There was NEVER anything wrong with Five - 0 from the start. The stars of the show were slated to be O’loughlin and Caan. When you sign a contr, you si a contract. All the main players on this show get paid an awful lot of money (and God bless them), more than you or anyone reading this. Kim and Park were offered substantial raises and still said no. Good riddance. I liked them both, but as you can see the show has done well enough to be renewed for a ninth season. I don’t hear Chi McBride, Jorge Garcia or any of the other cast complaining to much. Lastly, the character of “Kono” was a man in the original series, they changed the gender for the remake, so Grace was fortunate to be selected. Great show, great cast......I wish them ALL well, but stop with the nonsense and I’m hopin’ your opinion has changed since you wrote this mess...
2
I think CBS underestimates the value of these two actors to the overall franchise and couldn’t see past longstanding Hollywood network ‘call sheet’ rankings. All the other non-white cast on 5-0 are plot devices and comic relief (even Chi McBride). Dae Kim and Park are very key to the show’s longevity and its attraction for non-white 18-49 and 25–54 audience.
Compare to the thinking behind the Fast and Furious franchise — same age/gender demographic as 5-0 but 60+% of F&F audience is nonwhite.
Overall nonwhite audience segments are heavier media users. And the show’s large European audience may be following these Asian American leads as well. Old-line thinking rules at its own risk in a globalized media.
Compare to the thinking behind the Fast and Furious franchise — same age/gender demographic as 5-0 but 60+% of F&F audience is nonwhite.
Overall nonwhite audience segments are heavier media users. And the show’s large European audience may be following these Asian American leads as well. Old-line thinking rules at its own risk in a globalized media.
A lot of Koreans immigrated to Hawaii from late 1800s and early 1900s as farmers. There may be just 2% of population identifying as "Koreans", but there would be more Hawaiians with mixed Polynesian, Japanese, and Korean heritage than the 2%. There would be enough people looking like the two asian actors due to heritage than how they identify themselves.
I have Korean background, and I was taken as a local by a large Polynesian -Hawaiian family - they told me I look just like their cousins. :)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_immigration_to_Hawaii
I have Korean background, and I was taken as a local by a large Polynesian -Hawaiian family - they told me I look just like their cousins. :)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_immigration_to_Hawaii
In what world is Hollywood going to cast an actual Hawaiian person to play a Hawaiian. They didn't even do it with Mr. Kim. Hollywood would sooner turn to Emma Stone.
1
You mean Grace Park wasn't the highest paid member of the cast!? She is the reason I watch the show.
The show's ideas come from 4 year olds ("we people in Hawaii will save the world again this week"), the dialogue sounds like 12 year olds, and if the two heroes were real men they would be competing for a cute Filipina.
The show's ideas come from 4 year olds ("we people in Hawaii will save the world again this week"), the dialogue sounds like 12 year olds, and if the two heroes were real men they would be competing for a cute Filipina.
Mike - I think those taking you to task here for the end of your article are astute and you should listen. You make solid arguments throughout the article; it's informative and fairly evenhanded. Then, out of the blue, we get the "too bad Park and Dae Kim are Korean when so few Koreans live in Hawaii" bit. It seems beside the point.
There was another earlier time to start complaining about the direction of the show: when they diminished Garce Park's role and brought in - what else? - a white actress and gave her more screen time. That's when the show lost me because it was so obvious what they were doing. Park deserved better.
We watched the first few years of this show and, honestly, we watched for Park and Dae Kim. First of all, they're both simply gorgeous actors but they're also good - and when they speak they sound less "scripted" that Caan and O'Laughlin. I wish them both continued and better success.
There was another earlier time to start complaining about the direction of the show: when they diminished Garce Park's role and brought in - what else? - a white actress and gave her more screen time. That's when the show lost me because it was so obvious what they were doing. Park deserved better.
We watched the first few years of this show and, honestly, we watched for Park and Dae Kim. First of all, they're both simply gorgeous actors but they're also good - and when they speak they sound less "scripted" that Caan and O'Laughlin. I wish them both continued and better success.
5
I don't watch too many network shows anymore but this was one of few I did watch on occasion. As Asian myself, I thought the show added more depth to the show with the significant roles played by both Grace Park and Daniel Kim as they are both excellent actors. The lead actors were not that compelling to me as much as having Hawaii as a backdrop. Without Ms. Park and Mr. Kim, its just another cop show on an island locale, not enough for me to tune in anymore. As far as the pay issue, my guess is the Asian actors were vastly underpaid over the years for the work and screen time in supporting roles and wanted parity for the upcoming season. Not entirely unreasonable if you were not compensated fairly even in a supporting role after seven seasons.
5
Remembering the original Five-O, I always thought one aspect of the show was the out-of-place -ness of McGarrett and Danny Williams. Two Haole cops in charge, with all the work done by Chin-Ho and Kono. I remember some episodes dealt with this in the early seasons.
After watching the first few episodes of the reboot, and realizing that noone had bothered to update it at all, I turned it off. The least they could have done was put Mr. Kim and Ms. Park in charge and had Scott Caan (who looks ridiculously out of place there) and Mr. O'Loughlin in the Chin-Ho and Kono roles.
Ah well...television.
