Red carpet satisfaction
The wait is finally over! All the wringing of hands and the anxious nights waiting for season two of “Hawaii Five-0” to begin — is OVER.
We had a few of our end-of-season-one questions answered, with many more still left to contemplate, but for most of the ravenous fans who trekked far and wide to see the “Hawaii Five-0” broadcast nine days before the rest of the nation gets to see “Ha‘i‘ole,” the wait to see McG and the Team back together has been satisfied.
Well, more like satiated, maybe like our appetites have just been nicely whetted for a fantastic new season of another Five-0 buffet of suspense and intrigue. And tonight was just the amuse-bouche for summer-starved fans. And what a taste it was.
I was one of the lucky few (thousand) who got a chance to witness the show first hand during “Sunset on the Beach,” and after weeks of preparation and planning, I was not disappointed. The explosive season opener had me jumping up and down in triumph and in shock. Yes, “Five-0” fans — this one is a nail-biter. I feel like all of my questions have been answered, and of course, in true “Hawaii Five-0” fashion, I have a slew of new questions and am still left wanting more. A great move for the set up of their sophomore season.
So I’m left wanting — albeit just a little. There was enough in this episode to make me thrilled to see that what I wanted to happen, actually happened,and yet, more to keep me on the edge of my seat. Which is good television, right? Keep them wanting more!
So, diehard “Five-0” fans — here’s where the spoilers start. Stop reading and bookmark this page if you don’t want to know anything before you watch it on Sept. 19.
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But, if you can’t wait, just stick with me and I promise to serve you a sweet treat.
I WAS LUCKY enough to have gotten to speak to Alex O’Loughlin on the red carpet before the season premiere, and he mentioned that there was five minutes of great action and not a lot of dialogue for his character in this episode. And this one really showed Alex’s talents for action as well as acting — we got to see a few tears brought on by a talk with his former SEAL trainer — as well as his amazing physical talent. He gets into a brutal prison fight, escapes from jail, jumps a fence, and eludes capture in an enclosed space. All pure action and adrenaline, and scenes that even this blog cannot spoil for you. You’ll have to see them for yourselves to get the pure impact of all that is McGarrett.
Trust me folks, they are scenes we will be talking about for weeks to come.
The episode definitely answered all the questions about the “Five-0” team. I am sure I am not alone as one who fretted all summer about how they were going to get back together, and I was not disappointed. I think this was one element of tonight’s episode that I really enjoyed. The action, the plot structure, the characters did not disappoint — all of them were well crafted and believable. I was not let down by shortcuts or lame cop-outs (pun intended). I felt that the writers set up the characters well and the storyline worked and also added to the intrigue of the episode.
At the end of the season we were left wondering if Danno would stay in Hawaii, and what would happen with his renewed relationship with Rachel. We also wanted to know what would happen to Chin Ho, who seemingly jumped ship and returned to his HPD family, leaving his teammates in limbo.
And then there was Kono — would the career that she coveted be taken away from her because of McG’s brash behavior? And what about Chin’s relationship with Steve and Danno? How could that be repaired after his scene stealing arrest of his own leader and his forceful, “there IS no more Five-0” comment to a stunned Danno?
I’m not sure if I was more nervous tonight about interviewing the stars on the red carpet or if I was more anxious to find out what the outcome would be for our team. I mean, I know that Bob Orci and Peter Lenkov would never lead us astray, but could they ever get over this hurdle? Tonight we saw that they could, and in fact DID, but not without a few interesting consequences.
The most interesting character of the evening has to have been the introduction of McG’s former SEAL instructor, Lt. Commander Joe White, played with fine military authenticity by “Lost” alum, Terry O’Quinn. At first I saw him as a deus ex machina, one who swoops in and saves the day. But I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. His name was mentioned in “Ho‘apono” when McG and SEAL Graham Wilson discuss their SEAL training and share their Navy connection with White. But other than that reference, White is a new member to the team that will add an intriguing new character arch for McGarrett.
I was pleased at how well he worked himself into the team and am looking forward to seeing more of his character. His one-liners were great enough to keep me intrigued, and I am glad that the deus ex machina came in the form of Poppa McG versus Lt. Commander White. It was a nice twist and definitely a character arch that I think casual fans and hardcore fans alike can appreciate.
