Holding all the cards
From the start of season three, doubt has slowly crawled into our minds over the future of “Hawaii Five-0.” And the title of this week’s episode, “Kānalua,” which in Hawaiian means, “to doubt,” didn’t really help. Hopefully, there were enough of the “Five-0” trademarks we have come to love throughout the episode to keep our doubts at bay.
At the start of the episode, with the beautiful scattering of Malia Kelly’s ashes, to the explosive armed robbery, and ultra slick car chase throughout downtown Honolulu, I was on board. The farewell to Malia was heartbreakingly lovely, with the paddle out circle, traditional Hawaiian pū kani blown by Kamekona, and Hawaiian prayers delivered by the same Kahu (played by real life Kahu Kordell Kekoa) who married Chin and Malia.
All of “Five-0” team —including Catherine (Michelle Borth) and Charlie (Brian Yang), but without Max (Masi Oka) who is still recovering from his gun shot wound from last season’s finale — sat bedecked in lei atop surfboards, holding hands in a show of ‘ohana and support for Chin.
Much of this episode has Chin dealing with Malia’s death, through his desire to continue working with the team, and telling Danno about the first time they met on the beach in Waikiki, yet I was more interested in that storyline, than the procedural that progressed in this episode. I almost wanted an easy, good-guys-catching-the-bad-guys episode just so we could let Chin mourn a little more.
I liked the moments we caught him staring out into the ocean thinking of his love, and McGarrett and Catherine worrying over him, as well as his talk with Kono trying to ease her doubt that he should be back at work. While he said he was thankful for “Five-0” helping to bring Malia back to him, I wonder if there will be times down the line when he might blame his job for also ending her life. There is a connection, and while I think Chin is too much of a good-guy to bring that up, I wonder if there won’t be time when the demon of Delano will come back to haunt him.
So for me, this one had a lot of good drama, mixed with great action — which “Hawaii Five-0” never seems to have a problem with — yet it seemed to be a mixed bag when it came to the procedural. The August March storyline for me, was completely strange and seemed forced into the script just to get another star into the show. As much as I loved Ed Asner as August March when he appeared last season in “Kālele,” he seemed very strange in this episode. Not his acting or his feigned grandpa act, but the art deal gone wrong to his suicide by speeding bus just seemed so convoluted.
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I think if they were going to use Asner in an episode, they should have just concentrated on his story and not mixed it in with a bigger problem, like the passing of Chin’s wife. And then there was a third subplot, with Catherine trying to find out more information about Momma McG. If they had added in another kitchen sink, my head would have exploded. Thankfully, they left the flying helicopter claws on the back burner.
I also thought it was odd that Carlos Bernard, who played Witsec Agent Chris Channing, was only in a five-minute scene with Catherine — all so she could find out his password. I know that it was important so she could find out information about Doris for McG, but really? Bernard, ironically enough, played Tony Almeida in “24,” and was married to Reiko Aylesworth’s character Michelle Dessler on that show. I thought perhaps they could have used him in a much larger capacity. I’m sure all the “24” mega-fans would have tuned in to see him if he played someone a little more substantial than a former Cindy Crawford-loving DeKalb boy turned US Marshal, who spends his lunch breaks pool hustling.
I also hope Michelle Borth isn’t going to spend her time on “Five-0” running errands for McG and wearing short shorts to garner information. Last week she was in some awesome action scenes and seemed to be doing more than just using her intel contacts to help solve a case. She doesn’t need to be the fifth wheel on the team, but I bet Catherine could have hacked her way into the WitSec computer.
I think it would be a better use of Borth’s talents and time to show her using her brains and her brawn versus her beauty to make connections for the team. Not that Borth isn’t lovely, but let’s give her character a little more credit about how good she is at gathering intel.
