The theme of service, especially military, has been omnipresent on this reboot of Hawaii Five-0.

That was never more clear than on Hawaii Five-0 Season 9 Episode 4.

The importance of serving others was hammered home by the odd couple of Junior and Jerry bringing home the body of a fallen soldier, Christopher Laliko.

That storyline brought to life the far too common occurrence of servicemen being returned home after being killed in action.

Junior, the most military member of Five-0, was a natural to be included in this storyline. After all, he remembered having to designate his potential escort which thankfully he never needed.

He also explained to Jerry that his father, who didn't want him to enlist, had refused to be his escort and that decision had deepened the rift between them that continues to exist. Jerry was right when he pointed out that it's never too late to fix that.

Related: Hawaii Five-0 Season 9 Episode 3 Review: Baby, It's Hot Outside

That's something which Junior has pondered doing since his introduction to the series, especially on Hawaii Five-0 Season 8 Episode 20, when he was injured and trapped in a hole, with nothing to keep him company but his thoughts.

Junior couldn't figure out why Christopher wanted him to be his escort. Then he recalled speaking to an assembly at Christopher's school about military service, after which Christopher came up and introduced himself to Junior.

After that memory, Junior blamed himself for Christopher's death. Fortunately, Jerry set him straight, then Christopher's parents presented him with a letter from Christopher, thanking him for giving his life purpose.

That was touching, the affirmation Junior needed.

I'm glad we're slowly learning more about Junior and his history that shows he's more than just a mini-McGarrett. Actually, both he and Tani have exhibited traits of Steve. Junior shows McGarrett's military mien, while Tani has his recklessness. But there's room for only one McGarrett and the destruction he incurs.

Related: Watch Hawaii Five-0 Online: Season 9 Episode 3

Also, Steve having Danny teach them more, such as on Hawaii Five-0 Season 9 Episode 2, can only help them get a more balanced education.

But the character that has progressed the most through the years has been Jerry.

Remember when Jerry was just a recurring conspiracy nut, brought in a few times a season for laughs?

He's progressed to the point where he's a functioning, full-fledged member of Five-0, who can do more than the techno-duties he inherited from Kono.

While he's still mostly a headquarters guy, largely because the computer stuff baffles all but Junior. But he's proven capable undercover and on stakeouts. His shooting and combat skills are more questionable, but still, he's advanced.

I'd just never pictured Jerry as someone who would volunteer for military service.

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It was bittersweet to hear about how he and his friend went to enlist after 9-11, but his panic attack caused him to wash out while his friend enlisted and was killed. Jerry blamed himself for that since it was his idea to enlist, and he couldn't even attend the funeral.

Junior rightfully observed that Jerry wasn't at fault and that he's found other ways to serve.

It was a nice change of pace to see such positive male bonding. Instead of bickering.

Cue Danny and Steve.

They got into it about most everything, as Danny carped about McGarrett's death-defying stunt and his decision-making about the restaurant. I have a thought. Let's not mention the restaurant again until it opens, sometime during Hawaii Five-0 Season 11.

It was a fun case about black-sand theft. I'd always liked the black-sand beaches of Hawaii but I didn't realize there was an illegal trade in it. Flippa did a lovely job encapsulating the industry in a short period of time. More Flippa, please. He's like Kamekona but with more common sense.

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The case shifted rather quickly from two victims with identical names to capturing the husband who hired the incompetent contact killer just after the last commercial break. It was one of those times when a viewer just shrugs at the outcome with no great satisfaction.

Oh, yeah. Steve and Danny argued over what Duke should do even though it frankly was his call. He decided to fight for reinstatement to set the right example for his granddaughter, which made sense. As a viewer, I like having Duke around as seemingly Five-0's only connection with HPD. 

So, despite the weak case of the week, this was a rebound episode from the scattershot heatwave shenanigans of Hawaii Five-0 Season 9 Episode 3.

To track this season, watch Hawaii Five-0 online.

How did you enjoy the teaming of Junior and Jerry? Are you glad Duke is staying? Did you think the case of the week ended abruptly?

Comment below.

Dale McGarrigle is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.