The following are archived comments from July 2018. After looking around, please add your own comments! Links back: Main Page • Discussion Forum Main Page • Discussion Forum Archives
Submitted by: Bobbi
From: Anchorage, AKThanks Mr. Mike for the reviews.
Concerning "Cocoon" - the Amazon.com versions are following the 2-part DVD release (at least I think this is the case). I watched it last night and the tourist bus scene was cut out of it. I have seen that particular scene on YouTube but it is missing in the Amazon digitals.Added: July 31 2018 11:41:31 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverDeathwatch reviewed:
http://www.fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#11Added: July 29 2018 08:05:49 PM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PAThanks for the extended review Mr. Mike on The Ways Of Love. I've always enjoyed this episode. It's a gritty and intense episode from beginning to end. One of the interesting things about The Ways Of Love...Little tidbits are learned to lead to the next info. Celeste passes away falling out of the high speed car chase. Through her death, they visit her place and learn about Barca in the letter. A prisoner. Great close camera work when Barca and Crowley incapacitate the guard in the elevator in the escape. It's tough to watch the scene where Barca goes after Larsen. I wonder if they wrote an alternate ending where Barca has the jewels but McG takes him down in the vehicle. I give The Ways Of Love a strong 5 stars out of 6.
Added: July 28 2018 09:59:24 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaCan someone help with the location of a house which I'm pretty sure is in Kahala? It was shown in at least 3 Five-O episodes (but maybe more) - it was Li Wing's house in A Matter of Mutual Concern, Agatha Henderson's house in Honor is an Unmarked Grave, and Eric Damien stayed there in $100,000 Nickel. Anyone know where it is?
Added: July 27 2018 09:43:56 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverS01E07 re-viewed (The Ways of Love):
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#7Added: July 26 2018 07:48:15 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaI'm sure the meaning of The Pagoda Factor would instantly make sense if we got our hands on the script LOL!
Governor: Steve, you had better be cautious with pal Joey or I'll have some serious explaining to do if this thing goes south.
McGarrett: I understand, sir. Believe me, pal Joey is a real pain in the pagoda factor, but I have him on a tight leash. Good day, sir.
Ah, makes perfect sense now!Added: July 26 2018 12:29:19 PM
Submitted by: honu59
From: New YorkThat's very interesting, Mr. Mike, and that would be a perfect explanation of the title of "Daisies"! I wonder how many other things were in original scripts but never made it to the episodes. There could be other great explanations of episode titles out there somewhere.
Added: July 26 2018 07:41:50 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverInglewolf, long-time H50 fan, e-mailed me about the title of the "Daisies" episode as follows:
"I swear once upon a time I read somewhere on the Internet that the title of this episode came from an unused line in the original script.
"From what I recall Thad Vaughn's father had been contacted on the mainland. His reply to the news of his son's death was "You can paint daisies on his coffin and drop it in the ocean for all I care". Unfortunately when I recorded that in my own Hawaii Five-0 notes I neglected to put down that exact source.
"I know the source wasn't somebody's entry on the Yahoo Hawaii Five-0 group (like the one who claimed that "King of the Hill" originally was shown with a scene showing Yaphet Kotto's character getting struck by the bat the little leaguer lost his grip on)."
I (me, Mr. Mike) have tried to track this down, but there is nothing that comes up with a Google search. If it was on some forum like Yahoo, it probably was not archived anywhere.
I don't think this joins the list of other "things I could have sworn were on Five-O" people have claimed over the years, which have been debunked.
One of these was in Force of Waves, where there is some business about John Vernon's character getting a traffic ticket. This is just mentioned in the show, but someone, I think on my forum, swore that there was actually a scene in the show where the cop gave him the ticket.
Another one has to do with McGarrett throwing a telephone in frustration onto his desk in The Young Assassins, which never happened (really)...Added: July 26 2018 06:54:53 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverI have added music queues to Twenty-Four Karat Kill review:
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#6Added: July 25 2018 07:09:38 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverHaving just finished Face of the Dragon, speaking of foaming at the mouth, here are stats for how many characters are my revised reviews, compared with the length of the original in brackets.
Cocoon - 37,728 (9,076)
Full Fathom Five - 18,669 (6,164)
Strangers in our Own Land - 20,219 (3,781)
Tiger by the Tail - 16,064 (3,125)
Samurai - 23,152 (11,138)
And They Painted Daisies - 16,954 (5,416)
Face of the Dragon - 20,121 (1,021)Added: July 25 2018 07:05:35 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverJust completed: Face of the Dragon (S01E15):
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#15Added: July 24 2018 07:55:41 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaI love Bernard Herrmann's music but from what I've heard of the man he could be difficult to work with. Sounds like he was trying to put Mort in his place, but Mort instead put him in his place. Way to go Mort!!
I looked on YouTube for this "Ambush" piece that Herrmann is talking about and this is all I could find: https://bit.ly/2OdQuHV
Sounds like nothing in the Vashon score at all.
I've been rewatching season 6 and there are 2 excellent scores which no one ever talks about! "A Bullet for El Diablo" by Mort and especially "Anybody Can Build a Bomb" by Richard Shores! The former is like Hookman fused with some Hispanic instruments. The latter uses some cues which are similar to the earlier Draw Me a Killer which Shores composed but for the most part it's an original score and sounds really awesome and epic. Really highlights the tension and the race against time to find the bomb and stop Mercury. I dig both scores! Also both episodes are extremely underrated as well. Diablo is #5 for me for the season and Bomb is right behind it.Added: July 24 2018 10:47:01 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverPosted by CBS TV Studios on Twitter:
"This is my third reboot, but this one predated all of the others. I've been talking about #MagnumPI for 10 to 15 years now. It was my favorite show growing up." @PLenkov on the reboot of @MagnumPICBS #SDCC [San Diego Comic Convention] 5:19 PM - 19 Jul 18
Hmmm, I always thought H50 was Lenkov's fave show of all time. But going back to read what he said about it a long time ago, it appears that it was a show his >father< really enjoyed, and PL was sitting at his father's knee as they watched the show together during its original run. (Maybe PL didn't really understand it.)Added: July 24 2018 07:20:17 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverI'm reading a biography of Bernard Herrmann, the composer who wrote scores for movies like Citizen Kane, Psycho, Vertigo and numerous TV shows like The Twilight Zone and Have Gun, Will Travel, where his contributions to the CBS music library were used over and over. He wrote to Morton Stevens as follows:
Dear Mort:
During the month of November the Hawaii 5-0 television show appeared here over ITA as it has done for some years. I was astonished to hear that on three of these shows (devoted to the Vashon family) the music used was based on a piece of mine entitled "The Ambush," and that no credit was given to me, nor has it ever appeared on the clearance sheets of BMI.