Besides all of that, there were many moments in the episode that I did like. I did enjoy the classic “Five-0” moments like the funny McG-Danno marriage comments, August March and Danno’s carguments, quirky Max playing laser tag with a skull, and Kamekona’s quest to sell his shrimp from a flying chopper. The humor that we love from our team was spot on — and no one can complain about the car chases. The opening chase scene with the getaway car hiding behind a bus was white hot and I love seeing that kind of driving, knowing how completely packed those streets really are.
If nothing else, the episode did deliver on action and humor. I just wanted it to be more consistent.
So while August March held the very last card to free him from ending his life in jail, as well as the card that helped “Five-0” find the kidnapped girl, the doubters are still holding all the cards about the fate of the show. I am still on board for great guest stars and action, but I’d really like an episode when we let the team solve a case that doesn’t take me on a strange roller coaster ride. I also don’t want those holding the cards to fold.
Right now, we need to wipe away the doubt and use that ace up our sleeve to win our hand.
Redux Side Note:
According to Kahu Kordell Kekoa, who played the Kahu, or Hawaiian priest in the funeral scene, the paddle-out circle to scatter the ashes of a loved one at sea is not traditionally Hawaiian as much as it is a surfer’s farewell. And as most of the team are avid watermen — we’ve seen Chin and Steve diving and Kono is a former professional surfer, and as we learned later in the episode, Malia surfed as well — it only seemed natural to have Malia’s death be celebrated in this unique fashion.
When I asked Kekoa about his experience in both the wedding and now the funeral episode, he said that it was “very emotional” and while it was filled with sadness, he felt very much like he was a part of the “Five-0” ‘ohana. He told me that before the wedding scene with Chin and Malia, he told Daniel Dae Kim, “before I perform weddings, I usually counsel the couple.” So while they were in hair and make-up, he counseled the groom, before he got married. He said it was a “nice way to get into character for both myself and Daniel.”
Because of this “counseling session” and because he had spent time with both Daniel and Reiko Aylesworth, and in a sense had “married” them, he said it felt right that he would also perform Malia’s funeral. If you thought his blessing might have sounded authentic, it was because it was, as well as something that came from a Kahu’s heart.
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Wendie Burbridge is a published author, playwright and teacher who lives and works in Honolulu. Reach her via Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
49 responses to “Holding all the cards”
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Very good review Wendie! Thanks for another great blog post. I just love the side note too about the beautiful paddle-out ceremony!
Thanks Dana! It was my favorite part of the episode:) Aloha, Wendie
Very good review Wendie! Thanks for another great blog post. I just love the side note too about the beautiful paddle-out ceremony!
the relashionship between McG and Cath are so anemic!!! not a hug not a kiss not even a loving stare. they don’t date, they don’t sleep together nor live together- it makes me wonder- what the hell? a little more emotions showing will do good. up untill now i’m very disappointed.
That is what I insist for me they are not even gf and bf they are just friends with benefits period
I hope they develop more of this soon. Thanks for commenting! Aloha, Wendie
I noticed that too- not sure- maybe it’s the no PDA in the Navy training they got? They did towel off together in the episode? Let’s hope we see the development of their relationship as the season continues. Thanks for commenting:) Aloha, Wendie
Wendie I don’t understand the writers who are going back and forth with Steve and Catherine. Season opener, you could tell they were more than friends and you even have Mom’s first question being do you love my son. This week, we have them together but the feeling is more of friends and co-workers than anything. I would like to think the writers are trying to follow the PDA policy but I get the feeling they don’t quite know what to do with them as a couple. I vote that Alex and Michelle are left to figure it out for them and let them take the lead on how they see their relationship.
I agree! 🙂 Let’s hope we get more sexiness between the two in the next few episodes. It looks good for “Pōpilikia” 😀 Thanks for reading and commenting! Aloha, Wendie
the relashionship between McG and Cath are so anemic!!! not a hug not a kiss not even a loving stare. they don’t date, they don’t sleep together nor live together- it makes me wonder- what the hell? a little more emotions showing will do good. up untill now i’m very disappointed.
