Things We Learned About Hawaii, From Hawaii Five-0, Episode 214, “Pu’olo”
January 17th, 2012 by officer808The promise of Shelburne’s revelation and the synopsis of Steve being “rocked to his core when Chin Ho tells him some shocking news about Joe White” got fans excited about last night’s episode, “Pu’olo”. Did the episode deliver? From what I’m reading on the internet, fans have mixed feelings about the episode. Some are happy that we finally have resolution with Danny and Rachel’s story, but many were significantly underwhelmed by the identity of Shelburne.
A lot going for this episode
The witty dialog in this episode probably was among the best in the series so far. From Danny’s “Are we doing a thing again?” to Sang Min’s “Ooo! Sweet and Spicy!”, to his bickering with Kamekona like R2D2 and C3PO, to Kamekona singing the “Bad Boys” theme, and Danny’s instruction to Rachel to exhale through her vagina, all of it had me in stitches. That’s the kind of smart dialog I like that I don’t think we’ve seen for awhile in the show.
The return of Sang Min’s mullet and Sang Min himself living it up at Kamekona’s shrimp truck was great comic relief. The evolution of this character from a sleazy human trafficker to a sleazy, heart broken family man to a sleazy snitch is interesting to watch, and the writers have so much potential with this character in advancing the storyline. Sang Min is someone that I’m sure that fans want to see again, and Will Yun Lee is perfect in this role.
"I'm wearing an aqua shirt and some cargo pants. What are you wearing, Lori?"
Another thing I loved about this episode was that Kamekona finally got to throw his weight around, and remind the fans of how “street” he was before he went legit. Actor Taylor Wily has played Kamekona as such a big teddy bear that is was a shock to see him man handle another street boss. But how legit is he? Peter Lenkov mentioned in the HIFF interview that he wanted some moral ambiguity with Kamekona, in that he might be playing both sides of the law, and this episode may finally reveal that he isn’t as clean as he claims to be. Was he paying lip service to Nicky Chang (Dante Basco) when he said he was laundering money, or was that actual truth? Keep in mind that Kamekona does keep a stash of illegal firearms in his back yard, so I see some room for giving Kamekona another, possibly more sinister dimension.
I’m also glad we have some serious closure to the Rachel/Danny/mystery baby storyline. Danny seemed to be completely over the relationship with his wife, and man enough to step up with helping her with the child that’s not his. The fact that little Charles William was not his was repeated at the team huddle and also outside the nursery, so I’m fairly certain that this storyline has come to an end. A door has opened though, with the fact that Stan was delayed in Shanghai…what was he up to in Shanghai? A visit with Wo Fat, perhaps? I for one was one of those who wished that the baby was Danny’s, which would give the character another test of will between choosing his team mates or his family.
My initial impression of the flashback scene was that it served very little purpose other than establishing the fact that John feared for his family and his children. The underlying message of the scene on closer review is that John was to put absolute confidence in Steve that Joe was someone that he could trust. Throughout the season, Steve had his doubts on Joe, but his revelations on Hiro and Shelburne reiterate John’s confidence in his friend. I’m wondering if we’ll see more young Steve flashbacks…?
A few missed steps
I don’t think I’m the only one who thought that the Subway product placement was the most awkward product placement in the show. This was probably worse than the cell phone and Bing placements from the first season. Now I know that the show benefits heavily from advertisers who pay to have their products featured, but it has got to be done a better way!
On the next episode of Hawaii Five-0: The Five-0 team flash mobs the Jumbaco song at the local Jack In The Box! Be there, aloha!
The bigger controversy over the water cooler today is the revelation that Shelburne was a fictitious person, created by John McGarrett and Joe white to thwart their enemies. But Shelburne is real after all, because in the next breath, Joe revealed that he, as Shelburne, killed Wo Fat’s father. In a way it does make sense in that while Wo Fat is busy hunting Shelburne, Joe’s cover remains intact. But I would venture a guess to say though that Joe is still being coy with a few tidbits of information.
Was the reveal satisfying? Did Chin Ho’s information on Dettweiler rock Mcgarrett to the core? Not so to both, say some fans. Some fans expected a very elaborate story behind Shelburne, considering that Joe managed to fake Hiro’s death, that possibly Makoto, John or Doris McGarrett’s deaths may have been faked as well. I’m not sure where the CBS promo department got the idea to drum up Chin Ho’s news as being earth shattering. The synopsis and the Shelburne mystery may have inflated fan expectations a little too big…
And now, Things We Learned About Hawaii From Hawaii Five-0, Episode 214, “Pu’olo”
1) Carl Hodge, the delivery driver mentioned his trip with his wife to the “9th island”. We affectionately refer to Las Vegas as the “9th island” of the Hawaiian Island chain, since a lot of locals spend a lot of time vacationing there. The downtown area, including the Freemont Hotel, Sam Boyd’s, and the Main Street Station cater exclusively to people from Hawaii.
2) Steve offers Danny to buy him a Zip Pac at the end of the episode. The Zip Pac is the name of a meal served at Zippy’s restaurant. It is served in a fashion similar to Japanese “bento box” meals, and consists of fried chicken, a slice of teriyaki beef, panko battered fried fish, and of course, a slice of spam. It’s all served on a bed of rice with furikake (dried seaweed). It’s definitely not health food, but is perfect after a day at the beach.
Did you notice…?
A Waialua plantation house is not what most locals would consider luxurious living.
“At least the baby boy wasn’t born holding a subway sandwich” tweeted my buddy @bakabreath.
The announcer brutally mispronounced John Cruz’s song at the end of the episode. The title is “Hi’ilawe” [hee'ee lah-veh], but the announcer says “heelawee”, to which @bakabreath said, “that’s heelawee-ous”.
Songs from this episode were: Train’s “Drive By”, Ehukai’s “Molokai Slide”, and of course, John Cruz’s “Hi’ilawe”.
helps to support the blog, mahalo!
I have to say…there was so much of what makes Five-0 “FIVE-0” in this episode I could tell that Peter Lenkov had a hand in writing it. There was a lot of the old Ohana friendship and camaraderie that we have been missing for a lot of this season. The episode had me laughing, crying, and sitting on the edge of my seat. It had me in suspense and fearful by turns but I found myself laughing over and over again. The hour just seemed to fly by.