Now let me make one thing clear. Although CBS has every right to use this music which is in their tape library, as they see fit, they have no right to give somebody else credit for composing it.
I should appreciate your attention in this matter, and your advising me promptly of your reactions. I should like these before I proceed further to protect my legal and artistic rights.
With best regards,
Bernard Herrmann
Stevens replied:
Dear Bernie:
In answer to your letter of January 23rd I must say that I fail to see any evidence to support your suggestion that the theme was based on one of yours entitled "Ambush." I find no more similarity between ***'s theme and your theme of "Ambush" than between your "Ambush" theme and the first few notes of "Für Elise" by Beethoven or the first fragment of Mozart's "Overture to the Marriage of Figaro."
Nevertheless, I am happy that you reminded me of your piece entitled 'Ambush" because in listening to it again I find a new appreciation of the marvellous way in which you made such a few notes build a level of tension which was extraordinary.
According to the book:
Enraged by Stevens's "condescending and snide" answer, and convinced CBS had committed a moral if not legal violation, Herrmann battled the network over the issue for years without success.Added: July 24 2018 07:11:08 AM
Submitted by: Glenn
From: Orlando, Florida (USA)Hey Mike,
Another GREAT job on the PILOT / COCOON music cues!
Perhaps, you might add Mort's other gem, A THOUSAND PARDONS - YOU'RE DEAD down the road.
Anyway, please keep them coming and thanks again!Added: July 23 2018 12:18:17 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaExcept looking at those pics Yong and Young actually do look kinda similar, but "Wong Tou" Richard Loo and "Hai Fat" Richard Loo not so much.
I'm just gonna assume that this Richard Loo was some local Hawaiian "actor" that they picked up for this one episode to play Wong Tou, never to be used again. The other more famous Richard Loo (who incidentally was also born in Hawaii) in addition to lots of movies also guested in many 60s and 70s shows (I recall seeing him on BONANZA as some Chinese warlord) but did not appear on Five-O.
I suppose the other possibility is that the end credits are wrong and it's a typo. Maybe it shouldn't even be Richard Loo, but something else instead. Like Richard Poo lol or Richard Doo.Added: July 23 2018 08:54:14 AM
Submitted by: honu59
From: New YorkI did some searching and I can pretty much confirm that Harry Endo's daughter, Leslie, played the employee at the travel agency in "Computer Killer." I've compared a screen cap from that episode with a more recent photo of her. She had a dimple on the right side of her chin that appears in both photos. Sadly, I also found out that Leslie passed away on December 31, 2016. Rest in Peace, Leslie Endo Baker.
Added: July 23 2018 08:46:10 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverIMDB has screwed up actors before, for example (from my Not That Much Different review):
IMDB has mixed up two Five-O character actors, Walter Yong and Walter P. Young. The first actor was named Walter Yong. He appeared in The Child Stealers (Boat Owner), McGarrett is Missing (Storekeeper) and Anatomy of a Bribe (Joe Kimura). The second actor was named Walter P. Young, Senior. He appeared in Not That Much Different (General) and The Late John Louisiana (the title character). You can see pictures of both these actors here: http://fiveohomepage.com/pix/Young-Yong/ IMDB has combined these two actors into one listing: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2045865/.
Walter P. Young also appeared as one of the gamblers in 24-Karat Kill, as I just noticed recently.
As far as Harry Endo's daughter in one of the episodes under discussion here is concerned, can't help with that one...Added: July 23 2018 06:36:04 AM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaCan anyone shed any light on the actor playing Wong Tou (Paul Dennison's partner in crime) in Twenty-Four Karat Kill?? Mr. Mike just reviewed this episode so maybe he can chime in as well. The credits say it's Richard Loo, an actor who I'm familiar with. Most people probably remember him as the Thai criminal kingpin Hai Fat in the 007 movie THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN. He was Scaramanga's (Christopher Lee) employer and ultimately ends up getting shot by Scaramanga's golden gun later in the film. I've seen him in other films as well, like THE SAND PEBBLES with Steve McQueen. Bottom line is you can google his pictures and he doesn't look like the guy playing Wong Tou in this episode. I thought maybe this was a different Richard Loo but IMDB points to the same Richard Loo that I'm familiar with. It even says he was born in Hawaii on Maui. But I'm positive that Wong Tou and Hai Fat from the Bond movie are NOT the same person, even though both credits say Richard Loo.
Anyone have any ideas about this??? It's been driving me crazy forever. I thought maybe it's his hairstyle that's different in the Five-O episode, but it's more than that. I'm convinced it's a different face altogether.Added: July 22 2018 09:39:56 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverPilot analysis is finished (I hope):
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0pilot.htm
This is the original version
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0pilot.htm
The new one is about 3 times longer than the original.
There was a big goof in the original which has gone unnoticed for years!Added: July 22 2018 07:00:53 PM
Submitted by: honu59
From: New YorkTodd, I believe that Harry Endo's daughter was the employee working the desk at the travel agency toward the end of the episode, but I haven't seen this one in a while. Can anyone confirm this? "Computer Killer" was a creepy and disturbing episode. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, especially with your expertise in the field.
Added: July 22 2018 03:57:45 AM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PATodd, thanks for your outstanding analysis of The Computer Killer. Aarons was 1 intelligent criminal. Probably should have gotten away with the crime. It amazed me how Aarons methodically killed Palmer and the lady. Like he was smoking a cigarette or eating a plate of eggs. Aarons was narcissistic and psychopathic. No question about that. I wonder if he killed before. The young Tillis was kind of a bland character. It's a straight-forward kind of criminal case but adding The Computer Killer definitely enhanced the story. Palmer's prints were still at the crime scenes. That's reasonable doubt but Aarons made a deal I guess. I'd give The Computer Killer 5 stars out of 6. Wonder if he was placed in the same jail as Big Chicken or did they finally build a new prison in Swanson's demands in The Box.
Added: July 22 2018 01:00:20 AM
Submitted by: Todd
From: Los AngelesOn a flight back home right now, and decided to watch some Five-O while the in-flight internet was down.
I chose "Computer Killer", which I haven't watched in a long time. This one particularly interested me because I have a Master's in Computer Science, and I first learned how to program about 8 years after this episode was made.
Mike, you say that Harry Endo's daughter was credited as "Employee", and you think it was at the bank? Could she have been the woman at the travel agency who purchased Charles Aaron's ticket for him?
