Hawaii Five-O Review: "Ko'olauloa"
The murderer of a close friend and mentor of Kono’s did not stand a chance to escape when Five-O was on the case in "Ko’olauloa."
I don’t know if the writers read these reviews or if I am just really in tune with the tweaks that need to be done to the show. But I recently mentioned that I was glad they explained where “Five-O” came from, although thought it was a bit clunky for it to be used instantly as a term.
Therefore, I am happy to say that this week it was not uttered once. Also absent this week? The awkward and pointless medical examiner introduced on "Nalowale." No offense, Masi Oka.
Not since the pilot, when Steve was chasing his dad’s killer, has an episode been personal to someone in the group. This week, it was Kono who lost a mentor and friend to murder and I truly enjoyed how everyone pulled together to help find the killer and support her.
Between the titles of the episodes each week and references they make in the show, I feel like I am learning Hawaiian one word at a time. That's not a complaint. I think it's brilliant to mix in the Hawaiian heritage, culture, and language together as a light frosting on this most delicious cake that CBS has made.
This episode featured the Kupo, which I am guessing is a fictional group based on the Kupu (a conservation youth program) which valued island traditions and way of life. Regardless of fiction (or not), it added to the story and was not so outlandish that it was unbelievable. Every week the writers on this show remind me how good they really are.
However, by far my favorite scene in this episode was when Steve (yet again) tried to explain to Danny that “Book em,’ Danno” was a term of endearment and Danny told him to go ahead and do it every day that he liked it. I had to back the episode up and rewatch that scene about three times just for the sheer joy on Steve’s face after Danny agreed to let him say it.
Great stuff all around. What did you think?
Jim G. is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.
More Hawaii Five-O News
Hawaii Five-0 Review: Personal Safety Waiver
Aisha Tyler Talks The Talk, "Fun and Crazy" Episode of Hawaii Five-0
Hawaii Five-0 Review: Honey Buzzards
CBS Teases Season Finale Storylines: Spoilers Galore!
March 11th, 2013 8:46 PM
There was an episode I believe in 2012 where a kid was sitting under a tree i think it was at nite playing a uke..would love to know the name of the song have heard it as background music on several tv shows..I'd buy the DVD, cd, sheet music or whatever. Thanks so much!
February 16th, 2011 5:59 PM
What was the name of the song and artist played at the end of hawaii five o staring nick lachey.when the kids saw there parents again ??? Mahalo..
Rank: Guest Star
January 27th, 2011 9:41 PM
Thought this was a great episode. Great to see Kevin Sorbo again and learn more about Kono's past. The "dirt on a cliff" chase was fun and I too was happy to see Danno tell Steve it was ok to say that.
October 28th, 2010 8:38 AM
Thank you Colleen for the song title!
October 27th, 2010 8:36 PM
Does anyone know the actors name who played Bennett Bass on the latest show called Ko'olauloa? He looks like the twin who plays the fired lawyer on Good Wife
October 27th, 2010 1:44 PM
The song is Hawaii '78 by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. It's on his Facing Future CD
October 27th, 2010 12:38 AM
please I really like the song they played at the end to honour their friend. what is the name of the song and who is it done by?
October 26th, 2010 5:23 PM
Saw this episode this a.m. and it brought back fond memories of the North Shore. The last scene is in the bay at Waimea near Haleiwa on Oahu. My wife and I have been talking about the writers needing to introduce more real cultural interaction and this was a start. What wasn't developed nor addressed is why local folks, who have jobs (one was employed at Bank of Hawaii) are squatting and living in shanty towns. This is a REAL problem in Hawaii and many local folks resent newcomers/developers because they drive the prices up making it unaffordable for folks to own or rent a home. The writers just kind of glossed over that.
The burial at sea at the end in Waimea Bay was classic and reminds of Kui Lee, Duke, and Don Ho being buried off Waikiki. You folks were introduced to the signing and strumming of Iz (you need to check out Makaha Sons of Niihau now Makaha Sons as well as Iz solo recordings). I just wondered who was doing the chant -- Charles Kaapu of Hapa comes to mind, bu
Rank: New User
October 26th, 2010 2:04 PM
Uhhh... the word you want is kapu, not kupu or kupo. Kapu means both "sacred" and "forbidden". It was also a system of laws in ancient Hawaii. Many native Hawaiians believe that their land is very sacred and that some parts should be forbidden to build upon or otherwide desecrated.
Most groups who protect the land are legal and do things in the open, and altho there really are gangs in Hawaii, I don't think a whole lot of them are focused on protecting the land (but since I'm mostly haole (technically hapa) and no longer live there, I could be wrong.
Loved "Hawaii 78" played at the end, that was a beautiful scene! And the scenery in general just POPS! Makes me want to move back to my island home...
October 26th, 2010 11:54 AM
The song is Hawaii '78 by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. It's on his Facing Future CD.