There were so many funny and very “Five-0” type moments I forgot how much I really missed them. Danny asking Steve if they were doing “a thing” had me laughing and Kamekona and Sang Min had me in stitches too. I have to agree with Steve. That “intimidating, trying to scare the crap out of you” face of Sang Min’s really isn’t as effective under that silly shrimp truck baseball cap brah! Kamekona is always a joy. I wonder if that possibly laundered money financed the truckload of hidden guns in his back yard? But, he knew Sang Min was wired…right? Hmmmmm
The Subway commercial in the middle of the episode was a bit odd but not enough to ruin anything for me. I kind of found it funny that they were talking diet after we spent most of last week online worrying about Alex’s diet and supposed weight loss. If I didn’t know they wrote this episode weeks ago I would think they were spying on us online.
I felt the team was well utilized after Danny left to help Rachel. I love the girl power team of Kono and Lori. I think they bounce off each other very well. I was glad they kept Lori in the truck while Kono joined Steve and Chin in the warehouse but only because I didn’t want to hear people bitch about Lori if it was Kono left behind. That is just soooo old now.
I loved the flashback to 1992 because it’s always so wonderful to see William Sadler’s John McG. Young Steve did very well too. But the scene really didn’t add anything to the back story that we didn’t already know except that Steve knew Joe before the Navy so well that he was “Uncle Joe” to him. I also wonder what the “fight” was John couldn’t run away from. Steve didn’t question him about what it was. He was shocked and pissed that his father was sending them away but didn’t look too shocked when John said they weren’t safe. He never said anything like “what are you talking about…not safe from what?” So does that mean Steve knew what the “fight” was about? How can that be? As far as we know, at that point in time, Steve thought his mom died in a DUI car crash.
I am so glad that the standoff with Adam ended up the way it did. Ian Anthony Dale must remain on this show because he is electric on the screen. I think he will be a good double agent for Five-0 in their fight against WoFat. And it doesn’t hurt one iota that he is extremely easy on the eyes but, of course, that is completely beside the point
So Rachel does not have one friend in Hawaii, does not know one living soul besides her husband and her ex-husband? So when she goes into labor..naturally…she must call Danny with Stan away on one of his interminable business trips. I don’t really understand this storyline and I don’t particularly care for it. I am not a big Danny and Rachel fan. Or should I say, I am not a big Rachel fan. She continues to drag Danny’s heart through the mill. But, he obviously loves her no matter what. Danny is nothing if not a good and loyal friend no matter at what level that “friendship” is. The look on his face when the baby was born!!! Oh my God…can you imagine what he looked like when Grace was born?!? When they were together and happy and the baby was his?!? Damn you Scott. You had me crying like a baby! And just how magnanimous is this man??? Not only is he there for Rachel in her hour of need, he takes a picture of the baby and texts it to Stan because no man should miss seeing his new son! Oh my friggin’ God…can this man be cloned?!?!?! Unbelievable. The look on Steve’s face said volumes. Danny Williams, you are a prince among men! I actually don’t care if the baby is Danny’s or not. Whatever they are going to do with this storyline…just do it and stop pulling Danny’s heart to pieces. Right now he seems to have come to terms with the situation as it is. He may not like it, but he has obviously accepted it better than he did his original breakup. If that’s how it’s going to be…so be it.
Ok ….let’s get down to brass tacks! I didn’t enter Bob’s “Who is Shelburne?” contest because I couldn’t come up with something witty enough to compete. But I did speculate a while back that while Shelburne may be a person, maybe it was the name of a strategic OP to protect a specific person and maybe not the person themselves. I’m not sure if the reveal that Shelburne is an alias created by John and Joe to protect John qualifies under my speculation.
But now people are saying that Joe is Shelburne and it also seems that many people are disappointed in the Shelburne reveal. I, however, am not. I never expected that whatever we found out last night was going to be the end of the Shelburne storyline. I fully expected the reveal to be in the last few moments of the show and fully expected it to leave just as many questions unanswered and add a couple of more. How could they possibly give away the entire answer? There are 5 more months to the season after all.
And I don’t think that Joe is Shelburne. I think Shelburne is whoever he was speaking to on the phone while Hiro was in the trunk. I still think Shelburne is the code name for the protection of this person. We are not done with this mystery…not by a long shot. Joe will be back. But for now, as much as I love TOQ I am glad that Joe is going to go into hiding for a bit. It will give Steve a chance to be a “commander” again and not a subordinate to Joe. Military or not, angry, frustrated, exasperated or not..Steve backs down to Joe. I was so waiting for weeks for Steve to yell…just once… “Don’t you turn your back and walk away from me!!!” With Joe gone, Steve can be the strong man in command once more and his number one relationship can go back to being with Danny, where it belongs.
It was so wonderful to see them make a plan to go hang out after the baby was born. THAT’S what they should be doing after closing a case. Now hopefully, we’ll get these two actually talking about what is going on in their lives and working through some unresolved issues they have going back to the S1 finale! Now that’s something I think we’d all like to see.
I agree, the Kamekona-Sang Min “odd couple” bickering was hilarious! It made up for the Subway commercial.
Good analysis as always Linda!
Linda you and I were typing away at the same time hahaha!
Always love your insight – we agree to disagree but you really hit the nail on the head about Lori and Kono which I forgot to mention!!!
in addition i agree steve’s looks to his partner a the end of the show really brought us a bit a back to our season one partnership. It was a great moment
re: what you said regarding the Danny/Rachel storyline…
YES!!!
Hey Linda I agree Anthony Dale should stay on the show. He’s gorgeous to look at – I almost wished he could be on the good side and not the bad…lol!! But he’s terrific as Adam and part of me thinks he’s not nearly as rotten to the chore as some gang bosses could be but could he take over his father’s operations and join forces with Wofat? I really hope they don’t have him going down that path.
As for the Rachel thing, I don’t see her as the evil witch, I rather like her – just think she’s confused, unsure and if it weren’t for the baby she’d be with Danny but I think eventually time will reveal that the baby’s really Danny’s!! For all that they are making Danny suffer dontcha think he deserves the final reward…lol and knowing Peter and the writers, they love to make everyone suffer….including Steve and all of us together in one basket…lol!!