After watching the first few episodes of the reboot, and realizing that noone had bothered to update it at all, I turned it off. The least they could have done was put Mr. Kim and Ms. Park in charge and had Scott Caan (who looks ridiculously out of place there) and Mr. O'Loughlin in the Chin-Ho and Kono roles.
Ah well...television.
2
What disturbs me most about shows like this is the promotion of black guns: everybody's got 'em, everybody needs 'em, ultimately they may provide the final solution to everybody's problems. Quite a lot of product placement for the gun industry and their 'personal protection' and 'sporting arms' lines, much of which is oversold to mainland America.
The original Star Trek, considered groundbreaking regarding the diversity of its cast, filmed during one of the most violent periods of recent history (the late 60's), seldom allowed weapons (phasers that often malfunctioned) the prominence that black guns are afforded in modern cop shows.
The original Star Trek, considered groundbreaking regarding the diversity of its cast, filmed during one of the most violent periods of recent history (the late 60's), seldom allowed weapons (phasers that often malfunctioned) the prominence that black guns are afforded in modern cop shows.
It would be okay if the guns were pink,silver or pewter.
1
And an Australian playing an Irish American gets no shaming comment? Mr. Kim just proved his point, didn't he.
I am a big fan of the show for the settings, the acting and quality of the writing. The action scenes and suspense are great. I do have problems with the veracity of the show.
There seem to be very few Asian people in key roles. The white population, while significant, is over represented on the show. Even black people are; being a very small number on Oahu black men are in leading roles in 5-0 and even cast as Governor. It seems very few Asians are victims of crime on Hawai'i Five-0; with many Asians representing the criminals, and even there more frequently the crime is perpetrated by white people.
It's really ridiculous to not reach an agreement to retain the two Asian lead characters who've been with the series since the pilot - especially Daniel Kim, who was at that time the most famous of the ensemble. I've heard the salary discrepancy is $5000 per episode for Mr. Kim and Ms. Park; incredible that $200K, the revenue generated by one commercial, would not be spent to maintain the quality of the show.
There seem to be very few Asian people in key roles. The white population, while significant, is over represented on the show. Even black people are; being a very small number on Oahu black men are in leading roles in 5-0 and even cast as Governor. It seems very few Asians are victims of crime on Hawai'i Five-0; with many Asians representing the criminals, and even there more frequently the crime is perpetrated by white people.
It's really ridiculous to not reach an agreement to retain the two Asian lead characters who've been with the series since the pilot - especially Daniel Kim, who was at that time the most famous of the ensemble. I've heard the salary discrepancy is $5000 per episode for Mr. Kim and Ms. Park; incredible that $200K, the revenue generated by one commercial, would not be spent to maintain the quality of the show.
4
I just can't understand how the show was not built around Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim. Especially Grace Park.
Anyway, wouldn't it have been easier to just pay them all the same rather than blow up the series? Who cares if the short guy gets more screen time? They may be surprised how many fans follow Grace and Daniel to their next projects.
Anyway, wouldn't it have been easier to just pay them all the same rather than blow up the series? Who cares if the short guy gets more screen time? They may be surprised how many fans follow Grace and Daniel to their next projects.
11
Mr. Hale, I think you are wrong. As network TV shows go, Five-0 is way above average. It's the only network show I can watch when compared to HBO, Showtime, Netflix and Amazon productions. I think Kim and Park's characters bring a uniqueness to the show. If I had to watch only McGarrett and Danno with their incessant bickering, I would not be a fan. I too have watched each and every episode.
4
I started watching this show off and on a couple of years ago. Even as a white man, I had to get over my distaste for the original version where the main premise was that Hawaii was so lame that they needed male haoles from the mainland to solve their crime for them. This new version has the same premise but at least more people of color in it, thus hinting at more legitimacy than the original. I find it easy to be sensitive to racist undertones here and to Asian and Asian-American actors being shut out of the profession, especially as someone whose kids are "Japanese-American" and who face forms of racism all the time. So I understand the concern for the Asian actor and actress making less money and leaving the show, for whatever reasons they are leaving. On the other hand, let's don't forget the big picture here: it's just a TV show.
1
You know, he had me until the end. He's right that this was a good example of minorities playing supporting roles when they should be the lead. But, why should the author be partial to two of the actors b/c his mother is Korean? Isn't that racist?
We are seeing a rapid transformation, mainly among our younger people, of what used to be called reverse racism, but would better be called just racism. What if I made a comment that I was glad the two leads were white b/c I'm white? Wouldn't that have seen racist to you? Why is it different that he feels that way about people of Korean heritage? Aren't we supposed to like people because of the content of their character or maybe b/c, in their case, they are good at their job?
On the other hand, I'm just pointing this out b/c the upswing in "reverse racism" is worrisome. I really don't care who he likes or why. Everyone's too sensitive these days.
We are seeing a rapid transformation, mainly among our younger people, of what used to be called reverse racism, but would better be called just racism. What if I made a comment that I was glad the two leads were white b/c I'm white? Wouldn't that have seen racist to you? Why is it different that he feels that way about people of Korean heritage? Aren't we supposed to like people because of the content of their character or maybe b/c, in their case, they are good at their job?
On the other hand, I'm just pointing this out b/c the upswing in "reverse racism" is worrisome. I really don't care who he likes or why. Everyone's too sensitive these days.
2
Clearly, as one who also watched the show, the two are supporting actors. That means they get--and deserve--less money than the leads. Anything else is just feelings, and has nothing to do with anything relevant.
