. These initial scenes would have been much better if the Spartans were in their armour. However, there is an explanation for it.
The Fall of Reach
HALO The Series Season 2 Episode 4 covers The Fall of Reach. The event was evidentially coming up from Season 2 Episode One. This is the action episode we’ve all been waiting for. It started in last week’s episode, but this is the full brunt. The HALO Series, thankfully, gives us a different perspective from HALO: Reach. Don’t get me wrong; I love that game. But I’ve played it hundreds of times, and I practically know the campaign like the back of my hand. However, The HALO Series is a refreshing view of the cataclysmic event on Reach.
Seeing the civilian population dealing with the Covenant attack was brutal. I was particularly sad to see Louis-036 (Marvin Jones III) and his husband, Danilo (Christian Ochoa Lavernia), eliminated early on in the episode. The pair gave us a view of civilian life on planet Reach. Meanwhile, Admiral Jacob Keyes (Danny Sapani) gave us an inspirational speech. While directed at the troops, it’s aimed at everyone, including the audience. I really enjoyed the moment between Keyes and John. The Master Chief is right. The UNSC will need more heroes. Sadly, Keye’s speech does not buy him more time. But his sacrifice is a meaningful one.
HALO: Reach may be the original The Fall of Reach story, but this one is up there for me. While The HALO Series is not perfect, it’s clear that UNSC High Command and the Office of Naval Intelligence threw Planet Reach under the bus. I’m a big fan of how the series does not hold back on pulling punches. Sure, The Master Chief has plot armour, but the Silver Team do not. For example, we see that with Vannak-134 (Bentley Kalu), who is tragically killed within the closing moments of HALO The Series Season 2 Episode 4.
The episode leaves the event on something of a cliffhanger. The planet is still in the process of falling. But is this all we are going to see? Will next week’s episode pick up where we left off? I feel like this cliffhanger is not the best. However, with that said, the final scene of the bird flying above is rather poignant.
Spartan II Background’s
Soren (Bokeem Woodbine) finally gets his overdue time with Doctor Halsey (Natascha McElhone). Though, I’ve got to say it was a little shorter than expected. I was hoping the pair would hash out their differences in a casual sit down. However, we get a more in-depth conversation as the pair try to escape the ONI dungeon. The insinuation that Halsey allowed Soren to escape somewhat was interesting. But then again, it would not be that surprising with her character. Seasons One and Two show that the Spartan II creator is highly manipulative about getting what she wants.
There is actually a great moment between The Master Chief and Marine Perez (Cristina Rodlo). John is talking about his past life. For example, his first-ever meeting with Doctor Halsey was when he was selected for the Spartan II program. Halsey asked him to determine which side an old coin would land on. Here, we see the same event referenced in The HALO Series.
HALO The Series Gets Better
Overall, HALO The Series Season 2 Episode 4 is a fantastic episode. But, with that said, it’s not without its flaws. For example, the inclusion of Charlie Murphy’s Makee character at the last moment. Especially as it’s not fully explained what she is doing or how she is suddenly alive following the Season One finale. However, the episode has done a fantastic job of showcasing The Fall of Reach event. This is a pivotal moment in The HALO game series, and it’s shown brilliantly here.
Keye’s sacrifice was something I did not initially like as it happened. But then again, following the end of the episode, it makes sense. He ultimately died a hero to the end. This is shown in last week’s episode. Rather than evacuate with Colonel Ackerson (Joseph Morgan) and the rest of the command staff, he chose to stay behind and fight. Can we also take a moment to appreciate the detail? Having Keyes feature his pipe is a great reference. Captain Ketes can be seen with his pipe at certain points in the games. I really liked this moment, especially with his final words. What a way to go out.
HALO The Series Season 2 is airing on Paramount+ right now. Episodes for the second season are airing weekly.
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