Most computer technology shown on TV is very inaccurate and exaggerated, but this one kept fairly true to reality. While it's unlikely that all of the "World Business Systems" networks would have been connectable through a dialup modem (notice they all had their own dedicated phone line), if you dismiss that part, it isn't too far fetched that a designer of the system could have inserted a back door in order to access the systems. I found this "back door" plot point much more realistic than the typical situation on TV where a "hacker" can just break into any system at will (Which is impossible!)
Near the beginning, Aarons dials into the DMV using his cell phone and connects it to his computer. This was impossible in 1974, as the connection would not have been good enough on early cell phone technology to carry the modem carrier.
I don't understand why Aaron's had to plant phony fingerprint data into the police computer system Why not just get Palmer's ACTUAL fingerprints? After all, Aarons killed him, and had access to as many fingerprints as he wanted!
The ages of some of the characters in this episode were unrealistic. William Curtis (the first witness) was supposedly 37, but in reality the actor was 47, and looked it. The second woman murdered was supposedly 50 years old, but looked around 65. Not sure what the point was to fudge these ages.
You would think that a computer genius like Aarons could have transferred the payoff to a Swiss bank account somewhere, rather than to an account in his own name! Seems incredibly reckless to me!
Not sure why Aarons would have made a plea deal. He already committed two murders, and Hawaii had no death penalty. His offense was worse than Hugh Tillis' (obstruction of justice), so why would Aarons have made a deal to get Tillis?
These nitpicks aside, it was an enjoyable episode, and I give it 3.5 stars.Added: July 22 2018 12:09:41 AM
Submitted by: Leigh
From: STLJust started watching H50 on the cbs app on Amazon and I am hooked. My husband and I watch two episodes a night (our bonding time, LOL ) In season 5 and we have noticed that Steve doesn't seem to have as much screen time as in the past four seasons. Did he have a health problem and did he use a body double for some running scenes? In Pig in a Blanket he was chasing seen in the hospital and the back of his head his hair is really long. Sorry for the goofy questions.
Added: July 21 2018 09:07:13 AM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PAThe Wo Fat episodes sure were excellent episodes. It was a great mental game of chess between McGarrett & Wo Fat over 12 years. Other than the circus episode, I thought the Wo Fat episodes at least 4 stars in my 6 star system. I had written "later" but it ended up "late" on the forum page. Guess I had backspaced on my tablet and "r" was omitted. I know there were Wo Fat episodes throughout 12 seasons. I listed several over the 12 year run. Honestly, I have enjoyed Mr. Mike's expanded Season 1 reviews. It has stimulated the 2018 Summer forum discussion. My guess is King Of The Hill is my FAV Season 1 episode. What about you Classic HFO forum regulars?
Added: July 21 2018 01:59:02 AM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaH50 1.0 FOREVER, slight correction. Wo Fat was absent in season 6, not season 7. In season 7 Wo Fat went to the circus LOL!
Added: July 20 2018 06:57:18 PM
Submitted by: H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksI should add that "Cocoon" told us right off the bat that "Hawaii Five-0" was going to be around for a long time. It was very nearly movie quality.
Now, 50 years later, we know that H50 was, indeed, around for a long time. It has been showing continuously, somewhere around the world, since it first aired on September 20, 1968. You don't find many series with a track record like that.
Similarly, Jack's movie, "Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot" has been showing continuously at the Colonial Williamsburg visitor's center for more than 61 years, now. It first aired on March 30, 1957, and is available on DVD from Amazon and from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Well worth a gander at how the colonists felt and reacted with the approaching Revolutionary War that could well have cost them everything they had.Added: July 20 2018 02:28:53 PM
Submitted by: H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksRe: John Chergi's remark that Wo Fat would resurface late in the series:
Actually, Wo Fat and the actor who portrayed him, Khigh Dhiegh, appeared in 15 episodes throughout the series: in the Pilot, then in Seasons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12, counting two-part episodes as two separate episodes.
He was absent in Season 7 and moved more slowly in Seasons 8 and 9, leading some people to wonder if he might not have been ill, which would explain his not appearing in Seasons 10 and 11.
It was in those seasons and Season 12 that the Kumu became a serious force with which to reckon. Then, of course, Wo returned for the finale, "Woe to Wo Fat."
So, in fact, Wo Fat was quite a force to reckon with virtually throughout the series.Added: July 20 2018 02:20:11 PM
Submitted by: H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksI agree. The musical cues are fantastic!
Added: July 20 2018 02:04:43 PM
Submitted by: Glenn
From: Orlando, Florida (USA)Yes, Mike - a HUGE THANK YOU for putting up the great musical cues from the episodes - keep 'em comin'.
A job well done!Added: July 20 2018 11:38:02 AM
Submitted by: Bobbi
From: Anchorage, AKThanks Ringfire for the link. I see my gut is still on point
I should check out the other forum on this page as well - oopsAdded: July 20 2018 01:03:25 AM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaBobbi, if you're interested in what fans think of the MAGNUM reboot you can read the comments here: https://bit.ly/2t5f0Ba
I also posted this a while ago on the "other TV shows" discussion forum.Added: July 19 2018 11:44:37 PM
Submitted by: Bobbi
From: Anchorage, AKUGH is an understatement. I'm so not watching. Give me the original any day (again!).
How much you want to bet they'll have palm trees in North Korea again?
Details, people! Details!!Added: July 19 2018 09:50:48 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverUGH.
https://deadline.com/2018/07/magnum-p-i-comic-con-jay-hernandez-eric-guggenheim-cbs-1202429903/Added: July 19 2018 09:00:15 PM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PACocoon is a strong pilot episode. The Cocoon building for 1968 was ahead of its time. Wo Fat also was a streak of genius. He would resurface late in the series. Forty Feet High And It Kils! A Bullet For McGarrett, Murder--Eyes Only, Nine Dragons etc. McGarrett proved to be a great investigator from the beginning. He noted Hennessey wasn't a swimmer and other inconsistencies. Love when McG decided to do the indoctrination and be captured. I would give Cocoon 5 stars out of 6. They also made the right decision on a new Danno. JC
Added: July 19 2018 07:55:21 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaMr. Mike has been doing a wonderful job recording the complete score for each of the season 1 episodes he has reviewed thus far. Granted they include dialogue as well but many of them are extended musical passage without any dialogue and are a real treat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looking forward to hearing the music from "Cocoon" which was Emmy-nominated.
Keep up the great work, Mike!!Added: July 19 2018 01:39:44 PM
Submitted by: Glenn
From: Orlando, Florida (USA)Thanks, Mike for the update. It just could be that CBS will celebrate the 50TH Anniverasy of the old show with the new season of the reboot in September.
