Halo (2022)

Dyer finds the series an uneven but worthwhile adaptation, with a grim, involving take on the Halo universe. He praises Pablo Schreiber’s performance for giving the Master Chief humanity and intensity, while noting that slow pacing and detours often drag.

Travers finds the series a predictable but promising mix of familiar sci-fi and fantasy formulas. He praises Pablo Schreiber’s voice work and the production’s visual scale, while criticizing the action as toy-like.

Hughes finds the adaptation tepid and cheap, with writing that rarely improves on its first draft. He praises Pablo Schreiber and Yerin Ha’s chemistry and the show’s sci-fi weirdness.

Framke finds the series an ambitious but overly familiar adaptation that has not yet developed a distinct point of view. She praises Yerin Ha’s compelling performance as Kwan, while noting that the aliens are among the show’s least convincing effects.

Hadadi finds the first two episodes weighed down by exposition and lacking a distinctive identity, though she sees potential in the series. She praises Yerin Ha’s expressive performance and the developing dynamic between Quan and Master Chief.

The review says the second season misses the mark and loses what made the first season special. It singles out the run’s disjointedness as its main complaint.

The critic finds the series sterile, slow and confusing for viewers unfamiliar with the games. The show’s brief turn toward questions of humanity offers promise, but the battle scenes and world-building disappoint.

Fienberg finds the series generic, forgettable and less entertaining than its obvious genre comparisons. He singles out Bokeem Woodbine’s appealing performance as the main bright spot.

The critic finds the series ambitious and entertaining, while remaining wary of its changes to the games and whether its story will land. They praise the cast and design, especially the lived-in contrast between its worlds and the faithful touches to the games.

Hutchinson finds the series a solid but scattered adaptation that succeeds despite slow, exposition-heavy stretches. He singles out the relationship between Quan and John as its saving grace.

Crouse finds the episode wobbly but says it begins to find its feet by balancing lore and human interest. She especially praises the explicit, complicated family relationships and Halsey’s chilling dynamic with Chief.

The critic finds the series uneven but sees promise in its serious science-fiction approach. They praise Pablo Schreiber’s appealing performance, while criticizing the unconvincing CGI and jargon-heavy script.

Mathai finds the opening episodes uneven, with promising ideas undermined by a muddled identity and weak action. He praises the series’ willingness to explore Master Chief’s humanity and challenge the UNSC’s authority.

Lindbergh finds the series an undistinguished, nondisastrous start that is not yet compelling enough to recommend over other sci-fi shows. He praises the cast’s presence and chemistry, along with the convincing look and sound of the Spartans and their combat.

Worthington finds the series derivative and arriving years past its sell-by date. He faults its choice to graft Halo’s lore and aesthetic onto familiar streaming sci-fi and fantasy conventions.