Considering the psychological subtext to the plot and John Cacavas' unusually ornate score (reminiscent of Pino Donaggio or Ennio Morricone), it occurs to me that Jack Lord was trying to enfuse this episode with the spirit of the Italian giallo. After all, Brian De Palma had touched on similar themes in Sisters (1972).
4 Reviews
A great memorable episode
jarrodmcdonald-111 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Several years ago I had watched season 11 on a streaming service, and this was the story that really captured me. It was the main reason I wanted to buy the whole season on disc, so I could have this episode. Rewatching it now, it's interesting to see what sort of clues the writer provides...before everything clicks into place who Linda is.
Above all this is a brilliant two-character study rendered by guest star Sharon Farrell who would join the cast full time the following season in another role. You can see how she is applying certain method acting 'tricks' to flesh out the two distinct characters...one (Linda) is the outwardly vivacious type, and one (Diana) is the more sexually repressed type with hair tightly pulled back and emotions always in check.
Of course Diana eventually loses control of her emotions, because she cannot keep Linda in check. Part of what makes the story so fascinating as it unfolds is how Jack Lord plays McGarrett's reactions to the two different types...his face registers hints of amusement and hints of pity.
Unlike most episodes of the series, this one doesn't end with McGarrett saying 'book 'em, Danno.' In fact Danny has very little screen time here, it's mostly a showcase for Sharon Farrell's talents. The final scene at the graveyard holds long on McGarrett's pity AND compassion, hauling the culprit off without (yet) booking her.
In addition to the fine work by Miss Farrell, I should give a shout to James Whay who plays one of the murder victims. There is a continuous long shot with a person at the hotel coming down some steps then discovering Whay's character drowned in a pool of water. I am sure they tried to get that in the first take, because Whay has to hold his breath perfectly still under the clear water for a specific period of time, as long as it takes the extra to come down the steps, notice him dead in the water, react and for the camera to pan over and linger on him before fading out. It's a memorable shot in a memorable episode.
Above all this is a brilliant two-character study rendered by guest star Sharon Farrell who would join the cast full time the following season in another role. You can see how she is applying certain method acting 'tricks' to flesh out the two distinct characters...one (Linda) is the outwardly vivacious type, and one (Diana) is the more sexually repressed type with hair tightly pulled back and emotions always in check.
Of course Diana eventually loses control of her emotions, because she cannot keep Linda in check. Part of what makes the story so fascinating as it unfolds is how Jack Lord plays McGarrett's reactions to the two different types...his face registers hints of amusement and hints of pity.
Unlike most episodes of the series, this one doesn't end with McGarrett saying 'book 'em, Danno.' In fact Danny has very little screen time here, it's mostly a showcase for Sharon Farrell's talents. The final scene at the graveyard holds long on McGarrett's pity AND compassion, hauling the culprit off without (yet) booking her.
In addition to the fine work by Miss Farrell, I should give a shout to James Whay who plays one of the murder victims. There is a continuous long shot with a person at the hotel coming down some steps then discovering Whay's character drowned in a pool of water. I am sure they tried to get that in the first take, because Whay has to hold his breath perfectly still under the clear water for a specific period of time, as long as it takes the extra to come down the steps, notice him dead in the water, react and for the camera to pan over and linger on him before fading out. It's a memorable shot in a memorable episode.
Further evidence that season 11 should never have been made.
planktonrules17 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
For the first ten years "Hawaii Five-O" was on the air, it maintained a very consistent high quality product. However, season 11 took a HUGE downward turn---producing many downright embarrassing episodes. While "Why Won't Linda Die?" might not be the very worst of the season, it sure is close and is just awful. While there were a few good season 11 episodes, they were unfortunately few and far between.
The show begins with someone deliberately running a guy off a cliff with their car. While a spectacular scene, I kept wondering how hard it might have been to just step out of the way. Oh, well. The man ended up being a member of the Canadian Parliament, so McGarrett and his men take the case instead of leaving it to the regular police.
