Happy New Year my friends! As we begin the New Year of 2018 and enter into the second half of Season 8 of Hawaii Five-0, I wanted to express my gratitude to you all for your continued support of this blog. I know we all come from a similar place of love and support for this show and I’m so happy you found your way here to happily discuss a show that gives us all so much pleasure. We don’t always agree… well, to be honest, we agree more than we disagree… but either way, we do it with love and respect and joy for a show we all love.
I want to thank Peter Lenkov and all the fantastic writers at H50 for continuing to bring us all the wonderful things that make H50 the show we love. 2017 presented the production with a lot of challenges. Some challenges they may have known were coming (even if we, the fans, did not) and some challenges that may have been more surprising. There were many who believed the changes would bring about the demise of our great show. That there was no way it could ever survive the losses it sustained. I know you share my happiness that nothing could have been further from the truth.
The show has not suffered from the loss of several beloved characters during and after Season 7. As a matter of fact, the promotion of Kimee Balmilero, as Medical Examiner Dr. Noelani Cunha, and the additions of Meaghan Rath as Tani Rey and Beulah Koale as Junior Reigns have done the absolute opposite. We, of course, will never forget Max, Kono and Chin. They were and always will be important characters and beloved members of the Five-0 Ohana.
But the addition of Meaghan and Beulah, as well as the promotions of Kimee, Ian Anthony Dale, Dennis Chun, and Taylor Wily have provided H50 with what everyone is calling a “breath of fresh air”. That phase has been getting quite a work out since the beginning of the season, but it still is the best description for what we’ve been witnessing in the first half of Season 8.
Fresh faces, new friendships, new back stories to learn, coupled with Alex, Scott, Chi and Jorge, is making H50 feel like a brand new show. It’s like falling in love all over again. It’s such fun to watch a new rookie develop and week after week, we’re watching Tani become every bit as bad ass as Kono and after numerous tries, we seem to finally have our “female McGarrett”.
As for Junior, well, there is still a lot we don’t know about him. We don’t know why he left the Navy so young. We don’t know why, on his return to Oahu, he chose to live in a shelter instead of taking advantage of the resources available to him as a SEAL Team member. He himself said it’s a “long story” and one I can’t wait to hear. In the meantime, he’s proved himself again and again that he has definitely earned that Five-0 badge.
The writers have continued to bring us compelling stories, great crimes each week, action, adventure, shoot outs, car chases, all the things that make H50 the show we love. But more than anything, it’s been the feeling of Ohana that has, for me at least, permeated the first half of Season 8. Kono and Chin didn’t just fall off the face of the earth. They are remembered and honored by the feelings of loss displayed by Steve and Danny. Kono especially, due to the fact that Adam is home in Oahu, has remained a part of the story even though she is far away on the mainland. They are, as always, Ohana.
Tani and Junior have quickly become Ohana as well. Perhaps not on the level of the others, just yet, but well on their way. After all, it’s only been a few months, not seven years, but they have fit in so flawlessly that, unlike Steve and Danny, I haven’t missed Chin and Kono at all.
The promotions of Ian, Kimee, Dennis and Taylor also open up avenues for more stories. Granted, we haven’t seen a lot of it yet, although we have seen a very dramatic Kamekona centered story, as well as, Adam being our resident someone “in the wrong place at the wrong time” a couple of times. However, it looks like Adam will be getting more responsibility with regard to work with Five-0 in the near future and I look forward, hopefully, to a Duke Lukela centered story sometime in the future as well.
And, then there’s Eddie! Ahhhhhh Eddie! There wasn’t anyway I could forget about him. What a joy he’s been from the moment we first saw him. I can’t tell you how much I love that dog and how happy I am that TPTB took Alex’s suggestion and added a dog to the cast. Eddie is simply perfect and I really hope the writers find a way to write him into more episodes. And not just him following Steve around the house and beach at Casa McG but working cases as well. Eddie is a Military and DEA trained Canine Officer. Personally, I think Steve should be bringing him to the office every day since you never know when his skills could be needed. Oh hell…. I just want to see him all time!