Anyway, it would be nice if something will be in the offering - also, I wonder where the Stevens law suit stands - if that gets settled somehow, perhaps we will finally see some of those wonderful old scores being released on CD. I know that Doug Fake over at Intrada Records has mentioned that all of the Bruce Broughton scores from the old show have been transferred and BOTH Doug and Bruce want to get the scores out.
We shall see...Added: July 19 2018 12:49:56 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverRingfire, the reason that BOOKEM thing disappeared is because the entire review was done again from scratch, just dropping certain things into a template. The template did not have this BOOKEM and I never thought about it at the time. I have fixed this. Thanks!
Glenn, I asked my pal at CBS re something for the 50th anniversary as we have discussed before, but he says "nothing that I know of yet" (I think the decision is not up to him).Added: July 19 2018 10:16:43 AM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaHonu, I'm not necessarily saying they should have used Stevens original score for the opening of "Handman" (they probably couldn't anyway because of copyright issues and ownership rights and such) but Brian Tyler could have at least used the Stevens score as a basis to compose something original yet similar-sounding for the proper mood and feel. Total missed opportunity!
Mike, are you no longer including the "Book ‘em" labels next to episodes? I don't see one for Twenty-Four Karat Kill, the first episode where McG uses the iconic phrase.Added: July 19 2018 08:25:07 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverI added the Plot for the pilot episode yesterday. It was a lot easier than I expected.
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0pilot.htm
Just ignore the other stuff on the page for the moment; it's under construction.Added: July 19 2018 06:24:34 AM
Submitted by: honu59
From: New York"... doesn't the title "Hookman" become pointless when the killer doesn't actually have hooks but instead a pair of modern prosthetic hands with fingers and all??"
Ringfire, thank you for putting my thoughts into words here. I really remember thinking the same thing back then. "Handman," LOL! Doesn't have the same ring to it! I'm actually glad that they didn't use Stevens' excellent, award-winning score since I feel that music belongs to the original.
John, I also liked seeing cool, smart women working with Five-O. It was a welcome change from the typical "screaming victim" women usually shown back then.Added: July 19 2018 04:01:49 AM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PA24 Karat Kill is a solid Season 1 episode. The young mother's murder stays with the viewer and is haunting every time I watch it. The simple act of buying some fish for dinner ended up in her death. Those were some gold rich fish. I like the episode. It was also good to see a cool smart woman utilized by McGarrett to help bring the man to justice. She was similar to Joyce in Full Fathom Five. A professional and risked her own life to help catch him. I would 24 Karat Kill 4.5 stars on my 6 star system. JC
Added: July 18 2018 09:00:10 PM
Submitted by: Bobbi
From: Anchorage, AKFirst off, THANK YOU Mr. Mike for the reviews. I want you to know that I appreciate all the work that goes into these - they are not a small undertaking and we get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Second, not holding my breath on the Season 9 opener. I think you guys said it all.
On a -- somewhat-- off-topic subject, has anyone else seen the trailers/ads for the Magnum reboot? Every time I see one, my heart sinks a bit more. I don't know if it's the same group who did Five-Zero --haven't been following it *that* closely --but apparently they're all about destroying the Ferrari multiple times and making it more like James Bond. We wonder why we're watching reruns..I don't.Added: July 18 2018 06:29:41 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaWell considering that Lenkov has already proved that he isn't even capable of successfully remaking an already classic episode (should be real easy, right??) then I have little faith for this Cocoon remake. Remember his Hookman remake? Aside from the stupid anti-gun rant in that episode and other extraneous nonsense (I hate how the episode opens with some heavy rock music blaring - how about giving us an actual score a la Morton Stevens???), doesn't the title "Hookman" become pointless when the killer doesn't actually have hooks but instead a pair of modern prosthetic hands with fingers and all?? Shouldn't it have been called "Handman" instead?
Added: July 18 2018 05:16:59 PM
Submitted by: honu59
From: New YorkRe: Cocoon picture - Sheesh! Absolutely agree with H5O Forever's comment.
Re: review of 24 Karat Kill
"The guy takes the gold bar, presumably after he kills her (there is no blood all over the place like we get with the "new" Five-Zero)."
I remember being horrified by this young mother's brutal murder. There is no need for blood and gore to get an emotional reaction if it's done right.
"Edward Tom, who played Chin Ho uncredited in the previous show, in this episode is "Tom," a lab technician seen at the murder scene at the beginning of the episode (also uncredited)."
I think you meant to type "Che Fong" in this sentence. [Thanks, I made the same mistake in "Daisies"! - MQ]Added: July 18 2018 11:52:17 AM
Submitted by: H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksThe cocoon returns??? Can't these 2.0 people do anything worthwhile without looking back to 1.0 for their season opening material/inspiration?
Lenny and Jack did it right the first time. It's no wonder that no one else has been able to figure out how to bring back "Hawaii Five-0" without turning it into a circus. Oh! Wait! 1.0 did had a circus in "Presenting...in the Center Ring...Murder" (Season 7). See? It's all been done.
Leave it be.Added: July 18 2018 08:42:13 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: Vancouverhttps://www.instagram.com/p/BlWO6fUn7BC/
Hmmm, what is this? Supposedly the set for the premiere of season 9.
There is a certain familiarity to this.
On Twitter, Lenkov said "is it possible we have other 50th surprises planned?"Added: July 18 2018 07:02:43 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverOriginal #H50 re-viewed:
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#6
Season 1, Episode 6: Twenty-Four Karat KillAdded: July 18 2018 06:29:38 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverDanno couldn't "call it in," there were no cel phones and he didn't have a walkie-talkie or some such device. He asked one of the people who were fleeing the building to call a cop. Ann (the girl friend) left by some other exit than the front door after she picked up the gun, why couldn't Thad also have gone out this other exit? What this other exit is is not specified, and Danno seems to react when he hears some noise of Ann leaving, but doesn't follow up with this. There was probably an exit to the apartment via the fire escape or something. As mentioned in the review, my big problem with this show is how did Thad get shot in the way he did -- where was he standing when he got shot? Immediately behind the door?
Added: July 18 2018 06:10:54 AM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PAI think King Of The Hill and Samurai were better episodes than Daisies. I like the initial chase scene with Thad and Danno running. My problems with it start when Danno shot through the door. Why not call it in and wait for HPD? Danno had him covered through the front door. It's difficult for me to believe the blonde female squeezed somehow behind Danno and the dead Thad. That's a tight space and out the door. It seemed McGarrett was fighting harder for Danno than he was fighting for himself. Probably 4 stars out of 6.
