Hawaii Five-0, Season One (2010)

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During the summer of 2010, the promotion for the fall television season amped up, including for Hawaii Five-0. It interests me for more than one reason, none of which has anything to do with the original series

Hawaii Five-0, Season One (2010) TV Review

Once a young Steve McGarrett wants nothing more than to grow up to be his policeman hero of a father. To him, no man stands taller. Since those childhood days he’s now estranged from his father, but Steve McGarrett(Alex O’Loughlin)is now a distinguished Navel Commander. During his pursuit to capture criminals like the Hesse brothers, Steve’s father is used as leverage, and murdered when things go wrong. Seeking revenge, Steve returns to Hawaii to bury his father, and is offered lead on a task force. Although the Governor (Jean Smart) determines to win Steve over, he refuses her cryptic offer. But this is before Steve meets Detective Williams.   

hawaii five-0, season one

New to the island from New Jersey, Danny ‘Danno’ Williams (Scott Caan) despises this place, but is here for his daughter. He and Steve clash from the very beginning, but then Steve taps Danny as one of his team members forcing the pair to work together if not get along. As he continues his investigation, Steve completes his team with ex-cop, Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim), and Chin’s cousin, Kono (Grace Park), a former surfer turned rookie cop.  

To re-make a classic TV series is a challenge. Producers need the right hand to pen it, a capable cast and supportive network in order to make a go. Fortunately, this show checks off each requirement. NBC tried to make a modern Knight Rider successful only to fail miserably, and ABC tried their hand at Charlie’s Angels, again without success. The fact that Hawaii Five-0 impresses so many fans is a good thing; and even many critics are impressed by this stylish and suspenseful re-boot.

TV SHOW REVIEW | Magnum P.I.: See the Beautiful and Colorful Tropics of Hawaii
🌴🥥Hawaii Five-0, Season One (2010) TV Show Review. A review of the CBS re-boot with Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan. #Throwback #TVShow #HawaiiFive0 Click To Tweet
hawaii five-0, season one

Although the first episode hooks me (the cast and characters are phenomenal, but we’ll discuss them later), I am a little disappointed by a few of the cases. Episodes (“Belief”) that dig into personal stories for characters, like Danny, should be solid, but some fail. Throughout this entire freshman season, the acting remains good. This show doesn’t skimp on its humor either. Alex and Scott are great as buddy cops, but Alex especially plays this type of role very well. I don’t know how other fans feel about her, but I also love Danny’s ex (early days, peeps, early days). Her character is nothing like we are led to believe of her before we actually meet her on-screen. 

Filming actually does take place in Hawaii and as a result, we see the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and their culture. It isn’t hard to recognize why this show made such an impression. It can compete with the best of the long-running shows that have multiple seasonal renews. I only hope this one has the same opportunities.  

What are your thoughts of this retooled HawaiiFive-0, season one? Comment below what you think. 

Content: the show is TV14 for its theme topics like bomb threats, kidnappings and death by gun, although none of which are terribly graphic. The pilot episode opens with a bang and tense situation. There are some shots of lifeless bodies and some swearing. One scene begins with a couple tangled up in the sheets; they share some sensual banter – another scene implies a brief extra-marital fling.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

10 comments

  1. I had heard about this new show and haven't had the chance to see it or see how it was doing. I had liked Alex O’Loughlin from when he was in Moonlight, so now I am definitely going to have to check this new series out. Thanks!

  2. I LOVE LOVE LOVED season 1 of this show. Season 2 got off to a bit of a rocky start (just a heads up), but ever since the Halloween episode this year the show has hit its stride once again. Glad you are enjoying it too!

  3. Jeanine – you should check this one out. I thought it was phenomenal! It has its faults but there is a lot to be admired… I haven't seen the original but I am guessing I'd prefer this updated version.

    Believe it or not, it did really well with critics which was unusual – I am so glad it did because I am hoping it will get an extended run on CBS.

    A lot of girls say that they saw this just because of Alex's part on Moonlight and I think most of them <3 this!

    So glad you stopped in Jeanine – do so again soon. =)

    Ruth – oh, goody! I am glad you enjoyed this one! I knew you liked Alex (from your Back-Up Plan review), so I wondered if you saw this.

    I am half-pleased and half-annoyed at what I am reading about S2. Considering how S1 ends, I am not surprised it starts a bit rough – hopefully it will continue on its smoother run throughout the remaining episodes. So glad to know that! Thanks, Ruth!!

    Juju – me, too! I just loved this show – definitely one of my most favorites. =D

  4. I thought it was a phenomenal first series; yes, there were a few things I didn't like, but mostly I loved it. My mom liked it but dad… I don't know that he enjoyed it as well as mom and I. =)

    Cannot wait to see S2!

    PS: love your new profile pic. ;D

  5. I am totally in love with this tv show! Ever since I started watching it a short while ago, I can't stop :) Every episode leaves me wanting to the next episode to just hurry up and air so I can watch it – one week between episodes is entirely too long haha. The whole series just keeps taking different twists and turns and (spoiler alert) the main guy from Knight Rider shows up in Season 4 – He and Steve have me at a tie :p I hope they come out with as many seasons as Burn Notice. I'd watch every single episode!

    1. You and I both, Rachel! This is definitely one of my very favorite shows on television today. Steve, Danny and the whole gang are too fun.

      I'm currently watching and enjoying S3 and loving any and all S4 spoilers! Thanks for sharing what you're thinking of the current season; I'm all ears for any snippet spoilers I can get. :)

      Oh, me too! I hope this outlasts Burn Notice. That show ended far too soon.

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