But most of all, I have loved the renewed brotherhood between Steve and Danny. I don’t know if writers actually recognize the wishes of fans or whether they just come to the same conclusions we do. Regardless of how it happened, I am thrilled Steve and Danny have gone back to bickering and bantering like “an old married couple” instead of bitching and snipping at each other like two guys forced to spend time with someone they’d rather not be with. This is the brotherhood I fell in love with 7+ years ago and I am thrilled the writers have gone back that way.
The last three episodes of 2017 were filled with Steve and Danny wonderfulness that I hope will continue throughout 2018 and beyond. I’m already in love with the idea of their restaurant being a rousing success, just like Danny envisioned it. I hope to God H50 lasts many more years and Danny’s dreams, for himself, for Steve and for the entire Ohana really happen. I loved all of it.
But what I loved the most was that in Danny’s mind, his happiness is completely wrapped around the happiness of his Ohana. His children, his friends and, most of all, Steve. There is nothing that would make me happier than for all of Danny’s dreams to come true.
So, onward to 2018. My hopes and wishes for H50 aren’t all that complicated.
- Continued emphasis on the Steve and Danny partnership and loving friendship. As always, this is the glue that holds this entire show together. As we’ve seen, others can come and go but the constant love and bond between these two is forever solid and what keeps it all together. Thank you Peter and the writers for always making sure these two are front and center.
- Let’s find out more about Junior and his time in the Navy. Why did he leave so young? Why didn’t he feel he could take advantage of the Naval resources at his disposal when he came home? What is “the streak” that the Academy Officer saw in him that reminded him of Steve?
- Continue to explore Tani’s backstory and the relationship with her brother, Koa. There is a lot more there and it will be fun to learn it all.
- At the end of Season 7, the team found out that the bomb (which exposed Steve to radiation poisoning) was possibly an attempted first strike on a much bigger political agenda. Steve reached out to Joe White and he told him there was “mounting evidence of a rouge faction within the US government” that are in on a domestic terrorism operation. It would be really awesome to get more of that story and to possibly see Joe White again.
- You know me, I’m not big on a ton of romantic stuff but I’d really love if it were possible to see Lynn and Melissa again. I miss them. I know Sarah Carter is home having a blast with her new baby girl and the odds that she’ll make an appearance are low, but one can still hope for maybe just one episode. Maybe Valentine’s Day again. But I’m not counting on it but it’s nice to dream.
- Speaking of couples, I do like that it looks like Tani and Junior are getting closer. It’s not something I need to see a lot, of course. I don’t want to see them snuggling or kissing at the office, which is totally inappropriate but if they eventually do end up a couple and can have some sweet down time after work together, I would be very OK with that. #ReyRei are honestly adorable together.
So, what would you like to see, or not see, in 2018? Above all else, I want to see H50 continue to rock the Friday night ratings, continue to showcase the incredible acting of all the cast, especially Alex who has been, unsurprisingly, phenomenal this season and keep giving us the high quality entertainment we’ve come to expect and love from our favorite show.
And, of course, I want to see our show renewed for it’s 9th season. A season that would bridge the decades from the original Hawaii Five-O, which began on September 20, 1968. September 2018 will mark the FIVE-0th Anniversary of the original show and Episode 9.7 (if S8 has 25 episodes) or 9.6 (if S8 has 24 episodes) will mark the milestone Episode #200! I can’t wait to see what fantastic story Peter and the writers will come up with for that!
I hope everyone has a wonderful, happy, healthy and prosperous 2018. Thank you all for being my blog friends and thank you for all the support over the years. Thank you to Peter Lenkov, the entire cast and crew of H50 for bringing us together and continuing to provide wonderful fun and entertainment every Friday night! Mahalo nui loa!
Aloha. Malama Pono
Hawaii Five-0 Kool-Aid 
Beautifully stated, Linda!
I think we’re all waiting with bated breath for those lovely words from Alex — “I’m in for another few years.”
He was so vocal about S8 being his last, but I think that was the pain talking. Since he seems to be doing so much better physically (his abs slay me!) let’s hope he’s onboard for S9, 10, 11…… 🙂
I really don’t want to see a romance between Tani and Junior. It would be too complicated and could interfere with their work. I hope they become good buddies only.
I especially hope that Steve does not slow down, even though he’s had medical challenges. I want him to take risks, to act on impulse, and remain the hero he is, putting his life in danger to save others. I want the writers to delve more into his SEAL history, because there is so much more to glean.
