Customer Reviews

Booking Hawaii Five-0: An Episode Guide and Critical History of the 1968-1980 Television Detective Series

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm glad I have this book - it's a handy resource when I need to find out if someone ever appeared on the series (though some of the names in the index are out of order - John Lennon, for example, who btw is not THE John Lennon) or in a particular episode.

However, as an "episode guide," it's of limited usefulness; if you happen to remember each episode by name that's fine, but if you are reading one of these entries and trying to figure out if it's one you've seen, good luck. I was really hoping for a brief synopsis of each episode. That would make for a much bigger book, granted, but also a more useful one. We are talking about nearly 300 episodes here - some of us (and even historians) might need a little help.

This might be excusable if the episode writeups were lighter on opinion and heavier on relevant information. "The Guarnerius Caper," for example, is the story of a Soviet violinist whose instrument is stolen, causing considerable diplomatic discomfort. Hawaii Five-O often did episodes about political relations with make-believe nations; this is one of the few episodes that acknowledges real-life politics: the Cold War. Is any of this mentioned in Rhodes's discussion of the episode? Sadly, no.

Thus, as a "critical history," it is even more disappointing than the episode guide. It's a sketchy history at best, and reads more like a fan's personal memoir. Criticism is far more credible when the author tries to be objective; at times it seems Rhodes is writing a love poem to Steve McGarrett (and/or Jack Lord). She makes a catty remark about someone who quit the show to pursue other interests (Zulu wanted to do comedy), and editorializes on the worthlessness of basketball (the show was sometimes pre-empted by basketball during its original run).

She also makes nonsensical observations. For example, she says it was a sad social comment that "The Child Stealers" passed up a healthy Asian boy in favor of a white one. Since neither of the kidnappers were Asian and they were trying to pass off the kidnapped children as their own, it wasn't sad - it was necessary.)

Nevertheless, I do feel the book's a keeper. No one else has taken the time to compile a book like this, and it was sorely needed. While it comes up short both as an episode guide and as a critical history, it's still a good read. There are fewer photos than some of us would like (I'll look again, but I don't recall seeing any photos of Duke or Ben), but many of the photos are rarities, and that was a treat. Rhodes's enthusiasm leaves objectivity by the wayside, but it also gives the book a lively voice that makes you want to bask in the genius of one episode after another. The book was written with care and love, and it shows.

I have been a longtime Hawaii Five - O fan and was delighted to hear that someone had finally done an episode guide and critical review of the long running series. But, I'm sorry to say, this ain't it, folks. The author has already explained why she could not meet with the stars and crew for research on this book, making one wonder, frankly, why the publisher bought it. As an episode guide it is only so-so; most of the symposis are sketchy at best, assuming one already has a knowledge of all 12 years worth of episodes. The 'critical review' part of the book is primarily recitations of likes and dislikes by the author and her friends. Some are perfectly valid and some are unbelievably trivial. Note the thrashing the final episode Woe To Wo Fat receives. Although not a strong episode to begin with, the author totally misses the point to the ending - it's tongue in cheek! After 12 years, I think 5-0 was entitled to a laugh, especially when Wo pulls out the proverbial file while in jail. There is nothing in the book that cannot be gleaned by public resources, i.e. old magazine articles, Honolulu newspapers, etc. Perhaps the author had more sources than this - maybe these were the items 'deleted' by the publisher, but the end result is a rather bland, overpriced episode guide. Sorry, but Steve McGarrett & team deserved better than this!

Beware! This is NOT an episode guide. It is only commentary on all of the episodes. An episode guide SHOULD give a synopsis, or at least 2 or 3 lines describing the episode. This book lists each episode title with credits. Then it makes commentary on each episode and only in a rare few cases does it describe the episode. It assumes that you already know each episode. Descriptions of most of the episodes just don't exist in this book. What an expensive disappointment! Save your money and use internet episode guides for this great TV series.

Although a fan of the gritty "realism" of the current cop shows like "NYPD," "Law & Order," and the late-lamented "Homicide: Life on the Streets," I still get excited when I think about the 12 years that I spent "hooked" on the police tactics of one Steve McGarrett and his crack team of detectives. No show, before or since, had such a look and sound.

The music, the scenery, the guest performers, story synopses, Jack Lord's hair, and Wo Fat are all lovingly included in this chronicle. At a little over 300 pages the book brings to the light many interesting tid-bits about the production of this long-running cop show.

It is for fans and television historians that this book is intended and it does its task marvelously.

A well-researched and entertaining critique!

I found Booking Hawaii Five-O very interesting and informative. I too wish there had been some interviews with the main actors. That would have added to the value of the book. More photos could have been used also. I liked the summary of each episode and little insights into each story and some of the actors. It is surprising that more hasn't been written about Hawaii Five-O since it was the longest running police show in TV history (12 years). Periodic reunions of the cast of Hawaii Five-O are held. The last one that I know of was in 1996 held both in Los Angeles and Honolulu. James MacArthur was in attendance at both locations as was Herman Weidemeyer and others. The reunion was open to the general public for a nominal fee. I would like to know when the next reunion is going to be. MacArthur is 58 years old and lives in Palm Desert, CA near Palm Springs. Both Jack Lord and Richard Denning died in 1998. Kam Fong who played Chin Ho still lives in Hawaii.

Hawaii Five-O memorabilia can be found at Bailey's Antique Shop at 517 Kapahulu Ave Honolulu, HI.