The best part of the evening for me was getting the confirmation that Chin Ho was definitely still in McG’s camp. I don’t know about anyone else, but I was very worried when I saw press photos of Chin Ho dressed in HPD finery and, after his emphatic declaration of “no Five-0,” I was worried that this could have been true. A new governor, (played with some nice panache by Richard T. Jones), new cast members (the lovely Lauren German and very beautiful and charming Daniela Ruah), pictures of McG in orange prison fatigues and a beard, really made me concerned for the fate of “Hawaii Five-0.”
But, after watching the episode, I was comforted early on by the fact that regardless of McG’s imprisonment, Danny’s sudden civilian status, Kono’s suspension, and Chin’s seeming jump of the ship, the team could find it’s way back together. All right, it was a bit rocky getting back into a cohesive unit — and perhaps they are not all together complete, but all in all, the team is strong and they are ready to take on whatever Wo Fat has to hand them.
And believe me, folks, our villain, is armed and dangerous. You can certainly bet on that.
All in all, the episode is one not to be missed. I don’t care how many blogs you read or who gives what spoilers on Twitter or on Facebook, you will not believe the episode until you actually see it. I can tell you, for sure, you will be jumping up and down and enjoying a completely delicious entrée of “Hawaii Five-0.”
Just… be there. Aloha.
Redux Side Note
The television premiere of this episode “Ha‘i‘ole” will air at regular Monday night schedule — 9 p.m. in Hawaii. Check your local listings for the time on CBS in your area.
If you missed the red carpet events on television or online, you can see highlights on the Honolulu Pulse page or on YouTube at the Star-Advertiser page.
You can also see pictures from the Red Carpet here on the Pulse. Look for Mike Gordon’s article recapping the Red Carpet in Sunday’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
You an also check out the Star-Advertiser’s “Hawaii Five-0” Interactive Page for more information from the red carpet/ season two premiere and to follow all of the “Hawaii Five-0” coverage of season two.
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Wendie Burbridge is a published writer, playwright and a teacher of literature and fiction writing at Kamehameha Schools-Kapālama. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter.
16 responses to “Red carpet satisfaction”
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Mahalo Wendie! Your blog gave me more incentive then ever (not like I needed any) to be glued to my seat on Sept 19th to see this great premiere! Your “spoilers” didn’t spoil me one bit! Your writing style is such that you have increased my excitement level to a new high and didn’t give away a thing to do it! You ROCK girl!
And please tell me, how did you manage to stay conscious with Alex so close to you?!?!?
Mahalo Wendie! Your blog gave me more incentive then ever (not like I needed any) to be glued to my seat on Sept 19th to see this great premiere! Your “spoilers” didn’t spoil me one bit! Your writing style is such that you have increased my excitement level to a new high and didn’t give away a thing to do it! You ROCK girl!
And please tell me, how did you manage to stay conscious with Alex so close to you?!?!?
Aloha, Wendie, dear!
I had no doubt that you would be the fabulous reporter and writer you are in your coverage of this amazing event, but I must say that your article is exquisitely sublime!
You have accomplished making me as a fan, assured that the 2nd season of our favorite show is going to be alive and well, and better than before. You have also made me feel like I was there in your shoes, experiencing this
amazing event and even like I was at your meeting and interview with Alex!
I look forward to discussing more about your experience soon on our podcast together!!! Mahalo for all you did and do for us, your grateful fans!
Dana In Vermont (@WEBsouffle)
Alohavermont.com
Aloha, Wendie, dear!
I had no doubt that you would be the fabulous reporter and writer you are in your coverage of this amazing event, but I must say that your article is exquisitely sublime!
You have accomplished making me as a fan, assured that the 2nd season of our favorite show is going to be alive and well, and better than before. You have also made me feel like I was there in your shoes, experiencing this
amazing event and even like I was at your meeting and interview with Alex!
I look forward to discussing more about your experience soon on our podcast together!!! Mahalo for all you did and do for us, your grateful fans!
