Halo is not a series that is well-known for its quotes. That’s because the main character is essentially mute. Master Chief is a man of very few words which is fine. What he lacks in funny dialogue or breathtaking speeches he more than makes up for with his physical actions.
Master Chief talks a lot more in the TV series which makes sense. TV is a completely different art form and viewers expect a bit more from their protagonists. Between Master Chief, his companions, and his enemies, these are some of the Halo show’s best quotes from season one. There will be spoilers.
8 “There’s Another Difference Between Spartans And Marines, Marines Can Be Killed.”
This was one of the first memorable quotes in the first episode of Halo. This was said by a man known only as the Professor in Kwan Ha’s rebellion camp. The Professor is trying to strike fear into a new recruit while they play a game of cards. The Spartan units are legendary which is true for the TV show and video games. They are like nuclear bombs in the form of man. These words only scratch the surface of what Spartans are capable of and this little encampment will soon find out just how strong they really are.
7 “What’s The Point In Saving Humanity If We’re Gonna Give Up Our Own?”
This was said by Miranda Keyes to her father in episode one. They are having an argument over the life of Kwan Ha. UNSC command has issued an order to terminate Kwan Ha. Miranda is against this since she is an innocent civilian besides her age being so young. Her father wants to imbue the idea that he doesn’t like it either but war is war and orders are orders. Miranda has a good point though. If humanity turns on one another during their war with the aliens, i.e. the Covenant, then aren’t they just as bad as them?
6 “Nuts, Bolts, Microchips”
This was a joke Master Chief was trying to tell Kwan Ha while they are aboard their ship, heading back to UNSC command in episode one. Master Chief is not eating so Kwan Ha asked what he does like to eat. The joke is that he is a robot who likes eating electronics and metal.
His dry delivery makes the joke work even though Kwan Ha isn’t amused by this. Master Chief, or any of the other Spartans, aren’t shown eating much of anything in the Halo show. Maybe this wasn’t a joke after all and Spartan stomachs are so strong that they need technology to survive.
5 “Either Way I’m A Free Man.”
This dark quote was said by Soren to Master Chief in the second episode. It’s during the flashback when Soren is trying to escape training camp. At this time Master Chief is still just known as John. He doesn’t want to see his friend go and he also has a duty to keep watch. He’s torn by this conflict in his head but ultimately he lets Soren go in the end. The idea of Soren’s words is that if he escapes the camp, he is free. If John shoots him then he is also free. Either way, he doesn’t want to go through training anymore especially since he already lost an arm in the process.
4 “As A Courtesy To John, I’m Not Gonna Crush Your Skull.”
This was another great quote said by Soren. This was in episode three when Kwan Ha was pestering Soren to take her back to Madrigal. She thinks she can spark the rebellion to rise up again but all Soren wants to do is keep her safe for Master Chief. He’s doing it as a favor to him since he let him go when they were still young. Eventually, Soren has enough of Kwan Ha’s attitude when she calls him an asshole. That’s when he lays down the line and truly tells Kwan Ha how he really feels. Also, chicken is for dinner. Do they still exist in this period?
3 “She Doesn’t Tolerate Glitches.”
Miranda is talking to Kai toward the end of episode four of Halo about her mom, Dr. Halsey. Miranda explains that her mom doesn’t think highly of humans and is only out for her own interests. She is also trying to warn Kai that her tiny act of rebellion, via putting red gun grease in her hair, might make her mom do something rash.
She doesn’t tolerate glitches of any kind no matter how small they are. This quote also ends with the camera zooming in on Master Chief as if this cautionary tale wasn’t more about him than Kai in the first place. Either way, this is only one example of how Dr. Halsey is a little unhinged when it comes to the Spartans.
2 “You Guys Got Anything Heavy?”
One of the best scenes of the show happens toward the end. This quote was said by Kai in episode eight after she lifts up a heavy turbine of some sort. A bunch of marines is standing around cheering and making bets. After she says this quote, the scene cuts to her lifting a Warthog with people onboard. The impressive thing about both of these feats of strength is that Kai is out of her Spartan armor. This is her raw power without the enhancement of her suit. It’s one example of how truly terrifying the power of one Spartan is.
1 “Afternoon!”
This was another attempt at some dry humor via Master Chief. This happens in episode nine of Halo when Master Chief a d the other Spartans infiltrate the Covenant ceremony. Master Chief says, “Afternoon” as he lands on a Grunt which causes it to explode. The Grunts get a lot of flack in the show and in video games. They are cannon fodder that sound funny when they fight or flee for their lives. It’s a bit tragic but they are the bad guys. Still, being landed on by a Spartan from space is a rough way to go. It’s hard not to sympathize on some level.