I love when posters--who know less than nothing about the business-- say CBS doesn't know their audience or their business.
I love when posters--who know less than nothing about the business-- say CBS doesn't know their audience or their business.
3
What does quitting prove? Stay employed and fight!!!!
2
Early in the show's history, the writing was better, but it was never great TV. Currently for us, it's filler until "Blue Bloods" comes on: a real cop-drama with believable story lines, compelling characters and good acting. Even so, we often switch to Netflix for a hour. The the best thing about H50's current incarnation is the intro but even that's not as cool as the original. I clocked out when the writers tried to insert that CGI Jack Lord-as-original-McGarrett "character" into the story for some head-shaking reason.
1
If in fact the two actors who are leaving were paid less than the others, CBS is just plain stupid.
Park and Kim add a lot to the show, which, although formulaic, is nevertheless fun to watch.
With Kim and Park gone, I'm not so sure I'll be watching it anymore.
Here's another case of arrogant suits not understanding their audience.
Park and Kim add a lot to the show, which, although formulaic, is nevertheless fun to watch.
With Kim and Park gone, I'm not so sure I'll be watching it anymore.
Here's another case of arrogant suits not understanding their audience.
6
I agree, the structure of the show doomed it from the beginning. I started watching Hawaii Five-O because I was a fan of Park's from Battlestar Gallactica and enjoyed Kim on Lost. I had never heard of McGarrett and Caan and I found their characters to be alternately annoying and boring. I stopped watching after season 3 because I had reached the point where I was muting large portions of the episode to avoid listening to the "bromance." Are there any women writing for this show? Methinks not. I've found CBS shows to often struggle with writing and casting characters of color--NCIS, NCIS New Orleans, The Amazing Race--are all shows I like that have this problem.
2
Haoles are haoles, what can you do. I'm Asian and I liked watching the show with my daughter because it had Asian characters. But as I tell my daughter all the time, white people will do what white people will do.
That's how I explained Iron Fist on Netflix to her.
That's how I explained Iron Fist on Netflix to her.
10
I only watch the show when nothing else is on. I can't stand he two pompous men who are the "stars". The Asian characters are what hold the show together.
10
Nothing else on? (switching to Keith Morrison voice) Or IS there?
http://www.nbc.com/dateline
http://www.nbc.com/dateline
The show is good, not great. I watch it to see Hawaii. The bro-like bantering is sometimes uncomfortable and seems more hostile than friendly at times. Danno is gone from episodes a lot. We actually prefer the Asian American actors over the "leads". We like Chi McBride. Keep Caan and get a new McGarrett (I can't even remember the actor's name) .. but I guess that won't happen.
3
Scott Caan is probably a nice guy, but the Danny character is essentially unwatchable. Whiney, loud, brash, completely unsympathetic--is that what we are supposed to think of everyone from New Jersey?
But Grace Park is really something special--beautiful, spunky, believable in a fight scene, and a heroine in the Wonder Woman mold. She perks up every scene she's in, while Mr. Cann's noise diminishes every scene he's in. Probably just stupid scripts. And Mr. Kim is serious and humorous, genuine and the kind of person you would be glad to live next door to. I will miss both Ms. Park and Mr. Kim very much--but I will also be on the lookout for their next performances.
But Grace Park is really something special--beautiful, spunky, believable in a fight scene, and a heroine in the Wonder Woman mold. She perks up every scene she's in, while Mr. Cann's noise diminishes every scene he's in. Probably just stupid scripts. And Mr. Kim is serious and humorous, genuine and the kind of person you would be glad to live next door to. I will miss both Ms. Park and Mr. Kim very much--but I will also be on the lookout for their next performances.
22
I'm a ha'ole who lived on Oahu for three years, and like the writer, I watch the show primarily to see locations I recognize. It has always amused me how unrepresentative the show is of Island life. Not only are Asian Americans poorly represented but so is the level of violence. I can remember the local TV news stations leading off breathlessly with stories of a nonviolent robbery of a convenience store -- the kind of crime that wouldn't even get a notice in large Mainland cities. I wish Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park the best of luck; they added real interest to this tired police procedural. Hawaii has a strong theater and acting community. I hope the producers pick new actors from the Islands.
13
You can justify and rationalize until the cows come home but with certainty if all four actors were Asians there would be no pay discrepancy. Period. Justify that.
5
Unfortunately, there would not be many viewers either.
1
Like the author I, too, have family connections to Hawaii. I also lived there for many years. I stopped watching this version very early on because I found the bromance annoying & ridiculous. But the fact that the Korean American actors represent a small percentage of the present Hawaii population is irrelevant. More offensive to me was the nativeHawaiian "Stepin Fetchit" characters. This version of Hawaii 5-0 like its predecessor represents a "Haole"power structure that is out of date. But it is reassuring to its white mainland audience. And I guess that's what the advertisers want. I will find it interesting who CBS selects these two Asian actors.
4
I actually work for Hollywood productions (film and t.v.) here in New Orleans. Louisana has a tax credit system that Hollywood loves and I meet actors from all over the world. Since working with film and t.v. productions I notice that some networks will only cast certain actors that resignate with a certain veiwer they want to attract and keep,
CBS is one of them. African Americans are the highest demographic to watch television. But CBS shows doesn't reflect that. I don't think by leaving the show that CBS will panic. The two Asian characters were supporting actors. Therefore CBS will weather this storm until it blows over and replace them in a heartbeat. Working with Hollywood has shown me one thing; it's all about who watches the show and diversity takes a back seat.