I’m so optimistic about the good things coming full circle for all of them that one of these days it will probably come back to “bite” me…lol!!
Linda! Can I please go to the front of the line for the “Danny clones”? I’ll order two, please! Not for me, I’m too old and comfortable with what I’v got, but I have two daughters!
Loved your review. I think you felt some of my “feel good” vibes from this episode, too! The whole team seemed to actually be a team, and a group of friends interested in what was going on with one of their members – namely Danny and the baby.
We need more Kamekona and Sang Min together! They truly stole the show! And we need our bromance moments again. We were very good and patient followers of Season 2′s intense story lines, and now we deserve our lollypop for our reward!
I got lots to say, but first, a word from our sponsor:
Did you know that Subway sandwiches contain only 6 grams of fat?
Subway, eat fresh!
…I forgot what I wanted to say…
;-P
ROFLMAO. Brilliant!
Thanks Jared!
“The synopsis and the Shelburne mystery may have inflated fan expectations a little too big…”
Ya think?
I’m really disappointed to the point that the good stuff in the episode just doesn’t compensate. I normally re-watch an episode nearly immediately. This time, I just feel let down.
BOB!!!! as always a review worth waiting for…
yes are not alone in wanting to see the baby as Danny’s and for similar reasons, is Kamekona “too legit to quit?” , San Ming to mainland, Steve given the truth about Shelburne, All of these story arcs were given “attention” and given some solidity and to some fans a final goodbye- however I think every arc was left open maybe more Aloha! than a goodbye….
Danno may move on but Rachel will always be a part of his life- and there is no mistaken that Rachel was not happy in current state of her relationship . Although the team reiterated not his baby- we also had the stranger say- he has your nose, and the nurses say this boy wants to meet his parents- and Danno stumbling prior to birth on what he is, husband, no ex …. There is still room to play with here on this arc (much to my agrin- but there is no mistaken that the series likes an unhappy Danno so this is just the beginning)
Kamekona- and San Ming just stole the show for me- too much fun and just out loud funny. Now I agree the whole Subway “add” WOW! that was a bit shocking but at the same time and a bit separate note is that the AMOUNT OF COMMERICALS- I didn’t stay on to tweet w/ friends because I didn’t want to miss a thing. yet the amount of commercials I could of wrote a book! Peter if your watching I understand the whole NEED for ads but then have a big before “presented with limited commercial interruption” and less during show especially if we will have more moments watching the team make maxwell house in the squad room…
ok back to Kamekona- I missed the “laundry money” until the second viewing.. and we do know how much Kamekona has stashed in weapons- there is ALOT of things to “play” with here. I think Peter and the rest of the writing team will have fun with this- and yet at the same time it can be something that will make life very difficult for the team- intriguing to say the least.
San Ming- well now he has too much to work with we know we haven’t seen the last of him. But I as I watched last night and Lori made the offer about CLubFEd- I immediately thought CROSSOVER! I wouldn’t be surprised if this is one way in which the two shows cross. We have Kensi talking up her dad and her visits via Joe request… but San Ming heads To LA… yeah this arc not finished….
Joe and Shelburne- no way is this done! In discussing with other fans there was just enough information given to quench Steve’s thirst. But we all get thirsty more than once a day! There was just enough given here to the fans, to steve, to Adam that we feel “addressed” but there is so much not answered!
For me I thoroughly enjoyed the show and saw it as the “beginning”- not the ending of arcs- and the rest of the season is going to be an emotional and adrenaline rush.
Just so everyone knows, Dee and I did not write our comments together. I didn’t read hers before writing mine, and I know she didn’t read mine, either! And yet, we sound interchangeable, for some reason!
One thing that’s different, though, is that you see new beginnings, while I see endings. I don’t think we’re that far apart. It’s just semantics.
I also liked the “new” Kamekona. It’s going to be fun to see where we’re going with this! Did you see how Kono, Chin and Steve all looked at each other when they heard Kamekono talk about his “money-laundering”!
Great job, Dee!
Dee: I don’t put too much stock in the “he’s got your nose” comment or the fact that the nurse called them “his parents”. Little Charles may very well end up being Danny’s son but I don’t consider those remarks to be clues.
First off..the “he’s got your nose” remark is just something stupid people say all the time in that situation. It’s an awkward moment between 2 men and they feel the need say something nice. There is no way that baby has ANYONE’S nose at that stage! I can tell you from experience that a newborn baby, while always beautiful to his/her parents really looks more like it needs to go back in a cook a bit longer! LOL If that’s what the father’s nose looks like than he should seriously consider plastic surgery! ROFL
As to the nurse saying “someone wants to meet his parents”…I highly doubt that the OR/Delivery team of doctor’s and nurses were give a breakdown of the marital situation between the man and women having a baby. They just went with the assumption that they were the baby’s parents!
Now…as far as Kamekona is concerned. As much as I’d like to see his role expanded past shave ice and shrimp I’m kind of leery about that money laundering story. I mean…he KNEW Sang Min was wired. Why would he admit to criminal behavior knowing Five-0 was listening? I know he has immunity but…really?!?!?
Linda,
it is a matter of perception, and I don’t dismiss the idea that the baby is Stan’s. and that Peter may complete pull the rug out on us for any story line anywhere.
You are the voice of reason among out family, and mom does stick up of me hahahaha but sometimes its nice to have hope in the story arc your vested in.
Hey Dee and Lynette, I’m still a believer in thinking the baby could be Danny’s!! With lots of hints thrown in by the “writers” awkard comments thrown in – one could only hope and wait patiently to see what the writers will do.
As for Kamekona – he was amazing but even though SangMin was wired I think Kamekona loves to add “drama” in his conversation. So whatever he’s doing on the side its not legal of course but I’m sure its some thing the team can ignore for now. After all Kamekona was at Chin’s wedding so how threatening could he possibly be?
Don’t get me wrong though he’s not squeaky clean, after all he and SangMin share the same kind of similar black market friends but they are just lower down the foodchain of baddies – “opportunistic” – fits them both perfectly.
I’m really glad that SangMin’s not dead. He’s the last loose-end its amazing that he’s still alive and out of Wofat’s reach. But Will’s done a terrific job with his character and as baddies go, he and Kamekona should be kept as regulars.
