Halo “Aleria” Review

Season 2 Episode 5 – In the aftermath of defeat, the survivors struggle to pick up the pieces. On the desolate planet of Aleria, John grapples with an unprecedented loss. Soren and Laera search for their missing son. Makee treads carefully as the Arbiter grows impatient.

Please note, our reviews are based on likes and dislikes. These contain significant spoilers. If you haven’t already watched the episode, we recommend that you click off the article and come back once you have watched the episode. Enjoy!

What I Liked

1. Soren: “Is that all you got?!” You just knew and I couldn’t help but laugh. I love how this episode continues the fantastic action sequences from the previous episode.

2. It wouldn’t be Halo without an epic heroic moment and that’s exactly what we got here. After Laera and Kwan show up to save the team, she decides to go back and get Vannak’s body. She does get shot in the back just as she makes it back to the ship but for me, this was an unexpected scene. You half expected her to get killed or captured there and she didn’t. A great opening to the episode.

3. I am glad to see Halsey back properly. John is seriously wounded and struggles to comprehend that he’s been in a coma for 2 days. Halsey does her best to calm him down, but I’ve missed how knowledgeable she is about the Spartans. It’s strange that I weirdly found myself rooting for her again.

4. Cortana gives nothing up to Makee and I’m glad. Cortana is super intelligent and I was worried that they may make her useful to the Covenant. I do really want to see Cortana back with the Master Chief soon though, just like it is in the games.

5. Vannak’s funeral is emotional. Both Halsey and John give touching speeches in order to honor their fallen Spartans. It’s a shame he was killed off in the series, I wanted to see more of him.

What I Disliked

I get Laera’s frustrations and guilt with her son missing but she’s been a nightmare this episode. The way she blasted Soren for handling the situation differently and then not giving him the chance to get their son back wasn’t great. I did like the way she ended the episode but overall

Favorite Moment

I don’t blame Riz for staying behind. She’s been battered multiple times due to this fight, I’d do the exact same thing if I were in her position. I know this is an odd thing for me in regards to the favorite moment but it just makes sense. I could never relate to anyone, whether series or real life going to war but if I can think of how I’d be after surviving all of this, I’d like to think I’d do the same. The scene for me just felt authentic despite how they are as Spartans.

Standout Character

This one is a tough one to give this week because there are a few. Riz, Soren, and Halsey all stood out to me more than anything in this episode. If I am purely to give this to someone then Soren, just for the opening lines and the ‘laughing in the face of darkness’ type humor.

Verdict

Honestly, usually after an explosive episode like the Reach episode you usually expect something poor but I liked this. I thought the toned-down episode showing the aftermath of what happened on Reach added more impact to the overall story. It was needed. Now we get to see Master Chief go full beast mode in getting the suit and continuing the mission.

Rating 8.8/10

Next Episode’s Trailer

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