Hawaii Five-0: Season 10 - Episode 1 REVIEW | Cultured Vultures

Hawaii Five-0 kicks off its tenth season with a nostalgic, action-packed premiere that mixes fan-favorite banter, new character introductions, and lingering dramatic stakes. The episode, titled 'Ua 'eha Ka 'ili I Ka Maka O Ka Ihe', blends throwbacks for longtime fans with plot developments that set the tone for the season ahead. While some farewells feel abrupt and new additions raise questions, the series still delivers its signature "ohana" (family) spirit and lively flair.

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1. The Return of Hawaii's Favorite Law Enforcement Team

With the start of Season 10, Hawaii Five-0 welcomes viewers back to the sunny islands and the adventures of its beloved team. As the review points out, this reimagined police drama has become a TV mainstay since its 2010 reboot, even if, after a decade, the challenge is to keep things fresh and exciting amid fierce yearly TV competition. The premiere of Season 10 "is anything to go by, we're still in for some serious island fun this season."

The chemistry between Steve (Alex O'Loughlin) and Danno (Scott Caan) remains at the heart of the show. Their playful squabbles and banter ("carguments") are still front and center. Early in the episode, Danno's relentless teasing about Steve's dating life pushes Steve to "cut him off":

"no calls, no texts, nothing."

Of course, if you know these two, you know this kind of fight never lasts long – and their sharp, affectionate dynamic is as entertaining as ever. Their relationship now feels even warmer and more like a family:

"The element of the buddy-cop relationship between Steve and Danno has transpired into something akin of a Riggs and Murtaugh kind of relationship, in which one another's families become their own and they share every personal detail of their lives with the other."

Aging is beginning to show for these seasoned heroes, too, with Danno poking fun at Steve's age and the limits it might bring to his action-packed stunts. Still, such banter adds to the show's charm, making their partnership feel even more genuine and relatable.

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2. Dealing With Tragedy and Change

Police procedurals often balance grit with heart, and Hawaii Five-0 is no exception. The review notes that:

"its action, its sense of 'Ohana' (family), its Hawaiian location and its intriguing storylines"
have been the backbone of the show. But another recurring element is constant tragedy in the characters' lives—a bit tiring after so many seasons, but "it comes with the package."

The aftermath of the Season 9 finale shooting gets resolved when Jerry (Jorge Garcia), who was shot, survives and starts recovering. The real twist, though, comes when Jerry decides he won't be returning to the Five-0 team, revealing instead:

"he's stepping back to write a novel."

This goodbye feels rather sudden given Jerry's significance and the build-up after his injury. The review laments,

"it's kind of disappointing how relatively little time was spent on Jerry, considering the drama that surrounded the shooting."

Despite the abruptness, his departure is left open-ended, hinting at a possible return. The review compares this to other notable TV exits and comebacks:

"Farrah Fawcett from 'Charlie's Angels', Shelley Long on 'Cheers' or more recently Jim Beaver on 'Supernatural'. Each of their characters returned in later seasons… Perhaps therein lies the reason for the brief goodbye of a beloved character. Goodbye for the moment, but not forever."

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3. New faces and Familiar Echoes

The absence of Jerry makes way for Quinn Liu (Katrina Law), a newcomer with a sharp, driven personality who quickly makes her mark on the team. Her arrival hints at fresh stories (and drama) this season, as hinted by the review:

"Season 10 will no doubt be uncovering her past and giving her obstacles to work through (as per usual in the police procedural drama genre)."

Quinn's character bears a striking resemblance to a younger Steve McGarrett—she's "tough", "has a military background", and even wants to stay on the case after getting injured. The review recognizes this similarity, noting that the writers may be trying a bit too hard to match up her traits with Steve's:

"It seems the show is trying too hard to give Steve a mini-me."

While this could fuel some interesting dynamics and friendly competition, there's also a risk of the characters feeling a bit stereotypical or too similar. Still, the team remains hopeful Quinn could contribute something unique in future episodes.

This introduction isn't the only callback in the episode. The structure and tone of 'Ua 'eha Ka 'ili I Ka Maka O Ka Ihe' intentionally echo the show's first season—especially in Quinn's first standoff with Steve and Danny, a direct nod to their iconic garage meeting in the pilot. Even Danny says he's experiencing a déjà vu, underscoring the episode's nostalgic feel.

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4. Action, Nostalgia, and Setting

Longtime fans will be glad to know that Hawaii Five-0 is still filled with energetic set pieces, inventive chase scenes, and a genuine sense of place. "You can still count on unusual tactics when it comes to car chases, fighting sequences and bad-guy operations." This premiere even includes an epic monster truck getaway—"every Monster Jam fan's dream."

The series makes use of local culture and language, including its tradition of Hawaiian-language episode titles with English translations. These details help the show stand apart from other police procedurals. There are also plenty of nods to the original 1968-1980 series and early seasons of the reboot, especially with the reappearance of the "Champ" box—an object packed with mystery and heartache for Steve, and now holding a new danger (a bomb) at the close of the episode.

"A look back to Season 1 is most significant thus far, referring to its humble beginnings with echoes of Steve and Danny's first standoff meeting… to the reappearance of the infamous 'Champ' box that was Steve's biggest mystery, and angst, in the first season."

Nostalgia is a big part of this season's first episode, and the blend of new energy with old tributes is meant to please fans who've stuck around since the very beginning.

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5. Final Impressions and the Verdict

Despite some clichés and a few stumbles with character farewells and introductions, Hawaii Five-0's tenth season opener proves the show still has a lot of heart—and plenty of action. The team's sense of unity, or "ohana," remains strong, as seen in the episode's touching finale when the group shares a warm group hug.

"Five-0 is still going strong and we still feel that sense of 'ohana', especially with the warm group hug the Five-0 family shares in the episode's conclusion."

The review scores the episode an 8, affirming its strong start to a milestone season.

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Conclusion

Hawaii Five-0's Season 10 premiere delivers exactly what fans love: action, nostalgia, and heartfelt camaraderie. Though the episode doesn't shy away from big changes—with Jerry stepping away and Quinn joining the fold—the spirit of the show continues, blending fresh storylines with tributes to its roots. If you're still tuning in after ten years, there's plenty here to remind you why you fell in love with the show in the first place. 🌴🚔