Enjoy this article from the November 16 issue of South African magazine TV Plus about why Hawaii Five-0 is such a hit with viewers worldwide!
Five reasons why Hawaii Five-0 is such a great remake!
We cringe every time we see or hear of a remake of a popular old show, but the creators of the new Hawaii Five-0 really outdid themselves. Here’s five reasons why we think this show is hot.
1. The Setting
Let’s face it: Hawaii is probably the biggest reason why this show is such a success. This series takes full advantage of its exotic setting, and we are absolutely spoilt in every episode with the breathtaking landscape shots and scenery. The whole look and feel of the show is built around Hawaii and its inhabitants, and it definitely benefits the series tremendously.
2. The Cast
What a bunch of good-looking cops! There’s no shortage of attractive people in primetime TV shows, but Hawaii’s sun and sand provide opportunities aplenty for the brawny Five-0 cast to strip down to their swimsuits and solve tough cases. The series stars Australian actor Alex O’Loughlin (The Back-up Plan and August Rush) as Steve McGarrett; Scott Caan, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in Hawaii Five-0; Daniel Dae Kim from Lost; and Grace Park who is best known for her roles in Battlestar Galactica. It’s clear that these actors have chemistry and it works well for Hawaii Five-0.
3. The Story
The show exploded onto our screens in the pilot episode and has kept us on the edge of our seats in every episode. Unlike the original, where the main character, Steve McGarrett, overpowered his partner, Danny “Danno” Williams, the two new characters are on fairly equal footing and the scriptwriters always manage to squeeze in five minutes of barely relevant joking and teasing between them to make the show more lighthearted and fun. The original dealt with a lot of international master criminals while its 21st-century remake focuses more on the war on terror. So far in Season 1, they’ve taken on Chinese human traffickers, Irish and Filipino gangs, Japanese Yakuza, and a turf war between Italian-American mobsters, Chinese triads and Samoan gangs. And if you thought Hawaii Five-0 was just about fast cars and hand-to-hand combat (for the guys), you’re sadly mistaken because it’s also dripping with loads of sentimentality (for the ladies).
4 The Theme Song
The new Hawaii Five-0 stayed true to the original’s iconic theme song that was composed by Morton Stevens and is one of the most recognisable TV theme songs of all time, but not without revamping it to sound more modern and relevant. Creator Alex Kurtzman arranged for studio musicians, including three who’d worked on the original series, to rerecord the theme “exactly as it was”. It was also shortened from 60 seconds to 30 seconds.
5. What’s to Come?
If you thought Season 1 was a blast, wait ’til you get a look at Season 2! It promises to be bigger and better and will showcase some new characters. Executive producer Peter M. Lenkov told tvguide.com that the main characters will also go through changes. He promised the same action-packed hour that viewers got to enjoy and says that a new season-long mystery will be uncovered in Episode 1. “It’s a really compelling mystery. I’m hoping it hooks people,” Peter said. “I actually think it’s more meaty than the mystery last year… Our goal is to tell better stories and grow our characters and family. And to keep a mystery alive.”
Season 2 of Hawaii Five-0 should return to M-Net later in 2012.
Check out the scan in the gallery!
Great article Mizz, I love the world wide coverage of the show and its stars!
Thank you Mizz. This is an amazing and wonderful article about H50 and its talented and gorgeous cast, and the creative team of producers, directors and photographers. H50 and its cast are becoming well known around the world, rightfully so. I hope there will be a season 3.
