In an era flooded with countless crime dramas, the original Hawaii Five-O, which aired from 1968 to 1980, stands as a foundational work of the genre, especially with its iconic catchphrase 'Book 'em, Danno!' Our editorial team takes a look back to see why this series still holds charm even after more than 50 years.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Hawaii Five-O is a police procedural series that follows a special state police task force in Hawaii, led by Detective Steve McGarrett (played by Jack Lord). His team includes Danny Williams (James MacArthur), Chin Ho (Kam Fong), Kono (Zulu), and Ben (Al Harrington), later replaced by James 'Kimo' Carew (William Smith). They work together to combat all forms of crime on the Hawaiian islands, from murder and theft to international espionage. The series is known for its outdoor action scenes set against Hawaii's beautiful landscapes and its straightforward, non-drawn-out case resolutions. Each episode typically ends with McGarrett ordering Danny to 'Book 'em, Danno!', which became a symbol of the series.
Acting and Characters
The heart of Hawaii Five-O is Jack Lord's performance as Detective McGarrett, a character with intense, decisive, and strong leadership qualities. He convincingly conveys sternness and determination. James MacArthur as Danny Williams is a loyal and capable team member, serving as a partner who takes orders and interacts with McGarrett with great chemistry. Other characters like Chin Ho and Kono add color and diversity to the team, though their roles are not deeply developed, they leave an impression with their unique traits. Overall, the acting is strong for its time, with Lord's performance standing out the most.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
In terms of direction, the series uses a straightforward storytelling technique, focusing on fast-paced and concise narratives, typical of police dramas from the 60s and 70s. Filming on location in Hawaii gives the series a fresh atmosphere distinct from studio-bound shows, especially with its beautiful sea, beaches, and volcanoes. However, technological limitations of the time make some action scenes look dated, but they remain fun and exciting in their own way. The most notable highlight is the theme music composed by Morton Stevens, which became one of the most iconic TV theme songs of all time, with its energetic and unique melody instantly recognizable.
Editorial Analysis
Hawaii Five-O is not just an ordinary police series; it represents the golden age of American television that prioritized compelling stories and memorable characters. Although some aspects may seem dated and unrealistic by modern standards, its charm lies in its simplicity and directness. Cases are not overly complicated, making them easy to follow, and clear conclusions provide satisfaction. The phrase 'Book 'em, Danno!' has become part of pop culture, still referenced today. For fans of classic series or those curious about the origins of modern police dramas, Hawaii Five-O is a must-watch.
Verdict
The 1968 Hawaii Five-O is a classic police series that laid the foundation for the genre. If you're a fan of retro crime dramas or want to know the origin of 'Book 'em, Danno!', this is the answer. Though the techniques are old, the charm remains. It's perfect for those wanting to experience traditional investigative atmosphere in the paradise of Hawaii.
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👍 Pros
- +Iconic and catchy theme music
- +Charming lead actors with great chemistry
- +Concise storytelling without unnecessary filler
- +Beautiful Hawaiian scenery, different from other series
- +Legendary catchphrase 'Book 'em, Danno!'
👎 Cons
- −Outdated filming techniques and effects for modern viewers
- −Supporting characters lack development
- −Some cases lack realism
Top Cast
FAQ
The 1968 version is the classic original, focusing on procedural investigations. The 2010 reboot updates filming techniques, adds more action, and develops characters more deeply, but retains the original framework.
The original series has 12 seasons and 284 episodes, airing from 1968 to 1980.
This phrase is Detective McGarrett's (Jack Lord) order to Danny (James MacArthur) to arrest a suspect. 'Danno' is Danny's nickname. The phrase became a symbol of the series and is widely used in pop culture.
Currently, the original series may be available on international streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video or imported DVDs. Since licensing in Thailand may be unclear, check platforms periodically.