Dana In Vermont (@WEBsouffle)
Alohavermont.com
Oh, Wendie, Wendie! Thanks so much for such a prompt blog entry! The “bunch that couldn’t be there” were whining big time last night, but thanks to the Honolulu Pulse/Star Advertiser coverage, we could live vicariously! I imagine it was pretty hard to come down out of the clouds after than personal interview with Alex and thank you for relieving all our jitters about our beloved team without giving away anything! Your blog rocks! You rock! Hawaii 5-0 rocks! Everything rocks this morning! Thanks so much, Wendie – can’t wait for the premier to hit the mainland and we can all start talking about it!
PS – did you shake his hand? Will you ever wash that hand again? LOL!
Oh, Wendie, Wendie! Thanks so much for such a prompt blog entry! The “bunch that couldn’t be there” were whining big time last night, but thanks to the Honolulu Pulse/Star Advertiser coverage, we could live vicariously! I imagine it was pretty hard to come down out of the clouds after than personal interview with Alex and thank you for relieving all our jitters about our beloved team without giving away anything! Your blog rocks! You rock! Hawaii 5-0 rocks! Everything rocks this morning! Thanks so much, Wendie – can’t wait for the premier to hit the mainland and we can all start talking about it!
PS – did you shake his hand? Will you ever wash that hand again? LOL!
Thanks. Reasonably spoiler free and great pictures. Lucky you.
Thanks. Reasonably spoiler free and great pictures. Lucky you.
Eeeeeeee…..Cuz you’re getting me SO excited to see this *bounces* and I get to watch it IN Hawaii :))) Can’t wait to hear more about your red carpet adventures when I see you *hugs* Another awesome blog,you never dissappoint!
Eeeeeeee…..Cuz you’re getting me SO excited to see this *bounces* and I get to watch it IN Hawaii :))) Can’t wait to hear more about your red carpet adventures when I see you *hugs* Another awesome blog,you never dissappoint!
Spoilers? What is that? – Wendie I just couldn’t stop reading down the page and what I’m seeing and reading has got me so stoked and so excited that I can barely contain myself and of course Chin Ho’s loyalty is with Five-0 – it could never be otherwise although it does worry me about how he and Danno and the team finally got together but we will see when the episode is officially aired for us. Okay I admit it sucks that you got to see it first before all of us….but its fun that you did and I for one can’t stand another minute or second of waiting for it all to begin. You have done a great job covering the event – so love you for doing this for all of us who couldn’t be there to celebrate it all!!!! As for our favorite villain of the night I hear from Mady that he’s sooo wonderful to meet. Mark maybe wonderful but Wofat is horrid…..wickedly, dangerously so!!!
Ack! You didn’t use my Scott pic…lol…nah, I know you’re just saving it for YOURSELF!!!! LOL!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! I’m soooooo stoked that I got to be there WITH you and it’s going to be SOOOOOOOO hard not to spoil this for anyone especially since I have to wait a week!!!!
Ack! You didn’t use my Scott pic…lol…nah, I know you’re just saving it for YOURSELF!!!! LOL!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! I’m soooooo stoked that I got to be there WITH you and it’s going to be SOOOOOOOO hard not to spoil this for anyone especially since I have to wait a week!!!!
Great job, Wendie! Enjoyed reading your article and all your hard work this weekend! What a blast and awesome season premiere! By the way, the LOSTie in me loved your Terry O’Quinn/deus ex machina reference! Deus Ex Machina was the title of an awesome Locke-centric LOST episode! 😀 Lol Can’t wait to watch 201 again!
Love your blog Wendie! We have followed you through season 1 and now into season 2. We will be visiting Honolulu and would like to join your group at Big City Diner. Which diner(s) are you going to be at Monday September 19 and Monday September 26?
Wendie,
I was unable to get to your blog until now since I was busy at a meeting Sunday and Monday, and travel on Tuesday. That being said, I could not wait to get on line this morning and see what you had for us. In a short and simple word: fantablous. The pictures, the story and reporting, and the insights on the spoilers and update on our friends on Five0 were the best; which is what you always produce. I thoguht it was great that you got to interview the biggies from the show. I also was initially concerned at the direction that the Lostie guy would take, but if you say it is OK, it is OK. I will just have to wait my turn until the 19th.
Paul