I can’t put my finger on why Mea Makamae ranks among my favorite episodes, but I loved every moment of it. The meetings at Kamekona’s shrimp truck (who knew Steve was such a wuss had such a delicate palate?), Max’s glee at visiting the JPAC lab, Danny’s artlessness with the pretty Dr. Asano… and yay, Steve and Danny back on the beat together again and a cargument (so that’s what’s been missing in earlier episodes), as well as an intriguing case – 2.04 has it all.
Patty Duke was wonderful in her role of Alzheimer’s afflicted mother and Peter Fonda made an effective appearance, although it was briefer than we expected.
The painful awkwardness between Catherine and Steve (“An old friend”? Ouch.), Chin so adroitly covering for Kono (but did Charlie buy it?), her deepening feelings of guilt at his show of support, and Joe doing some lying and protecting of his own all serve to tell us that this was just the tip of the iceberg. Five-0 still has a lot in store for us, starting with more from the dark horse, Ms. Kalakaua, next week!
I have to say, Kono’s storyline is getting better and better as the episodes go on, as the tension and conflict continue to be ratcheted up. I’m in a few knots thinking about how she’s going to get out of this mess and how the Five-0 team will come to her rescue. But I’m really enjoying watching her conflicted face. It makes me a little sad that she is becoming a bit tarnished by her experience. It makes for a much more complex character and I’m sure Grace Park is enjoying the depth and complexity she gets to explore within her character. I know we are enjoying watching the torment flash across her face whenever Chin Ho comes to her door.
About halfway through this episode I realized something. The fact that I was enjoying this one much more than last week’s. The team dynamic was back on track and I found that, miracle of miracles, I didn’t actually want to scream any time Weston was on screen. In fact, when she was interviewing the old woman with Alzheimer’s I found myself almost liking her. These are major improvements.
Some really nice character development moments in this episode, which, for the majority of this season so far, have been lacking. It’s nice to see a return to Steve and Danny actually working together, which they didn’t much last episode, and c’mon, the two of them are why most of us keep tuning in week after week. But we also get to see some lovely deep dive shots, some interesting guest casting and some really hilarious moments which round out to a pretty good episode.
“Mea makamae” is defnitely one of the better episodes of the season so far. It featured Hollywood heavy hitters, tons of references to Hawaiian food, culture and history, and a great story.
Weeks ago, CBS announced that Patty Duke and Peter Fonda would be on the show. I was impressed with Patty’s portrayal of Syliva Spencer, the Alzheimer’s stricken mother of the murder victim. Peter Fonda played Jesse Billings, captain of a treasure hunting ship. Somewhat like Rick Springfield’s role last season, Peter’s character flashed in and out of the episode so quickly that it didn’t seem like an actor his caliber would have a role that short. Granted, this is a 42 minute television show and things may have been edited out, but seeing him onscreen longer would have been great.
Possibly one of the reasons for his short role was the fact this episode was so well written, with so many twists and turns to the mystery, that all the guests stars couldn’t have equal time. The case went from one suspect and one theory to another, and the episode really kept you guessing as to who the culprit was. On top of that, I actually learned something about Hawaii that I didn’t know, and a lot of you know how much of a history buff I am. Incorporating the history of the “HAWAII” overprinted five dollar bills was a brilliant touch.
More recaps and reviews:
I beleive Season two is BRILLIANT!!
The script and dialogue length is so much better than season 1, allowing to each actor to better perform and expose the personality the character they r playing. (BRILLIANT)
Also, this season- and its my personal point of view – the writer(s) draw three angles for each character: one angle is being a member in the team, the other angle is each role in that team – either widening or shrinking – and the last angle is the persoanl one.(BRILLIANT)
Catherine: her role in season 1 was vague and insignaficant, they could just ignore it in Season 2, but instead, they dd a very good closure to her role, and the idea of traveling not dying gives the chance of a re-appearing, its like freezing a character for future use.(BRILLIANT)
Jeana: After making it clear to the audience that she’s working with Wo Fat, her departure was (BRILLIANT), I am sure she will re-appeare whn the Wo Fat line intersect in the events.
Now, Lori: I beleive, the space of her role so far is very good, she’s the new member after an entire season where we were all attached to Kono, Danno, and the rest, now its not an easy shift to the audience, its not an injection!!! yes, she needs a space, and the one given by the writers is (BRILLIANT) realistic, and smooth.