Okay, wait. I don’t actually BELIEVE the baby is Stan’s. I only wish the circumstances had been different and he IS Danny’s son. Big difference there. Obviously, Danny wishes the baby was his son, too, but he’s come to grips with the fact that it ain’t so.
Why did Rachel call Danny when labor started? Not because she wanted to rub Danny’s face in the fact that she was having Stan’s baby, not Danny’s. I can’t believe there are so many fans that detest Rachel for being cruel to Danny. I don’t see her in that light, at all. Okay, at the start of the series, that is the way she was portrayed – but Danny and Rachel were still in the early stages, probably the first year, of their divorce and there were a lot of hurt feelings and legal issues still to deal with.
As the season went on, things changed. And we have to admit that Danny actively pursued Rachel, obviously more often than we saw on screen, once the ice started thawing between them. We CANNOT just blame Rachel for being wishy-washy. Circumstances started throwing the two of them together – the thieves living next door, Stan’s run-in with the housing director, Matt’s leaving on a jet plane in the middle of the night, Stan’s usual absence from home, Danny’s sarin poisoning. Life, in general, happened, and they both were faced with the prospect that something was still there between them. They have history, and because they are both the parents of Grace, they always will have that history and be part of each other’s lives.
Rachel called Danny because he was the first person she thought to turn to when she needed help, just as Danny arrived on her doorstep when Mattie left him on the tarmac. Yes, Danny is an angel when it comes to Rachel and Grace, but even he admitted he had fun coaching Rachel through her delivery. That’s just who he is! Big hearted, loyal, sincere and hell on wheels if you threaten his family.
So, don’t knock off Rachel or wish that she was gone from the show. She is his lifeline to his former life, and again, since they are BOTH the parents of Grace, Rachel will always be a part of Danny’s life that Steve and the rest of the 5-0 team really can’t fulfill. It’s not Ohana here, it blood. Peter might very well decide not to put the two of them back together, and we probably won’t see much of Rachel in the future, but I for one, hope TPTB do not send Rachel packing, never to be heard from again.
Lynnette it is my turn to rein you in
)))
although I agree with EVERY point you stated(well except one I do wish it was dannys baby and screamed with joy when she first told him it was)
yes I think way to many people “gang up” on Rachel as they do Lori….in an interview some time ago Claire Van der boom stated that there are two sides to their story and we had only seen one.Danny’s!!! I also think that it is so easy for the fans to find a scapegoat (whatever character it may be) so that in that fans’ mind it is the reason why they are disappointed in how the show or story arc is going.
If Rachel is the devil’s spawn to some they have the right to express that- or if they think Lori is the worst member of the team- again their choice. But I would hope their reasoning for their opinion is based on some merit- and not a way in which to maintain a soap box and think that Peter will hear and obey their every wish.
I understand where you’re coming from Lynnette. Even though Rachel is not one of my favorite people, like I said above, if they do get them back together it’s ok with me if it makes Danny happy. I don’t HATE Rachel because, and I think I said this but I don’t remember LOL, I do not think she hurts Danny deliberately or out of any malice what-so-ever. That’s why, if they get back together I’m ok with it. Did that makes sense??
Yes, Linda, I understand you completely,and I think a lot of people are on that same wavelength. I guess my feelings, in a nutshell, are that I don’t think Danny would be any happier with the alternative scenario, i.e., Rachel out of his life completely.
Hey, Officer, I enjoyed your review, as usual! But could you please tell me what in the world JUMBACO! means? I’ve been seeing it bantered around on Twitter and a few other H5-0 sites, and I don’t get it! Okay, back to this week’s episode.
I liked it! I really did! I had a good feeling when it was finished. I might be the only person on this planet that feels this way. I was not overly surprised or upset by Joe’s revelations or lack of, to Steve. I was not upset with Rachel calling Danny for help when she went into labor. I admit, I am not a very deep person. I can’t critically analyze scripts or story arcs or understand the proper writing techniques because I’m not trained for it. I just know what I like.
Having said that, here’s what I liked in this episode.
I was really happy to see the episode end with Steve and Danny “walking into the sunset” together. It felt right, as if everything that started with the Season 1 finale has finally come full circle. Both Steve and Danny’s story arcs, beginning with the deconstruction of the team at the end of Season 1, led both men down separate paths. The entire first 14 episodes of Season 2 showed the team, particularly Steve and Danny, facing different obstacles in their lives. Even though both men were involved with each other professionally, their side stories didn’t truly connect, and they went about their lives without really sharing their lives (outside of coming together to save Steve in North Korea). In this episode, PLenkov put everyone back together. Steve was given the answers from Joe that he needed at this point, his trust in Joe was re-established, and Joe went away – thus ending the Joe White story arc for now. Phew – taking a breath of fresh air over that. We know he’ll be back, eventually, but not for a while. Meanwhile, Danny’s anger, frustration, and sadness over the whole Rachel and Stan situation was resolved by Danny helping Rachel deliver Stan’s son. Unlike some, I found it poignant, touching and, quite possibly, final (although Rachel did have to throw in that she and Stan were still having problems!) It’s obvious that Rachel and Danny will always be a part of each other’s lives – it just can’t be helped that they know and understand each other so well that they call each other when things get really messed up personally. But, and this is to my chagrin, cause I really like them together, I feel tonight we saw Danny say good bye to Rachel when he sent the baby’s picture to Stan.
I expected the episode to end at Punchbowl, with Steve and Joe saying good bye, so I was very pleasantly surprised to see Steve come to the hospital to see the baby. He knew how hard it was for Danny to let go of Rachel and that baby boy and he made the effort to be there. And this is where everything feels to me to have come full circle. Joe is gone, Wo Fat is on the back burner somewhere licking his wounds, and Rachel has had Stan’s baby. Everything’s back to the way it was in season 1. Steve’s parents are both decidedly gone, Mary Ann is on the mainland, and thus Steve is alone. Danny’s back to being a single dad living on a pineapple-infested island he hates because he has to keep his daughter’s home safe, and he’s alone again, too. It almost feels that we are meeting the regulars all over again!
