Those are good points DigMod about the intro and keeping that part out. I don’t think his intro is needed for this “new” trust narrative when changing the “death orders” till the very end concept.

Also with your rational on more of his character’s merits, makes me think about removing his “intro.”

As for Hal, that’s a shame but ok. Not a major issue. The new direction, if you go with it, doesn’t really affect things too much. Random, yes, but hey, it could be considered a hint of sorts for the audience … maybe?