CBS is one of them. African Americans are the highest demographic to watch television. But CBS shows doesn't reflect that. I don't think by leaving the show that CBS will panic. The two Asian characters were supporting actors. Therefore CBS will weather this storm until it blows over and replace them in a heartbeat. Working with Hollywood has shown me one thing; it's all about who watches the show and diversity takes a back seat.
1
Can we also point out that Kono's character is supposed to be Hawaiian? In the original series, Kono was a big Hawaiian dude, not a wispy Korean woman. That was terrible miscasting.
6
This is a mistake in the part of CBS. The two departing actors were part of the reason I watched the show. I don't think Steve and Fanny can carry it well without them. I predict a ratings nosedive as I and others bail on the show. Sad day.
4
I don't remember enough of the original show, but I don't think Kono and Chin did a heck of a lot there either. Kono was gone relatively quickly and Chin didn't last for the entire run, if I remember right. But back then people didn't think ab out those kinds of things the way they do now. BTW, back then, Kono was played by a native Hawaiian who called himself "Zulu" and Chin was played by a Chinese actor named Kam Fong. Now they're played by two Koreans. Interesting.
1
I did find it a bit odd that they had 2 actors of Korean ancestry when Hawaii is only like 2% Korean. But whatever. They had 2 asian actors with star power, and now they don't.
I work a double shift Fridays, and this show has been part of my end-of-week decompression for a while. Love the old theme song & the fresh setting, e.g. not LA or NYC. The Asian stars are just as formulaic as the main guys -- though I do like Alex McL -- but I'm attached to them and will miss them. Love the writer's idea about a Hawaiian Danno! Scott Caan is unbearably bad. I almost always mute him.
2
The new show is less police and more a glorification of a milerteristic and weakly justified over the top NRA culture hiding behind a cute bromance. The situations of the two Asian but obviously still haole characters were simplistic moralist lectures to ineffectively attempt a ballance to this gun worshipping.
5
Moonves wants profitability so he is going to hire cheaper minoritiy actors. There is going to be an young woman of Asian descent next season.
The show has never been good--but you are missing a point--the top four cast members are very sexy. The other characters are bizarre--a retired Chicago cop, a crazy cook, a conspiracy theorist, the nutso nephew in the crime lab...Kono's boyfriend adds something as well... but the show is eye candy...good looking people racing cars against gorgeous scenery with the tease of pealing down to swimsuits on the beach...that's the formula. Walter Mitty escapism..and it's much better if you hit the MUTE button and just look
13
I agree with the reviewer---McGarrett and Danno are the main stars and their bro-mance is the best thing in the show, besides the scenery. Yes, if they'd started out with a Hawaiian Danno, that would have given the show more credibility. A confusing thing about having Danno absent from several episodes while McGarrett is almost always on is a mystery since their bro-mance and chemistry is the best thing about the show. Does Caan have another gig on another show? I'll keep watching it with the new Asian replacements regardless. Sorry to see them go--perhaps they want better acting opportunities but I can't believe it's for the lack of $$$--they were supporting characters, same as Chi McBride, and I bet the supporting players are paid pretty well!
the reason why i don't make a point of watching hawaii five-o anymore is because of the ridiculous steve mcgarret-danno bromance. distracting and boring.
like amy, i will miss park and kim. it'll be a reason to turn elsewhere for a show.
like amy, i will miss park and kim. it'll be a reason to turn elsewhere for a show.
10
Change caan and juvenile bromance script and the show would be much better.
As much as I love Hawaii Five-O, I won't watch it anymore if these two really great Asian actors aren't given equal pay. They are why I watch the show!
6
I liked the old Hawaii Five-0. And the old Star Trek. And the old Batman. And I Love Lucy, and The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Andy Griffith Show. See where I'm going with this? And by the way...get off my lawn.
12
Let me guess? You like the old Baywatch too?
Here is just one (white, if anyone cares) woman's perspective on what the Times reviewer wrote ーー I watched the show because I'm a huge Daniel Dae Kim fan. I hadn't realized that the Steve McGarrett character was supposed to be the "lead" because he just seemed like one more strong-silent-man's-man kind of hero character ... handsome and righteous cowboy, but in Hawaii. His lines, as written, were not that interesting, though the actor performed them as well as possible. And the "bromance" plot device was corny. But Daniel Dae Kim: be still my heart! [I do like to watch beautiful actress Grace Park, too, and her character's gorgeous Japanese-American husband, with the fascinating (but unwanted and problematic) Yakuza Japanese-organized-crime connections.] This isn't Shakespeare, God knows, and maybe I'd like to claim that I watch only high class TV content. But there it is: I seem to have a crush on a handsome Asian-American (excellent) actor.