Added: July 17 2018 10:09:58 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaSorry, my mistake. I just checked the end of "Strangers" and Danno does indeed say the guy he shot is still alive. Though I suppose he could have died later. But we go by what we're told.
What I also stumbled on is that during Grace Willis' confession to McGarrett she clearly says that "he (Benny) used Tommy and then killed him, and then tried to kill me". So I don't think there's any question as to how Tommy died. I'd say this definitely rules out Tommy committing suicide.Added: July 16 2018 03:38:14 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: Vancouver"I know Danno seemingly shoots an unarmed teen in this episode while off-duty but this is NOT his first kill. We saw him shoot and kill Benny's "henchman" on the beach after he tried to strangle Grace Willis in 'Strangers in Our Own Land'."
This is not correct, the last thing we hear about the guy in "Strangers" is: "He's got a bullet in his chest but he's breathing."Added: July 16 2018 02:11:09 PM
Submitted by: Glenn
From: Orlando, Florida (USA)Hi Mike,
I was wondering if you could check with your friend at CBS regarding an update on the possible 50th Anniversary Blu Ray set - September is not too far now and I'm sure everyone here would love some info - thanksAdded: July 16 2018 01:59:45 PM
Submitted by: Bobbi
From: Anchorage, AKRingfire - you are not alone. I thought the opening to the 3rd act was intense and you knew there was going to be a fight! That intensity underscored what was happening in the episode.
Added: July 15 2018 05:51:43 PM
Submitted by: honu59
From: New YorkHey Ringfire: I'm not sure that we can consider the episodes to be shown in chronological order.
In "Daisies" after the opening credits, Steve arrives at the scene. Two HPD officers are there and Danny is sweating, smoking a cigarette, and trying not to lose it. One of the HPD men notices what Danny is going through and says "First time for him, Steve?" and Steve replies "Yeah, first time." (Or something like that.) So I always assumed that this was supposed to be Danny's first kill.
If you consider the episodes to be individual stories and not a timeline, it makes sense.Added: July 15 2018 05:47:42 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaI know Danno seemingly shoots an unarmed teen in this episode while off-duty but this is NOT his first kill. We saw him shoot and kill Benny's "henchman" on the beach after he tried to strangle Grace Willis in "Strangers in Our Own Land".
Am I the only one who really loves how the 3rd act opens with this great rumbling sound in the score as the camera barrels straight at the door of the Attorney General? It's basically McGarrett charging like a bull into a fight with the Attorney General. Epic scene!Added: July 15 2018 02:50:29 PM
Submitted by: Bobbi
From: Anchorage, AKHi Mr. Mike! Nice review on "And they Painted Daisies on his Coffin". I noticed in Act Three you stated Chin Ho did the comparison test for the gun. Wasn't this Che Fong? I know it's nit-picky but figured you might want to fix it. [Thanks, this has been done. - MQ]
As far as the title - I agree with Ringfire that it had to do with the hippie scene underlying the episode.
Nice play-by-playAdded: July 15 2018 01:05:40 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverOriginal H50 revisited:
S01E05 -- ....And They Painted Daisies On His Coffin, where Danno is accused of first degree murder after he shoots an escaping criminal and the gun this guy was using is not found (which you know already)
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#5Added: July 14 2018 06:07:53 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaRoger Perry who played the head bad guy in "Ready... Aim" has passed away. From 2002 until his death he was married to Joyce Bulifant who was the first Mrs. James MacArthur and who on TV played Gavin MacLeod's wife on THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW. Gavin of course was Big Chicken on FIVE-O.
Interestingly enough "Ready... Aim" was the only season 9 episode I had never seen in reruns prior to buying the DVD.Added: July 13 2018 09:24:08 PM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PAAgree with many of the sentiments on Strangers In Our Own Land. I think King Of The Hill and Samurai are 2 of my FAV Season 1 episodes. The car explosion at the beginning of Strangers was well-done. I think the young bomber kid was killed off. My FAV part was Kono at the end saying:Someday, we will be strangers in our own land.
Added: July 13 2018 03:11:18 PM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PASamurai is an incredible action packed episode for 1968. A courthouse shooting, poisoned lipstick, McG & HFO shootout with Bushido, and the beautiful Dee Dee. It's 1 of my FAV Season 1 episodes.
Added: July 12 2018 04:54:27 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaI have to admit that the thought of Tommy Kapali killing himself never occurred to me because based on everything we see and Benny's murderous tendencies of removing loose ends it all points to Benny (or his "henchman") as the murderer.
As for trying to kill Grace Willis as I mentioned earlier it makes Benny out to be a real scumbag. Especially if she was his mistress. Same thing with Tommy Kapali who was basically a poor innocent (and a fellow Hawaiian) as well as his daughter's boyfriend who gets strung up by Benny or his goon. Imagine you and your wife scheme to kill some politician that you despise. Fair enough. But are you really going to try to then kill your wife (or even your mistress) just because she knows everything? As well as any other innocents? Sure you don't want to go to jail but I'm sure there are lines you aren't willing to cross. Killing someone you feel "needs killing" is one thing. Killing other people, especially those close to you, is a whole other matter. This is where Benny just being a proud Hawaiian who cares about the land goes out the window when he starts killing other people around him to keep himself in the clear.Added: July 12 2018 09:06:04 AM
Submitted by: H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksIt's surprising that a superstar like Tab Hunter would receive such a last-minute part as he had in "Horoscope for Murder." True, he proved to be the culprit, but you would expect such a big name as his to appear in Act 1, Scene 1.
Added: July 11 2018 06:14:10 PM
Submitted by: H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksI think it's impossible to know whether Tommy killed himself or was killed based on what was shown. It could have gone either way.
Certainly, there is evidence that he might have been killed as seen in Benny's killing Nathan Manu and Grace Willis, and attempting to kill David Milner.
There is evidence that Tommy wanted to live -- he had a beautiful girlfriend, Leilani, who clearly cared deeply for him.
There is evidence that Tommy might have wanted to die -- he was ill. Too, he may have realized that he had been used as a patsy to kill Nathan Manu. The guilt would be too much for someone who was not stable.
It's interesting that, even in this early episode, the theme of "loose ends get hit" comes into play.Added: July 11 2018 06:07:26 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverTab Hunter, who starred in the extremely bad 11th season episode Horoscope for Murder, has passed away:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/09/entertainment/tab-hunter-dead/index .htmlAdded: July 11 2018 05:04:55 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverI don't think in Strangers that Benny killed Tommy, which is just speculation. I am speculating too when I think that Tommy killed himself, because he was, as his mother said, "sick in the head."
