Hawaii Five-O: Any Fans?

[T.Q.]

Season 11

1. The Skyline Killer
2. The Execution File
3. Stringer
4. The Meighan Conspiracy
5. Distant Thunder
6. The Case Against Philip Christie
7. Death Mask
8. A Very Personal Matter
9. A Long Time Ago
10. Deadly Courier

Going through the season trying to do the list it does become apparent that the season is pretty weak.

Once past the top 5 it became difficult to pick great episodes.

A lot of 6/10 episodes. Not many 8/10 or 9/10s in season 11.

[MaiTaiMan]

Oh my.

Guess I should have read the episode descriptions.

Kentucky Fried O

McGarrett (Jack Lord) and Colonel Sanders (Buddy Ebsen) team up to catch a gang of youths who refuse to pay for their mashed potatoes in KFCs across Oahu. Big Chicken: Gavin McLeod. Store Manager: John Stalker. Man at Drive-Thru: Leslie Nielsen.

Lol...it’s hilarious for an SNL spoof idea of an episode! But, if Jack Lord was still alive, I doubt he’d find it too funny.

[Pahonu]

Tonight MeTV Plus ran the Hawaii Five-0 episode "You Have to Kill to Get Rich" (1972) with William Shatner. Not that great an episode but once again "Robins Nest" appeared.

I have a question, perhaps it has already been addressed here but I have avoided reading this thread from it's start as I want to once again see all the episodes
(first time in many decades) before I read all your informative posts from the get go.
Anyway, does anyone know how many times Robins Nest appears on Hawaii 5-0 and the names of those episodes? Did it ever appear in the remake?
Why was it such a popular location site, did the owner have a relationship with "Hollywood"?

I am also watching the California lensed Hawaiian Eye, which used a lot of Hawaii location footage, such as Wo Fat's chop suey joint.
I have been keeping an eye out for Robins Nest and other 'future' Magnum locations but no dice so far.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cowardly Lion's (Bert Lahr) speech on courage from the Wizard of Oz(1939):

Courage!
What makes a King out of a slave? Courage!
What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage!
What makes the elephant charge his tusk, in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk?
What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage!
What makes the Sphinx the Seventh Wonder? Courage!
What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage!
What makes the Hottentot so hot?
What puts the ape in ape-ricot?
What have they got that I ain't got?
Scarecrow: Courage!
Lion: You can say that again!

Ivan put together a pretty comprehensive list of H5-O episodes at Pahonu. There is a list somewhere!!! on the thread about Pahonu.

As to why it was used so frequently in filming, I can add some insight from things I have learned over the years but nothing definitive. The biggest reason seems to be that the estate was very expensive to maintain based on its size and location on the coast. We all saw how it sadly fell into disrepair. The home was left in trust to Eve Anderson, apparently without sufficient assets to properly maintain it so she used income from filming to do so. She successfully did this for a few decades. My understanding is that she didn’t live in the main house and that the gate house was remodeled at some point to live in.

When film crews take over a location it is intense! Most people vacate for the days they have negotiated the use of their home. Eve Anderson didn’t really have to do this because she wasn’t living in the house. She could easily retreat to the gate house. It was a bit of a streamlined process so the estate ultimately became known as a good location by scouts. Not only had it been used before, but the owner was familiar with the process, and there was even space at the next door Shriners Club for crew parking, etc…. Parking is always a problem when you bring 100+ cast and crew to a home for filming with all the trucks, trailers, and other vehicles. Pahonu was a reliable place to book.

[ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)]

Season 11

1. The Skyline Killer
2. The Execution File
3. Stringer
4. The Meighan Conspiracy
5. Distant Thunder
6. The Case Against Philip Christie
7. Death Mask
8. A Very Personal Matter
9. A Long Time Ago
10. Deadly Courier

Going through the season trying to do the list it does become apparent that the season is pretty weak.

Once past the top 5 it became difficult to pick great episodes.