15
@Carol Ruth Kimmel
I also like the show when it started. Yes, it was captivating to watch knowing the Five-O team working so we'll together. Yes, they may disagree but, work associates do in real life. The show was awesome to see when Grace Park, although gorgeous looking, could hold her own when fighting and could investigate and solve in detail. I was sorry to see her go. Chin Ho Kelly brought a lot to the table also, his facial expressions and being able to overcome the death of his wife,solving multiple crimes,dealing with family issues and helping others in the process is amazing. There are many of us who do not make hardly any money but to worry about not making the same amount of money as someone else is petty. I loved the show the way it was and I don't know if I would like it after Chin Ho and Kono left or not. They were great in their rolls. They brought Charisma to the episodes they were in. But the newest members are proving to be an awesome addition to the shows. Their characters give meaning to the show. I am almost 63 years old. I think tv is very disappointing because most of the shows on these days are sitcoms or shows and movies with no meanings. Mostly Zombie movies. Come on: Westerns, Comedies, Action, and disaster movies. Shows with meanings. I watched the original Hawaii Five-O, the second Five-O, and now this one. We need more shows like this one! There are many new ideas to come, so watch with a passion. Five-O is my passion!
I watched the show to see Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim.
Less is more out to apply to Scott Caan's character. How can a lead character be such a one dimensional afterthought?
Hopefully, someone will make better use of Daniel and Grace in an upcoming series.
Less is more out to apply to Scott Caan's character. How can a lead character be such a one dimensional afterthought?
Hopefully, someone will make better use of Daniel and Grace in an upcoming series.
4
The first few years, it was an amusing mindless show to watch after a long work week. Now, formulaic in a bad way, bordering on ridiculous and no longer entertaining, we catch about 1/3 of the shows. Changing half the cast is a great opportunity to fix it. The politically correct set needs to get past the fact that two Koreans who were acting as Hawaiians are moving on in a dispute where the details are unknown. They are all actors, and many others could fill any roll. Should CBS now only hire real retired Hawaiian cops who were previously SEALs to be authentic?
1
Of all the major networks, CBS has the fewest programs (news shows included) with lead actors of color. It is astonishing how they couldn't find two actors of Hawaiian descent for Hawaii Five-O.
Thanks for pointing out that when the show was reimagined, CBS could have blazed a new path, yet went with the okie doke and predictable.
As much as ABC seems to have gone out of its way to be diverse, CBS is playing to their old, white audience. Too bad.
Thanks for pointing out that when the show was reimagined, CBS could have blazed a new path, yet went with the okie doke and predictable.
As much as ABC seems to have gone out of its way to be diverse, CBS is playing to their old, white audience. Too bad.
1
They'll realize the mistake of their greed over 10% when the show's ratings kill it over the next season or two. Hopefully the next Asian actors the hire will have their careers launched in the next and probably last season. Btw, Scott Caan is super short in that picture. He's almost half a head shorter than Grace Park!
Grace Park is irreplaceable. Her departure is a tragedy beyond expression. Her millions of admirers are inconsolable and grief stricken...
It defies comprehension that CBS did not pony up to pay them the same as the Caucasians on the program.
Koreaness has nothing to do with the reality of Grace Park's charisma and dynamism. Ms. Park will be deeply missed...
It defies comprehension that CBS did not pony up to pay them the same as the Caucasians on the program.
Koreaness has nothing to do with the reality of Grace Park's charisma and dynamism. Ms. Park will be deeply missed...
5
We are talking about a television show, correct? She is not being fired from the lab developing a cure for cancer. Some perspective would be nice -- the Holocaust was a "tragedy beyond expression," this is a sequel to a mediocre television series.
3
John - That comment made my day. Talk about perspective. I was in a public place and laughed out loud.
Cast the two lead roles with ethnicity's of Asian islanders and cast the supporting roles with caucasian actors.
3
Can;t believe it still has ratings. The writing to me is dreadful. Many plots don;t make sense and the increased amount of "bantering" annoys everyone in my household. When we do watch we usually end up shutting it off before the end. It is not a crime story or a police story just a not well thought out plot to give the "bantering" somewhere to take place. I like the two actors leaving better than most on the show, but it is the writers who really need to leave.
4
M
Hello Mike:
BTW your last name translated into Hawaiian would be House. Meanwhile, I am 66 years old. I was born and raised in Hawaii and moved to the maoinland in my late 20’s for “greener pastures”. I lament that decision but that is neither here nor there.
I remember vividly the filming of the original series as the scenes were filmed all over the place and we would get a kick out of watching them. Corny-yes- but as we all knew the locations it was very much fun.
I watched the new series a few times. It was ridiculous beyond belief but hey, I have no idea what the current (so vastly important) generation wants to see. Your last summation paragraphs in your article might help. But who these days want to see anything vaguely associates with reality?
Hello Mike:
BTW your last name translated into Hawaiian would be House. Meanwhile, I am 66 years old. I was born and raised in Hawaii and moved to the maoinland in my late 20’s for “greener pastures”. I lament that decision but that is neither here nor there.
I remember vividly the filming of the original series as the scenes were filmed all over the place and we would get a kick out of watching them. Corny-yes- but as we all knew the locations it was very much fun.
I watched the new series a few times. It was ridiculous beyond belief but hey, I have no idea what the current (so vastly important) generation wants to see. Your last summation paragraphs in your article might help. But who these days want to see anything vaguely associates with reality?
1
I am proud to say that as of this moment, I had no idea CBS has been showing a re-boot of this brain-dead series for the last seven years. Anyone who watches "Hawaii Five-O" deserves to see "Hawaii Five-O".
