: Actually Tricia Helfer was on Battlestar Galactica not Firefly. Dare was put
: into the game for the express reason to push her condescending attitude
: towards the male ODST's around her, especially Buck. We see this type of
: female in nearly every TV show and movie, especially if there are a male
: and female characters working closely together in lead roles.

Condescending? Naaahhh. She had a job to do and was irked by Buck's attitude towards her (and ONI's) authority as a Captain. For no reason did she need to illiterate the concerns of a Gunnery Sergeant. In the end, her drive t accomplish the mission gained them access to a nuclear weapon.

: Yeah, I thought it was Battlestar for her - that's why I said I wasn't sure.
: I don't know if Dare is an analogue to the Battlestar character

Depends. She plays millions of characters on Battlestar Galactica. No seriously. Only Tatiana Maslany and Lindsay Lohan can best her abilities.

Anyhoo, Dare and her two main characters on BSG, Caprica and Angel Six, are nothing alike. Dare is incredibly assertive and will get what she needs to accomplish her mission. Caprica is fueled by her emotions to protect Gaius Baltar. Angel Six exists solely to guide Gaius through seduction and her hypnotic influence and highlights misgivings towards anyone who tries to do the same in a less sinister manner.

: Tudyk is the snarky pilot, Baldwin is the
: grumpy heavy weapons guy, and Fillion is the silly but intense leader. Fan
: service: everyone loves Firefly, and watching Firefly happen during Halo
: is pretty awesome . . . but I feel like Bungie can't take credit for it.

The dynamic between these actors is surely not their's to claim. But we shouldn't gloss over the fact that this was one awesome dip into properly good fan service. Using Jennifer Hale to voice another Commander, one that isn't you, one that is a constant Renegade opting for the stupidest eventualities is not.