A lot of 6/10 episodes. Not many 8/10 or 9/10s in season 11.

Yep, the quality took a dip after season 9 so you'll have less memorable episodes to choose from for sure. But there's still goodies there for sure.


Here is my ranking for season 11:

1. The Skyline Killer - the last GREAT episode!
2. A Distant Thunder
3. Deadly Courier
4. The Execution File
5. The Spirit is Willie
6. The Case Against Philip Christie
7. Death Mask
8. The Sleeper
9. Stringer
10. The Meighan Conspiracy
11. Why Won’t Linda Die?
12. A Long Time Ago
13. Number One With a Bullet
14. A Very Personal Matter
15. The Pagoda Factor
16. Horoscope for Murder
17. Small Potatoes
18. The Miracle Man
19. The Bark and the Bite
20. The Year of the Horse

[Little Garwood]

Season 11? Did someone say “season 11?”

10. The Sleeper
09. Deadly Courier
08. The Bark and the Bite
07. Death Mask
06. A Distant Thunder
05. The Skyline Killer
04. Number One with a Bullet
03. A Very Personal Matter
02. Stringer
01. The Year of the Horse

Number One with a Bullet is an episode I enjoy for its 1979-ness (or perhaps 1978-ness) in that it is a cultural time capsule in a more direct way than any other Five-O episode. It's the only episode that takes me out of that Five-O TV world and has me remembering my childhood during that personally pivotal year (won't bore you with the details).

This era holds a great deal of nostalgia for me--I turned eight in 1979--but it is also fascinating to see the fading days of the Disco culture, which already was on its last (dancing) legs when Number One with a Bullet aired.

Oh, and while I am the most likely the only one who holds this belief, but I've always found Yvonne Elliman to be unconventionally beautiful (recent arrest record aside).

The Execution File would have made my top ten were it not for the music replacement. I'm no Rod Stewart fan, but I'll take his stuff over the generic funk that replaced it on the dvd.

If James MacArthur really was sick and tired of Jack Lord’s Stalinist tactics behind the scenes of the show—as any sensible person would have been— and “phoned in” his performances accordingly, then Jimmy’s departure was not such a bad thing after all. I’m glad he got out…for his own sanity if anything.

Speaking of Jack, if the guy really was a jerk, then why were so many of the Five-O regulars in tears in that Emmy’s Five-O Memories show? Maybe they loved Jack in spite of his rotten behavior.

[MaiTaiMan]

Season 11? Did someone say “season 11?”

10. The Sleeper
09. Deadly Courier
08. The Bark and the Bite
07. Death Mask
06. A Distant Thunder
05. The Skyline Killer
04. Number One with a Bullet
03. A Very Personal Matter
02. Stringer
01. The Year of the Horse

Number One with a Bullet is an episode I enjoy for its 1979-ness (or perhaps 1978-ness) in that it is a cultural time capsule in a more direct way than any other Five-O episode. It's the only episode that takes me out of that Five-O TV world and has me remembering my childhood during that personally pivotal year (won't bore you with the details).

This era holds a great deal of nostalgia for me--I turned eight in 1979--but it is also fascinating to see the fading days of the Disco culture, which already was on its last (dancing) legs when Number One with a Bullet aired.

Oh, and while I am the most likely the only one who holds this belief, but I've always found Yvonne Elliman to be unconventionally beautiful (recent arrest record aside).

The Execution File would have made my top ten were it not for the music replacement. I'm no Rod Stewart fan, but I'll take his stuff over the generic funk that replaced it on the dvd.

If James MacArthur really was sick and tired of Jack Lord’s Stalinist tactics behind the scenes of the show—as any sensible person would have been— and “phoned in” his performances accordingly, then Jimmy’s departure was not such a bad thing after all. I’m glad he got out…for his own sanity if anything.

Speaking of Jack, if the guy really was a jerk, then why were so many of the Five-O regulars in tears in that Emmy’s Five-O Memories show? Maybe they loved Jack in spite of his rotten behavior.