3
Park and Kim may not have been given the strongest roles to play in the script, but for me they were by far the most interesting characters on the show, and I'll probably not watch it without them. The whiny interchanges written for Caan and O'Loughlin are the parts I was always tuning out - not interesting to me.
7
I watched the old show and now the new one. I lived for years in Waipahu and I'm a graduate of the University of Hawaii. I wondered the same thing that the author wrote about - why do white actors dominate a show in a place where white persons are a minority?
9
Much ado about nothing. This, and most prime time police dramas, are awful. They make a mockery of murders. rapes, theft and overall violent behavior. These are not vehicles for humorous by play but, rather, serious topics that are mirrored in our violent society.
2
These two actors that left the show were my favorite actors on the show. Their storylines were often intense, complicated, and far more interesting than than the bromance with the other two guys. Although I have not watched the show in a year, without these two actors, I will never watch again.
3
I find the idea that actors have to be of the same nationality as the population of the locale their characters are from to be misguided. They are actors whose job it is to portray a character as created by the writers and should be evaluated on the basis of their acting ability. Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim have done an excellent and believable job in their roles. I too have watched every episode of the series and fear these departures could be a very serious blow to the survival of the show.
1
And don't get these folks started about Hamilton.
Given the history and demographics of Hawaii, I agree the show missed an opportunity in its original casting. How great would it have been if native Hawaiians were cast in the leads? The fact that Korean heritage supporting actors were cast and not Asian actors representing larger groups of Hawaiians to me is less significant given the history of racism in casting in Hollywood. There needs to be more roles for Asian actors in Hollywood period. And what of the apparent pay disparity involving the female actor? Sexism may also be a factor.
The "Hollywood is a business" argument seems hollow. Men of color and women of all races total more viewers than white men. And white men do not want or need to always see white male leads on screen. And the coveted younger demographic is more open to - and expectant of - diversity on screen.
I applaud the actors for standing up. Like every industry, Hollywood has a long was to go to address racism and sexism, and I appreciate the actors for taking a stand. Wouldn't it have been great if the white actors on the show - in solidarity - had also left the negotiating table?
The "Hollywood is a business" argument seems hollow. Men of color and women of all races total more viewers than white men. And white men do not want or need to always see white male leads on screen. And the coveted younger demographic is more open to - and expectant of - diversity on screen.
I applaud the actors for standing up. Like every industry, Hollywood has a long was to go to address racism and sexism, and I appreciate the actors for taking a stand. Wouldn't it have been great if the white actors on the show - in solidarity - had also left the negotiating table?
8
H50 has always been about McGarrett and Danno. The supporting cast has been great, but they are the supporting cast. Good luck to them. Remember McLean Stevenson of MASH?
It's a show, a fantasy, a mindless diversion. Dan and Grace are actors... Good solid performers who deserve a place in TV and the money and following that goes with it.
Hawaii Five-O cast them for their abilities not their ethnicity. If you believe everything has to be a cause celeb you are what makes this era the travesty it is. Meaningless hype, riots, political lies, victimhood and corruption to keep the unworthy in control.
Hawaii Five-O cast them for their abilities not their ethnicity. If you believe everything has to be a cause celeb you are what makes this era the travesty it is. Meaningless hype, riots, political lies, victimhood and corruption to keep the unworthy in control.
Typo? Perhaps non-Caucasian? " A caustic Hawaiian Danno might not have improved the ratings but would have done wonders for the show’s credibility."
I believe the author means someone who is ethnically Hawaiian: descended from the natives of the islands, not the colonizers.
It would be nice to know how much they were offered and why it wasn't enough.
3
This cast situation is the final reason I won't be watching the show any longer and will be encouraging others to stop. The situations insult the intelligence of viewers. I can suspend belief to enjoy TV to a point. Steve jumping on the back of a semi moving on an interstate while emerging from a tunnel is the equivalent of The Fonz famously Jumping the Shark in Happy Days. They are out of ideas. The number of foot pursuits is ridiculous. They wander in to situations with no backup and get captured. Other departments would fire them for such incompetence. They rush off to scenes when patrol units would get there in one minute if dispatched. In some situations they have air support but in going after a terrorist on a roof trying to shoot down a plane there isn't a helicopter for help. Drama! I notice all this and am not even an officer though I have officer friends who roll their eyes at this increasingly stupid show that doesn't live up to the good police work of the original, other better police shows, or real police. This has become CSI Miami all over again and let's hope it meets the same fate soon as viewers get tired of being expected to watch whatever nonsense they put on.
3
I stopped watching after season 1......banal
4
Same here.I call it Hawaii Vice.Just like Miami Vice,done in Hawaii.Has none of the memorable acting and stories of the original.Just some kids running around the islands,shooting guns.
Once again, typical white wash. White people defending white writers and denying racism. What else can we expect, the truth? Join the conversation? What conversation.
2
I stopped watching the show when the story lines became more dark and violent and brutal. The humor all but disappeared, and the show was no longer an escapist fun crime solving show. I did prefer the Asian-American characters over the two white male cop characters.
9
Both Ms and Mr Kim were in two of some of the most respected shows (Battlestar Galactica and Lost). The original reason that I started watching the show was for these two performers. When it was apparent that they had supporting roles I tuned out.
How different the show would have been if they would have had equal billing?
How different the show would have been if they would have had equal billing?