I was sad to get this book about something very near and dear to me, only to learn it's an episode guide with some information on the cast and creator added to taste.

I did learn things about Kam Fong and Zulu that I was not aware of, but as far as episode guides go, they're all over the 'net, some with better episode analysis.

I could feel better about this book if it didn't cost $45 (It's about a $10-15 on my value scale). For that money, I expect some interviewes with cast and crew and insights and stories. A major let down. Reads sort of like a thesis that really fails to take a look at the subject.

As a long-time fan of Steve McGarrett and his Five-O crew, I had high expectations for "Booking Hawaii Five-O." I was not disappointed. Karen Rhodes has written a well-researched history of the show and its episodes. My copy will no doubt be well-thumbed in no time.The introductory chapters are insightful, placing "Hawaii Five-O" in the context of its times and analyzing its place in the police drama genre. Introductions to each season's episodes give the reader a behind-the-scenes look. I especially enjoyed the insights into the makeup of the cast and the demographics that made the show the longest running police drama in television history. I also enjoyed the book's short essays on topics ranging from McGarrett's car to the role of food on the series. The book's usefulness as a reference guide to the show is highlighted by an extensive index.A comprehensive episode guide provides critical analysis, rather than just opinion, for each episode. Both the episode guide and the book as a whole are invaluable for the Five-O fan."Booking Hawaii Five-O" is not (I hope) the last word on the series, as "Hawaii Five-O" still awaits a splashy pictorial treatment by the commercial press. Karen Rhodes has written a long-overdue and valuable reference for fans, critics, and students of television

Now that they are finally releasing the TV series on DVD (faster please!) this book is a great companion-the background stories, trivia and tidbits are terrific. It's fun watching the episodes to look for the things Ms. Rhodes mentions-the "looks", exchanges, dialogue, relationships, the music. It's also interesting to consider, as Ms Rhodes does, the issues that were raised by the series and how characters were treated, given the era and the nature of the show. There are summaries about the trials and tribulations of the series production and scheduling for each season, as well as for some significant episodes.

I remember some of the episodes from my childhood but have not seen the show in decades. I'm looking forward to reading up on the episodes, then watching them as more seasons are released in the future. I enjoyed reading Ms. Rhodes opinions and commentaries and am looking forward to comparing her throughts to mine.

As an episode guide the material is kind of sketchy; there is a very general description of each episode, and sometimes there are spoilers. A careful reader can intuit most of the episode plots, and there is more detailed plot information available elsewhere on-line.

I wish there were more photographs, especially candid ones and better quality reproduction. I would also love more anecdotes from the set (the cast and crew "talk story") and about life in the islands during production. But then maybe someone should write a history of production and pictorial guide; this is not that book. It is an episode-by-episode critical commentary (most a page or less in length), with an introduction to each season, and information about the cast of each episode and the crew for each season.

This book is useful primarily for rabid Hawaii Five-0 addicts -- I am one. But for someone not familiar with the entire 12-year run of the show, it will have limited usefulness.

I purchased the book several years again, when it was primarily offered through Karen Rhodes' website and by the hardcover publisher, at a rather steep price. I know the series so well it's spooky; I honestly have no idea how many times I've viewed all the episodes. I know what episodes are in Season 1, and Season 2, ad infinitum, virtually by heart, and I know what I think about each episode and each character. So Rhodes' book has been valuable for me as a collector of
Five-0 trivia.

If you know the series well, and want more information about who was on what episode in what year and in what role, then I'd suggest you assess the book critically before you decide to buy it.

If you're new to the show, Rhodes' book will be of limited use until you've started hearing the show's theme song in your sleep.

It is extremely important to remember that this book reflects only Karen Rhodes' opinions and assessments. It's a personal reflection of what SHE thinks about each episode, and the book cannot be taken as an impartial analysis of the show. Five-0 devotees such as myself often have very different opinions from those of Rhodes, and we're pretty vocal about it. There are many things in the book that I disagree with resoundingly, there are things with which I agree almost as resoundingly, and there are other things that I find helpful simply because I'm a McGarrett nut. Sometimes Rhodes and I agree with each other. But different people have different assessments of the show, and anyone who purchases Rhodes' book needs to keep that in mind. There are errors and omissions, and there are many times when her remarks simply do not reflect the views of other Five-0 fans.

If I sat down and wrote a similar reference work of the show, it would be a very different book. Karen and I do not always agree with each other, but we also respect each other's views. And this is what needs to be done by anyone else who reads her book.

If you don't know the series, buy the DVDs first and decide what you think about the show. If you're unreservedly enthusiastic ]after you've viewed several seasons [seasons, not episodes], then it's time to think about purchasing Rhodes' book. I would also highly suggest that you search out her website and get a feel for what she writes and how she writes.

The book is essential for me; I've been "booked" on the show since the pilot TV movie aired. Forty years later [which is truly frightening!], I'm still hooked on the show.

But others aren't. Or they've only heard about the show and are seeing it now for the first time on DVD. So take things one step at a time, and if you end up like me, then DO buy the book; you'll need it when you're sparring with other McGarrett addicts.

I've had the hardcover for quite awhile. It reads like a self-published fan book, which it probably is. It lacks real insight into what made the show special. The episode reviews are amateurish. Lots of "fan" comments and observations sprinkled throughout. Very little substance about the history and making of the show. Not recommended. If you want an ep. guide, get one online.