Happy New Year to all!
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I think (but of course do not know for sure) there was “office politics” going on along with his bad back. Pain, aggravation and “politics” (which he mentioned in his CBS Watch magazine interview) can all contribute to a feeling of just not wanting to deal with stuff anymore. The treatments he’s been getting on his back, coupled with using the stunt doubles MUCH more and what now looks to be a happy, easy and comfortable set once again, looks to have made him much more open to sticking it out for at least one more, if not more seasons. I couldn’t be more thrilled it seems he’s changed his mind and wants to go on.
I like the idea of Tani and Junior but, like you said, office relationship can complicate things. That’s the rub… making it work without interfering with their work. It could be interesting to watch whether they can pull that off.
I don’t think we need to worry that Steve is going to stop taking risks. Just look what he did when they were all stranded on that yacht. He pushed Junior out of the way and took the leap into the sea without a seconds thought. I don’t see him ever letting anyone on his team take a risk he won’t take on himself first. Alex may be calling for the stunt double but STEVE will always be Steve! LOL
I also agree it would be great to delve into Steve’s SEAL history especially now that Junior is on board. There must be a ton of experiences they have in common, many discussions of things that, while classified to others, may not be to each other. Flashbacks to SEAL missions and the stories involved would be awesome.
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Dear Linda,
First of all I want to wish you & your family all the best for 2018.
I loved to read this review, you just hit the right heart of the show.
I do love the chances this year, also hoping to see more ohana (Steve/Danny) and background stories. And action ofcourse.
Being an Alex fan, he is so good this year !!!
So are the others, but he is my number one !!!
I do hope we will see some scenes with some of the kids too (although Teilor is pretty busy right now) and with Mary.
Guess we just have to wait what this season is developing for us.
And hoping for season 9 and another milestone 😊
Mahalo, until later.
Helma
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I was so happy when Steve mentioned that Mary and Joanie were in Hawaii for Christmas. For a moment I thought we were going to get a great Christmas surprise and get to see them. I was sad when it was only a mention. I would love to see Mary and Joanie again. Yes, you are right. Teilor seems to be very busy in LA right now but she did come to Hawaii for SOTB in September so I’m holding out hope she’ll appear in at least one episode soon.
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Happy New Year to you too Linda….just to say I look forward so much to reading your weekly review, thank you for all your hard work. I appreciate that it sometimes must be challenging to get your blog out there…especially with having a busy life also. We are a bit behind here in the UK but so so excited that S8 starts next Sunday….😀❤️😀….. Can’t wait to get to know all the new characters and all that S8 brings … don’t think I am going to be disappointed! 😜
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Thank you so much Catherine. You’re not the only person who’s commented on here that they are from places where the show is many episodes or sometimes seasons behind. It’s astonishing to me that you guys read a blog of reviews for shows you haven’t even seen yet. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that you enjoy the blog so much to do that. Season 8 has been an absolute joy and I just KNOW you’re going to love every minute of it! Happy New Year!
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Oh, wow, Linda, nicely said! And the comments shared by everyone so far are great, too. I agree with Beachfeet011 about Alex’s pain talking earlier on along with what you added about the politics being a major factor. Who among us haven’t had to deal with politics, bureaucracy, and internal crap that can utterly disrupt the workplace? It’s a sad fact but it looks like Alex’s love is talking now. 🙂 It’s really kind of amazing that the happier vibes of the show are so palpable…with how the cast is interacting as characters AND as people, with how the episodes are being written…and it does seem like that’s being translated into the ratings as well.
As far as the wish list, you mentioned that plot line from season 7 and I’d just been wondering about that recently as well. It’s hanging out there, waiting for something and I do hope Joe reappears when they decide to revisit that story.
Agree on everything else with a bit of a hesitancy on the Tani/Junior romance. I was never comfortable with Catherine being part of the team since she and Steve were romantically involved. Don’t really want to go there again. BUT I think it could make sense in the long-run; like that future Danny saw could happen but I think it’s realistic to have those two characters get involved with other people first. We would know (like Danny and Steve already do) that there’s a spark there but let’s not ignite it just yet.