Good review Wendie – not that there was any doubT it would be 😉 I agree seeing Carlos in that 5 min was a bit of a let down- yet it is sooo early in season he may be called back to show more of is “marshall duties” especially with McMom on the island!!! ??? Again stating pt of early in season -Catherine was shown tough as nails and army ready in previous episode now we see “pin up” Catherine- we are being shown all her assets so to say ;)))
I adored the moments with Chin and Kono and with Danno. Think they were done brilliantly. Very interesting as you put that possible of Chin feeling how his job separated him from Maila and yet was the reason he was able to reconnect with her..I wonder since Chin was put with Danno in end scene and not McG whether there will be some more parallel discussions of marriage job and ex’s with Danno character and Chin’s??
Ed Asner i Adore!!! and I do see the same thing of how many sub plots can you fit in one show?!! Yeah i like to “pay attention” to a show too but worry if i missed something because there is so much going on – yeah that is a small problem! So when producers and such complain they can only fit in so much in one episode…just maybe they can pull back ONE plot a show and it will allow more time for deeper – action packed or pure entertaining scenes too?! thanks again WendIE! 😉
Good review Wendie – not that there was any doubT it would be 😉 I agree seeing Carlos in that 5 min was a bit of a let down- yet it is sooo early in season he may be called back to show more of is “marshall duties” especially with McMom on the island!!! ??? Again stating pt of early in season -Catherine was shown tough as nails and army ready in previous episode now we see “pin up” Catherine- we are being shown all her assets so to say ;)))
I adored the moments with Chin and Kono and with Danno. Think they were done brilliantly. Very interesting as you put that possible of Chin feeling how his job separated him from Maila and yet was the reason he was able to reconnect with her..I wonder since Chin was put with Danno in end scene and not McG whether there will be some more parallel discussions of marriage job and ex’s with Danno character and Chin’s??
Ed Asner i Adore!!! and I do see the same thing of how many sub plots can you fit in one show?!! Yeah i like to “pay attention” to a show too but worry if i missed something because there is so much going on – yeah that is a small problem! So when producers and such complain they can only fit in so much in one episode…just maybe they can pull back ONE plot a show and it will allow more time for deeper – action packed or pure entertaining scenes too?! thanks again WendIE! 😉
I’m with you Dina- One Plot A Show should be our motto:) Thanks for reading and commenting! You’re great;) Aloha, Wendie
As usual Wendie I can always count on you to provide traditional and cultural insight into the show so your side note about the priest – thank you for that. The opening scene was beautiful to watch and so unbelievably sad and it was even nice knowing that the same priest that married them was the same priest that did the farewell scene. Honestly my viewpoint on the show does differ from yours but you have raised some valid and very interesting viewpoints on some of the scenes and I do agree that not only is Ed Asner a fine actor, they could have written him in a different way. I felt that having someone like him who’s an iconic villain on the show would have more appearances in future episodes as a masterminded criminal that got away with everything like Wofat, besides I thought he’s expertise was lucrative diamond theft, not really art – he seemed more intrigued in walking away with stolen diamonds and willing to kill for it but doing the job himself behind the scenes and for him to leave a finger print on a piece of artwork without gloves just seemed a little too sloppy for a clever criminal who always has an ace up his sleeves.
One thing though I do wish we’d see more of is what Wofat’s really up to. To have him come and go each and every time, just takes away the element of how bad Wofat really is on the show, perhaps we will in future episodes. The mystery around this man just drives me crazy, lol, I want to know more about who he is and what makes him so powerful and dangerous and just how big a threat is he to Five-0.
As usual Wendie I can always count on you to provide traditional and cultural insight into the show so your side note about the priest – thank you for that. The opening scene was beautiful to watch and so unbelievably sad and it was even nice knowing that the same priest that married them was the same priest that did the farewell scene. Honestly my viewpoint on the show does differ from yours but you have raised some valid and very interesting viewpoints on some of the scenes and I do agree that not only is Ed Asner a fine actor, they could have written him in a different way. I felt that having someone like him who’s an iconic villain on the show would have more appearances in future episodes as a masterminded criminal that got away with everything like Wofat, besides I thought he’s expertise was lucrative diamond theft, not really art – he seemed more intrigued in walking away with stolen diamonds and willing to kill for it but doing the job himself behind the scenes and for him to leave a finger print on a piece of artwork without gloves just seemed a little too sloppy for a clever criminal who always has an ace up his sleeves.
