The live-action webseries, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, continues this week with episode 2!
Last week’s first episode wasn’t exactly eventful, but it was by no means bad – in fact, it was quite good. I really appreciate that the Helbing brother are actually doing some character development before jumping into the action, because as we all know, if we care about these characters before the mayhem begins, it will hold more of an impact.
Episode 2 continues to follow young cadet, Thomas Lasky, as he goes through his training at the academy. Again, not a whole lot of action over the course of this episode, but a lot of great character development. We find out that Lasky has some emotional angst due to the death of his brother and the expectations set forth upon him from his commanding officers because of his mother’s legacy. One small comment about his family in the Mess Hall sets Lasky off, attacking another cadet. Lasky isn’t left alone to deal with his issues though as another cadet, Chyler Silva, offers him companionship and support. To add to Lasky’s obstacles, he seems to be having a poor physical reaction to the cryo-sleep process, causing visible marks on his body along with some weakness. Episode 2 leaves us with a bit of a cliff hanger during a game of capture the flag in which Lasky has volunteered to lead his squad, which we will have to wait a week to find out more on.
I couldn’t be more pleased with the production value I’ve witnesses over the first two episodes of Forward Unto Dawn. Director Stewart Hendler has a solid grasp on how a Halo live-action film should look and feel, the actors are extremely talented young men and women, and the sound, lighting and all other ambient aspects are exactly what I’d expect from a live-action entry into this franchise. I may be hung for this comment, but so far this series reminds me a lot of one of my other favorite sci-fi series, Battlestar Galactica, which I intend as a very high complement. There is a lot of dramatic elements impacting our characters right now and the brooding sense that all hell is about to break loose is palpable. I am absolutely hooked.
As the good Senador noted in his review of the first episode, and I mentioned here, action-wise there isn’t a lot going on but there is a great story being set up, so don’t be deterred. I can’t express how much I am looking forward to these young cadets being thrown into some action, and knowing that Master Chief is going to enter the fray at some point has got me salivating for the next episode already. I know a lot of us Halo fans have been hoping for a live-action movie for years now, but honestly, this web series is filling that void, and then some thus far.
If you haven’t jumped in to Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, I highly recommend you do so. If you are a fan of the Halo series – or hell, just a fan of good sci-fi – I highly recommend getting on board now, because I think we are being set up for a great ride over the coming weeks.
You can check out Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Episode 2 over at “>Machinima’s YouTube channel!
Be sure to check out our review of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Episode 1, along with our interviews with Master Chief himself, Daniel Cudmore and the Frank O’Connor of 343 Industries!