The whole experience, and getting to be a part of one of television’s most iconic shows is what they were in tears about & having fond memories of...not necessarily about Jack Lord. However, despite his very difficult behavior & demands, I think the cast still valued their experiences working with him & on the show.

[T.Q.]

Ivan, was watching The Five and the song beginning one of the segments (intro?) was 70s Hawaii Five-O.

Said to wifey "Yeah, H50".

Then the outro was 80s Magnum P.I.

Was just kinda cute. I like sharing dumb stories.

[Little Garwood]

The whole experience, and getting to be a part of one of television’s most iconic shows is what they were in tears about & having fond memories of...not necessarily about Jack Lord. However, despite his very difficult behavior & demands, I think the cast still valued their experiences working with him & on the show.

That sounds plausible to me. That emotion is part of what makes that look back at Five-O so good.

Mel Tormé, in his autobiography It Wasn’t All Velvet, recalled working with Jack on the film Walk Like a Dragon (1960):

”I accepted the part and it was an enjoyable experience, except for working with Jack Lord, the star of the piece. Lord tried “lording it over” everyone in the cast, giving all of us line readings, direction, and advice on how to act. That superb Mexican actor, Rodolfo Acosta, was ready to paste him one on several occasions, and I especially admired [director James] Clavell’s temperance in the face of Lord’s constant interference.”

From what I’ve read, Jack was no one’s favorite on Stoney Burke, Jack’s short-lived (1962-63) “modern western” series. The guest cast on that show is impressive, though.

[MaiTaiMan]

The whole experience, and getting to be a part of one of television’s most iconic shows is what they were in tears about & having fond memories of...not necessarily about Jack Lord. However, despite his very difficult behavior & demands, I think the cast still valued their experiences working with him & on the show.

That sounds plausible to me. That emotion is part of what makes that look back at Five-O so good.

Mel Tormé, in his autobiography It Wasn’t All Velvet, recalled working with Jack on the film Walk Like a Dragon (1960):

”I accepted the part and it was an enjoyable experience, except for working with Jack Lord, the star of the piece. Lord tried “lording it over” everyone in the cast, giving all of us line readings, direction, and advice on how to act. That superb Mexican actor, Rodolfo Acosta, was ready to paste him one on several occasions, and I especially admired [director James] Clavell’s temperance in the face of Lord’s constant interference.”

From what I’ve read, Jack was no one’s favorite on Stoney Burke, Jack’s short-lived (1962-63) “modern western” series. The guest cast on that show is impressive, though.

Yeah, Im not sure what Jack’s deal was...he was a good actor, and got parts, so he didn’t have anything to prove? But, some people either go their entire lives feeling like they have to prove themselves, or they fool themselves into actually believing they’re better than everyone else (which in my opinion is a subconscious trick for a mind that secretly knows it has inferiority issues & is trying to hide it). But, things didn’t always go Lord’s way. He was not brought back to the 007/James Bond movie series...as after Dr. No (where he played Felix Lighter), they felt he was too tall & might overshadow Sean Connery.

[T.Q.]

A Lion in the Streets

Why this was a double-episode is a mystery.

Too long for the story and a bit dragged out but in the end I didn't mind the episode. Thought it was fine.

Lots of Hawaiian vs Haole stuff and I thought putting the kapu on McGarrett was interesting.

I liked the Andy Kamoku character and Alika was good (how he was out on bail was a stretch though).

Liked Truck too.

First impression of Kimo not great. He was okay. Nothing special. They should have mentioned Danno when McGarrett had the convo with him offering him a position in Five-0.

This is an episode that can be easily ripped a part for a lot of things but if you can ignore them it was okay.

6.5/10

MPI: Moe Keale, Ed Fernandez, Jack Hisatake, Peter Kalua (famous pilot episode goon),

[Pahonu]

A Lion in the Streets

Why this was a double-episode is a mystery.

