Halo season 2 is expanding the series' universe and pulling more from the existing lore. The show earned some ire for deviating from the canon, but its take on the material varies. They often borrow the broad concept of obscure characters and change details. Season 2 provides an excellent example in its new antagonist, James Ackerson. Ackerson stepped out of the books, but his on-screen appearance is notably different.