One thing though I do wish we’d see more of is what Wofat’s really up to. To have him come and go each and every time, just takes away the element of how bad Wofat really is on the show, perhaps we will in future episodes. The mystery around this man just drives me crazy, lol, I want to know more about who he is and what makes him so powerful and dangerous and just how big a threat is he to Five-0.
Yes- more Wo Fat! I’m with you- would love to see more about what kind of threat he is to the McG and the team. Great comments! Thanks for reading and commenting:) Aloha, Wendie
Another FAB review!!! but could you please get out of my head? LOL I thought exactly the same things about this episode,esp about how Ed Asner was used. I still love the show and all your fave moments were mine as well 🙂 Thats All 😉
Thanks Bri! LOL Sorry I was in your head! Glad I wasn’t out in left field. Thanks for reading and commenting! Aloha, Wendie
That was one great review, Wendie! Believe me , I had no idea!
Now…I was thinking , what if Chin starts believing he is a bad cop..he has lived with that accusation for so long, but knew it was not true. Killing an unarmed man, though, which made all of us shout and applaud..would it seemto him like something only a bad cop does?
I was thinking the same thing! It would make for interesting character development if Chin started to “be” the “bad cop” he thinks he is or has been called. Nice! Thanks for reading! I’m not sure what your had “no idea” about- but i hope that was a positive thing:) Aloha, Wendie
Oh….Just found that one, Wendie Joy, sorry! I was writing faster than thinking that day…I had no idea you had this blog when I met you in Hawaii last September in the tour. That is what I meant…LLOL group, Greek girl….little bracelet? Found its twins but had no idea how to send to you. Greetings from Athens! Aloha!!…Oh…And Show didn’t work on Chin’s character the way you/we guessed/ hoped…or at all…
Wendie…I posted my comment hours ago but it went to the moderator and hasn’t showed up. I didn’t think it was that long but I guess it was. Didn’t want you to think I forgot about you so I’ll try again. If my original comment shows up..feel free to delete one.
I liked this episode a lot. I felt it had all the wonderful Season 1 elements we all came to love. I thought the use of August March was very believable, I liked how Cath little excursion allowed for the McGarrett arc to continue without interfering with the crime of the week. I thought Danny was hysterical especially his interaction with August and I can’t say enough about Chin and Chin with Danny. WOW
All in all I think this episode was very much on the road back to what made this show so enjoyable from the beginning. Mahalo for the great blog, as always!!! <3
Hi Linda,
The same thing happened to me last week, I did a long comment. It said it was going to be posted and acutally did briefly. Then disappeared. I blamed it on Disqus because it has happened to me before.
Yep the same thing happened to me too..:( I log in via facebook) and it seems to work better that way at least for now.
I log in w/Twitter and don’t usually have a problem, but it could be the length of comment? Thanks for posting! Aloha, Wendie
Linda- I’m with you- DDK was so great in this episode. And the scene between Chin and Danno- so great;) I did love all the elements in the episode that made me love the show… thanks for your comments and for reading and support! Aloha, Wendie
Wendie, you’re so right that they should have centered the episode on August March, rather than add his storyline as an “extra.” Time we spent watching the art dealer, who I knew immediately was going to be part of the crime, would have been better used watching Ed Asner’s cranky/creepy portrayal of a master criminal past his prime. And can someone PLEASE explain to me why Hawaii Five-0 felt the need to kill of his character? I just don’t get it.
Oh, and Peter tweeted today that Carlos Bernard will be back on the show!