As far as Grace Willis is concerned, she knew EVERYTHING (as she blabs away to McG), so I am surprised that Benny didn't knock her off much earlier than he did. She was obviously Benny's mistress, though there is no suggestion of Benny having a wife in the show. Maybe she was just his girl friend or something. You have to ask yourself, by helping out Benny, what was "in it for her"?Added: July 11 2018 03:50:04 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverIn a meeting at the H50 office, Chin Ho produces a Japanese pistol and a knife which were recovered from the guy who failed to knock off Tokura.
Later, after Tokura's men murder two guys, McG takes this knife to Tokura's place and shows it to him. McG says "Those two gambling goons your boys knocked off, they didn't write the contract on you outside the hearing room. This was responsible [shows him the knife]. Samurai, ancient order of Japanese knighthood, fanatic principles of honor. The code of Bushido." (Yes, it >is< a code!)
The confusion with the word "Bushido" starts at this point when McG tells Tokura "Makes it easy for a Bushido to gut himself when he fails on a mission [i.e., commit hara-kiri]." Tokura later tells McG "[I]f you have paid more than $2.95 for that poor imitation samurai knife, you were shamelessly cheated." The word "samurai" is only used two more times in the show, once when Chin Ho says he doesn't understand "this samurai jazz" and at the end, when McG gives Tokura a "present" which he says "might even be a samurai knife."
I don't really understand why someone from Japan wants to knock off Tokura in the first place. Were his rackets in Honolulu a threat to gangsters (i.e., the yakuza or whoever) in Japan? Tokura was actually S. Yamashito, a Japanese sailor who was in a "kamikaze submarine" near Hawaii around the time of Pearl Harbor who took over the identity of some American guy named Tokura who was hiding in a cave on Molokai. (No one knows what happened to this Tokura.) When this submarine was found a couple of years ago, according to McG, "An international magazine did a story on it, the Bushido picked it up. Figured out what happened."
I don't get it. Why would the "bushido" care about this at all? There is no indication that Yamashito/Tokura was a samurai, that he had besmirched the samurai tradition or anything like that. If this idea had been developed, maybe the show would make more sense!Added: July 11 2018 03:43:32 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: Philadelphia"Strangers in Our Own Land" is also a great score by Stevens and again has a common theme which is used all throughout the score. It's first heard after the title sequence when the ambulance takes away the deceased Nate Manu. This is heard in many other episodes after this one. Of course it's then beautifully played in a touching scene where Benny reminisces about his childhood days with Nate as he talks to McGarrett. The theme then gets repeated in various guises in the other tracks as well as in a particularly moody and sinister form at the end when Benny knocks out and tries to run over Milner with a bulldozer. It's this version that is heard many times in other episodes over the course of the first and probably second seasons. It's great noticing where these themes got their initial start!
As for Benny's plan or scheme I don't really have a problem with it. If it's a bit complicated in trying to use Grace Willis to film Tommy Kapali on her video camera and then trying to set Tommy up as the fall guy then that's fine - that's what dramatic license is all about and it makes for an interesting story. As opposed to just blowing up Manu and that's it, not involving anyone else, not setting up anyone else. My only slight quibble is that it makes Benny into a pretty sympathetic scumbag murderer. Killing Manu for "destroying Hawaii" is one thing, but setting up and then hanging an innocent fellow Hawaiian bruddah (and his own daughter's boyfriend no less) is pretty darn low! And then trying to also kill Grace Willis (who was on his side) just to eliminate loose ends. At the end he's just a common murderer, not a crusader for the environment.
I noticed that the guy who played Manu was one Lord Kaulili - some type of Hawaiian royalty was he??
As for the Montalban episode I wonder if people back in 1968 thought of samurai as these warriors all clad in black with a mask covering their faces and running around swinging samurai swords. Think of the army of ninjas in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE just a year prior to this storming Blofeld's volcano base! Maybe that's why they chose the word "Bushido" instead hoping no one would know what this means. But then why was the episode called "Samurai" and not "Bushido"? Was it because it was stated that at some point Tokura was a samurai? I can't recall.Added: July 11 2018 02:34:03 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverAs far as S01E02 is concerned, instead of misusing the word "bushido," if they had used the word "samurai" instead (the name of the show, duh) that would have been better. Or more preferable, the word "yakuza" (meaning Japanese Mafia equivalent), such as we hear on today's H50, though I dunno if the term "yakuza" was that well known in 1968. The word "samurai," referring to either Tokura or the guys coming after him might have opened up a whole other can of worns.
The setup with some guy who looks like Montalban getting shot in the face so they think it is him, etc. is far too contrived. McGarrett is there as a witness, which was likely part of the whole scheme as he suggests later, but how could they guarantee that McG would just happen to be far enough away from the scene where the guy got shot in the face and he couldn't see Montalban being spirited away by his bodyguards or whoever else he arranged to make him "disappear"? Or maybe the guy was >already< shot in the face and they just dragged his body out to the scene where Montalban was supposedly wounded by the guy with a rifle far away?
One of my favorite parts of this show is at the beginning, where the second assassin, the guy with the moustache, looks at the scene where his pal screwed up >his attempt< on Tokura, and he bares his teeth just as Morton Stevens does this little "zing" in the music -- too cool! (Bob Sevey's interview with Tokura seems pretty awkward, on the other hand, which is weird, because he was actually a newsman in Honolulu for many years.)Added: July 11 2018 08:30:05 AM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaMike, I've never seen SAYONARA but perhaps Montalban's prep work for that role served him well in his Tokura performance a decade later. I'm just the opposite of you - I enjoy Montalban's performance more than the actual episode itself. He's nowhere near as wretched as Mark Lenard in Babe Ruth. Not even close! He's very erudite and charismatic in his performance and I dig his mannerisms, even if he is playing a Japanese by way of Mexico. I still think he looks and acts the part well enough. And by the way, I was notified earlier today that some chivalry are out to get me!
I'm in total agreement with you on the Full Fathom Five score by Morty. That FFF theme is very effective and creates a real sense of unease and creepiness every time it plays, especially as it gets more and more dissonant and brooding. It really fits Kevin McCarthy's Victor Reese to a tee! Ah, the good old days when TV composers knew what the heck they were doing and didn't just do some generic cut and paste job where the same noise drones on and on from scene to scene, from episode to episode, from season to season.Added: July 10 2018 10:11:32 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverThe score to Full Fathom Five (FFF) is quite clever. Check out the musical excerpts with my "anal-ysis":
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#S01E01music
#1 - This brief cue is the first appearance of what we could call the FFF theme, or maybe Reese's theme.
