: I think the personal Halsey hate in the Kilo-Five trilogy* is largely
: Traviss's doing (she's never been known to be subtle or humble with
: regards to other people's franchises). 343i approved because it was an
: important direction, and because you sometimes just have to let authors
: write, but I don't think Kilo-Five is going to be the official line on
: Halsey - just one end of a polarized distribution.

Traviss surely doesn't have much in the way of subtlety. Others, and even myself, would have enjoyed the cast's opinions of her if it had been written more tactfully in places. Serina and Staffan were examples of how to do it right because she wrote them with a reason to hate her. While Vaz and Mendez certainly have the right to be outraged, how they voiced themselves didn't lend themselves well to their characters.

I disagree that Kilo-Five won't be the official line, but one of many. In the Haloverse and with its fans, there are those who see her actions as justified and/or holding her with admiration, those who would see her punished to the full extent of the law, etc. 343i shouldn't rely on Traviss's impressions alone, just as they weren't satisfied with Nylund's more sympathetic, albeit slightly neutral stance.

: The most recent "third-party" look at Halsey was in Spartan Ops,
: and I think it nailed the nuances of her character. On the one hand, she's
: clearly disdainful of others and plays loose with the rules accordingly.

I think we saw the best portrayal of Halsey yet in Spartan Ops. Cunning, crafty, and always mysterious.

: I'm actually much more interested in Halsey's story than John's right now.

Concerning the past, definitely Halsey, but I'm so excited to see where John ends up without his girl. Long desert walks are good for the soul.