Thanks Terry! I’m glad to hear Bernard will be back. And thanks for posting his Twit pic of his day on set. I’m with you- I wish they hadn’t killed August:( he would have been a great character for Danno & McG to visit in jail:) Who do they have now? Just Kaleo right? Unless he got shanked in Gen Pop… oh, and Sang Min- I think he’s still in Halawa. But everyone else they have sent to jail is dead or has escaped. So August would have been great— so sad:(
Thanks for reading and commenting! Aloha, Wendie
Wendie,
Thanks for your awesome review. I agree that perhaps they packed too many elements into the ep without going deeper into them. I will be back next Monday.
Paul
Me too:) Back Monday, and the next. And the next. Mahalo for reading and commenting! Aloha, Wendie
Hi Wendie. Great review. I thought the car chase was great, very good stunt driving. I loved DDK showing his acting skills, the ceremony was beautiful and heartbreaking, so was one of the final scenes where Danny tries to comfort Chin. Great moment for both actors.
I actually liked that August March took himself out, that surprised me, and lets face it he did deserve it. I thought his facial expressions as he was being grilled by McG and Danny, were chilling. That evil little smile. The premise of the crime could have been better, but the team together solving it is what most people are complaining about not happening. I know people like to think that Catherine is being a door mat to McG, but I don’t think so. Her being on her own trying to help someone who she has a relationship with, is what most of us would do if asked. Does McG ask too much, probably, but I think at some point we will see him do things for her as well, we just need to be patient. Loved the Blue Corvette, although the simple password in a government agency computer would not happen, the passwords have to be harder. But, I don’t watch TV for reality, I watch it for entertainment.
Hi Diane- loved the car chase- it was a good opening! Really slick And I agree- DDK was terrific! I’m with you- it’s good entertainment:) Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Aloha, Wendie
Wendy I totally agree with u on this review speciall the part of Carlos Bernard and the role of Michelle Borth. We do not want to see Michelle character just as the pretty face, I bet she has brains to help the team in many ways, not because she does it because Steve exchange favors for her
I agree- Michelle Borth is a great actress and her character could really do a lot on the show. I think she could also add a bit of drama for Steve having her around. Alex told me as much on the red carpet. Looking forward to seeing more of her on the show;) Thanks for commenting:) Aloha, Wendie
Another great review, Wendie, but please stop talking about “doubt” and “ominous signs”! My wife and I love the show and we would be crushed if it met an early demise. Lets hope for another strong season and the promise of more to come.
Once again your insights, particularly the Redux Side Note above, add so much to our enjoyment of the show. Thanks also for pointing out Carlos Bernard and mentioning his “24” connection. As a big fan of that show I am embarrassed to say that I didn’t even recognize him. I agree with you about the misuse of such a prominent actor and I hope some of the other commenters are correct about his possible return in later episodes.
You also mentioned an “easy, good-guys-catching-the-bad-guys episode” to allow Chin to mourn. I think the show needs a few of those kinds of episodes to get back on track and it looks from the previews like next week could be that kind of show. Five-O works best as a straight-forward cops and robbers drama that showcases an attractive cast with beautiful Hawaii as a back-drop. Sometimes the recurring story lines just get in the way.
Thanks again, Wendie, for making the show more enjoyable to watch!
Thanks so much for your insightful comment:) I think I was trying to point out- with some of the news about ratings- the “doubt” suggested by the title of the show- was on our minds this week. But I think #H50 will definitely bounce back and we’ll see lots more of what we love. Thanks for reading and commenting:) Aloha, Wendie
Thanks for the blog always good to read…
Thank you! Mahalo for posting! Aloha, Wendie
Love the show and the subplots. You’re rating was good, but I still loved Ed Asner on the show!
Oh, me too! I just wished they hadn’t killed him. I think he’s great. Sorry if it didn’t seem like i did… 🙂 Thanks for commenting! Aloha, Wendie
Thanks for once again presenting us with a thought–provoking and interesting review, Wendie. I’ve read other comments about August March’s misuse in this episode, but your explanation of what was missing or overdone actually makes some sense. Perhaps it would have been better to have waited until later in the season to put together an August March episode. I don’t really feel a great loss about his demise, though! We probably should have expected it – he did tell us he wasn’t going back to prison, after all!