Actually, I hope that is exactly what is happening! We’ve all endlessly complained about how unlike Season 1 this second season has been. Tonight, we got a big dose of what we had been missing with the humor returning – Sang Min and Kamekona calling each other snitches, Lori taking on Sang Min verbally, Kono and Steve shaking their heads over Kamekona’s 5 footlong Subways (I rather enjoyed the product placement cause it was so obvious that that is exactly what it was, they weren’t trying to be subtle), and Steve laughing at Sang Min’s Shrimp Truck walking advertisement – it was all fun! We got an abundance of light moments that, honestly, none of us expected! We were all braced for intense drama and the big shocking “reveal!” Who was let down by that moment? Well, all of us, I’m sure, but realistically? Who/what else could it have been but a code name/alias? Of course, the minute Kensie Blye lip read the name Shelburne, Joe knew what it was, since he had made it up with John McGarrett, and he obviously meant to keep it to himself to keep Steve safe. Didn’t work out exactly the way Joe expected it to, and it’s kind of nice to see he’s not perfect and is capable of making mistakes, too. Certainly there is more to this, but I think we are going to get a much-needed rest from it for a while.
There are things still left unanswered, obviously. We still don’t know why Wo Fat told Steve he might not like what he would find out about his family’s past. We don’t know who Joe was calling about Steve getting too close. That is a mystery still to be revealed in due time. But this episode has the feel of “endings”. Steve’s initial battle with Wo Fat is over – but not the war. Danny’s almost-reconciliation with Rachel but not necessarily their relationship.
It’s interesting that we still have 10 new episodes this season to look forward to. Undoubtedly, new story arcs will develop that will take us to the end of the season. But for now, I feel fulfilled – as if I just read the last page of a satisfying novel. Oh, wait! There’s a sequel to the book and I’m ready to delve right into that one, too! I know it’s become an obsession. Oh, well…!!
OH Lynnette you made me cry!
the way in which your related how are boys have come together and yet are alone- WOW that was deep!!!! I like your analogy of the sequel. I guess I didn’t see it as sequel because I saw so much potential in what was “not” there- and let to be continued more than end and yet begin again.
Nicely done done- partner
I hope you’re right about them coming full circle and getting back to what made the show work in season 1. The thing that hooked me on the show in the first place was that intense relationship between Steve and Danny, and that’s been seriously lacking this year.
Ain’t that the truth! It’s sad when tiny little scenes like the one at the end of this episode are coveted like little treasures when they used to be so abundant like last year, where we took them for granted. ::sigh:: I miss them.
I like your “full circle” line of thought too Lynnette. Steve and Danny are back where they started…alone and in need of each other. I like the idea that without Joe there and with Rachel and Stan together Steve and Danny can get back to where they were before.
I still feel that these two need a skull session over beers on the beach to work out all the crap they have both been through since the finale. Since it seems Danny is STILL looking for a place to live maybe he’ll end up back at Steve’s.
Great review Lynette. I agree with yours and Linda’s comments about the partnership coming together was long overdue. But one thing I thought was brilliant was seeing how solid the relationship was between Joe and John, “like brothers” it brought it all back for us that its exactly the replica of the relationship between Steve and Danny. But we have known that for a long time.
No matter where they are or what they do, these two have a bond, brotherhood that’s tight and not easily broken. The scene with everyone waiting for news from Danny, seeing, Chin, Kono and Lori in that one scene with Steve felt truly right.
The last scene when Danny came back from the hospital and we Jenna on the “outside” waiting for her hug just didn’t feel nearly as close as what we are seeing now. I’m totally happy with Lori added to the team. I hope they keep her on as a regular.
I also hope we see more of Kamekona, Teilor Grubbs in the upcoming episodes without them the Ohana’s not nearly complete but with Joe out of the picture for a while, maybe we will have more room to see more of them.
We also haven’t seen Wofat for a while, I hope we will see more of him in the future and I’m really eager for MaryAnn to come back.
You know…that’s very interesting Val! I like your comparison of Joe and John brotherhood and the one between Steve and Danny.
Many people complained that Joe was going overboard in his “protection” of Steve. Thinking about what you said makes me wonder …. if Danny asked Steve to look after Gracie… if Danny begged Steve that if anything ever happened to him to please take care of Gracie and make sure she was always safe…. just how far would Steve take that?
I’m thinking….to the ends of the earth and time!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who really liked this episode for all the reasons stated by Bob and you wonderful people. Although I’ve enjoyed having Joe around for a bit I have found him to be one of the distractions from the Steve and Danny friendship and I hope the end of the episode was setting that up for the future as you said, Lynnette.
I was looking forward to Episode 15 next week (I hope it lives up to the hype) but there’s been no promo, can anyone tell me when it will be shown?
Dear Mary Jane: For the coming 2 or 3 weeks, Im not sure, there will be repeats that is why you did not see a promo of a new episode on Monday.
Thanks, I won’t shoot the messenger!
Danny needs to make sure Steve eats at least three of those zip pacs and takes a few for the road. Boy is looking way too skinny.
I agree NurseBrak, Alex needs to stuff his face with a few of those foot-longs. The weight loss is not attractive at all. I guess the new girlfriend is not much of a cook – LOL!
Sorry to see Terry O go, even for a while, and sorry he is not taking Lori with him. I know she was originally brought on to report to the governor, but we have yet to see any such thing. I don’t care for her acting, but her character is poorly written.
Best moment of the show was the end. Steve and Danny at the nursery window. We need more moments like this. These two make the show and it is their friendship that keeps me watching. I hope that Lenkov and company put a little bit more focus on what makes the show actually work.
Well, she is a model.
Kidding aside, he’s looking positively gaunt lately. I don’t like it. It’s starting to make his face look pointy.
I really liked this episode, yes i expected this major reveal on shelburne, and i expected a little more out of the flashback scene with little steve and dad McG. I thought it was heartbreaking especially the way the kid was told, rite after losing his mom, but i got my daddy issues too so… The episode was loaded with fun stuff. the one liners were priceless and a big shout out to my shave ice (no i still cant spell his name) for a great performance (who you gonna call 5-0 5-0) alex nailed the emotional parts with perfection as usual. oh and everybody leave the guy alone he is healthy , ok? leave my boy alone and lauren rocks- she is sexy sexy sexy and i love her witty lines.
