If there is one episode of Hawaii Five-0 most likely to evoke a strong emotional response from the fans, then Ua Lawe Wale could be it. This season’s second episode introduces a new regular character whose pre-arrival press caused considerable perturbation among the Alex O’Loughlin fans, more so perhaps than such an addition would normally warrant.
And no, I don’t mean Tom Sizemore. 
You just do not mention “potential love interest” and “female McGarrett” in the same sentence with “Steve McGarrett” and expect everyone to cheer, but you can definitely trust that people will sit up and take notice.
All in all, I think Lori Weston (Lauren German) made a great entrance! Her one-on-one scenes with McGarrett are well written and the banter between them is certainly Five-0-worthy. But, like any newbie, she’ll have to prove herself to the team (and the fans) and I think that moment will arrive sooner rather than later.
There are some memorable firsts in this episode too:
- Alex on horseback! According to Peter Lenkov, “he’s actually a pretty amazing rider.”
- Steve and Danny’s first horsegument (and the first time Steve actually calls Danny out on his whining)
- Steve’s first aloha shirt – provided by Tori Richard Ltd. The navy “Columbus” is apparently sold out online, but expected back soon. (Thanks to Zoe for the info!)
Here’s what the bloggers thought of this episode:
Overall, the entire episode made me realize a few things. McG and the boys are back in the saddle, as the humor and the brotherly love was alive and well, especially during the “how’s your date” scene and even Weston adding to the banter with her “how long have you two been married?” It was great to also see Chin Ho back on his iron horse and McG galloping in to save the day. My only wish would be that Kono gets back to the team post haste.
I also realized that no matter what is being taken from the Five-0 team, from McGarrett or from Kono, nothing is going to stop them from holding on to their reigns and riding out whatever trouble may be brewing in that fantastically beautiful Hawaiian sunset. Take my word for it.
‘Ua Lawe Wale,’ which means “taken,” was a passable episode of “H50″ but a bit of a let down after last week’s intense opener. But we can’t expect McGarrett to break out of jail, impersonate a cop and jump off a speed boat every week, now can we?
I’m not going to jinx [Lori Weston] and say she should be a full-time member, but I will say she brings a very nice element to the team with her background. It doesn’t hurt for Five-O to tap into some of the other CBS shows out there and pull in an ex-FBI profiler. Hey Steve, I hear Gina Lasalle’s profiling team was disbanded; maybe you could give her a call if Lori doesn’t work out. I’ll vouch for her.
Lauren German brings a very sultry mix to the table. From having her hair up when it’s “go time” and kicking ass, to having her hair down and looking alluring walking into the office, she actually reminds me a lot of Melinda Clarke (Amanda on Nikita) with her ability to be sexy in almost any setting. (Need an example? Raise your eyes.)
Overall this was a good episode and if I had to list a complaint it would be that I would like to see a little more equality between Steve and Danny. I get that Steve is the leader but it seems like he takes on every bad guy, gets every fight scene, as well as every scene where he has to chase someone down (this time he even did it on horseback) and take them out. I love Steve but sometimes I’d just like to see the rest of the gang get in on the fun a bit more.
Maybe it’s the let down from the premiere, but this episode seemed just “okay.” The case was alright, as cases for this show go, but Lori Weston’s character has yet to prove herself. She needs to be a team member with skills to be utilized, not eye candy for Steve. Kono had that balance, why can’t Lori?
Also, the case over-took the character’s stories, again, and I think fans want more on what’s going on with Danny and Steve and Kono, rather than just going back to work as usual.
More recaps and reviews:
I really enjoyed this episode and the introduction of Lauren.
I think she is a great addition to the show and I loved her banter! 
I also loved all the close-ups of Steve 
and he obviously knows how to ride (something I don’t). I am really enjoying this season’s episodes Mizz! 
Thanks so much Mizz for the great recap- and as always for the mention:) XO~WJ
Thank you for all the great reviews! I am going to love season 2 of Hawaii Five-0. I believe that Steve McGarrett, as a trained navy seal, can do anything! He’s called ninja Steve McGarrett!
