Paramount's Halo TV adaptation debuted last week, and for the most part, the reaction to the show's first episode appears to be pretty positive. Adapting any video game for another medium is a challenging and daunting task. However, doing so with a series that has been around for 20 years with a dedicated fanbase that is busy enjoying the first installment in that lineage for six years, that's next level, and it's so far so good for the team behind it.
There was one thing from Halo's first episode not everyone is all that pleased with, and it's pretty big. Master Chief removes his helmet, revealing the Spartan's face which in this instance is actor Pablo Schreiber. That's presumably not what Master Chief looks like in the games. In fact, no one knows what Master Chief looks like in the games. That's the reason the helmet removal right off the bat in the TV adaptation is such a controversial move.
𒁏The creators of the Halo games have heard the helmet discussion and addressed it in , and what they have to say actually makes a lot of sense. The post acknowledges that it was a decision those creating the show had to grapple with for some time. It has been labeled a mission statement by the creators and not simply a twist in the show to kick things off with a bang and get people talking right away.
The point 343 attempts to hammer home is the reason Master Chiefs' face has never been revealed in the games is because it wants the player to assume the role of the Spartan, at least in part. “The games themselves have predominantly been a space for player projection, where you step into the boots oꦉf humanity’s greatest hero while playing as him and see through his eyes,” the post reads. “Television, of course, is a totally different medium... the participatory, interactive aspect that defines gaming is not there, which brings its own challenges and opportunities for telling a great Halo story.”
The creators of the Halo show have been very clear in explaining that it won't follow the same timeline as the games and will instead tell its own story. It will include a lot of elements those who have played the games will be familiar with, though. It has be🌼en described as “canon adja💮cent” whꦅich w💙ill likely make more and more sense as the first season progresses.