I like the new energy getting thrown into what we KNOW works–and that’s Steve and Danny. It’s a great show all the way around but what makes it different and special is that chemistry, plain and simple. I also appreciate that they haven’t forgotten Chin and Kono (that would just be wrong). They’re not physically there but they will always be a part of their ohana. And that’s how it should be. If anyone else is old enough to remember what shows used to do way back when (I won’t say how far back..lol) but it wasn’t unusual for a show to lose a main character between seasons (i.e. usually contract time) and have the absence not even be addressed! Or sometimes it would be explained and referred to for a little while and then suddenly never again. That could make a loyal viewer feel upset and betrayed–after all, you emotionally invest in a character and then networks/producers/writers act like they never existed (i.e. along with how you felt about them). Not nice. So I’m pleased with how our show is handling the changes. It’s more realistic and it also acknowledges that the viewer’s feelings count for something.
Only other wish list item is this guy who tried to kill Danny! I hope that this turns into a complex mystery and one that takes time to unravel. I want there to be more to it than just some disgruntled guy looking for revenge for whatever reason. I mean, come on, if that was the case, then why didn’t he go in there, shoot him and leave? The guy killed himself–that’s weird! And left a cryptic message that Danny deserved to die? Why? And what if there’s a back-up plan? (no pun intended i.e Alex lol) I want Steve to be obsessed with finding out the truth behind it…perhaps it can be his new “mission.” He doesn’t have Wo-Fat to pursue any longer (although I must admit that I thought Wo-Fat’s father would have a different involvement), Steve discovered the truth about Doris, etc. So I’m just thinking that he won’t be able to leave this alone (nor should he).
Like everyone else, I’m looking forward to more great stories…can’t wait!
Thanks for your awesome writing, Linda! Don’t stop. 🙂
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I can understand your, and others reservations about a Tani/Junior coupling and I don’t disagree. I just think it would be fun to watch them try to figure it out. It could very well end up that they come to the exact same opinion you guys have. That a workplace romance just doesn’t work in the long run and they remain great friends and co-workers as they move on to other significant others. I’d be fine with that. The journey to that discovery is what would be fun.
BUT having said that, it doesn’t mean it’s something I want to see as a MAJOR story, something that’s seen or even mentioned in every episode. I’d be perfectly ok if it was something that takes years to work out, one way or the other. LOL
I agree about the guy who shot Danny and I hope we’re going to find out soon what that was all about. Obviously this guy had no back-up plan, as you say. He only had two bullets in that gun. He had no intention of killing anyone but Danny and himself. He had nothing to lose and no where to go. Was he sent in by someone else? Someone he knew would kill him anyway, so he took is own life instead? Obviously Danny was supposed to know him. A case from Jersey? A HPD case that predates Five-0? So many questions… Can’t wait to find out what the hell is going on too.
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Happy New Year Linda!!
I agree with pretty much everything you’ve said except a Tani/Junior romance. I’m sure it’ll happen because that’s PL but it really isn’t a good idea. Friends, Ohana, comrades in arms, but not lovers, it will muddy the waters and possibly be a detriment to not only them but the rest of the team as well. We shall see what happens.
I would love to see Joe back, he brings out both the best and worst in Steve! As well as delving more into Juniors sudden discharge from the Navy. There’s lots of good stuff just waiting to be explored and fleshed out. I think we have a few more good seasons ahead of us to finish telling all the stories and then some!
Amazing what a few new friendly faces on set are capable of doing. We know how much Alex loves HI, he looks fantastic and I feel he’ll be on board to continue H50 for a little while longer (even if it’s behind the camera!). I can’t wait to see how the rest of s8 plays out!
Is it to early to start praying for a s9 renewal? Nah, right 😉😉
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Like I said to Susan above I’d love to see Tani and Junior work through a possible relationship but if it doesn’t happen OR if it happens and they come to the conclusion it’s not a good idea, I’m ok with that as well. I think they are adorable together but if it does end up being detriment to their work and/or the team and decide to just stay friends and co-workers that’s ok too. I just think it would be fun to see the process of coming to that possible decision.
And no.. it’s not too early to begin praying for a S9 but, and this is only my personal opinion, I think S9 is pretty much already a lock. Just a matter of waiting for CBS to make it official. Knowing them, it will be months before they do! LOL
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Happy New Year fans of Five 0!