11
The Asian actors being given weak roles is another example of racism. They toiled through for years, trying to get equal pay and this critic says they should have dealt with this at the beginning? A television critic isn't an expert on dealing with racism in the workplace. This is typical of confronting institutional oppression, you fight the fight for years until you can't take it anymore and have to move on for your own sanity.
5
I love the show, but have gotten tired of the writing. I would be embarrassed to deliver the scenes they are often given (particularly all the whining and drama of Danny).
The original show did not have native Hawaiian leads, so why should that change? Now, if from the beginning they had made all the "core four" the same billing that would have made more sense. I am glad someone has finally pointed out that DDK and GP do not actually represent the majority of Hawaiians.
I disagree with saying that McGarrett doesn't actually fit in to Hawaii. He has been a contrast to the other "haole", Danny by actually having knowledge of and showing respect to the culture. I love the character of Chin and will definitely miss his maturity. He has become more important on the show as the seasons have progressed. However, Kono is too emotional and comes across as just trying to prove women can be tough. She could be written differently, so I don't know how much of my thoughts on her character have anything to do with Grace Park.
I am glad Daniel has other projects in the works and evidently Grace was wanting to make more time with her family. They were both making moves to leave the show anyway. I am disappointed for them they were not able to have a proper farewell on the show.
The original show did not have native Hawaiian leads, so why should that change? Now, if from the beginning they had made all the "core four" the same billing that would have made more sense. I am glad someone has finally pointed out that DDK and GP do not actually represent the majority of Hawaiians.
I disagree with saying that McGarrett doesn't actually fit in to Hawaii. He has been a contrast to the other "haole", Danny by actually having knowledge of and showing respect to the culture. I love the character of Chin and will definitely miss his maturity. He has become more important on the show as the seasons have progressed. However, Kono is too emotional and comes across as just trying to prove women can be tough. She could be written differently, so I don't know how much of my thoughts on her character have anything to do with Grace Park.
I am glad Daniel has other projects in the works and evidently Grace was wanting to make more time with her family. They were both making moves to leave the show anyway. I am disappointed for them they were not able to have a proper farewell on the show.
12
The only actors on the show that are really from Hawaii are Kelly Hu and Mark Dacascos.
Hollywood is a business, and a rather brutal one at that. If those in charge of the show make decisions that cause ratings to drop, they're in danger of being replaced or the show being cancelled. And those folks have bosses who run the station who face the same quandary.
I grew up watching the original and think the new one pales in comparison. But that's pretty much true of everything in Hollywood where sequels are the rage even though the new versions almost never measure up to the original.
I thought the two Asians looked a bit odd to be representing Hawaii. It's not until the final paragraph where the author tells us that Koreans in fact only make up 2% of the population in the islands. The other groups could have protested!
All this political correctness, and we're not told until many articles have been written about the pay disparity that the two (miscast Koreans!) Asian actors weren't quite the leads like the privileged white males, but more like supporting actors. There's a hierarchy in most movies and shows, why would anyone be surprised the lead actors were paid more?
The irresponsible prior reporting on this non-issue combined with the political correctness is a pendulum gone too far. It's part of the reason MAGA is in the WH while the Democratic party is in tatters. Nobody thinks Koreans when they think of Hawaii. The native Hawaiians, Japanese, and Filipinos should have rioted. And the entire cast is stiff, the white guys and Koreans both.
I grew up watching the original and think the new one pales in comparison. But that's pretty much true of everything in Hollywood where sequels are the rage even though the new versions almost never measure up to the original.
I thought the two Asians looked a bit odd to be representing Hawaii. It's not until the final paragraph where the author tells us that Koreans in fact only make up 2% of the population in the islands. The other groups could have protested!
All this political correctness, and we're not told until many articles have been written about the pay disparity that the two (miscast Koreans!) Asian actors weren't quite the leads like the privileged white males, but more like supporting actors. There's a hierarchy in most movies and shows, why would anyone be surprised the lead actors were paid more?
The irresponsible prior reporting on this non-issue combined with the political correctness is a pendulum gone too far. It's part of the reason MAGA is in the WH while the Democratic party is in tatters. Nobody thinks Koreans when they think of Hawaii. The native Hawaiians, Japanese, and Filipinos should have rioted. And the entire cast is stiff, the white guys and Koreans both.
6
I find it hard to get too excited by all this since I watched the show for its first season or two and it was truly dreadful. The show's McGarrett was about as generic and colorless as TV actors get; Jack Lord was nobody's idea of a great (or even good) actor, but generic and colorless he was not. The original's iconic opening (arguably the greatest in TV history) is a better 60 seconds of TV than this re-imagining has ever produced.
19
"But I also thought it was kind of amusing that the state’s Asian population was being represented primarily by two Korean actors, when people who identify as Korean make up about 2 percent of the population. If the performers who take their place are of Japanese, Filipino or Hawaiian heritage, “Hawaii Five-0” will actually have become more representative on Hawaii."
How many viewers can distinguish Korean Americans from Hawaiian Asian Americans? We need more Asians on screen, period.
How many viewers can distinguish Korean Americans from Hawaiian Asian Americans? We need more Asians on screen, period.
52
More Asian Americans on screen, period? Definitely.