#2 - There are brief references to the FFF theme (a 3-note melody going up) at 0:24, 0:36, 1:38 and 1:47. It returns in full as Reese recites the poem from Shakespeare.
#3 - The FFF theme appears again as Skaggs enters the Iolani Palace.
#4 - The H50 theme is heard.
#7 - The H50 theme is heard again, McGarrett looks like he is having regrets at using Joyce to catch Reese after she leaves.
#8 - As Reese walks by Joyce, we hear the FFF theme again; it is recognizable but dissonant, almost "bitter," suggesting what trouble Reese is going to make for her.
#9 - After an opening theme representing the ship (the President Wilson, by the way), we hear the FFF theme at 0:09 played by woodwinds over pizzicato strings as Reese goes to Joyce's room. We see Danno is watching Reese from nearby (H50 theme at 0:38). Later, after some background cocktail-like music, we hear the H50 theme again played with woodwind interjections starting at 2:47 as Danno enters Reese's room.
#11 - FFF theme as McGarrett leaves Joyce's hotel room prior to the Wave, where there is a slight reference to the FFF theme.
#12 - The FFF theme is played by low piano (sounds very creepy and ominous!) as Reese talks about celebrating on a "sunset cruise" with Joyce.
#13 - FFF theme on flutes at 0:32 and muted horn at 0:54.
#15 - There are Jaws-like sounds in the basses at the beginning! Reese talks about killing Joyce (FFF theme at 0:16; it also appears during the shooting around 1:00 and continues in the cellos from around 1:21. The cue ends with that great Stevens writing for lower brass in octaves!Added: July 10 2018 03:39:25 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverStrangers in Our Own Land was 2 stars before, up until April 20, 2010. Some time between then and May 14, 2011, it got raised to 3 stars, where it stayed until yesterday. I don't know why I changed my opinion in 2011; it's not like the DVDs came out in 2011, they came out in 2007.
I find the whole business about Benny's big scheme to be badly written. Perhaps someone would like to write up what they think the back story regarding this is, which is entirely speculation, you realize. Not that this will make me change my opinion.
I might make Full Fathom Five and Tiger by the Tail 3½ stars ... though, on the other hand, I am thinking of just doing away with the "half star" ratings altogether.
Now to do Samurai, which I don't like either, first because of Montalban's peculiar performance and the misuse throughout of the word "bushido." Wouldn't you think that if someone started using the word "chivalry" in a similar but non-Japanese context, you would think they are weird?
Montalban, according to his autobiography, actually went to Japan in advance of his acting in the movie Sayonara (1957) where he played a Japanese kabuki actor and did some research as to how someone like this would comport themselves.
In this H50 show, his performance is cringe-worthy, just like it would have been if some guy had appeared in Al Jolson-like blackface. Too bad, because there a lot of great things about this show!Added: July 10 2018 02:57:34 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaMike, you accidentally gave the episode 2 stars. I know you meant to give it 3 and a half stars.
You're welcome!
P.S. Although in that case you'd be obliged to give both Full Fathom Five and Tiger by the Tail 4 stars!Added: July 10 2018 08:24:05 AM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverRevamped:
Strangers in Our Own Land (S01E02, second episode of the original H50):
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#2Added: July 10 2018 01:02:58 AM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaYes I can't figure out how Over Fifty didn't even get a nomination! What a score!!
Mike, thanks for the great work on re-analyzing season 1. Really appreciate it!! Looking forward to going through your Full Fathom Five! As well as the music of course!! I love how Stevens picks one specific theme for an episode and weaves it throughout the whole episode score. In the case of Full Fathom Five it's those opening bars that kick off the episode. They get repeated in various forms and arrangements throughout the episode. That's how you score an episode! I also love that theme that plays while Danno is searching Vic's room on the ship - really cool piece! You already have that piece somewhere on your site - I remember we were trying to identify which episode that was from.Added: July 08 2018 01:02:31 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverI have continued my revamping season one episodes, dealing with Full Fathom Five:
http://fiveohomepage.com/5-0log1.htm#1
In this I have reached new heights of "anal-ysis."Added: July 08 2018 08:43:28 AM
Submitted by: Glenn
From: Orlando, Florida (USA)The music from OVER 50? STEAL should have really won Stevens another Emmy or at the very least a nomination. It is such a wonderful, charming score. One of my favorites, for sure.
Morton Stevens was the sound of FIVE-OAdded: July 08 2018 06:57:51 AM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaThe Filer theme from Over Fifty is probably Stevens' best work next to Hookman. It's outstanding! Definitely the best score from season 3.
I've been thinking about my top 5 scores from each season. I might make a list some day. I'm focusing on original scores for each season, not reused ones from previous seasons (although most episodes still tended to reuse certain musical cues).Added: July 07 2018 09:44:12 AM H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksSeason 12 Favorites:
1. Good Help is Hard to Find
2. A Lion in the Streets
3. Woe to Wo Fat
4. Voice of Terror
5. Though the Heavens Fall
This is off the subject, but the theme from "Over Fifty? Steal" is going through my mind. There's an interesting story behind this. From time to time, for the forty years between the time the episode first aired and the DVDs were released, this tune would run through my mind, but I wouldn't be able to remember where I'd heard it. Then, the Season 3 DVDs came out, and I heard it and exclaimed, "THIS is where that came from!" It's a good episode, but I watch it just to hear that snappy melody. Way to go, Morton Stevens!Added: July 07 2018 04:15:34 AM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PAWoe To Wo Fat is a good finale. I enjoyed Jack Lord's dual role as McGarrett & Dr. Raintree. Probably 4 stars out of 6. JC
Added: July 06 2018 11:00:18 PM
Submitted by: Mr. Mike
From: VancouverOTT? I think you mean OTW (Off The Wall)!
Added: July 06 2018 07:31:34 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaSo to recap my season 12 rewatch, here are my top 5 for the season:
1. Though the Heavens Fall (this remains unchanged from before)
2. The Flight of the Jewels (this has moved up from #4 previously)
3. Image Fear (remains unchanged)
4. Use a Gun, Go to Hell (this used to be #5)
5. Labyrinth (this used to be outside of my top 5)
So the one big one that dropped out of my top 5 is "Voice of Terror". It used to be #2 and now it's out of the running. It has 1 or 2 suspenseful moments and the car chase/stunts are pretty good (since the director is stunt guy Beau Van Den Ecker) but ultimately it's derailed by the hideously OTT Cal Bellini, and a half-baked plot about a call for all losers and nut jobs and lackeys to unite and blow crap up just for the hell of it. Let's start a global revolution. Ummm yeah, riiiiight.