By the way, who is Carlos Bernard and why should we feel bad that he wasn’t better utilized on the show? To me he was just another pretty face playing a supporting role – I have never seen or heard of him before, so therefore I wasn’t upset about his lack of screentime! Sorry!
Loved the beautiful paddle out – the music, the prayer, the sentiment. Also was amazed with DDK’s ability to mourn so convincingly! Danny and Chin certainly have established a bond as brothers – caring for each other’s emotional side.
I have no “doubts” about H5-0’s prognosis. It might be going through some growing pains, but ultimately it’s going to pull through and show us a good time!
Thanks J- I agree with you on August March- I really wanted to see him again, not to be killed by bus:( So thanks for your comments on him. Carlos Bernard played a very major role in “24” and his gf/wife was played by Reiko Aylesworth- that’s why i mentioned him- Peter did tweet that he would be back- so you will see more of him:) The paddle out was my favorite. And I agree- I think H50 will be fine. Thanks for commenting:) XO Wendie
i didn’t realize that the writers/directors/producers tried to cram many small storylines/plots into a 1 hour time frame. The Ed Asner character was great; Daniel Dae Kim could display his emotions of sadness (by crying on cue), it seemed very authentic – like the Hawaiian priest at the beginning part of the show. The last scene with DDK in the water, with the lone loating lantern. Hey, I told my roommate, Hawaii has adopted that Japanese custom of having an outdoor ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park (at night). “That represents the loved ones that have passed on or one’s ancient ancestors,” I told him. It was a nice touch.
I agree Kevin. The ending was lovely. And so was the paddle out. Kahu Kordell Kekoa is a “real” Hawaii Kahu- he said he felt very connected to “Chin” and “Malia” in both the wedding and the paddle out scene. Thanks so much for your comment:) Aloha, Wendie
Thank you for pointing out that Michelle Borth’s character should not be just running around doing errands for McG. Catherine is obviously a highly intelligent, strong woman and can hold her own as seen in the previous episode as well as in the small scenes she had earlier helping McG get information he needed. When it was announced she was joining the cast as a regular I was hoping to see her and McG as well as the Five-0 team work together professionally. I hope that the show’s writers will show some of the steaminess they showed earlier in Catherine and McG’s relationship.
Spot on with DDK’s performance. I am disappointed they killed off Malia because I think that Reiko Aylesworth portrayed her as a strong woman who is a great role model for young women and because of the love that both DDK and Reiko portrayed in their characters. However, this does give DDK a great opportunity to explore many levels of emotion and brings out many opportunities for character development. I do hope he is nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe next year.
I also agree with you on August March. However, I do think they could have kept his story line in, but they did not have to end it in this episode. Having him show up for a scene to move the show along as an informant was appropriate, but pushing the rest made my head spin. I had to watch several parts of the later scenes several times to make sure I was following along. (I usually catch the episodes the next day since I work evenings.)
Hi Gwynne- Thanks for your comments- I love Michelle Borth and you are right- I hope they let the sexiness between McG and Cath heat up a little and let Cath be as smart as she was presented to be in Season 1. And I really liked Reiko Aylesworth’s acting, so I too was disappointed to see her go. I’m with you on Malia’s death opening some dramatic doors for DDK, but aww man- what a sad way to get some interesting character development going! And I can’t say enough about how bummed I am about August March meeting his end. Love your comments! Thanks for reading and joining the discussion:) Aloha, Wendie
I hope the writers/producers are reading your column and listening to your free advice. They need to do a better job so H50 doesn’t lose more ratings!
Thanks June- nice of you to have that kind of belief in my column:) I am just thankful that YOU and other fans are reading it! I think that the producers have been listening to the fans– you all are the reason the show has the ratings it gets and are the main support of the show. Thanks for commenting! 🙂 Aloha, Wendie