Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) The Kahuna (1979) User Reviews

Not great.

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 3 May 2014]

Once again, "Hawaii Five-O" invokes the supernatural for a plot--and it seemed to happen quite a bit during the last two years of the series. In this case, two young people die on a remote Hawaiian island and the local kahuna (like a medicine man) says there can be no autopsy. Before the local doctor (Cathy Lee Crosby) can get an order to do this, the family and kahuna bury the couple at sea. Later, another dies and the kahuna says it's because of a kapu--a curse. When Truck and Carew investigate, Truck is threatened with the kapu--and soon appears to be dying! Can Carew and the doctor manage to figure out what really is going on and who is responsible?

This episode is not stellar--and it's not just because of the kapu mumbo-jumbo. If you think about it, the murder method is ridiculously complicated and silly. Plus, you KNOW who the baddie is if you've seen the show regularly because the guy playing the murderer ALWAYS plays evil people. As soon as I saw him, I just knew it was him!!

Great episode with some twists

[addnos · 10/10 · 26 November 2023]

Hawaii Five-0" once again weaves a captivating narrative with a touch of the supernatural, a recurring and engaging theme in the series' final two years. The story unfolds on a remote Hawaiian island, where the mysterious deaths of two young individuals set the stage for a suspenseful investigation. The local kahuna introduces a cultural element by prohibiting an autopsy, adding depth to the storyline. Despite the initial hurdle, the family's decision for a sea burial adds an intriguing layer to the plot.

As the investigation unfolds, another death is attributed to a kapu or curse, introducing an additional layer of mystery. Truck and Carew's pursuit of the truth, despite the looming threats of the kapu, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode masterfully combines cultural nuances with a compelling detective narrative.

While some may find fault in the complexity of the murder method, the episode manages to maintain a captivating and thought-provoking atmosphere. Recognizing the actor playing the antagonist may be familiar to regular viewers, but it adds a layer of anticipation rather than predictability. Overall, this episode offers an engaging blend of suspense, cultural exploration, and mystery that keeps the audience invested.