As really hope that the toning down on the bickering of Steve and Danny are just that. As well as for once, Danny needs to drive his car without Steve commandeering things if the show does end this year and it will be up to indeed Alex.
Also that Tani and Junior will continue to do romance.
Plus love the new cast members but miss Max, Kono, and Chin. Hope they can make appearances you never know.
Also that Catherine will come on back and really show Steve how she feels.
I think she was forced into the CIA or they would come and make Steve’s life a living you know what.
Hope to see Duke in a episode with him. As really why the holdup Peter L. He is quickly becoming a fan favorite of mine.
Also love Jerry but do not give him a gun. Technically he is the brains of the show.
Plus think that the new cast members really kind of make up for Max, Kono, and Chin’s absence.
All in all so far great season 8!
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Happy New Year everyone.
I totally agree with everything you wrote, Linda. I don’t miss Chin or Kono, but I am glad that we get to hear about them from time to time.The new cast members are fitting in very nicely and I’m looking forward to more of their backstory. Steve and Danny are almost perfect this year, it’s great to see after the last few seasons.
My wishes for 2018 are that we get more of the way the season started. We need to know why Danny was shot, what’s really going on with Junior, and how is Steve coping with his illness? Are we going to see a big bad this year? What about the government thing from season 7? Hopefully they’ll all get answered in the coming months.
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LOL There really are many stories out there for us to explore. Bodes well for more seasons, eh?? ♥♥
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I loved your review Linda, as always you were right on target. And I really believe there will be a S9. Because of Alex’s improved health and the in credible high ratings so far this season and we’re only half done. I agree, so much more story with Junior, can’t wait and yes to Eddie in every episode but a big NO to ever seeing Cathrine the constant misery maker for Steve. Seeing Joe again would be amazing I hope PL is working on getting him back, maybe a end of season cliffhanger for S9 to pick up on. I look forward to reading your reviews every single week. I hope you had an awesome Christmas & New Years 🎉
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I have to agree with you. The one thing I never want to see is Catherine come back. I see no redeeming quality to any story they could come up with to justify her return to Steve’s life. She’s made her choices, just as Doris did all those years ago. Both women seem perfectly content with the choices they’ve made. They are both very strong willed women. I don’t agree at all with the decisions they made, but make them they did. Whether I agree with their decisions is beside the point. They did what they felt they needed to do for whatever reasons they felt were justified. If a person respects Catherine as a strong, independent, intelligent woman (and they should, because she IS all those things) they should also respect those decisions and move on. Steve has.
Now, if the writers want to include her in an episode to keep her “part of the story” by having her provide intel on a case or a video chat or something to ask for Five-0’s help on some international type of case, I’d be ok with that. There IS still that domestic terrorism plot from the end of Season 7 hanging out there. If they felt Catherine’s expertise would be useful in a case like that, and we only have to see her for one episode or, better yet, only in a video call or something, I’d be fine with that.
I’ve said it from the very first time I read it in an interview. Being “part of the story” does not necessarily mean it has to be a “love story”. Honor her decision to do with her life what she wants. Showcase her expertise in a case where her help would be invaluable. But that’s it. She has no other place in Steve’s life anymore. In my opinion only, of course.
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LINDA, you knocked it out of the park this time … I can’t wait for things to get revved up again with 5-0 …. for the BEST is YET to COME !
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Thank you my friend! ♥
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Happy New Year Linda!
Hard to believe another year has rolled by…….and already almost halfway thru S8. If I haven’t said it lately THANK YOU for all the time and effort bringing us your thoughts each week. I look forward to your posts almost as much as watching the show…..we’re usually on the same page. It’s eerie how what you write is often exactly what i’m thinking. I’m thrilled with the new cast members, ratings and the new energy on set. My wishes for 2018:
Early renewal
Nice long arc involving mystery of Danny’s attacker
Lots more Steve & Danny
CBS announcing SOTB early so I can plan….
Traveling later this week so I’ll miss Friday’s new epi……having withdrawals just thinking about it, but i’ll be back, promise.
Hi to all the other regulars here….see you soon.
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Have a wonderful trip, wherever your heading! We’ll be here when you get back! HAVE FUN!!!♥♥
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