Im excited for the rest of this season! from what little ive heard and put together I think its gonna rock our world! Still betting on mom McG for shelburne!! I think that would be an awesome twist for the last scene of the last episode–Peter style! in any event im sure its gonna be great and have us DYIN all summer long in anticipation. I absolutely love this season and cant wait for more! I hope its the last we see of Rachael casue I just cant imagine anything more she can do to humiliate Danny and he needs some lovin from his new girl and some fun times with his bro steve! lots of excellent guest stars coming up and i predict ALOT more McDanno scenes coming. they are the best together! oh, and the Kono/Lori scenes that goes without saying! Hopin Shave ice goes to the dark side, I think that will be awesome!
Well five0plan if u think that being skinny is healthy, you got it confused, just saying. Beign skinny is not synonimous of being healthy, 2 different words, I mean Alex just need to lay off the hard work out for a bit. Im nto saying he has to become obese, but in the first season he look thin and he look good but not skinny like he is now. Anotehr reason of being so so thin now is perhaps he is under a lot of pressure and stress, which in that case, he has to take things slower then. But the skinny look is not a healthy thing if u ask me. In one of the photos of the Australian gala, Alex cheeks looked sunken, poor guy!! Please Alex eat!! We care for you!!
Hey five-0phans – I agree with you whole heartedly. I think Alex seems totally fine to me as well. He’s very careful with what he eats and his regiment on staying healthy is much to be admired for. He also works really hard and consider his on-screen appearance for all the episodes and taking the lead role is exhausting but I’m sure the people around him are looking out for his best interest.
I think people forget he’s extremely smart and not likely to do anything stupid to jeopardise his health and career at the same time. So you are right to defend your “man” friend. I honestly would worry if it came out that he needed to be hospitalized to get fluids or lack of sleep but so far with all the amazing crime fighting action, he’s awesome.
I have no problem with a more chiseled-looking Alex. He looks perfectly healthy to me, although perhaps somewhat tired. This episode was filmed just before Christmas break, and at this time last year, Alex looked done in, too.
I do have a problem with your animosity towards Rachel, fiveophans! I do not want to see her written out of the script. I don’t see her as evil or witchy or mean! She thought her perfect life on Hawaii was all she needed to be happy, but close proximity to Danny proved that was a fantasy. Keep her around and lets see how TPTB juggle Danny and Rachel’s stories! It’s every bit as interesting to me as who Shelburne really is or why Joe killed Wo Fat’s father!
@fiveophan,sorry, I have to disagree. That is not healthy looking. I think Alex, Lauren and Grace look like they may be having a contest who can be the most anorexic! Doesn’t the show feed them – not attractive looking at all. There is skinny and then there is skinny – just saying !
BTW, loved Scott in last night’s episode. He totally rocks and steals every scene he is in. So looking forward to father and son episode – it will be EPIC!
Loved your review!
Interesting…
“A door has opened though, with the fact that Stan was delayed in Shanghai…what was he up to in Shanghai? A visit with Wo Fat, perhap?”
…”Shanghai” has been mentioned quite often in the past few episodes. Nice catch!
LOL…yes except that Stan was in Beijing…not Shanghai! LOL
Now I don’t feel bad about missing the connection…because there was no connection…LOL! Even though it would have been interesting to tie Stan into the whole Wo Fat storyline.
Well if there’s anything about Peter Lenkov that I have learned since Hawaii 5-0 first aired… Nothing is ever completely OVER and that goes for Shelburne as well. The mystery will continue and come back to haunt Steve when he least expects it. No doubt.
Overall, this was a fantastic episode. A lot of bonding between the entire team. So many funny parts and some really touching heartfelt moments. Even the beginning of a new arc and the forming of a new ally. (Helloooo Ian Anthony Dale)Huzzah! The eye candy doctors just keep piling on the sugar! Oh yeah!
Most events, including our favorite TV shows never quite live up to our expectations, especially when there is a highly anticipated event – but that’s life. *shrugs*
This isn’t Lost, it isn’t a soap opera or a science fiction story, so there will be no unrealistic events occurring. Get Over It. (Did you really want Steve’s dear departed mother to come back as some kind of smoke monster terrorist who has WoFat quaking in his expensive leather loafers? Really? She was a mom who baked cookies for little Stevie and Mary for crying out loud!)
The Subway thing wasn’t THAT bad, it was only a few seconds long, besides parts of it was pretty darn funny. (5 Subway sandwiches!) Do like OB does, crank up Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” and have a good cry. Life will continue.
As far as the Chin Ho thing… that was a comment from a publication, not a press release from CBS/Five-0. Editors seem to have flown out the window and it’s fair game for anyone who feels the urge to write anything out there in cyber land. Unless it’s an official CBS press release or straight from @PLenkov’s tweet… don’t take it so seriously.
Some of my fave characters were back and none better than the irrepressible Sang Min. I really think Sang Min should be given a pardon for being so damn adorable. He and Kamekona could take their show on the road. They are that entertaining! Perhaps the two of them could single handedly revive vaudeville!
This is not going to set well with the Lori haters out there…(How long can you carry this grudge in your heart? – She’s hardly a newcomer anymore and you’re going to end up with an ulcer.)
Lori Weston had THE best one liners of the night.
*”Holy Mullet!”
*”Videl Sassoon school for bad guys” &
*”Seriously you need to get some new material.” (to Sang Min’s reference to the Sweet & Spicy duo).
Loved the eye roll and the “Are you serious” look when Steve & Kono told her the outcome of Sang Min’s last covert operation with them. Besides, now they have someone new so they can retell all their past exploits of being out in the field. “Remember when…” They needed someone to brag to. Lori, you’re it!
So glad that it ended with Steve and Danny together. The look on Steve’s face said it all. He knew his friend was hurting but he wasn’t allowed to really acknowledge that pain so instead of saying, “Danny I feel your pain.” He did the next best thing a dude can do for his friend, he asked, “Are you hungry?” If you can’t hug them, at least feed them. It’s the same thing.
Zip Pack anyone?
Thanks OB… you’re da best, Uncle!
pinkiepie230: As Danny would say…”you my friend are a ray of sunshine today..”
