Hawaii Five-0 Fall Recap 1/12/18: Season 8 Episode 13 "What is Gone is Gone"

In this powerful episode of Hawaii Five-0, the story revolves around an intense hostage situation, a struggle with grief and guilt, and the importance of seeking help. When a man accused of murdering his wife threatens to end his own life, Officer Lou Grover draws on his personal experiences to connect, revealing raw truths about mental health and family. The case unfolds with suspense, bringing light to the challenges both survivors and those left behind face.

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1. An Unexpected Encounter on a Day Off

The episode begins with Lou Grover enjoying a rare day off with his son, Will. As they spend time together, Lou gives fatherly advice about relationships, telling Will:

"God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason."

However, their bonding moment is interrupted when Will spots a car matching a police alert for a "person of interest." As the car is right in front of them, Will points this out to Lou, who quickly decides to check things out, instructing his son to wait behind.

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2. The Hostage Crisis: Brad's Desperation

Approaching the suspect's vehicle, Lou identifies himself as a police officer and asks the driver, Brad Woodward, to step out. Brad refuses and keeps a gun to his own head, expressing no intention of leaving the car alive. The tension escalates, and Lou does his best to talk Brad down.

Brad is suspected of killing his wife, Tracy, who fell several stories from their apartment. The situation is complicated—Brad insists on his innocence, repeating that he didn't kill his wife:

"I didn't kill her!"

Despite Brad's claims, the evidence stacks up against him. Police have responded to multiple domestic abuse calls at Brad and Tracy's home but were unable to make charges stick, largely because Tracy never confirmed the abuse and showed no visible injuries. The officers could only respond to calls from neighbors and try, unsuccessfully, to convince Tracy she was in a harmful environment.

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3. The Pain of Abuse and Loss

The episode underscores a heartbreaking reality: victims of abuse often blame themselves and may struggle to accept help. Tragically, by the time the police are involved this time, it's too late—Tracy has died. Is Brad responsible, or is something else at play?

Brad reveals more about the night Tracy died. He claims she was clinically depressed, describing mood swings that left him feeling helpless:

"She was riding high one moment then came crashing back down without any kind of forewarning."

Brad admits to growing exhausted by Tracy's threats of self-harm and his failed efforts to help her. He confesses regret over leaving her alone that fateful night:

"I should have stayed to help her."

It's clear that Brad blames himself deeply for Tracy's death, believing his actions—or lack thereof—led to tragedy.

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4. Lou's Personal Struggle Comes to Light

To build trust and keep Brad talking, Lou opens up about his own dark past. He admits that he, too, was once on the verge of suicide, describing how he tried to hide his pain from his wife and pretended everything was fine:

"I pretended like everything was okay and that I was getting better, but in truth, I was still planning on killing myself."

Lou shares that what saved him was an unexpected interruption: his son Will had come home early, unknowingly pulling Lou back from the brink. This event became a turning point that pushed Lou to get real help, and he remains here because of it.

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5. High-Stakes Drama and Resolution

While Lou attempts to get Brad to surrender, Brad's father-in-law arrives, blaming Brad for his daughter's death. The tension mounts as the father-in-law tries—first with his own gun, then seizing one from a police officer—to kill Brad and take justice into his own hands.

Despite the chaos, Brad survives the ordeal. New evidence comes to light: an ATM camera across the street captured Brad leaving the building before Tracy's death, confirming his innocence. Lou's efforts pay off, and he finally convinces Brad:

"You couldn't save someone that didn't want to be saved."

Relieved and emotional, Brad puts down the gun, realizing he cannot bear the blame for what happened.

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Conclusion

This episode of Hawaii Five-0 delivers a moving look at the complexity of mental illness, the silent battles many face, and the power of compassion. It reminds us that support, honesty, and seeking professional help can make all the difference—even in the darkest moments.