Mele Kalikimaka is how Hawaiians say "Merry Christmas."

As for Hawaii Five-O? It expresses this notion via returning villains, action and further mystery for viewers to chew on during the mid-season break.

Overall, "Hana 'a'a Makehewa" was a solid 2010 conclusion.

A lot of suspense pervaded the atmosphere, and not just surrounding the question of Chin's survival. Desperate measures were definitely taken in the episode, and the audience will see the consequences of McGarrett's actions to save Chin's life come back with a vicious bite.

It's exciting to see James Marsters return as Irish terrorist Victor Hesse, as the commentary from the team that McGarrett should make sure Hesse stays defeated this time around was fun.

Hesse ends up in jail, but another adversary manages an escape. From the surprise ending of the episode, I have no doubt that Hesse will reemerge at least one more time to taunt and attempt to destroy McGarrett.

I have to call a total rookie move on McGarrett and Danno for their mishandling of Sang Min. Hesse might have been the primary target, but it seems like a really lame mistake for a seasoned cop such as Danno, and a highly trained Navy SEAL to make. It did provide a crucial vehicle in aiding Hesse slip away, but certainly it could have been achieved another way.

The Christmas touches of the episode were downgraded to mere character enlightenment, which is fine for this tale. Even as a small glance, it's nice to see Danno interact with his daughter, and fret about making sure he does things as perfectly as he can for her.

Kono got a bit more screen time, as well. It's always pleasant to see the one female officer get to do some exciting work. Given that her cousin's life was in peril, it's understandable that McGarrett would give her the chance to help set things right.

Of course, there is the issue of the ten million dollars that was taken illegally. If the bad guys still have a mole in the police department, it won't take long for this act to jeopardize the team, especially Kono, since she's a rookie and therefore more vulnerable to scrutiny.

But half the fun of this episode is looking at the implications of what might be coming around the corner for the team.

Even though the conclusion was meant to be highly suspenseful with the reveal of Wo Fat (Mark Dacascos) speaking with Hesse in prison, was I the only person that giggled a little and wondered what the Chairman from Iron Chef had to do with underworld operations?

The questions left unanswered leave me eager for the next one... which won't air until 2011. Have a safe and happy holiday, readers.