So absolutely wonderful to read a voice of reason and common sense! Mahalo babe…you made my morning!
Why thank you Linda… Common sense has always been my best friend. More people should get to know him. He’s a pretty decent fellow and he’s always got the best answers.
(Hugs)
If it can’t cause you bodily harm, alter your life or kill you, chances are it’s not worth the time to worry about.
Life’s too damn short as it is.
words to live by!
Hey pinkiepie – I so love your review and comments. I can tell how much you love the show as much as we all do!! I totally agree with you about Lori – she’s so terrific and fits in so well with the team – I find myself sometimes missing her too if she’s not in a scene.
But I do love the one moment with the scene with just Steve, Danny, Chin and Kono – it was a reminder of the first season but having Lori share in the baby news makes the team complete for me. She gets along with everyone and she’s also fond of Danny not just Steve. She respects Steve as the team leader and is terrific teaming up with Kono!! They are fun together as well. I think it works really well if they all share great chemistry and they do.
Kamekona and Sang-Min are just priceless!! I think Sang-Min behind bars is more helpful than let loose on the street because he’d just disappear and get into more trouble and less likely to help Five-0!! I think with Wofat wanting to slit his throat, is what keeps him snitching and helping Five-0!! When he drops the “tough guy” facade, he’s really likable which is all of a couple of seconds.
[...] Fonte [...]
I totally loved this week’s episode. I loved the brief “flashback” scene between young Steve the teenager and his father in the family study!! Although it didn’t add much value to what’s going on in season 2, I really liked learning what excactly happened that fateful day when John had to send his kids away and that Joe was on the know of the entire thing. Obviously John and Joe had a conversation in the study before Steve came home from school and plans were underway to get the kids off the island. Even as a youngster you could see just how intelligent Steve was even at that age but what that scene did sort of reveal to me is that Joe knows a lot more of what John was investigating and “Shelburne” an alias is not such a stretch to deflect Wofat away from hunting the kids. It was a desperate act from a father and cop who got really close to what Wofat’s doing!! But I agree its not over yet, we will learn more much later.
The idea that perhaps it would take Joe, Steve and the yakuza boys to take down Wofat and finish him off shows just how dangerous Wofat would truly be if it would take this much power to end Wofat, will be interesting to see what the writers will plan for Wofat’s final demise – picturing lots of intense storyline action.
I know there were some concern over what Joe was doing to Steve, but I always believed that Joe was doing what he promised a friend he would do – protect his son.
That little “flashback” scene between father and son told its own story that John was every bit as tough as Joe truly is. They are both very stubborn, strong men who truly believe that when it comes to justice they are the ones that are going to see that it gets done inspite of the consequences of their actions. John entrusted his precious son with his best friend and he came through for me in this week’s episode.
The “big bomb shell” that everyone was expecting to see never happened. I think that scene was the previous week when Steve found out that Joe helped Hiro fake his death. Steve was truly shocked by that, but this week, he wasn’t surprised – he was annoyed and concerned about what Joe was hiding so he followed Joe. Steve never doubted Joe, he was worried and annoyed and it didn’t come as as a surprise to me that Joe would try to get a fake passport and disappear – just glad Steve caught up with what Joe was trying to do and that he finally got some of the answers he deserved to know.
I’m really glad the truth finally came out from that little scene at the cemetry looking down at John’s grave. Joe was truly a friend that John could trust and the secret never took Steve’s faith in his father and Joe away. I think Joe will always be like an uncle to Steve and what little memory Steve has of his father, Steve will remain loyal thanks to Joe’s wonderful mentoring. I think the secrets still lie in wait, and we may learn more later on into the season.
But what did come unexpectedly was that Joe killed Wofat’s father. Could there be more to this? Will Wofat discover what “Shelburne” truly is and come after Joe? Now that Joe’s gone would Steve pursue this and continue to ask questions?
Another unexpected twist to the story was the meeting with Joe, Steve and the Yakuza. Even with guns drawn I was so relieved to see Joe and Steve finally convince Adam that his father’s alive and that he is in hiding because of Wofat!! But the uneasy truce between Steve, Joe and the yakuza will be interesting because now Wofat will have more reason to stay away since the yakuza will now be hunting for Wofat’s return and they will want answers and their brand of justice won’t be in the courtroom.
I think Joe did more than protect Hiro, I think the other person he has in hiding in Japan as well could very well be Mokoto too. I think Joe got to Mokoto in time. So I think John and Joe’s secret is safe for the time being. So where will Joe go? Will he continue on his mission to get answers. I hope so for Steve’s sake. I hope we don’t hear the end of Joe. I think Joe could very well be the only one that Steve could trust to get to the bottom of what Steve’s dad was investigating.
Meanwhile Danny was an “angel” taking care of Rachel and having him there at the birth of her child was absolutely right. They were a picture perfect family if only the child was Danny’s too – I think there is regret on both parts and I think Rachel’s decision to stay with Stan will haunt her because Danny’s the one that came through for her not Stan. Stan should have been there but I have a feeling that Rachel and Danny’s ties to one another will continue to bond despite the fact that she’s back with Stan.
Meanwhile the team is even more wonderful than before. I love that they were all present when Steve got the news about the baby!! I love that SangMin came back on the show wily coyote as ever!! He was every bit a squirly scoundrel and Kamekona was just icing on the cake with his chant singing “Five-0, Five-0 whatcha gonna do if they come for you?” – Its so in character and he’s just priceless bringing in humor in the most unexpected way along with the subway sandwiches, so hilarious!! I can’t wait for the next installment.
You know Val…you make a good point that I never thought of about the “big shock” maybe being from the week before.
If I am remembering correctly, weren’t we a bit confused about which episode was which when the synopses came out and we were trying to match them up with the bits and pieces of info we were getting off Twitter and FB about the episodes? I think for a bit we couldn’t figure out which episode they were talking about sometimes. Maybe we weren’t the only ones confused.
There is also the possibility that scene ended up cut after the synopsis was issued. It’s not a new story that requires a retraction when the information changes.
If that’s the case, people need to not put 100% stock into spoilers and synopses like we did. We’re making ourselves nuts and I for one do not need any help in that department!!!
“will be interesting to see what the writers will plan for Wofat’s final demise – picturing lots of intense storyline action.”