Kono: The idea of her off the team and falling – or not- in the wrong side.. is (BRILLIANT) an add to the suspence sense of the show and keep the audience attracted to keep following.
As for Alex: I got two words for him ” Maturity Excellency” seriously, he comes a long way since Moonlight, he shows natural leadership and excellent performance… the last scene in Episode 3 “Operation revenge” was very crucial to establish a realistic background that give sense of his unsual reaction and heroic diversity (BRILLIANT)
I also loved the last scene between Catherine and Steve and also am wondering why Steve did not kiss her goodbye. That would have been terrific.
It is great how Hawaii Five-0 pays tribute to the armed forces. The scene with the casket being loaded onto the plane and the men in uniform saluting was very heartwarming.
The storyline about the Hawaiian money was very interesting. I actually went on the internet after the show and read about the money.
To all those associated with Hawaii Five-0, Congratulations on a fantastic episode. Of course, I have loved them all.
Thaks for the reviews, Mizz. I agree with you completely: this was a wonderful episode. There was a nice balance in all events and character interactions, something difficult to achieve with so many character relationships. Alex was great, and so were the other actors; and the case was good. I enjoyed it thoroughly!!
I loved the episode, i alway’s like the interaction with Cathrin and McG.
is it just me? or did they drop the powderbox on McG’s face in the last cene
Yeah, he had a good tan going there
Thanks Mizz! I really loved this episode also. My only disappointment was that Steve couldn’t kiss Catherine goodbye
I have always liked her and hope that she returns. I happen to like Lori Weston – which is a surprise to me. 
But, I’m really lovin’ the other new additions in Joe White and Masi Oka. I like the interaction between Joe and Alex, but it will be interesting to see how that relationship plays out now that Joe has secrets.
So far, I’m loving season 2 and hope that viewer ratings stay up so we all don’t have to tread water at the end of the season cuz I certainly want a season 3
I know, I know, I’m never satisfied, but I’m just so happy for Alex’s success – I want it to continue! I’m also intrigued by how Stawberry Fields will come to pass. So many things to look forward to – love Mondays 
I’m with you, Karen S—-I was disappointed that Steve only hugged Catherine and didn’t KISS HER goodbye. I mean, what the heck?!
You could tell they were both disappointed at this turn of events, so why wouldn’t he kiss her? I hope they bring her back later in the season because I really like Steve & Catherine together.
Oh…and did anyone else notice that he said her full name instead of just calling her “Cat” or “Cath” when they were saying their goodbyes? Maybe it’s just the hopeless romantic in me, but that seemed to suggest that he has deeper feelings for her than he lets on. Calling her “Catherine” for once added some intimacy to the moment.
If “Cat” doesn’t come back for occasional appearances, I could see her coming back for the series finale (which I hope is a long time away!) with Steven, Jr. You can tell the way he looks at Danno & Grace that he wishes he had a family connection like that.
OMG! What if Cat works for Wo Fat?! I’ve even thought about Kamekona! Could Joe White be behind sending Cat to the Gulf?
Not sure why I went down this road tonight…….
I think each episode has been great and the story line fantastic….each week we learn something new….poor Steve has so many distractions keeping him from focusing on “the family history”.
I love seeing Steve and Joe interact…father-figure and all that. Steve actually “softens” talking to Joe and Alex’s talent really comes across portraying the emotional side of the relationship.
Kono is fantastic and I think we will all be surprised with the level of emotional intensity between her and Chin.
Any way you look at it, surfs up and we just need to enjoy the ride.
Thanks Mizz for posting all the reviews for this week’s suspenseful and thrilling episode of H50. I totally disagree with what some of writers have said about Officer Weston and Lt. Commander Joe White. They are both very good addition to the cast, and have good on-screen chemistry with all the characters. Additionally, Masi Oka is a wonderful addition to the cast. It sounds like these writers are jealous. I believe that Steve, Danny, Chin and Kono all have plenty of screen time to shine this season. According to Peter Lenkov, Kono has a very interesting story arc during season 2 and that Weston is only a co-worker and another member of the 50 team. In the not too distant future, Kono will clear her name and will return to the 50 task force. We must be patient with the story lines throughout this exciting second season of Hawaii Five-0. I am very happy and excited that talented Alex, his cast and creative crew received a second season of this entertaining and refreshing new show.
I found the parting scene between steve and catherine,
to be a real tear jerker. will they meet in Mumbai, i
seriously doubt it.