So here we are. Near the end of the episode and the final review of it. The Covenant have struck and the cadets are scrambling. Not just for cover, but to figure out what the hell is going on.

Silva and Lasky peer out to something.

A UNSC soldier is fighting something that is shooting purple bolts. And what is that between them?

It’s an alien and it’s BIG!

It cuts down the statue of Corbulo in one fell swoop. But with what? A sword made of light?

I have to admit this scene was deliciously exciting. Seeing an early perutation of an Elite in purple lighting. Then is easily slicing through a dense statue with ease. It’s stance says it’s ready for more and that it’s only just begun.

This final shot really hits home the 9/11 feeling. Bodies falling from the sky. We can only grieve for Dima now.

This episode is chock full of engaging images such as this. The first minute with Cortana is powerful, the shots of the Spartan hand and helmet are as well. Then there is the last couple of minutes of the invasion scenes.

At first I was mildly disappointed that we still haven’t seen Master Chief yet. However, when taking this episode into full context and the action scenes at the end, there can be no doubt he will be in the next one. I for one am ready to see him kick some ASS!

Kudos to Stewart Hendler and the cast for an awesome performance in this episode. The quality of this production far exceeds anything I’ve seen from a web production. Were this made into a TV mini-series, I think we’d see a LOT more buzz about it and Halo 4.

I’m excited! Are you? Stay tuned for next week’s episode and the introduction of John-117, aka the Master Chief!

-Sal