If they follow the format of the original 5-0 series (and Peter Lenkov is a self-admitted unabashed groupie of the original), Wo Fat’s demise will not be anytime soon. In the original series, Wo Fat appeared in the pilot and McGarrett caught him in the series finale episode “Woe to Wo Fat” 12 YEARS later.
Hope this version of 5-0 lasts as long!
Hi Benita – Oh I whole heartedly agree, Wofat won’t be gone anytime soon and I’m really hoping that just like the old one – there will be plenty more seasons to follow so I’m hoping that Peter Lenkov will have loads of material and ideas to keep the series going and driving us all nutty as fruitcakes with all the usual thrills, spills, and endless questions keeping us all in suspense!! I just hope the cast can keep up with all the nuttiness. So far its been fun!!
Good question Val. I also hope the cast will stick around for so many seasons and that any member of the cast will leave soon just to pursue other projects they may arise. It is jsut season 2 so I hope they dont go that soon and I also hope Peter and teh writers will have good ideas for upcoming episodes. I know and I have heard so many bad comments on Peter and teh writers and that this season is not as good as teh first one.
In part I agree, becaue some storylines had been a bit dull I have to be honest, but I hope the writers and peter will fix them soon and deliver us with nice episodes. liek they deliver us in teh 1st season so we continue to watch the series for a long time.
Linda, lol, I’m beginning to the think the shock scene was the episode before especially since Chin told Steve that Joe could be in real trouble since we were led to think that Hiro was dead. So the big shocker would be did Joe kill Hiro?
If Hiro was really dead that would really be bad for Joe but of course we now know that Joe faked Hiro’s death to protect his son. How ironic, that he couldn’t fake John to save Steve but at least Steve’s father would be alive but at least after all this time, Steve benefited from Joe’s experience in the navy seals because it kept Steve safe, alive and strong and ready to take on Wofat – that showdown is going to be a blockbuster to watch!!
Val loved your review and and always we see a lot the same way (hugs)
the whole “shock” is rathe interesting how much is to draw in viewers and how much will be shock later….. I swear Peter is messing with our minds and we sorta like it LOL!
Guys, I rather think the big “shock to Steve’s core” was that Joe killed Wo Fat’s father! And like Steve, we need to know WHEN and WHY that happened. Perhaps that will be the next mystery for the S2 finale?
I agree Lynette – “what the hell” as Kono would say. Hmmm very interesting to know just how far back this entire mess goes. Did Steve’s father know that Joe killed Wofat and left behind this devil orphan running around scary everyone half to death?
Gee so many daddy issues in this series….lol!! Steve without his daddy, Adam without his daddy but at least he’s not dead and Wofat’s without his daddy but none of the sons have a clue to what’s going on. Is this insane or what?
There are so many questions and Joe’s mixed in with this and he’s the only man alive that can give us the answers but thanks to Peter Lenkov and his clever team of writers Joe’s tighter than a clam!! Hiro’s stashed away so we won’t hear anything from him. He’s son is clueless so that’s useless.
Peter’s not giving anything away and we are right back where we started…with no clue as usual!! This sucks!! LOL!! Meanwhile all we can do is sit back and wait for the next mystery to blow threw the window that’s going to knock our socks off and we’ll forget about Shelburne and chase after another useless clue…like the empty toolbox with lots of useless junk….lol!!
I never thought of that but how ironic this can be:
Lets see:
Steve’s parents dead, Adam is without his dad but he is alive and Wo Fat’s dad dead too.
So 3 guys with no fathers, to put it in a way and the fathers of each member are link to each other: John, Wo fat and Hiro and the one and only person who has the upper hand here and who knows more than we think is Joe White, and he is tied to all 3 fathers. I know more convinced than ever that the Shelburne mystery will continue to surprise us in the future, tehr are still many unanswered questions even from Season 1 that need to be resolved ther are still secrets hidden that will need to come out eventually as the series continue. One of them is although it does not sound so relevant I do believe it has to be brought to the surface is the Kensi character. Why Joe had to rescue Kensi in Jakarta? What did Joe have to do with it. What happened in Jakarta? and Steve was surprised she did not want to answer him when he ask her about Jakarta.
In all of this mysteries on all these characters, I also want to ask, what Governor Jamieson has to do with all of this?? Anyone knows? I mean why she was in the video? What other thing she knew that we never knew about her?
Well Joe really is a box of mysteries, hidden clues and surprises all in one package. Joe is the clue to all this mess Im sure that is why he cant go that easily from the show, im sure he will return in the future well he has to.
Jessie! I was reading your comment and all at once a light bulb went on in my head!
“Well Joe really is a box of mysteries, hidden clues and surprises all in one package. Joe is the clue to all this mess…”
Is Joe the package this episode was titled for? Intriguing, to say the least!
Hold the phone!! After watching the Pu’olo episode last Monday (and might i say twice), I was somewhat disappointed on the big Shellburn reveal. I expected a little bit more bang or drama to who it was supposed to be. However, I was able to accept that after a few days of reflecting and knowing that the whole Shellburn mystery is not over, not by a long shot!
However, I could not get over the whole Danno/Rachel relationship. I kept thinking about the dynamics and then finally this morning, it came to me. I had a foresight or is it called precognition, or maybe just future insight. Anyways, I digress! It dawned on me that this whole Danno/Rachel/Stan love triangle is not over. I think all these little scenes that we see are all leading us to a bigger ending. This bigger ending would be that Danno and Rachel WILL end up together AGAIN!!!
I am seeing Stan being killed due to his business dealings. I remember an episode in season 1 when Danno questioned Stan’s business legitimacy. It was the same episode where Rachel and Grace got highjacked at gunpoint, remember??
We are all ( well most of us) hating Rachel right now because of the way she is sort of leading Danno all over the place. The last straw seem to be what happened this latest episode. However, for me, this past episode begs the question WHY, DANNY WHY? Why be there for someone who has broken your heart over and over again. That is why I came up with the conclusion that Rachel and Danno will be together again, and yes, with both kids!!!
How’s that Mr. Plenkov?! Whew! Im glad I got that out of my mind!
Does anyone know the location of the scene where the Yakuza meeting takes place with the view of the Honolulu night skyline? I’m curious!