So much for the Christmas spirit. “Hana ‘a’a Makehewa” begins off the bat with Chin Ho sweating profusely with a bomb strapped to his neck. The episode features the return of Victor Hess, the guy who killed McGarrett’s father in the pilot. This time, with the help of Sang Min, he eludes capture and lures Chin Ho to a secluded area.
We learn more about Chin Ho’s past, including why he was suspected, the fact that he is protecting someone else, and that he may have been setup. The “borrowed” money getting burned in the end is practically begging for a follow-up episode. If anyone finds out the money is missing, McGarrett will be in trouble for stealing the money and Chin Ho for having the plans.
There is another development in the form of Victor Hess at the prison talking with Wo Fat, who hopefully isn’t a stereotyped “Red China is devious and out to get us!” character this time around.
“Hana ‘a’a Makehewa” was one of the more out-of-the-box episodes, without too much investigation before the episode turns towards pure action. I also like the bits and pieces of backstory which should prove useful in future episode. Overall, not a bad way to end the first half the season.
Score: 8.8/10
