We are four weeks into the new season of “Hawaii Five-0,” and the popular police procedural has continued to prove itself with strong episodes and consistent ratings. Last week, Five-0 came in first in viewers (8.67m) and was named the top Friday night show in both adults 25 to 54 and adults 18 to 49. The show more than doubled its number of viewers against its closest competitor in the Friday prime-time lineup.

Fans were disappointed that the show did not air Friday, Oct. 27, even after four weeks of good ratings, and the introduction of new characters and storylines. The changes that have happened after eight seasons– seem to have breathed new life into the veteran television show. While fans are still in mourning the loss of Chin (Daniel Dae Kim) and Kono (Grace Park), they seem to like the new team members Tani Rey (Meaghan Rath) and Junior Reigns (Beulah Koale), and are eager to learn more about the young recruits. Fans also love the unexpected add of McGarrett’s (Alex O’Loughlin) four-legged friend, Eddie, a drug detection dog who McG befriended during the team’s investigation into the ambush and murder of Eddie’s DEA partner.

So while viewers are waiting for the annual Halloween episode, “Kamaʻomaʻo, ka ʻāina huli hana” (“At Kamaʻomaʻo, The Land of Activities”), which airs next Friday, Nov. 3, there are a few things happening in the next two weeks that can fill their Five-0 calendar.

Beulah Koale co-stars alongside Miles Teller in the feature film “Thank You For Your Service” which opens this weekend. The film is the true story of U.S. soldiers trying to readjust to civilian life after returning home from combat in Iraq. Koale has been praised for his performance and admired for the struggle he went through to secure the role of Solo, based on the real Tausolo Aieti. Solo is an American Samoan who deals with PTSD and the obstacles that keep him from getting help and treatment. Koale, who is also Samoan, yet grew up in the tough neighborhoods of South Auckland, New Zealand, has been credited for breaking a huge diversity barrier in Hollywood after landing the role.

While the director, Jason Hall, who wrote “American Sniper,” wanted a Samoan to play Solo, the “higher ups” wanted a name and a face. Yet it seems as if Koale sold them on bringing authenticity to the role, as well as the film, and that has paid off. Like his role in “Hawaii Five-0,” Koale’s Polynesian roots adds a dimension to his portrayal of Junior Reigns, which I think will also come through in “Thank You For Your Service.” Junior is alone, homeless, and wants to belong to a group like Five-0. Both of Koale’s characters shine a light on the plight of many of our service men and women who return from combat, which helps us all to understand our veterans a little better.

It might be part of the reason why this year’s Sunset on the Beach celebration will happen on Nov. 10. The event, in honor of Veterans Day, will be dedicated “to America’s real heroes who inspire us and our show each and every day.” The event starts at 5:00 pm with the Five-0 stars walking the red carpet, followed by an exclusive screening of “Hawaii Five-0” at 6:00 pm.

Executive producer Peter Lenkov has alluded, via his Instagram account, that the 175th episode will be celebrated at Sunset on the Beach, but the specific episode that will be aired that night has not been announced or confirmed. Series stars O’Loughlin, Scott Caan, Ian Anthony Dale, Chi McBride, Jorge Garcia, along with Rath, Koale, Taylor Wily, Kimee Balmilero, and Dennis Chun are scheduled to attend. Teilor Grubbs, who plays Grace Williams, tweeted on Oct. 25 that she would also be attending.

Amongst the celebration of “Hawaii Five-0,” comes news of another Hawaiʻi based television show being rebooted by Peter Lenkov, “Magnum P.I.” Lenkov, along with Five-0 executive producer and writer Eric Guggenheim, will bring the 80’s television show, which starred Tom Selleck as Vietnam veteran turned private detective Thomas Magnum, back to CBS.

According to “Variety,” in the updated “Magnum P.I.,” Magnum is an ex-Navy SEAL who returns home to Hawaiʻi after serving in Afghanistan and uses his SEAL training to become a private investigator. Fellow veterans Theodore “TC” Calvin and Orville “Rick” Wright, as well as disavowed former MI:6 agent Juliet Higgins, help him to work cases no one else will take on.

No word yet on casting or when the show will begin production. Right now all that has been confirmed “is a pilot production commitment at the network.” As a girl who grew up watching Selleck as Magnum, and now watching O’Loughlin as McGarrett, a show about a hero who helps those in need and sticks up for the underdog– is always going to be a win in my book.

The last bit of good news for fans of the show– and perhaps those who love a good scare– is the reminder that Jorge Garcia’s spooky good time of a haunted house is open for four more days. Don’t miss “Mummy: Curse of the Crypt by Jorge Garcia,” Oct. 28, 29, 30 and 31 from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. Keiki friendly shows are Oct. 28 and 29 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Hawaiʻi fan Lisa Woo, who runs the H50hana fan site, said the haunted attraction “took us nearly 2 hours to get in, but it was worth it. Such a fun night! Great special effects masks by Oncefound FX. I highly suggest checking it out,” said Woo via Facebook. Garcia also took pictures with Woo and her fellow Five-0 pals. Woo also suggested that you go early, especially on the weekend, if you want to have a chance to get in and not be turned away. You can get advanced tickets at the Skeleton Key Hawaii website.

If nothing else, it will get you ready for next week’s Halloween episode, which has Five-0 investigating a string of murders that mirror stories from well-known Hawaiian folklore. Still, no matter what you choose to do this weekend, or next, there are quite a few things on the horizon that should help you ealize that season eight is off to a pretty exciting start.

Wendie Burbridge is a published author, playwright, and teacher. Reach her via Facebook and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.