Too long for the story and a bit dragged out but in the end I didn't mind the episode. Thought it was fine.

Lots of Hawaiian vs Haole stuff and I thought putting the kapu on McGarrett was interesting.

I liked the Andy Kamoku character and Alika was good (how he was out on bail was a stretch though).

Liked Truck too.

First impression of Kimo not great. He was okay. Nothing special. They should have mentioned Danno when McGarrett had the convo with him offering him a position in Five-0.

This is an episode that can be easily ripped a part for a lot of things but if you can ignore them it was okay.

6.5/10

MPI: Moe Keale, Ed Fernandez, Jack Hisatake, Peter Kalua (famous pilot episode goon),

Not to discourage you, but this is considered one of the better episodes from the final season, and I agree. I also agree that it is drawn out a bit for the plot, but may have been hard to follow if crammed into a single episode.

The only other episodes I have any decent memory of from the final season are the finale, Woe to Wo Fat, which is quite unbelievable. It does have Pahonu featured more prominently than perhaps any other episode besides Cloth of Gold, so I have watched it numerous times.

The other is a sort of take on the short story The Most Dangerous Game, if you’re familiar, but with criminals as the prey. I don’t recall the title. That’s about it for me as far as memorable episodes.

[Little Garwood]

A Lion in the Streets is among my all-time favorite episodes. James “Kimo” Carew is trailing Johnny Mio (Harry Guardino), a mainland front for the Kumu, because Mio knows something about the man who killed Carew’s wife and “child”—no gender for the kid is ever specified—Carew ends up working with McGarrett and the two forge an uneasy alliance.

The best thing about this episode is the performance of Paul Smith, who is a force of nature as Andy Kamoku, a simple window-washer-turned-one-man-wrecking ball whose family man life is shaken by the corruption of Kumu boss Tony Alika (Ross Martin) and his mainland front, Johnny Mio, who are scheming to take over a Hawaiian hotel workers union through force and intimidation. Kamoku’s wife is played by the beautiful Barbara Luna, who gives a tender and sensitive performance as Elena. No word on whether she has a Tantalus Field in her closet, though.

McGarrett is a true sentinel of justice here, and this is the episode where I began to see him as an institution unto himself. I like this new, mellower McGarrett, who still cares passionately but governs his hotheaded tendencies. Gone is the firebrand that scratched “CHIN HO KELLY” on a blotter in season one and in his place a more measured, level-headed icon of law. He’s a hell of a lot more preachy now, but I love it!

Is that a framed “Poco” album cover in the hospital room where Ed Fernandez was? Sure looked like it.

Ross Martin is great as Kumu boss Tony Alika. Martin manages to be alternately ruthless and cowardly at any given moment, depending on the circumstances. He’s a sore winner, as when he’s gloating at McGarrett—the way he says “McGaaaarrett!” is delightfully over the top (and which has entered my own family’s lexicon) He also uses the very same drinking glasses that my wife’s family has owned for thirty plus years…it’s uncanny. Martin is the kind of villain who locks horns well with McGarrett and who takes delight in his every victory over Hawaii’s Super Cop. Alika is often comical, but then he has his goons throw you out of a closed window.

The scene where Kamoku tears through the streets with his outraged union mob is good stuff, smashing bookie joints, gambling dens, and everything else run by the Kumu. His demolition of a car is a sight to behold; never anger Andy Kamoku! I have to say that I still hold a grudge over Duke and Truck’s decision to honor Andy Kamoku’s Kapu (“You’re taboo!”) on McGarrett, which means they must not see or speak to him until the Kapu is lifted.

At episode’s end, when the Kapu is finally lifted, the two Hawaiians show up smiling in McGarrett’s office ready to work. McGarrett should’ve done a Moe Howard double slap across their treacherous faces! I mean this only half jokingly. Herman Wedemeyer’s scene where he must break it to Steve about the Kapu is Wedemeyer’s best, probably in his entire run as Duke Lukela; what a shame he wasn’t given more to do this season. In fact, it’s my #1 beef with the twelfth year’s shows. Duke had a quiet dignity and decency about him that I always liked.

