I shouldn't reply to this. Every fiber of me being is telling me not to reply to this. But I can't NOT reply to this.

You're saying a Halo tv show would be America's answer to the longest running most successful tv show in history? A show which just celebrated 50 years? You're seriously saying Halo has the staying power, nevermind the capacity, to be in the same league as Doctor Who?

Nonsense. As much as I like Halo, nay, love Halo (despite my feelings 343 has dropped the ball), this is nonsense.

For the record, at this point I think Doctor Who HAS become America's answer to Doctor Who, and you're better off comparing a Halo tv series to Battlestar Galactica, one of the Star Trek series, or, if you really HAVE to compare it to Doctor Who in some fashion, Torchwood (Torchwood could get pretty sketchy, but I feel even this is a stretch). Star Wars? Uh, no. Not unless the entire show revolves around the Chief doing epic things (which I think everyone will agree, it will not).

At best, this show is going to be EU add on content with side characters who in the grand scheme of things aren't terribly relevant or important (hence Torchwood).

Don't compare Halo to Who. That's stupid.

Also: You asked us to not expect film quality CGI. Dude, CGI has gotten pretty good on TV. I'd highlight Continuum as a shining example. Here's the VFX reel for Season 2.