And just like that, the second episode of Halo on Paramount+ is here, digging even deeper into the creation of Spartan soldiers and what happens if you don't actually become activated into service. In this episode, we meet an uneasy ally of Master Chief's (Pablo Schriber), witness some of the political machinations of Dr. Halsey (Natasha McElhone) and the UNSC, and find ourselves wondering just how much danger the universe is in.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for the second episode of Halo on Paramount+. If you haven't watched it yet and don't want to be spoiled, click away now.
Much like the first episode, there were plenty of Easter eggs and references to various corners of Halo lore in the latest episode, including some fairly deep-cut nods that even the most learned Halo fan might have missed.
Take a look at our seven favorite Easter eggs from the episode below, then sound off with your favorites in the comments. And if you missed them, make sure to catch up on our Episode 1 breakdown, as well.
1. Enter Soren
At just over three minutes, we get our first glimpse at Soren. At one time, he was in the Spartan program with John, where a bond was forged between them. However, as we learn, he abandons the program and instead becomes the leader of a group of people that live outside of UNSC rule of law.
While the character, played in the series by Bokeem Woodbine, never appeared in the games, he does come from Halo's extensive lore. Introduced in the short story "Pariah," which is from the Halo: Evolutions. His arc in that story differs quite a bit from the show, though. In the book, Soren becomes disfigured during the augmentation portion of the Spartan program and is deemed unable to be rendered as an active Spartan. He eventually defects from the UNSC.
2. UNSC Shortsword
At around 6 minutes, we get a Halo Wars nod. An aircraft that looks a lot like the UNSC Shortsword, a strategic bomber vehicle, is seen. In the lore, the Shortsword is made by Misriah Armory, which was referenced in the first episode.
3. Lord Hood
In the Halo franchise, Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood is the highest-ranking member of the UNSC, making him the leader of humanity in the battle against the covenant. It's unclear how far along in his career Hood is here, but he's obviously got quite a bit of power.
4. Papa Soren
When Chief found out Soren had a child, there was plenty of confusion. Ultimately, some of the Spartan program methods don't stick, it seems. One aspect of the program that isn't quite touched on as much generally is that Spartans are sterilized to keep them from reproducing. Clearly, Soren found a way around that.
5. The Great Journey
The Great Journey is mentioned by the Covenant in this episode and it, too, has deep ties to Halo lore. For the Covenant, the Great Journey is a religious belief that by activating the Halos they will essentially transcend to their version of heaven.
6. UNSC Stalwart Dawn
We get a mention of the frigate UNSC Stalwart Dawn and, surprise, it's also pulled directly from Halo's lore. The ship was originally mentioned in Halo: Reach and is, admittedly, a pretty deep-cut reference.
7. Halo as a weapon
Toward the end of the episode, a prisoner mentions that Halo is actually a weapon. While this is true, it's something that--in the games--isn't discovered until far later, thanks to Cortana (who we still haven't met).
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