There was a time when I also had "School for Assassins" as my #5 (in place of "Use a Gun") but another rewatch some time ago opened up my eyes that it's pretty naff. Ultimately "Labyrinth" is much better. As are "Woe to Wo Fat" and "A Shallow Grave" for that matter.
â€"â€"THE ENDâ€"â€" (all pau, bruddah)Added: July 06 2018 07:18:39 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaI can't decide whether I like Stevens score for "Woe to Wo Fat" more than Bruce Broughton's "Though the Heavens Fall". The latter is a really good score and actually elevates the episode as a whole. I really dig the Star Chamber aspect of the episode. -Fiat justitia ruat caelum
Added: July 03 2018 05:16:31 PM
Submitted by: Glenn
From: Orlando, Florida (USA)WOE TO WO FAT is actually pretty good if you don't think about it too hard. like Wo says, "A fitting end, McGarrett".
When I first saw this episode for the first time, back in April of 1980, I was hoping Morton Stevens did the music.
He did, and he came up with an excellent score that really rounded out the episode and series - yes, a "fitting end" with that classic Mort Stevens touch...Added: July 03 2018 12:35:45 PM
Submitted by: ringfire211
From: PhiladelphiaI almost forgot to finish my season 12 review. Yes I made it to the final episode, which is... (drum roll)...
WOE TO WO FAT
This is the end - the final episode of the series. The show started with Wo Fat and it ends with Wo Fat, which is very appropriate. Now, clearly this isn't in the same league (or even the same planet LOL) as "Cocoon" but for a season 12 episode this was quite good. In fact compared to the previous episode (the comatose "Moroville Covenant") this one is a straight-up masterpiece! I really like how Mr. Mike compares this episode to a comic book and I wholeheartedly agree - everything seems turned up to a 10 in this one. You have McGarrett in disguise playing a frail old Einstein type (remember Hannibal used to do this weekly on THE A-TEAM?), Wo Fat has his own tropical island/jungle, he conditions people with nightly doses of "compliance gas", he's developing the ultimate doomsday weapon, hero and villain have a mano-a-mano (kung-fun, no less) showdown in the jungle at the end and BOTH ham it up real good, McGarrett shoots up the lab with a machine gun Rambo-style (remember the end of RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD, PART II?), etc. Yes it's all very comic book in nature. Even a bit like a mini-Bond movie. All that was missing was an indestructible henchman. Yet all this contributes to what is an otherwise fun adventure. It's essentially an antidote to the comatose "Moroville" that preceded it. One thing this episode isn't is boring. If you can get past Lord in ridiculous and cheesy old man disguide (but maybe that's part of the fun) there's a lot to enjoy in this comic book adventure. Wo Fat, kidnapped scientists, doomsday weapon, compliance gas, tropical island, jungle hunt, shootouts, explosions, and finally Wo Fat getting "booked" (but perhaps not for long). And seriously, what better place to film the final episode if not on the best spot on Oahu - the Anderson Estate, a.k.a. "Robin's Nest" from MAGNUM PI (which of course sadly just got torn down). We've seen this place countless times previously on Five-O and it's fitting that this should also double as Wo Fat's personal private island. Works for me! Let's also not forget the very good score here by Morton Stevens. He scored the first episode of the show and the last. As I think about it this episode might actually tie with "Labyrinth" as my #5 of the season. It's definitely an episode that improved from my last viewing.
**THE END** (Mahalo!)Added: July 02 2018 05:52:20 PM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PAA Short Walk On The Longshore would have been interesting if they had focused on the murder of the election hopeful. I realize it's difficult to obtain info from these people but I would have sent in a younger guy like Keoki in A Sentence To Steal or a Joey Lee type in The Pagoda Factor. McG shouldn't have blatantly lied to Danno. It was really stupid. He could have been killed when they raided the opium den. The ending was When Does A War End? bad. I thought Sharon Farrell as Frankie acted well in this weak script.
Added: July 01 2018 10:14:42 PM
Submitted by: John Chergi
From: Pittsburgh PAA Short Walk On The Longshore should be only 1 star maybe closer to the bomb rating. This has to be in the Top 20 of worst Five-0 episodes. It showed promise with the election hopeful getting shot in broad daylight. JC
Added: July 01 2018 09:58:31 PM
Submitted by: Bobbi
From: Anchorage, AKH50 1.0 Forever - Agree, Agree, Agree!
1 - I get the need for secrecy, but a lot of headaches could have been prevented if McGarrett only said something.
2 - Absolutely, McGarrett didn't have a choice in the alley. I think Danno realized it a second too late as well.
3 - I also thought it was weird that the mobsters didn't show until the last minute. I found it odd too that Frankie says she doesn't want to die, but only a few minutes earlier she completely bluffed a mobster - what did she think was going to happen?
Thanks for the trivia info - that's pretty cool about Jack Lord's service.Added: July 01 2018 05:58:46 PM
Submitted by: H50 1.0 FOREVER
From: Under the Live OaksI agree that McGarrett should have told his team that he was going undercover, even if he was not free to share the details with them.
As for the way he slugged Danno, he almost had to if he was to maintain his credibility with Arthur and his men. He also had to maintain his persona as a tough merchant mariner.
I felt the episode was good until Sharon Farrell entered the story. Her character was not essential to the story. In fact, she dragged it down to the lowest level ever reached in a Five-0 episode. Where was the rough, tough merchant mariner then??? Where was the dedicated cop, McGarrett??? The whole episode turned wimpy.
One more issue: Why were the mobsters not seen until the very last scene? Were they an afterthought? Did someone finally wake up and realize those thugs had to have someone behind them?
Richard DeLong Adams usually wrote a good script. Where was his mind when he was writing this one?
Did you know that, in his real life, Jack Lord was a merchant mariner during and for three years after World War II? He was serving aboard a ship returning from East Africa with a load of manganese when the fantail was blown off by a German U-Boat. The ship went down in only seven minutes. Jack spent sixteen hours in a lifeboat before he was rescued off the coast of Italy. After that, he attended maritime officer training at Fort Trumbull, Connecticut, and completed his studies with the rank of ensign and a third mate's certificate in June 1945. He was assigned to the Maritime Service's training division in Washington to draw illustrations for training materials. That led him into acting in training films, again for the Maritime Service. He completed his duties to the War Department in 1948. Having decided he enjoyed acting, he began pursuing an acting career in New York.Added: July 01 2018 02:46:25 PM
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