Does the New Halo Series Follow the Books?

The age-old question is whether the new Halo series sticks to the original books. Given the nature of adapting from page to screen, the answer is often not a straightforward yes or no, but rather a nuanced examination of the differences and similarities. Let's delve into the key points of comparison between the show and the books, focusing on specific changes and character developments that set it apart.

Tracing the Artifacts: From Books to TV

The Halo series, whether in the form of TV or books, revolves around several significant artifacts. One such artifact, the Forerunner artifact that reveals the location of Halo Alpha or Installation 04, offers a compelling example of how the narrative shifts when adapted to a new medium.

In the books, Master Chief and Blue Team discovered the artifact on a planet called Cote d'Azur during an operation to rescue civilians and to take out a large force of invading Covenant. After taking several scans and recordings, Cortana later uses this data to lead the Pillar of Autumn to the Halo during the Fall of Reach.

In the Halo TV show, the journey is slightly altered. Master Chief and Silver Team discover the first part of the artifact on Madrigal during a Covenant attack. Upon touching it, Chief activates it and it awakens memories of his childhood, leading him to the second piece on Eridanus II. When the pieces are combined and Makee touches the artifact, it begins to reveal the location of the Halos.

Character Developments and Lore Changes

The adaptation of characters and plot points is another significant area of focus. Three specific changes stand out that deviate from the established lore, yet align with the overall narrative and character development.

1. Miranda Keyes: Scientist or Naval Officer?

Original Lore: In the games and books, Miranda is a Commander in the UNSC, in command of the Forward Unto Dawn. Her role is primarily a naval officer who seeks to distance herself from her mother, Dr. Catherine Halsey, due to her pursuit of scientific work over motherly duties.

Show Adaptation: The show presents Miranda as a scientist instead of a naval officer, showcasing her brilliance and her rivalry with her mother, Dr. Halsey. This change adds depth to the mother-daughter dynamic, portraying it through actions rather than narrative exposition.

2. Captain Jacob Keyes and Sergeant-Major Avery J. Johnson: Combined into One

The merging of Captain Jacob Keyes and Sergeant-Major Avery J. Johnson into a single character is another notable change. Keyes' appearance in the show aligns closely with that of Johnson from the games and books.

This merge simplifies the character count and focuses the narrative by decreasing the number of stock characters. Johnson, while a beloved character, sometimes felt too over-the-top for the tone and feel of the show. The possibility of Johnson appearing later may still exist, even if he hasn't been seen yet in the show.

3. Makee: A Force of Humanity and Specialness

The introduction of Makee, a figure with a unique backstory, is another significant change. Originally, the Covenant first encountered humans due to their on-ship luminary artifact, which classified humans on Harvest as Forerunner artifacts. This led to a complex situation where humans had to prove their humanity and specialness to the Forerunners.

In the Halo TV show, Makee serves as a powerful symbol of humanity, straddling the line between the present day and the Librarians' efforts from 100,000 years ago. This character adds layers to explaining the overarching narrative without the need for extensive exposition.

Conclusion

The Halo TV show takes elements from the books and presents them with a fresh perspective, highlighting the strengths of both mediums. While it's understandable that certain details may be altered for the sake of storytelling, it ultimately contributes to a richer, more multifaceted exploration of the Halo universe.

Ultimately, the changes and additions, such as those involving Miranda, Keyes, and Makee, add depth to the characters and the narrative. Fans of the books can appreciate the show for its effort to integrate complex lore and deepen the understanding of the Halo universe.

So, give it a chance. You'll find that the 9 hours of the series, despite some differences, can offer a new and engrossing experience, filled with intriguing revelations and unexpected twists that adhere to the spirit of the original lore.