“Halo: Nightfall” (2014) is a live-action digital series set in the expansive universe of the Halo franchise. Directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan and produced by Ridley Scott, the series serves as a bridge between Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, delving into the origins of Halo: Guardians protagonist Jameson Locke, played by Mike Colter.

The story takes place between the events of Halo 4 and Halo 5 and follows Locke, a skilled ONI (Office of Naval Intelligence) agent, and his team of operatives as they investigate terrorist activity on the human colony world of Sedra. The colony is targeted by a devastating biological attack, and the source is traced back to a fragment of the destroyed Halo ringworld. In a desperate mission, Locke and his team venture to the broken Halo fragment, a piece of ancient Forerunner technology that harbors deadly secrets.

The team soon finds themselves caught in a struggle for survival as they face the inhospitable environment of the Halo fragment, strange alien life forms, and, most notably, a substance found on the ring that is lethal only to humans. Time is running out as the mission becomes more about survival than merely uncovering the enemy’s plans. Internal conflicts begin to arise among the group, with loyalty, morality, and sacrifice tested in the face of overwhelming danger.

Locke’s journey in Halo: Nightfall is a crucial part of his character development as he transitions from an elite soldier to a future Spartan. The series explores themes of trust, the weight of command, and the personal toll of war in a world where humanity is constantly battling alien forces like the Covenant.

Though not a feature-length film, Halo: Nightfall enriches the lore of the Halo universe and sets the stage for Locke’s role in Halo 5: Guardians. Mimica-Gezzan’s direction emphasizes tension, survival, and the grim realities of a future shaped by war and ancient alien threats, blending the action-packed sci-fi spectacle with the personal struggles of its characters.