McGarrett gets to speechify at episode’s end, giving me more ammo for my own personal archives, as I intend to follow the latter-day McGarrett’s penchant for finger-wagging, filibustering speechmaking.

The story is well told and director Reza Bedayi does a fine job moving the plot and action along. A Lion in the Streets is easily the 12th season’s best episode.

[Pahonu]

A Lion in the Streets is among my all-time favorite episodes. James “Kimo” Carew is trailing Johnny Mio (Harry Guardino), a mainland front for the Kumu, because Mio knows something about the man who killed Carew’s wife and “child”—no gender for the kid is ever specified—Carew ends up working with McGarrett and the two forge an uneasy alliance.

The best thing about this episode is the performance of Paul Smith, who is a force of nature as Andy Kamoku, a simple window-washer-turned-one-man-wrecking ball whose family man life is shaken by the corruption of Kumu boss Tony Alika (Ross Martin) and his mainland front, Johnny Mio, who are scheming to take over a Hawaiian hotel workers union through force and intimidation. Kamoku’s wife is played by the beautiful Barbara Luna, who gives a tender and sensitive performance as Elena. No word on whether she has a Tantalus Field in her closet, though.

McGarrett is a true sentinel of justice here, and this is the episode where I began to see him as an institution unto himself. I like this new, mellower McGarrett, who still cares passionately but governs his hotheaded tendencies. Gone is the firebrand that scratched “CHIN HO KELLY” on a blotter in season one and in his place a more measured, level-headed icon of law. He’s a hell of a lot more preachy now, but I love it!

Is that a framed “Poco” album cover in the hospital room where Ed Fernandez was? Sure looked like it.

Ross Martin is great as Kumu boss Tony Alika. Martin manages to be alternately ruthless and cowardly at any given moment, depending on the circumstances. He’s a sore winner, as when he’s gloating at McGarrett—the way he says “McGaaaarrett!” is delightfully over the top (and which has entered my own family’s lexicon) He also uses the very same drinking glasses that my wife’s family has owned for thirty plus years…it’s uncanny. Martin is the kind of villain who locks horns well with McGarrett and who takes delight in his every victory over Hawaii’s Super Cop. Alika is often comical, but then he has his goons throw you out of a closed window.

The scene where Kamoku tears through the streets with his outraged union mob is good stuff, smashing bookie joints, gambling dens, and everything else run by the Kumu. His demolition of a car is a sight to behold; never anger Andy Kamoku! I have to say that I still hold a grudge over Duke and Truck’s decision to honor Andy Kamoku’s Kapu (“You’re taboo!”) on McGarrett, which means they must not see or speak to him until the Kapu is lifted.

At episode’s end, when the Kapu is finally lifted, the two Hawaiians show up smiling in McGarrett’s office ready to work. McGarrett should’ve done a Moe Howard double slap across their treacherous faces! I mean this only half jokingly. Herman Wedemeyer’s scene where he must break it to Steve about the Kapu is Wedemeyer’s best, probably in his entire run as Duke Lukela; what a shame he wasn’t given more to do this season. In fact, it’s my #1 beef with the twelfth year’s shows. Duke had a quiet dignity and decency about him that I always liked.

McGarrett gets to speechify at episode’s end, giving me more ammo for my own personal archives, as I intend to follow the latter-day McGarrett’s penchant for finger-wagging, filibustering speechmaking.

The story is well told and director Reza Bedayi does a fine job moving the plot and action along. A Lion in the Streets is easily the 12th season’s best episode.

Paul Smith was my favorite part of this episode too!

[T.Q.]

Paul Smith was my favorite part of this episode too!

He was really good. A little sweaty but really good.

[Pahonu]

Paul Smith was my favorite part of this episode too!

He was really good. A little sweaty but really good.

A LOT Sweaty, as I recall!