How many viewers can distinguish Korean Americans from Hawaiian Asian Americans? More than you think. If you grew up on the west coast, and pay even a modicum of attention, you can tell the ethnicity a good percentage of the time. I can only speak as one raised on the west coast, lived several years in Hawaii, and have family who have lived in Hawaii for many decades. Middle America and east coast America will have to weigh in for themselves. Zulu and Kam Fong, from the original series are quintessentially representative of the Asian Pacific Americans who are the majority population of Hawaii.
Check the sell by date of your own assumptions -- you might be pleasantly surprised.
How many viewers can distinguish Korean Americans from Hawaiian Asian Americans? More than you think. If you grew up on the west coast, and pay even a modicum of attention, you can tell the ethnicity a good percentage of the time. I can only speak as one raised on the west coast, lived several years in Hawaii, and have family who have lived in Hawaii for many decades. Middle America and east coast America will have to weigh in for themselves. Zulu and Kam Fong, from the original series are quintessentially representative of the Asian Pacific Americans who are the majority population of Hawaii.
Check the sell by date of your own assumptions -- you might be pleasantly surprised.
5
Sad statement that you make here. We all look alike so Koreans can play any type of Asian. Yes, Asians are not on screen enough in a significant way. But seeing as how all the producers, writers and directors for the show are most likely white males I doubt any positive change will happen with this show.
1
Good points. The show has gone over the top and I now tune out.
5
Grace and Daniel are the reason I watch the show. Scott and Alex were too formulaic. Sorry for the change. I won't be watching.
30
Grace & Daniel's departure is disappointing, I liked them a lot, but I quit for a different reason. Starting this spring I noticed a substantial uptick in brutality & violence in the action scenes. I enjoyed the action more when it was more athletic and theatrical. There is less humor and the show sounds like it's taking itself too seriously. It's beginning to look more like video game violence.
11
The author could make the same complaint for any show that features white leads. If the primary potential audience for the show is white, then CBS will pick white leads because the audience will identify with those characters. CBS does a better job of finessing the issue in Elementary, but Lucy Liu can act circles around Mr. Kim and Ms. Park. Kim and Park, though attractive and likeable, just aren't very good actors. The story lines around them often seem stilted. Some of that may be the writing, but a lot of it is that they can't carry off their roles convincingly. It is a shame to see them leave, because the show has a nice chemistry. Professionally, I think they will regret their decision.
9
I may have to start watching this show. I used to watch the original years ago, occasionally. Now that I'm and traveling some, my wife and I recently vacationed on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island and had a wonderful time. I'd watch it for the same reasons I watch Alaska the Last Frontier. But I mute the ads.
5
You'd be better off watching reruns of the original.
1
I also preferred the original version with a more buttoned-up McGarrett. But I will definitely miss Park and Kim, who as a pair were more interesting than O'Loughlin and Caan.
24
Watching Hawaii 5 O, I kept asking myself if Scott's last name is not 'Caan', would he have gotten that role?
38
yep.
Mike, you did cut to the chase, it's a business.
18
Stop defending discrimination with unproven argument of "it's a business."
The same argument was used against using women as leading role, black as leading role, etc. None of them has been proven in data when they were denied roles. But for some reason, business executives falling back to their discriminatory status quo to be conservative is good enough excuse.
Look at Wonder Woman. Look at Hunger Games. Apparently, when given chances, movies with women leading role can be massive financial success.
Give some freaking equal chances first then after getting dismal results, say "it's a business" so I can't choose Asian as a leading role. Until then, it's just a discriminatory "business."
The same argument was used against using women as leading role, black as leading role, etc. None of them has been proven in data when they were denied roles. But for some reason, business executives falling back to their discriminatory status quo to be conservative is good enough excuse.
Look at Wonder Woman. Look at Hunger Games. Apparently, when given chances, movies with women leading role can be massive financial success.
Give some freaking equal chances first then after getting dismal results, say "it's a business" so I can't choose Asian as a leading role. Until then, it's just a discriminatory "business."
2
I watch the show, in spite of the bromance, which sometimes causes me to mute the t.v. , because it can be so ridiculous and over the top. As for the two leaving, I don't think they had as much face time, and they definitely never had the same amount of lead lines. I often wondered why Grace Park didn't get better lines than dressing up nicely, or surfing. Mr Kim had heftier roles, but they were more the personal side, as opposed to an actual crime plot.
Personally, I preferred the original, which concentrated on solving crimes, as opposed to this one, which is more a soap opera, with some detective work thrown in.
Personally, I preferred the original, which concentrated on solving crimes, as opposed to this one, which is more a soap opera, with some detective work thrown in.
35
The bromance was unbearable.
I stopped watching mid-season.
At least Kim and Park were good to look at.
And the big wave...
I stopped watching mid-season.
At least Kim and Park were good to look at.
And the big wave...
1
There goes the comment by the typical Whit guy! It does matter to you whether they are what ever they are because they are non-whites. That is the main point! You would never get that whether it is business or not. Equality sells as much business as any other factor. Anyone that wants to see the background will look to see this Friday action-packed drama. But I bet, when people see no Kono or no Chin that they turn away. Ever wonder why ratings killed the original show.
Mallory
Mallory
Could not have said it better. The Caan/daughter or the O'Loughlin/mother or girlfriend relationships are a waste of dialogue. The banting back and forth between the two leads becomes tiresome.
More soap opera then crime solving program as the original was.
More soap opera then crime solving program as the original was.
1