Halo (Part 3: Episodes 11 to 15)

Third one’s the charm? Cameo has finally found her soulmate. Shook, ex-Ricochet member and covert FBI agent, vows to retire and settle down with the love of his life. That is, once he finishes his final assignment of apprehending Malika, the murderer and seductress masquerading as Cameo’s mother. Malika won’t be easily caught. She can make any man succumb to her wiles in her slinky white Native American gown, and if they don’t, there’s always her black magic. Luckily for Cameo and Shook, praying to Jesus will defeat any “Indian voodoo” Malika conjures against the “half-breeds”. Will the new couple prevail against the vengeful troublemaker, or will Cameo and Shook prove to be as inconstant as the wind when karma walks through the door?

Allegiances and betrayals transpire with astounding, and confounding, frequency in this narrative-driven paramilitary suspense filled with sexy men, fast cars, and lying family members. The negative portrayal of Native American mysticism in this pro-Christian fantasy may be offensive to some readers. Although the main characters are primarily in their forties and fifties, they behave as if they are hormonal teenagers, motivated by pettiness, sex, or revenge at every turn. Sexist and culturally bigoted inferences are delivered without hint of irony or insight. Some plot twists, such as secret adoptions resulting in an eight-year age difference and other paranormal elements, simply don’t make sense. The writing is basic and could benefit from further editing and proofreading. An episodic format serves to lengthen a product that is already long on story but thin on emotional depth or substance. Self-aware fans seeking a trashy soap opera may find this interesting.

Joan Lai