Hawaii Five-0 Season 10 Episode 11 Review: Ka i ka 'ino, no ka 'ino (To return evil for evil) - TV Fanatic

This episode of Hawaii Five-0 delivers big surprises and sets up new storylines as the team faces old foes and new dilemmas. With a strong focus on the legacy of Wo Fat and the personal struggles of Adam, the episode builds a suspenseful lead-in to the show's winter break. Important questions about loyalties, revenge, and trust are raised, keeping fans eager for what's next.

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1. The Return of Old Evil

The episode wastes no time in ramping up tension, as the specter of Wo Fat comes back to haunt McGarrett—despite Wo Fat having been killed "way back on Season 5 Episode 7." As the reviewer points out:

"That was a great buildup to the holiday hiatus."

Despite the absence of a couple of team members (notably, Quinn), Five-0 pushes forward, facing threats both familiar and unexpected.

The show cleverly finds a way to bring Wo Fat's influence back into the narrative, crediting the creators for their "feasible way to resurrect Wo Fat." Even though Wo Fat's previous appearance in a dream sequence doesn't really count as a return, the mere hint of his presence stirs up anticipation and unease. As the reviewer puts it:

"That's more than five seasons ago. Talk about revenge being a dish best served cold."

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2. The Case Unfolds

Action quickly ignites with the dramatic shootdown of a tourist helicopter by a rocket launcher—a sequence captured by a surf-cam and providing crucial evidence for the team. The investigation initially seems to move too easily, prompting suspicion that there's more going on than meets the eye.

The storyline unravels as it's revealed that the rocket launcher came from a stash once belonging to Wo Fat. This connection signals serious trouble, motivating the team to turn their suspicions to a wealthy business owner before shifting focus to the strange behavior of the helicopter pilot, which eventually leads them to a gruesome scene at a weapon-storage house.

Adding to the intrigue is a disguised old woman—Daiyu Mei—who peels off her mask alone in a motel, signaling she's hiding something big. The reviewer wonders how such an "Interpol-wanted" figure connected to Wo Fat could evade notice for so long.

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3. Daiyu Mei: A New Threat

The mysterious Daiyu Mei leaves just enough clues to make it seem like Five-0 is solving the case on their own, but in reality, "Five-0 was solving the case rather than being led by the nose where she wanted them to go." This bit of manipulation introduces her as a smart and formidable new nemesis for McGarrett and his team.

It's clear by the episode's end that Daiyu Mei will return again—though not immediately, due to an upcoming crossover event with Magnum PI. The reviewer comments:

"McGarrett and team needed a new nemesis and it looks like they've got one now."

There's excitement for this upcoming crossover, especially since it seems more logical than a previous attempt with MacGyver:

"This crossover makes logistical sense, unlike MacGyver/Five-0 back in 2017. The one seemed forced since the two teams were separated by the Pacific Ocean."

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4. Adam's Struggles and Big Decisions

Much of this episode also centers around Adam, who seems to be drifting back to his "dark side" after trying for so long to lead an honest life. After trouble surrounding Tamiko's abduction, Adam chooses to resign from Five-0 rather than come clean to McGarrett and Duke—a move the reviewer questions:

"Rather than coming clean to McGarrett and Duke, he chose to resign from Five-0... Why? Good question, one that Danny and Steve continued to ponder for the rest of the episode."

The review speculates whether Adam is trying to protect Tamiko, or whether there's something deeper at play—possibly even going undercover for a bigger agency, though this seems unlikely given the usual protocol.

Meanwhile, the reviewer feels the character deserves a stronger arc:

"Ian Anthony Dale deserves better. But let's see how Adam clears his name, after the crossover."

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5. Relationships and Side Stories

Shifting away from the central threats, the episode touches on lighter and more personal moments—like Danny's ongoing saga with his problematic house and the potential for a new house storyline in the season's second half.

The reviewer is also rooting for Tani and Junior to finally move forward with their relationship rather than remaining stuck in "will they or won't they" limbo, a plot point that's lingered for over two seasons.

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6. Wrapping Up

The episode wraps up with plenty of unresolved tension, leaving viewers with juicy questions to think about during the holiday break—especially regarding Wo Fat's connection, Adam's fate, and Danny's house.

"To tide yourself over until Jan. 3, watch Hawaii Five-0 online."

"Were you surprised by the Wo Fat connection?"

"Can Adam salvage his Five-0 career?"

"Does Danny seriously need to move?"

These closing questions not only invite speculation but also encourage fans to stay engaged until the series returns.

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Final Thoughts

This mid-season episode leaves Hawaii Five-0 fans with a lot to contemplate, from the cunning return of Wo Fat's influence to Adam's moral crossroads and the promise of new adventures after the break. With high-stakes drama and character twists, the series remains as gripping as ever.