There aren't a lot of leads. One of the few they find is an envelope with a local name and address. So they go looking for Linda Forbes but at first only find her sister, Diana--who is rather nasty and hard to understand. Later, we see Linda and she is the opposite of her sister. While Diana is emotionally constricted and about as much fun as Ebola, Linda is vivacious and cute. This brings me to a HUGE (freaking HUGE) problem with the show. Anyone with 20/100 vision or better would see right away that Linda and Diana are the same person--just dressed differently and with one wearing a wig. Folks who know BOTH sisters never noticed this or that you NEVER see the two together!! McGarrett, with his trained cop senses, also doesn't see this. Now I did mark above that this is a spoiler, but the audience would almost certainly also see that they are one in the same. To base an entire show on such a shoddy and poorly executed idea is pretty limp (the acting was VERY broad). What exactly becomes of all this, you can find out for yourself...if you care. My advice is just watch seasons 1-10 instead!
By the way, what's with the grave at the end of the show? The funeral marker is clearly VERY old and the painting on it really looked lame. Plus, it could NOT have been the person they said it was--the age just doesn't add up at all.
The show begins with someone deliberately running a guy off a cliff with their car. While a spectacular scene, I kept wondering how hard it might have been to just step out of the way. Oh, well. The man ended up being a member of the Canadian Parliament, so McGarrett and his men take the case instead of leaving it to the regular police.
There aren't a lot of leads. One of the few they find is an envelope with a local name and address. So they go looking for Linda Forbes but at first only find her sister, Diana--who is rather nasty and hard to understand. Later, we see Linda and she is the opposite of her sister. While Diana is emotionally constricted and about as much fun as Ebola, Linda is vivacious and cute. This brings me to a HUGE (freaking HUGE) problem with the show. Anyone with 20/100 vision or better would see right away that Linda and Diana are the same person--just dressed differently and with one wearing a wig. Folks who know BOTH sisters never noticed this or that you NEVER see the two together!! McGarrett, with his trained cop senses, also doesn't see this. Now I did mark above that this is a spoiler, but the audience would almost certainly also see that they are one in the same. To base an entire show on such a shoddy and poorly executed idea is pretty limp (the acting was VERY broad). What exactly becomes of all this, you can find out for yourself...if you care. My advice is just watch seasons 1-10 instead!
By the way, what's with the grave at the end of the show? The funeral marker is clearly VERY old and the painting on it really looked lame. Plus, it could NOT have been the person they said it was--the age just doesn't add up at all.
Another Season 11 Three-Star Flop.
FloridaFred22 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
You knew what this was about in the first 10 or 12 minutes. But super-cop Steve McGarrett can't figure this out from the get-go? No, just no.
Since the majority of Season 11 stories were on life support before they went on the air, you wonder if you should keep watching it. Alright, let's torture ourselves, and see it through. But keep your finger on the fast forward button, you will need it.
When Diana talks about the death of her parents, you suspect that she either killed the sister, or the parents, or all of them. Then comes the cemetery scene; you called it!
BTW, it was rather rude of McGarrett to interrupt the woman as she said the Lord's prayer. Insane murderess or not, McG should have shown some respect. And yanking off the wig? That may constitute police brutality, unnecessary use of force. Maybe tear off the stewardess outfit while you are at it, Steve?
The final scene is way too much over-acting on the part of Sharon Farrell. Just stop already.
Another Season 11 Three-Star Flop.
Florida Fred.
Since the majority of Season 11 stories were on life support before they went on the air, you wonder if you should keep watching it. Alright, let's torture ourselves, and see it through. But keep your finger on the fast forward button, you will need it.
When Diana talks about the death of her parents, you suspect that she either killed the sister, or the parents, or all of them. Then comes the cemetery scene; you called it!
BTW, it was rather rude of McGarrett to interrupt the woman as she said the Lord's prayer. Insane murderess or not, McG should have shown some respect. And yanking off the wig? That may constitute police brutality, unnecessary use of force. Maybe tear off the stewardess outfit while you are at it, Steve?
The final scene is way too much over-acting on the part of Sharon Farrell. Just stop already.
Another Season 11 Three-Star Flop.
Florida Fred.
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