‘Hawaii Five-O’ better than expected

I’ll admit: I did watch the first season of ABC’s “Lost.” But after the cryptic numerology and polar bears that were never fully explained, I lost interest.

But I got the show’s popularity. It just wasn’t for me.

So when CBS announced it was reviving the classic cop show “Hawaii Five-O,” I was skeptical.

Even after the network announced the cast — a nice mix of big- and small-screen actors — I still wasn’t excited about the upcoming season.

Most shows that are filmed here — where Hawaii plays itself — don’t do well. Case in point: “Baywatch Hawaii,” “North Shore” and “Hawaii.” But “Lost,” which used Oahu as a location for a deserted island, worked. There was no need to infuse local culture, multicultural faces or — and this part is always a problem — Pidgin.

But I was pleasantly surprised with last night’s premiere. Credit the great cinematography, lighting and camera angles. No, seriously. Nicely done. The crew made the bridge to Fort Island look super cool.

Most of the reviews call the show engaging, fun and action-packed. All true. But here’s my take on the show:

What I liked:

The governor of Hawaii is a woman — who would say, “I can help you find the son-of-a-bitch.” Thumbs up.
Scott Caan, who plays Danny “Danno” Williams. The “Ocean’s Eleven” actor is single-handedly making the show. I mean, he called Hawaii a “pineapple-infested hell hole.” That made me laugh — in that uncomfortable, inappropriate way.
That the opening credits has some of the same shots as the original series — including the iconic scene of Det. Steve McGarrett (played this time by the talented Alex O’Loughlin) atop the Ilikai Hotel.
The chemistry between Caan and O’Loughlin. It worked.
The use of the iPhone. Very trendy.
That the Honolulu cops looked like Honolulu cops.

What I didn’t like:

Kukui High School. I didn’t buy it.
That Kono Kalakaua is a woman. Nothing against Grace Park. I just can’t imagine anyone playing the character but Zulu.
And on that topic, it’s hard to believe that Park is part Hawaiian.
We don’t have yellow cabs here. It kinda bothered me.
Daniel Dae Kim or Alex O’Loughlin speaking Pidgin. It was, hmm, hard. I’m just thankful Caan didn’t try it, too.
Let’s face it, we don’t have the kind of crime here that would warrant this kind of special task force — or explosives.
That Park had to strip down for that one scene. I get why — ratings — but I’m not a fan of gratuitous skin. Yes, even on guys.
When McGarrett said, “Book ’em, Danno.” I know, I know. It was just cliche.
The name of the group that Chin Ho Kelly (played by Kim) came up with in Hawaiian, which meant, “No task is too big when done together.” It sounded a lot like something from “Lilo & Stitch.”

Anyone else watch it?

***

In case you missed it, here’s a clip.

***

To read all of Cat’s blogs, visit www.nonstophonolulu.com/thedailydish. Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at cat@nonstophonolulu.com.

RECENT BLOG POSTS
Are you a jerk driver?
Move over, televisions
Gaga over Bieber
Should moms and daughters be best friends?
WEEKEND FUUD: Angelo Pietro
FUUD: Mama Woo’s Bar-B-Q in Moiliili
Guys, don’t stop dancing badlyI